WO2010071596A1 - Disposition de clavier - Google Patents

Disposition de clavier Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010071596A1
WO2010071596A1 PCT/SG2008/000480 SG2008000480W WO2010071596A1 WO 2010071596 A1 WO2010071596 A1 WO 2010071596A1 SG 2008000480 W SG2008000480 W SG 2008000480W WO 2010071596 A1 WO2010071596 A1 WO 2010071596A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key
alphabetic
keys
assigned
characters
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2008/000480
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Su Kai Oei
Pau Ling Oei
Original Assignee
Su Kai Oei
Pau Ling Oei
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Su Kai Oei, Pau Ling Oei filed Critical Su Kai Oei
Priority to PCT/SG2008/000480 priority Critical patent/WO2010071596A1/fr
Publication of WO2010071596A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010071596A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof

Definitions

  • the disclosed subject matter relates to a keyboard layout for an electronic device.
  • Portable electronic devices are rapidly becoming smaller while their capabilities are continually increasing.
  • Shrinking size has limited the ability of the user to physically manipulate the keyboard in order to input information into the electronic device and access information from the device.
  • Different standard keyboard arrangements are known.
  • the most widely used English-language alphabetic key arrangement is the QWERTY arrangement.
  • Other types of standard English-language alphabetic key arrangements include the QWERTZ arrangement, the AZERTY arrangement, and the DVORAK arrangement.
  • Alphabetic key arrangements are often presented along with numeric key arrangements.
  • Various keyboard layouts for user entry of alphanumeric characters have been employed in mobile devices.
  • One such approach has been the use of a full "QWERTY" keyboard on the device display, as occurs in many PDA devices.
  • the full keyboard is familiar to most users, and the pressing or actuation of only a single key is needed to enter and display the corresponding alphanumeric character.
  • Display of a full keyboard on a small device requires that the individual keys or buttons be very small.
  • the typical "qwerty" keyboard can only be shrunk so far before becoming problematic.
  • Using normal size keys for a complete keyboard limits how small a device can be due to the necessary width of the keyboard.
  • Some companies have created normal size keyboards that break into overlapping pieces when the computer is not in use, but even then the device must still be relatively large.
  • Another approach to data entry uses a keyboard in the form of a keypad to input information. Perhaps most common keyboard in use in the world is the 12 keys, four rows times three columns alphanumeric keypad.
  • ITU International Telecommunications Union
  • the standard phone numeric key arrangement shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to ITU Standard E. 161, entitled "Arrangement of Digits, Letters, and Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for Gaining Access to a Telephone Network.”
  • This standard is also known as ANSI TI.703- 1995/1999 and ISO/TEC 9995-8:1994.
  • the keys generally include: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, *, 0 and #.
  • keys 2-9 have letters assigned thereto to allow secondary functionality.
  • the twelve key matrix pattern is a standard in the telephone industry, users have become familiar with the letters assigned to keys 2-9 in the twelve key matrix pattern. Overlaid on each of these keys is typically one or more letters of the alphabet, distributed in groups of three to four letters per key. For example, the "2" key typically has the letters "a-b-c" imprinted thereon.
  • the standard configuration is shown in FIG. 1. Using these letter assignments, methods have been developed to allow individuals to enter text data using the limited number of keys on the keypad. In one method, multiple pressing or actuation of an individual key allows cycling through each of several characters associated with the key. For example, when the "2" key is initially pressed, a "2" is correspondingly displayed on the device display.
  • a keyboard layout that allows quick and easy entry of alphanumeric characters by users.
  • the disclosed subject matter relates to a keyboard layout for an electronic device.
  • the present keyboard layout finds particular utility on keyboards of electronic devices such as cellular phones, PDAs, etc. where the number of keys available for alphanumeric input is limited. Examples of such devices include cellular telephones, portable computers, notebook computers, handheld mobile communication devices, wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way paging devices, and others.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • the keyboard layout comprises alphabetic keys configured for entry of alphabetical characters.
  • the alphabetic keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input alphabetical characters using multiple key presses.
  • the alphabetic keys comprises a first alphabetic key, a second alphabetic key, a third alphabetic key, a fourth alphabetic key, a fifth alphabetic key, a sixth alphabetic key, a seventh alphabetic key, and an eighth alphabetic key.
  • the first alphabetic key is assigned the characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the second alphabetic key is assigned the characters "d", "e” and "f '.
  • the third alphabetic key is assigned the characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fourth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "j", "k” and "1".
  • the fifth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "m”, "n” and “o”.
  • the sixth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "p”, “q”, "r” and “s”.
  • the seventh alphabetic key is assigned the characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the eighth alphabetic key is assigned characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • This preferred embodiment of the keyboard layout is characterized in that the alphabetic keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right, with the first alphabetic key, followed by the second to seventh alphabetic keys, and ending with the eighth alphabetic key.
  • the keyboard layout comprises the eight alphabetic keys and numerical keys.
  • the numerical keys include numerical keys "1” through “9” and "0".
  • the numerical keys are configured for data entry of numbers.
  • the keyboard layout comprises the eight alphabetic keys, numerical keys and a plurality of functional keys.
  • the keyboard is a physical keyboard, and the keys are actuable keys.
  • the keyboard is a soft keyboard, wherein the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on a computing device with a display image map. The user enters data by selecting a key on the displayed keyboard image map.
  • the soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • the keyboard layout comprises ten alphanumeric keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d", "e” and "f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", “k” and “1".
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “6” and the alphabetic characters “m”, “n” and “o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters “p”, “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the keyboard is a physical keyboard, and the keys are actuable keys.
  • the keyboard is a soft keyboard, wherein the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on a computing device with a display image map, and wherein the user enters data by selecting a key on the image of the displayed keyboard.
  • the soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • an electronic device comprising a housing, a display, a physical keyboard and a processing device.
  • the display and the physical keyboard are positioned within the housing.
  • the physical keyboard comprises a set of actuable keys and corresponding indicia.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display and the operation of the device in response to the actuation of the keys on the physical keyboard by the user.
  • the actuable keys comprise ten alphanumeric keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters “d”, “e” and “f .
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", “h” and “i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “6” and the alphabetic characters "m”, "n” and "o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters "p", “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9" and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • the physical keyboard is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • an electronic device comprising a housing, a display positioned within the housing, a soft keyboard and a processing device.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display, the operation of the device and the soft keyboard.
  • the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on the device with a display image map.
  • the soft keyboard comprises ten alphanumeric keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d”, “e” and “f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6” and the alphabetic characters "m”, "n” and "o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters "p", “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9" and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • the alphanumeric keys are characterized in that they are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • An example of a soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides an electronic device comprising housing, a display, a physical keyboard and a processing device.
  • the physical keyboard comprising a set of actuable keys and corresponding indicia.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display and the operation of the device in response to the actuation of the keys on the physical keyboard by the user.
  • the actuable keys comprise eight alphabetic keys configured for entry of alphabetical characters.
  • the alphabetic keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input alphabetical characters using multiple key presses.
  • the alphabetic keys comprises a first alphabetic key, a second alphabetic key, a third alphabetic key, a fourth alphabetic key, a fifth alphabetic key, a sixth alphabetic key, a seventh alphabetic key, and an eighth alphabetic key.
  • the first alphabetic key is assigned the characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the second alphabetic key is assigned the characters "d”, "e” and “f '.
  • the third alphabetic key is assigned the characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fourth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the fifth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "m", "n” and "o”.
  • the sixth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "p”, "q", "r” and "s”.
  • the seventh alphabetic key is assigned the characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the eighth alphabetic key is assigned characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the physical keyboard is characterized in that the alphabetic keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right, with the first alphabetic key, followed by the second to seventh alphabetic keys, and ending with the eight alphabetic key.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides an electronic device comprising a housing, a display positioned within the housing, a soft keyboard and a processing device.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display, the operation of the device and the soft keyboard.
  • the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on the device with a display image map.
  • the displayed image map of the soft keyboard comprises eight alphabetic keys configured for entry of alphabetical characters.
  • the alphabetic keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input alphabetical characters using multiple key presses.
  • the alphabetic keys comprises a first alphabetic key, a second alphabetic key, a third alphabetic key, a fourth alphabetic key, a fifth alphabetic key, a sixth alphabetic key, a seventh alphabetic key and an eighth alphabetic key.
  • the first alphabetic key is assigned the characters "a", "b” and “c”.
  • the second alphabetic key is assigned the characters "d", "e” and “f '.
  • the third alphabetic key is assigned the characters "g”, "h” and "i”.
  • the fourth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "j", "k” and "1".
  • the fifth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "m", "n” and "o”.
  • the sixth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "p", "q", "r” and "s”.
  • the seventh alphabetic key is assigned the characters "t", “u” and “v”.
  • the eighth alphabetic key is assigned characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the soft keyboard is characterized in that the alphabetic keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right, with the first alphabetic key, followed by the second to seventh alphabetic keys, and ending with the eight alphabetic key.
  • An example of a soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • the object of the invention is to provide something new.
  • One advantage of the present invention is that it allows a user familiar with the ITU Standard E. 161 alphabetic character association to realize the benefits of two hands touch typing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a standard numeric phone/alphabetic keypad arrangement
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the keyboard layout of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of another preferred embodiment of the keyboard layout of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the keys arranged in a straight row. This is not necessarily the case. Other keys such as punctuation, arrow and function keys are not shown. Placement of these other keys will vary in different implementations.
  • the disclosed subject matter relates to a keyboard layout 30 for an electronic device.
  • Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the keyboard layout 30 of the present invention.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises alphabetic keys configured for entry of alphabetical characters.
  • the alphabetic keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input alphabetical characters using multiple key presses.
  • the alphabetic keys comprises a first alphabetic key, a second alphabetic key, a third alphabetic key, a fourth alphabetic key, a fifth alphabetic key, a sixth alphabetic key, a seventh alphabetic key, and an eighth alphabetic key.
  • the first alphabetic key is assigned the characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the second alphabetic key is assigned the characters "d", "e” and "f '.
  • the third alphabetic key is assigned the characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fourth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "j", "k” and "1".
  • the fifth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "m", V and "o”.
  • the sixth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "p", "q", "r” and "s”.
  • the seventh alphabetic key is assigned the characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the eighth alphabetic key is assigned characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the preferred embodiment of the keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the eight alphabetic keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right, with said first alphabetic key, followed by said second to seventh alphabetic keys, and ending with said eight alphabetic key.
  • the left to right formation arrangement of the alphabetic keys is novel. Users are familiar with the alphabetic assignment of these eight alphabetic keys because this is similar to the alphabetic assignment of the twelve key matrix pattern telephone keypads under ITU Standard E. 161. The user does not have to learn a new association. In this manner, the keyboard layout 30 will allow a user to become readily familiar with the location of alphabets on each alphabetic key so that with use they should be able to increase their speed of alphabet input.
  • this keyboard layout 30 permits a user to locate the fingers of both hands on the alphabetic keys readily.
  • the present invention allows a user familiar with the ITU Standard E. 161 key alphabet association to realize the benefits of two hands touch typing.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises the eight alphabetic keys and numerical keys.
  • the numerical keys include numerical keys “1” through “9” and "0".
  • the numerical keys are configured for data entry of numbers.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises the eight alphabetic keys, the ten numerical keys and a plurality of functional keys.
  • function key are a "tab” key, a "space” key, a “shift” key, a “back space” key, an "enter” key, a “delete” key, a “shift lock” key, a “number lock” key, an "escape” key, a “control” key, and an “alt” key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises the eight alphabetic keys, the ten numerical keys, a plurality of functional keys and a plurality of symbol keys.
  • the symbol keys are for entering symbols.
  • Example symbols include “.”, “,”, “;”, “””, '"", “:”,
  • the preferred embodiment of the keyboard shows the alphabetic keys arranged in a straight row.
  • the eight alphabetic keys can be arranged in a variety of left to right formations.
  • the left to right formation is a flat V-shaped pattern.
  • the left to right formation is a flat U-shaped pattern.
  • the left to right formation is a linear pattern.
  • An example of a linear pattern is a straight row.
  • the left to right formation is a double-fan-like pattern.
  • the left to right formation is a split pattern having the eight alphabetic keys disposed into a left-side group and a right- side group separated by a space between the two groups.
  • the left to right formation is a zigzag pattern. In yet another embodiment, the left to right formation is a double-fan-like pattern. In the 'double fan-like pattern' left to right formation, the alphabetic keys are distributed to generally compliment the sprayed pronated fingertip architecture of the user's left hand and right hand thereby enabling key actuation via the fingertips of the user's both hands.
  • the eight alphabetic keys are distributed to compliment the sprayed pronated fingertip architecture of the user's hands, with the first alphabetic associated with the left ring finger, with the second alphabetic key associated with the left middle finger, with the third alphabetic key associated with the left index finger, with the fourth alphabetic key associated with the left thumb, with the fifth alphabetic key associated with the right thumb, with the sixth alphabetic key associated with the right index finger, with the seventh alphabetic key associated with the right middle finger, and with the eight alphabetic key associated with the right ring finger. Therefore, this double-fan-like pattern enables key actuation via the fingertip of the associated finger.
  • the present keyboard layout 30 may also be applicable to the keyboard of a personal computer, an electronic typewriter or word processor, or any other device that requires the inputting of alphabetic characters. All 26 letters of the English alphabet are represented on the eight alphabetic keys. Users may choose between the alphabets by utilizing any of a number of ways available.
  • the keyboard is a physical keyboard, and the keys are actuable keys.
  • the keyboard is a physical keyboard in the sense that it utilizes keys that are movable, rather than a touch screen-type keyboard, which does not utilize movable keys.
  • the keys are movable to activate switches that are positioned beneath the keys.
  • the keyboard may be used for text entry (alphabetic) and telephony (numeric) entry.
  • the keyboard is a soft keyboard, wherein the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on a computing device with a display image map. The user enters data by selecting a key on the displayed image map of the keyboard.
  • Indicia are positioned on each key to indicate which alphabetic characters, numbers, symbols and functions are associated with each key.
  • the indicia are positioned on the surface of the keyboard, not on the keys. Font sizes, font colours and font types can be used to differentiate the alphabetic characters and numeric characters from one another. Alternatively, the background colour of the keys themselves may be different in order to differentiate between the types of keys. Different textures and/or surface treatments may also be used, among other differentiating indicia.
  • FIG. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the keyboard layout 30 for an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 3, the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys. The alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1".
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “3” and the alphabetic characters “d”, "e” and "f” .
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6” and the alphabetic characters "m”, "n” and "o".
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "7" and the alphabetic characters "p", “q”, “r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters “t", “u” and “v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0". Referring to FIG.
  • the keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 is optimized in terms of its efficiency over the prior keypad layout shown in FIG. 1.
  • the keyboard layout 30 of the alphanumeric keys is based on a left to right distribution approach rather than the four rows times three columns alphanumeric keypad approach of the prior keypad layout. Users are familiar with the alphanumeric character assignment of these ten alphanumeric keys because this is identical to the character assignment of the twelve key matrix pattern telephone keypads under ITU Standard E. 161.
  • the keyboard layout 30 will allow a user to become readily familiar with the location of characters in the keyboard layout 30 so that with use they should be able to increase their speed of character input.
  • the present layout 30 also employs a more efficient arrangement or distribution of the alphanumeric keys in the keyboard layout 30 so as to enable two hand data inputs.
  • the invention herein relates to arranging and distributing the alphanumeric keys in a left to right formation.
  • FIG. 3 show the keys arranged in a straight row formation. This is not necessarily the case. Other left to right formations exist.
  • one advantage of the preferred keyboard layout 30 is that it permits a user to locate the fingers of both hands on the alphanumeric keys readily.
  • the present invention allows a user familiar with the ITU Standard E. 161 key character association to realize the benefits of two hands touch typing.
  • the alphanumeric keys on the keyboard that are associated with numbers may be used in both alphabet mode and in numeric mode.
  • the keyboard layout 30 may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between an alphabetic entry (the first user interface) and a numeric entry (the second user interface).
  • the keyboard layout 30 is used in a physical keyboard, and the keys are actuable keys.
  • the keyboard is a physical keyboard in the sense that it utilizes keys that are movable.
  • the keys are movable to activate switches that are positioned beneath the keys.
  • Underlying circuitry is provided for interpreting the data input via the keyboard and can include a microprocessor and a memory.
  • the keyboard is represented by a keyboard.
  • a soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on a computing device with a display image map. A user enters data by selecting a key on the displayed image map of the keyboard.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys and a shifting means.
  • the shifting means functions for shifting the mode of the alphanumeric keys between that of an alphabetic mode and a numerical mode.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d", "e” and "f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", “k” and “1".
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “6” and the alphabetic characters “m”, “n” and “o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters “p”, “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with said first alphanumeric key, followed by said second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with said tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the alphanumeric keys may be used in both alphabet mode and in numeric mode.
  • Suitable examples for the shifting means are a mode selection key, a numbers lock and a toggle key.
  • a toggle key is utilized for mode selection between the alphabetic mode and the numeric mode.
  • a Caps Lock key may toggle the alphanumeric keys in the alphabetic mode between acting as capital letter keys and acting as lower case letter keys.
  • software may be used to determine the mode of entry. If the user is utilizing a telephony application, the default data entry mode will be numeric. If the user is utilizing a text-entry application, such as an email application, the default data entry mode will be alphabetic.
  • the keyboard layout 30 further comprises ten alphanumeric keys and a plurality of function keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and “c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d", "e” and "f”.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1".
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6" and the alphabetic characters "m”, “n” and “o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters “p”, “q”, "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with said first alphanumeric key, followed by said second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with said tenth alphanumeric key.
  • function keys are a "tab” key, a "space” key, a “shift” key, a “back space” key, an "enter” key, a “delete” key, a “shift lock” key, a “number lock” key, an "escape” key, a "control” key, and an “alt” key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys and symbol keys.
  • the symbol keys are for entering symbols.
  • Example symbols include “.”, ",",
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d”, “e” and “f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6” and the alphabetic characters "m”, "n” and "o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters "p", “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", “y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the alphabetic characters, numeric character and symbols are represented on the keyboard by indicia, which may be positioned directly on the keys of keyboard, or positioned on the surface of the keyboard.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys, a "*" key and a "#" key.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and “c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d", "e” and "f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", “k” and “1".
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “6” and the alphabetic characters “m”, “n” and “o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters “p”, “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys and a plurality of operation keys.
  • a symbol corresponding to a function unique to each operation key is affixed or adjacent that key.
  • the operation keys include Ctrl, Alt, Del, Home, End, Esc, Tab keys, Right arrow, Left arrow, Up arrow and Down arrow keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d”, “e” and “f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6” and the alphabetic characters "m”, "n” and "o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters "p", “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9" and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with said first alphanumeric key, followed by said second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with said tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys and keys associated with the functions of "next", “shift", “space”, “shift”, and “enter”.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d", "e” and “f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", “k” and “1".
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “6” and the alphabetic characters “m”, “n” and “o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters “p”, “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with said first alphanumeric key, followed by said second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with said tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 comprises ten alphanumeric keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and “c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “3" and the alphabetic characters "d”, "e” and "f.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1".
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6" and the alphabetic characters "m”, “n” and “o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters “p”, “q”, "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • This keyboard layout 30 is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with said first alphanumeric key, followed by said second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with said tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the ten alphanumeric keys can be arranged in a variety of left to right formations.
  • the left to right formation is a flat V-shaped pattern. A variety of angles can be used for the V-shaped pattern.
  • the left to right formation is a flat U- shaped pattern.
  • the left to right formation is a linear pattern. An example of a linear pattern is a straight row.
  • the left to right formation is a double-fan-like formation. In yet another embodiment, the left to right formation is a split formation. In yet another embodiment, the left to right formation is a zigzag pattern. In yet another embodiment, the left to right formation is a double-fan-like formation which preferably resembles two fan-like arrays disposed generally to compliment the sprayed fingertip architecture of the user's left hand and right hand, with the first alphanumeric key associated with the left little finger, with the second alphanumeric associated with the left ring finger, with the third alphanumeric key associated with the left middle finger, with the fourth alphanumeric key associated with the left index finger, with the fifth alphanumeric key associated with the left thumb, with the a sixth alphanumeric key associated with the right thumb, with the seventh alphanumeric key associated with the right index finger, with the eighth alphanumeric key associated with the right middle finger with the ninth alphanumeric key associated with the right ring finger and with the tenth alphanumeric key associated
  • the left to right formation is a split formation having the ten alphanumeric keys split into two groups spaced apart about an imaginary midline of the keyboard.
  • the shifting means is a numbers lock. The numbers lock is used to toggle between a numeric character and an alphabetic character selection.
  • the shifting means is a shift key. The shift key is used to toggle between a numeric character and an alphabetic character selection.
  • FIG. 3 shows the alphanumeric keys arranged in a straight row. This is not necessarily the case.
  • the alphanumeric keys can also be arranged various left to right formations or arrangements as described herein. Referring to FIG. 3, only alphanumeric keys are shown. Other keys such as punctuation, arrow and function keys are not shown. Placement of these keys will vary in different implementations.
  • an electronic device comprising a housing, a display, a physical keyboard and a processing device.
  • the display and the physical keyboard are positioned within the housing.
  • the physical keyboard comprises a set of actuable keys and corresponding indicia.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display and the operation of the device in response to the actuation of the keys on the physical keyboard by the user.
  • the actuable keys comprise ten alphanumeric keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1".
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a"
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d", "e” and "f".
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k" and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6" and the alphabetic characters "m", "n” and "o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "7” and the alphabetic characters "p", "q", "r” and "s".
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "8" and the alphabetic characters "t", “u” and “v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “9” and the alphabetic characters "w", "x", "y” and “Y”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • the physical keyboard is characterized in that the alphanumeric keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with said first alphanumeric key, followed by said second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with said tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the keyboard is a physical keyboard in the sense that it utilizes keys that are movable.
  • the keys are movable to activate switches that are positioned beneath the keys.
  • Underlying circuitry is provided in housing for interpreting the data input via the keyboard and can include a microprocessor and a memory.
  • the processing device employs a "multi-tap" entry system and updates the display as each key is pressed to show the most probable entry. Furthermore, use of predictive text software reduces the number of key presses.
  • the alphanumeric keys may be used in both alphabet mode and in numeric mode.
  • the keyboard may include a mode selection key or other hardware or software for switching between alphabet entry (the first user interface) and numeric entry (the second user interface).
  • the numeric characters may be input when the device is in numeric mode, and the alphabet characters may be input when the device is in alphabetic mode.
  • the keyboard may include function keys.
  • the function keys may also be configured to operate in both the numeric mode and the alphabetic mode, or, alternatively, one or more of the functional keys may be operable in only the numeric mode or the alphabetic mode.
  • a shifting means is used to toggle or switch between the alphabetic mode and the numeric mode.
  • a Caps Lock key is used to toggle the alphanumeric keys in the alphanumeric mode between acting as capital letter keys and acting as lower case letter keys.
  • software may be used to determine the mode of entry. If the user is utilizing a telephony (numeric) application, the default data entry mode will be numeric. If the user is utilizing a text-entry (alphabetic) application, the default data entry mode will be alphabetic. When in each of these modes, the user may switch modes manually by utilizing a shifting means.
  • the alphabetic characters, numeric characters, symbols, and functions are represented by indicia, which may be positioned directly on the keys of keyboard, or positioned on the surface of the keyboard.
  • Font sizes, font colours and font types can be used to differentiate the alphabetic characters and numbers from one another.
  • the background colour of the keys themselves may be different in order to differentiate between the types of keys.
  • Different textures and/or surface treatments may also be used, among other differentiating indicia.
  • an electronic device comprising a housing, a display positioned within the housing, a soft keyboard and a processing device.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display, the operation of the device and the soft keyboard.
  • the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on the device with a display image map.
  • the soft keyboard comprises ten alphanumeric keys.
  • the alphanumeric keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input the assigned characters using multiple key presses.
  • the first alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "1”.
  • the second alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "2" and the alphabetic characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the third alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "3" and the alphabetic characters "d”, “e” and “f '.
  • the fourth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "4" and the alphabetic characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fifth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "5" and the alphabetic characters "j", "k” and "1”.
  • the sixth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "6” and the alphabetic characters "m”, "n” and "o”.
  • the seventh alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “7” and the alphabetic characters "p", “q", "r” and “s”.
  • the eighth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character “8” and the alphabetic characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the ninth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "9” and the alphabetic characters "w”, “x”, “y” and “z”.
  • the tenth alphanumeric key is assigned the numeric character "0".
  • the alphanumeric keys are characterized in that they are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right in ascending numerical order, with the first alphanumeric key, followed by the second to ninth alphanumeric keys, and ending with the tenth alphanumeric key.
  • the soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides an electronic device comprising housing, a display, a physical keyboard and a processing device.
  • the physical keyboard comprising a set of actuable keys and corresponding indicia.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display and the operation of the device in response to the actuation of the keys on the physical keyboard by the user.
  • the actuable keys comprise eight alphabetic keys configured for entry of alphabetical characters.
  • the alphabetic keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input alphabetical characters using multiple key presses.
  • the alphabetic keys comprises a first alphabetic key, a second alphabetic key, a third alphabetic key, a fourth alphabetic key, a fifth alphabetic key, a sixth alphabetic key, a seventh alphabetic key, and an eighth alphabetic key.
  • the first alphabetic key is assigned the characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the second alphabetic key is assigned the characters "d", "e” and "f '.
  • the third alphabetic key is assigned the characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fourth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "j", “k” and “1”.
  • the fifth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "m", "n” and “o”.
  • the sixth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "p", "q", "r” and "s”.
  • the seventh alphabetic key is assigned the characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the eighth alphabetic key is assigned characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the physical keyboard is characterized in that the alphabetic keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right, with said first alphabetic key, followed by said second to seventh alphabetic keys, and ending with said eight alphabetic key.
  • the keyboard layout 30 distributes the alphabetic keys so that there is not a concentration of alphabetic keys in a group. This balanced left to right distribution of the alphabetic keys maximizes the efficiency in inputting words via the keyboard layout 30 of the invention. This is an improvement over the prior art's twelve key four rows times three columns matrix pattern keyboards.
  • an electronic device comprising a housing, a display positioned within the housing, a soft keyboard and a processing device.
  • the processing device controls the operation of the display, the operation of the device and the soft keyboard.
  • the soft keyboard is a system that replaces the hardware keyboard on the device with a display image map.
  • the soft keyboard comprises eight alphabetic keys configured for entry of alphabetical characters.
  • the alphabetic keys are multi-tap keys that allow the user to select and input alphabetical characters using multiple key presses.
  • the alphabetic keys comprises a first alphabetic key, a second alphabetic key, a third alphabetic key, a fourth alphabetic key, a fifth alphabetic key, a sixth alphabetic key, a seventh alphabetic key and an eighth alphabetic key.
  • the first alphabetic key is assigned the characters "a", "b” and "c”.
  • the second alphabetic key is assigned the characters "d", "e” and 1 T.
  • the third alphabetic key is assigned the characters "g", "h” and "i”.
  • the fourth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "j", "k" and "1”.
  • the fifth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "m", "n" and "o”.
  • the sixth alphabetic key is assigned the characters "p", "q", "r” and "s”.
  • the seventh alphabetic key is assigned the characters "t", "u” and "v”.
  • the eighth alphabetic key is assigned characters "w”, "x", "y” and "z”.
  • the soft keyboard is characterized in that the alphabetic keys are arranged in a left to right formation commencing, sequentially from left to right, with the first alphabetic key, followed by the second to seventh alphabetic keys, and ending with the eighth alphabetic key.
  • a soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • the soft keyboard is a touch screen-type keyboard.
  • the various embodiments of the keyboard layout 30 described above are preferably for use in a keyboard for a small, wireless hand-held electronic device, although it will be recognised that the layouts described herein could also be implemented in a keyboard such as is provided on a desktop or laptop computer.
  • underlying circuitry is provided in the devices for interpreting the data input via the keyboard and can include a microprocessor and a memory.
  • the memory can store dictionary tables of the different syllables and words and be programmed with software such that when a given sequence of key inputs is made via the keyboard, the software will retrieve all valid word candidates from the stored dictionary tables in the memory.
  • the devices described herein may also include a predictive text computer program.
  • Predictive test software is useful in reduced format keyboards, such as in the keyboard layouts 30 described herein, in order to identify the desired input from the combination of keystrokes of a user.
  • a predictive text computer program may, for example, be used to predict a complete word or phrase from one or more keystrokes. If the predictive text computer program does not successfully predict a desired word or phrase, then text-entry characters may be entered more precisely, albeit more slowly, by selecting the appropriate characters on the keys.
  • a number of different predictive text technologies are known and may be utilized with the various embodiments described herein.
  • the keyboards described herein may also use a multi-tap methodology and a long tap methodology.
  • a multi-tap methodology the user taps a multi-tap key multiple times until a desired character is selected. This technology has been utilized on cell phones and touch screen devices, among other devices.
  • a related method is the long tap method, where a user depresses the multi-tap key until the desired character appears on the display.
  • Another technology involves predictive text methodologies. These methodologies utilize database software to predict the entered text. One method involves automatically correcting common spelling mistakes (e.g., "teh” corrected to "the”). Predictive text methodologies use known spellings of words in combination with their probabilities and frequencies of use to determine a preferred word based upon input commands by a user.
  • Disambiguation engines and predictive editor applications may be used to establish a single grammatical or semantic interpretation of the keystrokes entered by a user.
  • the display of the device depicts possible character sequences corresponding to the keystrokes that were entered. Typically, the most commonly used word is displayed first. The user may select other, less common words manually, or otherwise.
  • Other types of predictive text computer programs may be utilized with the keyboard arrangement and keyboard described herein, without limitation.
  • the housing of the devices described herein may be elongated horizontally, or may take on other sizes and shapes, including a clamshell housing structure, among other structures.
  • the electronic device is a mobile communication device.
  • other parts of the mobile communication device include a communications subsystem, input/output devices and memory devices.
  • the mobile communication device preferably has voice and data communication capabilities.
  • the mobile communication device preferably has the capability to communicate with other computer systems via the Internet.
  • Operating system software executed by the processing device is preferably stored in a persistent store, such as a flash memory, but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element.
  • ROM read only memory
  • system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as a random access memory (RAM). Communication signals received by the mobile communication device may also be stored to the RAM.
  • the processing device in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications on the device.
  • a predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, such as data and voice communications, may be installed on the device during manufacture.
  • a personal information manager (PIM) application may be installed during manufacture.
  • the PIM is preferably capable of organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items.
  • the PIM application is also preferably capable of sending and receiving data items via a wireless network.
  • the PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated via the wireless network with the device user's corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system.
  • the communication subsystem includes a receiver, a transmitter, and one or more antennas.
  • the communication subsystem also includes a processing module, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) and local oscillators (LOs).
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • LOs local oscillators
  • the specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem is dependent upon the communication network in which the mobile communication device is intended to operate.
  • a mobile communication device may include a communication subsystem designed to operate with the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also designed to operate with any of a variety of voice communication networks, such as AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, GSM, etc.
  • GPRS General Packet Radio Service
  • Network access requirements vary depending upon the type of communication system.
  • network access is associated with a subscriber or user of a device.
  • a GPRS device therefore requires a subscriber identity module, commonly referred to as a SIM card, in order to operate on a GPRS network.
  • SIM card subscriber identity module
  • the present invention may be applicable to the keyboard of a personal computer, an electronic typewriter or word processor, or any other device that requires the inputting of alphabetic characters. While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne une disposition de clavier (30) pour un dispositif électronique. Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, cette disposition de clavier (30) comprend huit touches alphabétiques configurées pour saisir des lettres. La première touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'a', 'b' et 'c'. La deuxième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'd', 'e' et 'f '. La troisième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'g', 'h' et 'i'. La quatrième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'j', 'k' et 'l'. La cinquième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'm', 'n' et 'o'. La sixième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'p', 'q', 'r' et 's'. La septième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 't', 'u' et 'v'. La huitième touche alphabétique regroupe les lettres 'w', 'x', 'y' et 'z'. La disposition de clavier (30) selon l'invention se caractérise en ce que les touches alphabétiques sont disposées dans une formation séquentielle allant de gauche à droite, la première touche étant suivie par la deuxième et ainsi de suite, jusqu'à la huitième touche. L'invention concerne également d'autres modes de réalisation préférés de cette disposition de clavier (30). D'autres aspects de l'invention concernent divers dispositifs électroniques mettant en oeuvre divers modes de réalisation de la disposition de clavier (30).
PCT/SG2008/000480 2008-12-15 2008-12-15 Disposition de clavier WO2010071596A1 (fr)

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Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5515532A (en) * 1978-07-18 1980-02-02 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Character input system
US6137426A (en) * 1995-08-04 2000-10-24 Robert T. Roth Keypad and method for arranging keys of the keypad in a clockwise orientation
JP2002132424A (ja) * 2000-10-20 2002-05-10 Panas Data Base:Kk 文字等の入力方法、およびキーボード
US20040013457A1 (en) * 2002-04-15 2004-01-22 Morris Charles Albert Compact keyboard with sliding motion key actuation
US7387457B2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2008-06-17 5 Examples, Inc. One-row keyboard and approximate typing

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5515532A (en) * 1978-07-18 1980-02-02 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Character input system
US6137426A (en) * 1995-08-04 2000-10-24 Robert T. Roth Keypad and method for arranging keys of the keypad in a clockwise orientation
JP2002132424A (ja) * 2000-10-20 2002-05-10 Panas Data Base:Kk 文字等の入力方法、およびキーボード
US20040013457A1 (en) * 2002-04-15 2004-01-22 Morris Charles Albert Compact keyboard with sliding motion key actuation
US7387457B2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2008-06-17 5 Examples, Inc. One-row keyboard and approximate typing

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