EP2019402A1 - Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method - Google Patents
Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2019402A1 EP2019402A1 EP08168945A EP08168945A EP2019402A1 EP 2019402 A1 EP2019402 A1 EP 2019402A1 EP 08168945 A EP08168945 A EP 08168945A EP 08168945 A EP08168945 A EP 08168945A EP 2019402 A1 EP2019402 A1 EP 2019402A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- key
- input
- sets
- keypad
- linguistic element
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- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
- H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
- H01H13/807—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
- H01H23/28—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions
- H01H23/30—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre positions and one or both end positions unstable
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/054—Tactile feedback common to all switch sites
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
- H01H2221/016—Lever; Rocker
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2225/00—Switch site location
- H01H2225/01—Different switch sites under one actuator in same plane
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
- H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates generally to handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to a keypad for a handheld electronic device.
- Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Such handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable and thus must be relatively small. Many handheld electronic devices feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic devices are stand-alone devices. Since handheld electronic devices typically are portable, it is also desired that the form factor of the devices be sufficiently small and ergonomic that they can conveniently be transported with a belt clip, in a user's pocket, manually, or in a briefcase. Advancements in technology have permitted the form factor of such handheld electronic devices to be reduced while increasing their versatility and functionality, such as by increasing the number of functions provided by the device as well as increasing the number of software applications and the variety of their features. However, as the form factor of a handheld electronic device decreases and the number of functions provided by the device increases, the device potentially can become awkward and difficult to use. Thus, it is also desirable to improve the usability of a handheld electronic device as its form factor is reduced and its versatility is increased. Previous attempts to increase such usability have had limitations.
- One such type of solution has involved the use of large numbers of keys which, when pressed in various combinations, would produce various functions. For instance, adjacent keys were depressed simultaneously to provide additional functions. In mobile electronics, keys oftentimes are operatively connected with metal or carbon coated poly domes that act as switches for the keys and that are elastically collapsible and provide tactile feedback to a user when the domes are collapsed from a relaxed position to a deflected position. Tactile switches provide a similar function. The simultaneous pressing of multiple keys to provide a given function thus oftentimes can result in the collapsing of multiple domes, which can result in a confusing and/or undesirable tactile feedback to a user. Other attempts at improving usability have involved decreasing the quantity of keys on a handheld device while increasing the number of functions each key is to serve. Such systems potentially can become cumbersome because the various functions of a given key may additionally require the pressing of a SHIFT key, an ALT key, or another key to provide the various functions. In such a circumstance, the required multiple key pushing requires multiple hand movements which can interfere with user friendliness.
- An improved handheld electronic device, keypad, and method in accordance with the invention meet these and other needs. An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keypad provides enhanced usability and reduced size by organizing its keys in pairs, with a pair of keys being disposed on a support. Each key of a pair of keys is individually actuatable. An actuation of a key causes a primary conductor associated with the key set to electrically to connect a pair of contacts and to cause a secondary conductor associated with the key to electrically connect another pair of contacts. The primary conductor is a collapsible dome or a tactile switch that can electrically connect the pair of contacts and that can provide a particular tactile feedback to the user. The secondary conductor is a conductor other than a collapsible dome or a tactile switch. An actuation of any key or of any pair of keys thus provides to the user a consistent tactile feedback, i.e., from a collapse of a single dome. An improved method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.
- Accordingly, an aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device, an improved keypad, and an improved method that provide enhanced usability.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device and an improved keypad having keys that are organized in pairs to enable the keypad to have a reduced overall size.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device and an improved keypad that provide both collapsible domes (or alternative switches providing tactile feedback) and conductive carbon elements (or alternative switches generally not providing tactile feedback), with a collapsing of a dome providing a tactile feedback to the user.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved method of enabling input into a handheld electronic device wherein keys of the handheld electronic device have linguistic elements assigned thereto and wherein pairs of keys also have linguistic elements assigned thereto, with the improved method providing a plurality of modes for detecting input from the keys.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld device and an improved keypad that enables a small form factor while still providing enhanced usability or user friendliness.
- Accordingly, an aspect of the invention is to provide an improved keypad that is structured to be incorporated into a handheld electronic device. The general nature of the keypad can be stated as including a contact apparatus, a button apparatus, a primary conductor portion, and a secondary conductor portion. The contact apparatus includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The button apparatus includes a number of key sets. Each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets includes a pair of keys and a support, with the pair of keys being disposed on the support. The primary conductor portion includes a number of primary conductors that are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position. Each primary conductor of at least a portion of the number of primary conductors in the deflected position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts. The secondary conductor portion includes a number of secondary conductors that are movable between a first position and a second position. Each secondary conductor of at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors in the second position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts. The pair of keys includes a first key and a second key, with the first key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and with the second key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the first key is in the actuated position. A first secondary conductor which corresponds with the first key is in the second position when the first key is in the actuated position. The primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the second key is in the actuated position. A second secondary conductor which corresponds with the second key is in the second position when the second key is in the actuated position.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device, the general nature of which can be stated as including a processor apparatus, an input apparatus, and an output apparatus. The processor apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The input apparatus includes a keypad and is cooperable with the processor apparatus to provide input to the processor apparatus. The output apparatus is cooperable with the processor apparatus to receive signals from the processor apparatus and to provide output. The keypad includes a contact apparatus, a button apparatus, a primary conductor portion, and a secondary conductor portion. The contact apparatus includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The button apparatus includes a number of key sets. Each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets includes a pair of keys and a support, with the pair of keys being disposed on the support. The primary conductor portion includes a number of primary conductors that are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position. Each primary conductor of at least a portion of the number of primary conductors in the deflected position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts. The secondary conductor portion includes a number of secondary conductors that are movable between a first position and a second position. Each secondary conductor of at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors in the second position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts. The pair of keys includes a first key and a second key, with the first key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and with the second key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the first key is in the actuated position. A first secondary conductor which corresponds with the first key is in the second position when the first key is in the actuated position. The primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the second key is in the actuated position. A second secondary conductor which corresponds with the second key is in the second position when the second key is in the actuated position.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved method of enabling input into a handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device is of a type that includes an input apparatus having a pair of keys, with the pair of keys including a first key having a first linguistic element assigned thereto and a second key having a second linguistic element assigned thereto, and with the pair of keys having a third linguistic element assigned thereto. The handheld electronic device is operable in at least a first input mode and a second input mode. The general nature of the method can be stated as including detecting in the first input mode at least one of i) an actuation of the first key as being an input of the first linguistic element; and ii) an actuation of the second key as being an input of the second linguistic element. The method further includes detecting in the second input mode an actuation of the first key as being an input of the third linguistic element and an actuation of the second key as being an input of the third linguistic element.
- A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following Description of the Preferred Embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an improved handheld electronic device in accordance with the invention; -
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of an improved keypad in accordance with the invention; -
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the keypad ofFig. 2 ; -
Fig. 4 is a sectional view as taken along line 4-4 ofFig. 2 ; -
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a printed circuit board of the keypad ofFig. 2 ; -
Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFig. 4 and depicts each of a first key and a second key of a pair of keys in an unactuated position; -
Fig. 7 is a view similar toFig. 6 , except depicting the first key in an actuated position; and -
Fig. 8 is a view similar toFig. 6 , except depicting the second key in an actuated position. - Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
- An improved handheld electronic device 4 in accordance with the invention is depicted schematically in
Fig. 1 . The handheld electronic device 4 includes animproved keypad 8 in accordance with the invention that is depicted, in whole or in part, inFigs. 2-8 . The handheld electronic device 4 and thekeypad 8 advantageously are configured to be of a relatively small size while providing enhanced usability, for example, in accordance with an improved method in accordance with the invention, as will be set forth more fully below. - The handheld electronic device 4 includes an
input apparatus 6, aprocessor apparatus 10, ahousing 12, and an output apparatus 14. Theinput apparatus 6 includes thekeypad 8. The output apparatus 14 includes adisplay 16. Thekeypad 8 and thedisplay 16 are disposed on thehousing 12. - The
processor apparatus 10 includes asuitable processor 18 such as, without limitation, a microprocessor (µP). Theprocessor apparatus 10 further includes amemory 20 having a number ofroutines 22 stored therein that are executable on theprocessor 18. Theroutines 22 executed on theprocessor 18 provide functionality to inputs received from thekeypad 8 and provide outputs to thedisplay 16. Thememory 20 can be any of a variety of storage devices and may include one or more of, for example and without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and/or other appropriate storage device. Examples of handheld electronic devices are included inU.S. Patent Nos. 6,452,588 and6,489,950 , which are incorporated by reference herein. - As can be seen in
Fig. 2 , theexemplary keypad 8 includes a plurality ofkeys 60. Many of thekeys 60 have alinguistic element 24 assigned thereto. As employed herein, the expression "linguistic element" and variations thereof shall refer broadly to any type of character, ideogram, numerical reference, and/or other symbol that can be employed to provide linguistic expression, and can expressly include portions of the same such as strokes and the like without limitation. Many of thekeys 60 are organized inpairs 32 ofkeys 60. Apair 32 ofadjacent keys 60 can have an alternate linguistic element 28 assigned thereto. As will be set forth in greater detail below, the handheld electronic device 4 and the method of the invention allow input in a plurality of input modes. Depending upon which input mode is active on the handheld electronic device 4, an actuation of a key 60 can cause an input of thelinguistic element 24 assigned to the actuated key 60 or can cause an input of the alternate linguistic element 28 assigned to the key 60 and to the key 60 adjacent thereto which form apair 32. - As can be understood from
Figs. 3-4 and6-8 , thekeypad 8 includes abutton apparatus 40, a primary conductor portion 44 (Figs. 6-8 ), a secondary conductor portion 48 (Figs. 4 and6-8 ), and a contact apparatus in the form of a printedcircuit board 56. It is noted that the primary conductor portion is not expressly depicted inFig. 3 for purposes of clarity. Thebutton apparatus 40 includes a number of key sets 36, a number of bridgingmembers 38 extending between some of the key sets 36, and aflexible mount 66. As employed herein, the expression of "a number of" and variations thereof shall refer broadly to any nonzero quantity, including a quantity of one. - The key sets 36 each generally include a
pair 32 of thekeys 60, asupport 64, and anactuator 70. In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, thesupport 64 is disposed between thekeys 60 of thepair 32, and theactuator 70 is disposed generally adjacent thesupport 64. Asmall gap 42 is provided between thekeys 60 adjacent thesupport 64, i.e., thesupport 64 terminates at thegap 42. Thegap 42 provides asmall space 120 between thekeys 60 of the key set 36 to provide to the user a visual and tactile differentiation between the twoadjacent keys 60. Thesupport 64 serves to connect together thekeys 60 of a pair ofkeys 32. - The
flexible mount 66 is disposed generally between thekeys 60 and the printedcircuit board 56. Theexemplary mount 66 depicted herein includes a plurality of downwardly-dependinglegs 46 that are engageable with the printedcircuit board 56. - The
actuators 70 in the present exemplary embodiment are formed on thesupports 64 and may extend across at least a portion of one or more of thekeys 60 of the key set 36. In the present exemplary embodiment, theactuators 70 extend throughopenings 84 formed in theflexible mount 66. It is noted that in other embodiments theactuators 70 may be formed as a part of theflexible mount 66 without departing from the concept of the invention. The exemplaryflexible mount 66 is formed of a flexible silicone compound but could be made of other materials without departing from the concept of the invention. - The primary conductor portion 44 (
Figs. 6-8 ) includes a plurality ofconductive domes 68 which, in the present exemplary embodiment, are disposed on the printedcircuit board 56. Thedomes 68 are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position, i.e.,Fig. 6 , and a deflected position, i.e.,Figs. 7-8 . The movement of thedomes 68 between the relaxed and deflected positions occurs via elastic deformation of thedomes 68 and causes the domes to "snap" between the relaxed and deflected positions to provide a desirable tactile feedback to the user. - It is understood that in other embodiments of the invention tactile switches or other tactile switching structures may be employed in place of the
domes 68 without departing from the concept of the invention. As employed herein, therefore, references to a collapse of a dome and/or a tactile feedback resulting therefrom shall expressly include, for example, tactile switches and other such structures, as well as tactile feedback therefrom. Such other structures are understood to be elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position and to provide tactile feedback to the user. - The
domes 68 in the deflected position connect together a set ofprimary contacts 96, such as are depicted inFig. 5 , to complete an electrical circuit therebetween. The exemplary sets ofprimary contacts 96 each include aball contact 104 and aring contact 108 that are concentrically disposed on the printedcircuit board 56. When adome 68 is in the relaxed position, its circular edge, i.e., the portion of thedome 68 opposite the proud portion thereof, is disposed on thering contact 108 of the associated set ofprimary contacts 96. When thedome 68 is in the deflected position, its previously proud portion engages the ball contact 98 of the associated pair ofprimary contacts 96 to complete an electrical circuit therebetween to provide an input that can be detected by theprocessor 18. Thedomes 68 may be made in whole or in part of metal or another electrical conductor. - The
secondary conductor portion 48 includes a plurality ofcarbon pills 76 which, in the present exemplary embodiment, are disposed on theflexible mount 66. Thecarbon pills 76 are small members that are formed of or are coated with an electrically conductive carbon material. Thecarbon pills 76 can be, for instance, adhered or otherwise mounted to theflexible mount 66. Similarly, theflexible mount 66 could be formed, i.e., cured, in physical contact with thecarbon pills 76, whereby theflexible mount 66 could be formed to thecarbon pills 76 to retain thecarbon pills 76 thereon. Other configurations are possible. It is also noted that thecarbon pills 76 could be disposed on thekeys 60 themselves without departing from the concept of the invention. - Each
carbon pill 76 is movable between a first position, i.e.,Fig. 6 , and a second position, as is variously depicted inFigs. 7-8 . In the second position, acarbon pill 76 electrically connects together an associated set ofsecondary contacts 100, such as are depicted generally inFig. 5 . The sets ofsecondary contacts 100 are of an "intermeshed comb" configuration that includes afirst comb contact 112 and asecond comb contact 116 having a number of fingers that are adjacent or are intermeshed. When acarbon pill 76 engages a set ofsecondary contacts 100, it completes an electrical circuit between thefirst comb contact 112 and thesecond comb contact 116 to provide an input that can be detected by theprocessor 18. - It is understood that the
domes 68 and thecarbon pills 76 can be said to serve as switches for thekeys 60. The domes provide a tactile feedback in being elastically deformed between the relaxed and deflected positions. Thecarbon pills 76 moving between the first and second positions to engage thesecondary contacts 100 generally do not provide any tactile feedback apart from the resistance provided by elastic deformation of theflexible mount 66 which, in any event, is not the same as the tactile feedback provided by thedomes 68. - Each key 60 has an associated
carbon pill 76 that is associated therewith and that is moved between its first and second positions when the key 60 is actuated. Each key set 36 has an associateddome 68 associated therewith that is elastically deflectable between the relaxed and deflected positions upon an actuation of a key 60 of the aforementioned key set 36. Each key 60 of akey set 36 thus also has associated therewith the same associateddome 68. - An exemplary embodiment of a
key set 36 having apair 32 ofkeys 60 is depicted inFigs. 6-8 . Thepair 32 ofkeys 60 includes a first key 60', a second key 60'', and asupport 64 disposed therebetween. The key set 36 also includes an associatedactuator 70 that can be said to be associated with thesupport 64 and the keys 60' and 60'' and that is engaged with the proud portion of an associateddome 68. A first carbon pill 76' is associated with first key 60', and a second carbon pills 76'' is associated with the second key 60''. InFig. 6 , the first and second keys 60' and 60'' are each in an unactuated position, whereby thedome 68 is in the relaxed position and the first andsecond carbon pills 76' and 76" are each in the first position. - In
Fig. 7 , the first key 60' has been actuated and thus has been moved from its unactuated position to an actuated position. When the first key 60' is in the actuated position, thedome 68 has been elastically deformed by theactuator 70 to the deflected position, thereby providing to the user the tactile feedback associated with such movement of thedome 68. Actuation of the first key 60' also elastically deflects or flexes themount 66 which moves the first carbon pill 76' from the first position to the second position. As such, thedome 68 has electrically connected together the associated set ofprimary contacts 96, and the first carbon pill 76' has electrically connected together the associated set ofsecondary contacts 100. The completion of a circuit that includes the aforementioned set ofprimary contacts 96 and the completion of the circuit that includes the aforementioned set ofsecondary contacts 100 each provide an input that can be detected by theprocessor 18. Upon releasing the first key 60', the elastic energy stored in thedome 68 in the deflected position and themount 66 in the flexed condition cause the first key 60' to rebound to its unactuated position, as is depicted generally inFig. 6 . - In
Fig. 8 , the second key 60" is depicted as having been actuated from its unactuated position to an actuated position. Thedome 68 is in the deflected position, and thesecond carbon pill 76" is in a second position where it electrically connects together another set ofsecondary contacts 100. - In actuating the first key 60' or the second key 60 ", the
support 64 pivots slightly and is translated slightly toward the printedcircuit board 56, thedome 68 moves between the relaxed position and the deflected position, and either the first carbon pill 76' orsecond carbon pill 76" is moved from its first position to its second position. Despite the first andsecond keys 60' and 60" each being disposed on acommon support 64, the first andsecond keys 60' and 60" can be actuated independently of one another. - By arranging the
keys 60 in thepairs 32, thekeypad 68 can advantageously have an overall size that is relatively smaller than other keypads. In this regard, it can be seen that thekeys 60 of anypair 32 have thespace 120 therebetween that is of a certain width, such as might be measured in the horizontal plane from the perspective ofFig. 4 . A given key set 36 is spaced from an adjacent key set 36 by what may be called apitch space 124 therebetween, such as might be measured in the same plane as thespace 120. It can be seen that at least some of thespaces 120 are relatively smaller than at least some of thepitch spaces 124. Thekeys 60 in any givenpair 32 are, however, clearly spaced apart from one another and thus are individually identifiable by a user. The tighter spacing between certain of thekeys 60, i.e., between thekeys 60 in any givenpair 32, than betweenother keys 60, i.e., a key 60 from a givenpair 32 and an adjacent key 60 in anadjacent pair 32, enables thekeypad 8 to have an overall relatively smaller configuration than if all of thekeys 60 were spaced the same distance apart. In the present exemplary embodiment, the differential size between thespace 120 and thepitch space 124 allows thekeypad 8 to be relatively narrow, as can be measured in a plane corresponding with the horizontal direction inFig. 4 . Other arrangements of thekeys 60 could provide relatively smaller overall dimensions in other directions in a fashion that would be within the scope of the invention. - In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the
routines 22 include an input routine that provides to the handheld electronic device 4 a plurality of input modes. The input modes could be, for example and without limitation, a text input mode, a telephone mode, a numeric mode, and/or other input mode. An actuation of any given key 60 could provide an input to theprocessor 18 that could be detected by theprocessor 18 as being a number of different inputs depending upon which of the input modes is currently active on the handheld electronic device 4. In theexemplary keypad 8 depicted generally inFig. 2 , many of thekeys 60 have assigned thereto alinguistic element 24 which, in the present example, may be a Roman letter. Moreover, many of thepairs 32 ofkeys 60 have assigned thereto an alternate linguistic element 28 in the form of, for example, an Arabic numeral, i.e., a digit. The alternate linguistic elements 28 are arranged on thekeypad 8 in the form of a touch-tone keypad that additionally provides an asterisk, i.e., *, assigned to one of thekeys 60 and a number symbol or pound sign, i.e., #, assigned to another key 60 at locations corresponding with those of a conventional touch-tone layout. - If, for example, the text input mode is active on the handheld electronic device 4, an actuation of a key 60 having a
linguistic element 24 assigned thereto such as in the nature of a Roman letter will result in an input to theprocessor 18 that is detected by theprocessor 18 as being thelinguistic element 24. On the other hand, if the telephone input mode or the numeric input mode, for example and without limitation, is active on the handheld electronic device 4, an actuation of a key 60 that is part of apair 32 having assigned thereto an alternate linguistic element 28 in the form of, for example, an Arabic numeral will provide an input to theprocessor 18 that is detected by theprocessor 18 as being the alternate linguistic element 28. Such a detection will occur despite the actuated key 60 itself also having assigned thereto alinguistic element 24 in the nature of a Roman letter. When the handheld electronic device 4 is in the telephone input mode or the numeric input mode, for example and without limitation, an actuation of either or both of thekeys 60 in any givenpair 32 to which an alternate linguistic element 28 has been assigned will result in an input to theprocessor 18 that is detected by theprocessor 18 as being the alternate linguistic element 28. It is understood that other types of input modes can be employed and/or other types of linguistic elements can be assigned to thekeys 60 and/or thepairs 32 without departing from the concept of the invention. - The handheld electronic device 4 thus advantageously is configured to be of a relatively small size and to have enhanced functionality that is provided, for example, by the method of the invention. The method of the invention provides enhanced functionality by, in addition to allowing an input of a
linguistic element 24 assigned to a key 60 by actuating the key 60, also providing for the entry of alternate linguistic elements 28 that are assigned topairs 32 of thekeys 60. When an input mode of the type that detects actuations ofkeys 60 as being inputs of such alternate linguistic elements 28 is active on the handheld electronic device 4, an actuation of either of thekeys 60 of a givenpair 32 will result in an input of the alternate linguistic element 28 assigned to thepair 32. As such, a user desiring to enter such an alternate linguistic element 28 can press either or both of thekeys 60 in thepair 32, which facilitates rapid entry of such inputs. Such entry can be rapid because, for instance, the user can press either or both ofsuch keys 60 without a concern of specifically pressing one key 60 or theother key 60. This advantageously also allows a user to pay relatively less attention when providing certain inputs than would be the case if the user were required to actuate only aparticular key 60. Moreover, regardless of whichkey 60 of a pair 32 a user actuates, or if a user actuates bothkeys 60 simultaneously, the user will receive a desirable and consistent tactile feedback in the nature of a collapse of asingle dome 68. - While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
- In an alternative embodiment, a keypad is structured to be incorporated into a handheld electronic device, the keypad including: a contact apparatus comprising a plurality of electrical contacts; a button apparatus comprising a number of key sets, each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets comprising a pair of keys and a support, the pair of keys being disposed on the support; a primary conductor portion comprising a number of primary conductors that are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position, each primary conductor of at least a portion of the number of primary conductors in the deflected position electrically connecting together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts; a secondary conductor portion comprising a number of secondary conductors that are movable between a first position and a second position, each secondary conductor of at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors in the second position electrically connecting together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts; the pair of keys comprising a first key and a second key, the first key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, the second key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position; a primary conductor of the number of primary conductors which corresponds with the key set being in the deflected position when the first key is in the actuated position; a first secondary conductor of the at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors which corresponds with the first key being in the second position when the first key is in the actuated position; the primary conductor which corresponds with the key set being in the deflected position when the second key is in the actuated position; and, a second secondary conductor of the at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors which corresponds with the second key being in the second position when the second key is in the actuated position.
- The contact apparatus may include a printed circuit board, wherein the primary conductors and the secondary conductors are disposed generally between the printed circuit board and the keys, and wherein the support of a key set is disposed generally between the pair of keys of the key set.
- Preferably, the secondary conductors may be conductive carbon elements movable by the key sets into conductive contact with the electrical contacts. More preferably, the button apparatus includes a flexible mount, at least a portion of the key sets of the number of key sets being disposed on the mount, and at least a portion of the secondary conductors of the number of secondary conductors being disposed on the mount, the mount being structured to be flexed when at least one of a first key and a second key of a key set of the at least a portion of the key sets is actuated.
- The first key may have a first linguistic element assigned thereto, wherein the second key has a second linguistic element assigned thereto, and wherein the key set has a third linguistic element assigned thereto.
- A key set of the number of key sets may be disposed adjacent another key set of the number of key sets, the another key set comprising another support and another pair of keys comprising another first key and another second key, the support between the first key and the second key providing a space between the first key and the second key, the another support between the another first key and the another second key providing another space between the another first key and the another second key, the key set and the another key set having a pitch space therebetween, the space and the another space being smaller than the pitch space.
- Preferably, the button apparatus includes a number of actuators, each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets having associated therewith an associated actuator of the number of actuators which extends away from the key set in a direction generally toward the contact apparatus and which is engageable with an associated primary conductor of the number of primary conductors to move the associated primary conductor between the relaxed position and the deflected position. More preferably, the button apparatus includes a flexible mount disposed generally between the contact apparatus and at least a portion of the key sets of the number of key sets, and wherein at least a portion of the associated actuators are each one of a protrusion formed on the flexible mount and a protrusion that is formed on a key set of the number of key sets and that extends through an opening formed in the flexible mount.
- The button apparatus may include a number of actuators, each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets having associated therewith an associated actuator of the number of actuators which extends away from the key set in a direction generally toward the contact apparatus and which is engageable with an associated primary conductor of the number of primary conductors to move the associated primary conductor between the relaxed position and the deflected position. At least a portion of the associated actuators are each disposed generally adjacent the support of the key set.
- The first secondary conductor may be disposed generally between the first key and the contact apparatus, with the second secondary conductor being disposed generally between the second key and the contact apparatus.
- In another alternative embodiment, a handheld electronic device includes: a processor apparatus including a processor and a memory; an input apparatus including a keypad, the input apparatus being cooperable with the processor apparatus to provide input to the processor apparatus; and, an output apparatus co-operable with the processor apparatus to receive signals from the processor apparatus and to provide output. The keypad includes a contact apparatus, a button apparatus, a primary conductor portion, and a secondary conductor portion. The contact apparatus includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The button apparatus includes a number of key sets, each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets comprising a pair of keys and a support, the pair of keys being disposed on the support. The primary conductor portion includes a number of primary conductors that are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position, each primary conductor of at least a portion of the number of primary conductors in the deflected position electrically connecting together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts. The secondary conductor portion includes a number of secondary conductors that are movable between a first position and a second position, each secondary conductor of at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors in the second position electrically connecting together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts. The pair of keys includes a first key and a second key, the first key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, the second key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A primary conductor of the number of primary conductors which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the first key is in the actuated position. A first secondary conductor of the at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors which corresponds with the first key is in the second position when the first key is in the actuated position. The primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the second key is in the actuated position. A second secondary conductor of the at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors which corresponds with the second key is in the second position when the second key is in the actuated position.
- The contact apparatus may include a printed circuit board, wherein the primary conductors and the secondary conductors are disposed generally between the printed circuit board and the keys, and wherein the support of a key set is disposed generally between the pair of keys of the key set.
- Preferably, the secondary conductors are conductive carbon elements movable by the key sets into conductive contact with the electrical contacts. More preferably, the button apparatus includes a flexible mount, at least a portion of the key sets of the number of key sets being disposed on the mount, and at least a portion of the secondary conductors of the number of secondary conductors being disposed on the mount, the mount being structured to be flexed when at least one of a first key and a second key of a key set of the at least a portion of the key sets is actuated.
- Preferably, the first key has a first linguistic element assigned thereto, wherein the second key has a second linguistic element assigned thereto, and wherein the key set has a third linguistic element assigned thereto. More preferably, the memory includes a number of routines stored therein, at least one of the routines being executable on the processor to provide to the processor a plurality of input modes, the plurality of input modes including a first input mode and a second input mode, the processor in the first input mode being adapted to detect an actuation of the first key as an input of the first linguistic element and to detect an actuation of the second key as an input of the second linguistic element, the processor in the second input mode being adapted to detect an actuation of the first key as an input of the third linguistic element and to detect an actuation of the second key as an input of the third linguistic element.
- A key set of the number of key sets may be disposed adjacent another key set of the number of key sets, the another key set including another support and another pair of keys including another first key and another second key, the support between the first key and the second key providing a space between the first key and the second key, the another support between the another first key and the another second key providing another space between the another first key and the another second key, the key set and the another key set having a pitch space therebetween, the space and the another space being smaller than the pitch space.
- Preferably, the button apparatus includes a number of actuators, each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets having associated therewith an associated actuator of the number of actuators which extends away from the key set in a direction generally toward the contact apparatus and which is engageable with an associated primary conductor of the number of primary conductors to move the associated primary conductor between the relaxed position and the deflected position. More preferably, the button apparatus includes a flexible mount disposed generally between the contact apparatus and at least a portion of the key sets of the number of key sets, and wherein at least a portion of the associated actuators are each one of a protrusion formed on the flexible mount and a protrusion that is formed on a key set of the number of key sets and that extends through an opening formed in the flexible mount.
- The button apparatus may include a number of actuators, each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets having associated therewith an associated actuator of the number of actuators which extends away from the key set in a direction generally toward the contact apparatus and which is engageable with an associated primary conductor of the number of primary conductors to move the associated primary conductor between the relaxed position and the deflected position. At least a portion of the associated actuators are each disposed generally adjacent the support of the key set.
- The first secondary conductor may be disposed generally between the first key and the contact apparatus, and wherein the second secondary conductor is disposed generally between the second key and the contact apparatus.
- In a further alternative embodiment, a method enables input into a handheld electronic device of a type that includes an input apparatus having a pair of keys, the pair of keys including a first key having a first linguistic element assigned thereto and a second key having a second linguistic element assigned thereto, the pair of keys having a third linguistic element assigned thereto, the handheld electronic device being operable in at least a first input mode and a second input mode. The method includes: detecting in the first input mode at least one of an actuation of the first key as being an input of the first linguistic element, and an actuation of the second key as being an input of the second linguistic element; and, detecting in the second input mode an actuation of the first key as being an input of the third linguistic element and an actuation of the second key as being an input of the third linguistic element.
- The detecting in the first input mode may include detecting in a text mode, with the detecting in the second input mode including at least one of detecting in a telephone mode and detecting in a numeric mode.
Claims (13)
- A keypad (8) structured to be incorporated into an electronic device (4) and comprising:a contact apparatus (56) comprising a plurality of electrical contacts;a primary conductor portion (44) comprising a number of primary conductors (68) that are movable between a first position and a second position, at least some of the primary conductors in the second position each electrically connecting together a pair of the electrical contacts (96);a secondary conductor portion (48) comprising a number of secondary conductors (76) that are movable between a first position and a second position, at least some of the secondary conductors in the second position each electrically connecting together a pair of the electrical contacts (100);a button apparatus (40) comprising a number of key sets (36), at least some of the key sets each comprising:a first key (60) movable between a first position and a second position,a second key (60) movable between a first position and a second position, and a support (64), the first and second keys being disposed on the support;for each of at least some of the key sets:one of the primary conductors corresponding with the key set and being:in the second position when the first key is in the second position, andin the second position when the second key is in the second position;one of the secondary conductors corresponding with the first key and being in the second position when the first key is in the second position;another of secondary conductors corresponding with the second key and being in the second position when the second key is in the second position; andthe support of one of the key sets providing a space (120) between the first key and the second key of the one of the key sets, the one of the key sets and another of the key sets being disposed adjacent one another, the one of the key sets and the another of the key sets having a pitch space (124) therebetween, the space being smaller than the pitch space.
- The keypad of Claim 1, wherein the contact apparatus further comprises a printed circuit board (56), the primary conductors and the secondary conductors being disposed generally between the printed circuit board and the key sets, the support of one of the key sets being disposed generally between the first key and the second key of the key set.
- The keypad of Claim 1, wherein at least some of the secondary conductors each comprise a conductive carbon element (76) movable into conductive contact with the electrical contacts.
- The keypad of Claim 3, wherein the button apparatus further comprises a flexible mount (66), at least some of the key sets and at least some of the secondary conductors being disposed on the mount, the mount being structured to be flexed when at least one of a first key and a second key of one of the key sets is moved between the first and second positions.
- The keypad of Claim 1, wherein the first key of one of the key sets has a first linguistic element (24) assigned thereto, wherein the second key of the one of the key sets has a second linguistic element (24) assigned thereto, and wherein the one of the key sets has a third linguistic element (28) assigned thereto.
- The keypad of Claim 1, wherein the button apparatus further comprises a number of actuators (70), at least some of the key sets each having associated therewith an associated actuator that extends away from the key set in a direction generally toward the contact apparatus and which is engageable with an associated one of the primary conductors to move the associated one of the primary conductors between the first and second positions.
- The keypad of Claim 6, wherein the button apparatus further comprises a flexible mount (66) disposed generally between the contact apparatus and at least some of the key sets, and wherein at least some of the associated actuators are each one of:a protrusion formed on the flexible mount, anda protrusion formed on one of the key sets and extending through an opening (84) formed in the flexible mount.
- The keypad of Claim 6, wherein at least some of the associated actuators are each disposed generally adjacent the support of one of the key sets.
- The keypad of Claim 1, wherein the one of the secondary conductors is disposed generally between the first key and the contact apparatus, and wherein the another of the secondary conductors is disposed generally between the second key and the contact apparatus.
- An electronic device (4) comprising:a processor apparatus (10) comprising a processor (18) and a memory (20);an input apparatus comprising the keypad of any preceding claim and being structured to provide input to the processor apparatus; andan output apparatus (14) structured to receive signals from the processor apparatus and to provide output.
- The electronic device of Claim 10, wherein the memory has a number of routines (22) stored therein which, when executed on the processor, provide a plurality of input modes comprising a first input mode and a second input mode, the first key of the one of the key sets having a first linguistic element (24) assigned thereto, the second key of the one of the key sets having a second linguistic element (24) assigned thereto, and the one of the key sets having a third linguistic element (28) assigned thereto, the processor in the first input mode being structured to detect an actuation of the first key as an input of the first linguistic element and to detect an actuation of the second key as an input of the second linguistic element, the processor in the second input mode being structured to detect an actuation of the first key as an input of the third linguistic element and to detect an actuation of the second key as an input of the third linguistic element.
- A method of enabling input into the electronic device of Claim 11, the method comprising:detecting in the first input mode at least one of:an actuation of the first key as being an input of the first linguistic element, andan actuation of the second key as being an input of the second linguistic element; and,detecting in the second input mode an actuation of the first key as being an input of the third linguistic element and an actuation of the second key as being an input of the third linguistic element.
- The method of Claim 12, wherein the detecting in the first input mode comprises detecting in a text mode, and wherein the detecting in the second input mode comprises at least one of detecting in a telephone mode and detecting in a numeric mode.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE602005022510T DE602005022510D1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-02-23 | Portable electronic device and keyboard with improved usability and reduced size and associated method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP05251030A EP1696448B1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-02-23 | Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method |
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EP05251030.2 Division | 2005-02-23 | ||
EP05251030A Division EP1696448B1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-02-23 | Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method |
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EP2019402A1 true EP2019402A1 (en) | 2009-01-28 |
EP2019402B1 EP2019402B1 (en) | 2010-07-21 |
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EP05251030A Active EP1696448B1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-02-23 | Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method |
EP08168945A Active EP2019402B1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-02-23 | Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method |
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EP05251030A Active EP1696448B1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-02-23 | Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method |
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CN (1) | CN1862736B (en) |
AT (2) | ATE475192T1 (en) |
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DE (2) | DE602005011926D1 (en) |
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Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP1859337A2 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2007-11-28 | Palm, Inc. | Small form-factor keypad for mobile computing devices |
US7394030B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2008-07-01 | Palm, Inc. | Small form-factor keyboard using keys with offset peaks and pitch variations |
EP1895390A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-05 | Research In Motion Limited | Handheld mobile communication device with flexible keys |
US7259339B1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2007-08-21 | Palm, Inc. | Enhanced key structure with combined keycap for a mobile computing device |
US8989822B2 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2015-03-24 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Keypad assembly for use on a contoured surface of a mobile computing device |
DE102007010678B3 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2008-11-13 | Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg | control |
JP5295678B2 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2013-09-18 | 日本開閉器工業株式会社 | Small switch |
US8492666B2 (en) | 2010-07-07 | 2013-07-23 | Research In Motion Limited | Key assembly for a mobile device |
EP2405456B1 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2016-10-19 | BlackBerry Limited | Key assembly for a mobile device |
DE102011010760A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-09 | Liebherr-Elektronik Gmbh | Tact |
CN107704123B (en) * | 2017-09-01 | 2021-04-13 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Electronic equipment and processing method |
AU2018405470B2 (en) | 2018-02-01 | 2023-01-19 | Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte. Ltd. | Key switch mechanisms, user input devices and methods of fabricating a key switch mechanism |
US10747332B2 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2020-08-18 | Apple Inc. | Flexible stabilized button input device |
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- 2005-02-23 EP EP05251030A patent/EP1696448B1/en active Active
- 2005-02-23 AT AT05251030T patent/ATE418788T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-02-23 DE DE602005011926T patent/DE602005011926D1/en active Active
- 2005-02-23 EP EP08168945A patent/EP2019402B1/en active Active
- 2005-02-23 DE DE602005022510T patent/DE602005022510D1/en active Active
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2006
- 2006-02-22 CA CA2537491A patent/CA2537491C/en active Active
- 2006-02-22 SG SG200601185A patent/SG125237A1/en unknown
- 2006-02-22 CN CN2006100887970A patent/CN1862736B/en active Active
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2019402B1 (en) | 2010-07-21 |
CA2537491A1 (en) | 2006-08-23 |
ATE418788T1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
ATE475192T1 (en) | 2010-08-15 |
CA2537491C (en) | 2011-04-12 |
CN1862736B (en) | 2012-02-08 |
EP1696448A1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
SG125237A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 |
DE602005022510D1 (en) | 2010-09-02 |
CN1862736A (en) | 2006-11-15 |
DE602005011926D1 (en) | 2009-02-05 |
EP1696448B1 (en) | 2008-12-24 |
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