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現在、日本市場でスマホ用の文字入力のデファクトとなっているフリック入力に関しまして知人より連絡が入り、フリック入力方式に関して某企業がメーカー各社へ特許侵害の申し入れをしている、との連絡が入りました。 アップルのフリック入力はソフトバンクからiPhoneが発売される前の2008年4月に日米で特許申請されておりますが多分特許化は認められていないと思います。 実は、私も米国の特許局(USPTO)へ2005年9月に関連特許(本資料)を仮出願(US60/718,197)した事があります。 ただし、その後「花火」というスタイラスで上下左右へスライドさせる方式が日本で出願されていた事を知り、また当時はスマホはRIMのブラックベリーが市場を席巻しておりタッチパネル型は死に体であった為、市場性は無いと判断を誤り正式出願を見送ってしまった経緯があります。当時はまだiPhoneが発売される2年前でしたから、、米国の特許局は正式出願しなかった申請資料は存在しないもの(公開されていない為)と見なしPrior Artとして認めてくれません。SNS等で公開していてもPublished Documentとは認められないのです。審査官もその存在を知りながら検索対象としてはいけない、そういうルールだそうで何ともいい加減です。 28頁Fig-4を参照して頂ければ指で押してずらして離すいわゆるフリック入力方法はアップルよりも先にFIO-KeyBOという入力方式で出願されていた事はご理解頂けると思います。 正式出願を見送った自分が愚かで何の権利も発生せず残念ではありますが、 ただ、アップルやその後特許申請をした会社が権利を主張して他社を恐喝するのは如何なものか?と思いますので資料をシェアする事に致しました。yi
Citation preview
DATA INPUT DEVICE AND DATA INPUT METHOD
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the additional benefit of EV 538915599 US,
which is agent’s file reference CF104922, filed April 11, 2005, and its
Provisional Application No. 60/629,546, filed November 19, 2004. This
application incorporates the above applications by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to data input device, and more
specifically to a key arrangement on a handhold electrical device such as a
smart-phone and a PDA.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Using mobile phones and smart-phones for data services, such as
e-mail and SMS, VoIP are becoming more and more popular. After the big
success of RIM’s Blackberry, which has tiny QWERTY physical keyboard as
shown in 101 of Figs.1, character input methods for PDA & smart-phone has
been changed from character recognition solutions to direct input methods.
On the other hand, new trend in PDA requires wider screen display, therefore
Palm’s new PDA “Life-drive”, and Microsoft’s new smart-phone “Magneto”,
are both adopting software QWERTY keyboard as shown in 102 of Figs.1
instead of adopting hardware keyboard 101. User requires a stylus to tap
limited area to select each letter.
-2-
[0004] Given the size of the screen, easy, quick and accurate key input of the
letters and symbols for data services is a critical issue, and it is awkward and
hard to select number key for current smart-phone devices due to QWERTY
key layout. This becomes a critical issue especially when a user needs to select
number key while answering a call. That is why standard phone key
assignment is ideal when user use a smart-phone as a phone.
[0005] New PDA also works as a smart-phone, or IP-phone by adding
additional wireless socket card or built-in module. It is natural and easy for
users to use a finger to touch standard phone 12-key keyboard rather than
tapping small QWERTY software keyboard with a stylus.
[0006] Fig. 2 shows a conventional tactile (TACT) switch used in a key of a
mobile phone. A number and corresponding letters, such as “9” and
“WXYZ” are printed on a key panel. Physical hardware switches are
mounted on the printed circuit board under the key-top. In the phone
operation mode, the number 9 will be selected when a user presses the key.
In the e-mail or SMS operation mode, the letters W, X, Y, Z, and number 9
will be selected serially when a user presses the same key. For existing
mobile phones, a user needs to press the same key several times to select the
number or letter he/she needs. The selection significantly slows down the
input speed. EV538915599 US showed excellent solution for faster character
input method for mobile phone user, but additional unique solutions are
necessary for PDA and smart-phone.
[0007] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a data input device
providing easy, quick and accurate key input of letters and symbols with low
-3-
production cost to replace existing QWERTY software or hardware keyboard
for PDA & smart-phone.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the foregoing, it an object of the present invention to
provide an efficient and user friendly data entry device and data entry method.
[0010] Addition to EV538915599 US, in accordance with the above and other
objects, the invention provides a data entry method for a device which has a
touch sensitive screen device on its display such as a PDA or a smart-phone
with a linear virtual 12-key keyboard displayed, and menu select switches
such as up, down, left, right and center switches. By selecting one of menu
select switches, virtual keyboard will highlight a selected letter for each
key-top on a display, and allow user to operate by a finger not only by a stylus.
[0011] The invention also provides an additional method for non-linear
switches such as square or round keys. The invention has at least a first
symbol and a second symbol displayed on a key-top on a screen, and at least a
first virtual switch and a second virtual switch are assigned corresponding to
the symbol areas. The first virtual switch is recognized when a part of the
first symbol area is pressed, and the second virtual switch is recognized when
a part of the second symbol area is pressed. To avoid wrong input, moving a
finger to each direction by crossing the outside rim of its key-top or crossing
over its neighbor key-top, user can select a letter easily and accurately. The
invention also provides an additional feedback scheme for a user. Different
part of its key-top is assigned a different sound feedback by changing its pitch,
-4-
voice, timber, harmony or rhythm, so that a user can tell easily which position
is pressed. This helps a blind-touch with accurate feedback through the data
input process.
[0012]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with
reference to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numbers being
used to indicate functionally similar elements.
[0014] Figs.1 shows a conventional mobile PDA key arrangement.
[0015] 101 show an existing hardware QWERTY keyboard for PDA and
smart-phone.
[0016] 102 show an existing software QWERTY keyboard on a display device
for PDA and smart-phone..
[0017] Fig. 2 shows a conventional switch layout of popular mobile phone and
its standard silk print on the device.
[0018] Figs.3 shows a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone according to
one embodiment of present invention, and conventional virtual in-line
switches of cellular phone are displayed. 301, 303~306 show a key display
depends on user’s menu select operation, and 302 show each key-top
allocation of (X,Y) position of a touch sensor device covered over its display
device.
[0019] Figs.4 shows a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone according to
another embodiment of present invention, and conventional virtual square
switch used in a key of a mobile phone. 401 shows a key display when rotate
-5-
90 degrees to left to maximize virtual key display from basic 12 key layouts
402. 403 show user’s operation how to move his/her finger or a stylus for
accurate selection of letter [W],[X],[Y], and [Z].
[0020] Fig.5 shows a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone according to 401
embodiment of present invention, and conventional touch sensor is used to
allocates key touch address (X,Y), where X represents horizontal address and
Y represents vertical address from top left original corner (0,0) of the present
invention.
[0021] Fig.6 shows a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone according to
another embodiment of present invention, and key select operation is opposite
from Figs.3
[0022] Figs.7 shows a key display of a cellular phone or an assistive 12-key
PC keyboard for single hand user according to another embodiment of present
invention, and conventional hardware switches 702 which described in EV
538915599 US is used instead of touch sensor device in Fig.5, and adapts 403
operation. 701 show smooth surface of cellular phone or membrane 12-key
keyboard. 703 show highlighted key-top [9].
[0023] Figs.8 shows a key display of a PDA, a smart-phone or a cellular
phone according to another embodiment of present invention, and
conventional word prediction input selection mode is directly triggered from
single character input key action.
[0024] Figs.9 shows a key according to another embodiment of the present
invention which adapting EV538915599 US for existing PDA and a
smart-phone, which tiny QWERTY keyboard 101 in Figs.1 is used, such as
Blackberry or Treo.
-6-
[0025] Figs.10 shows a key according to another embodiment of the present
invention which adapting multiple switches 1005 or 1006 under one key-top to
existing SureType QWERTY keyboard 1001 from RIM. Replace PCB 1002
to 1003 embodiment increase its data input accuracy.
[0026] Fig.11 shows a new switch design according to another embodiment of
the present invention, and round unified outer rim enable longer durability and
sufficient strokes than existing single metal dome switch with small diameter.
[0027] Fig.12 shows five-in-one switch pattern 1201 according to another
embodiment of the present invention, and conventional five switches are
assigned to each letter 1202, and allow direct input for over 72 ( 6*12)
characters. 1202 and 1203 show Japanese letter [aiueo1] assignment. Five
letters and number are assigned for each key-top. 1204 show key-top rim
structure which enable easy key rotation by a finger either clockwise or
counter clockwise direction.
[0028] Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of a PDA or a smart-phone according to one
embodiment of present invention, and conventionally describes key process
operation after touch-sensor scan 302 in Figs.3.
[0029] Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of a PDA or a smart-phone according to
another embodiment of present invention, and conventionally describes key
process operation after touch-sensing scan in Figs.4 and Fig.5.
-7-
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description. The following description of
illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the invention discloses specific
configurations and components. However, the embodiments are merely
examples of the present invention, and thus the specific features described
below are merely used to describe such embodiments to provide an overall
understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art readily
recognizes that the present invention is not limited to the specific
embodiments described below. Furthermore, certain descriptions of various
configurations and components of the present invention that are known to one
skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity.
[0032] Figs.3 shows a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone according to
one embodiment of present invention, and conventional in-line key-top of a
mobile phone as shown in Fig.2 are displayed on its touch sensitive screen
device as virtual key-top. Additionally, menu select switches such as left, up,
right, down, and center keys are located outside its display area. 301,
303~306 show how a virtual key display changes by user’s menu select
operation, 302 shows touch sensor detect position (x, y) and key-top key
allocation range key-top [9], Table.1 shows each key-top and letter-symbol
assignment table, and Fig.13 shows a flowchart for controlling data input of a
key with the key-top assignment of Table.1 according to one embodiment of
the present application.
-8-
[0033]
[0034] Table. 1 shows a conversion table of high-lighted character on linear
key-top display as shown in Fig. 3.
Key-top Center Left Up Right Down
N_1: 1 ? . ! ,
N_2: 2 A B C @
N_3: 3 D E F _
N_4: 4 G H I '
N_5: 5 J K L "
N_6: 6 M N O :
N_7: 7 P Q R S
N_8: 8 T U V ;
N_9: 9 W X Y Z
N_*: * / + - =
N_0: 0 ( $ ) Space
N_#: # left up right down
N_Etc-1: Option symbol face pictograph Language
N_Etc-2: BS Del ESC Ins Tab
N_Etc-3: Shift Caps Lock Ctrl Alt Fn
N_Etc-4: Enter(CR) Home PgUp End PgDn[0035] Table.1
[0036] When a user taps on the display, Any position within specific
rectangular area as shown in 302 is allocated to [N_1], [N_2],.., or [N_Etc-4]
of Table.1. Highlighted letter, symbol, or control character is changed
depends on menu selection as shown in 301, 303~306.
-9-
[0037] Alphabetic characters are assigned to each of the numeric keys from 2
to 9 based on industrial standard such as 2(ABC), 3(DEF), 4(GHI), 5(JKL),
6(MNO), 7(PQRS), 8(TUV), and 9(WXYZ) as shown in Table.1.
[0038] [? . ! ,] are assigned for Key-top [N_1]. When a user selects these
symbols, space will be additionally added to its next cursor position. [‘] is
assigned for key-top[N_4] which is located immediately above key-top[N_7]
which [S] is assigned. [‘s] are common letter combination, and this [‘] key
assignment help to minimize input speed. [N_Etc-1](Option),
[N_Etc-2](BS)], [N_Etc-3(Shift)] and [N_Etc-4(Enter)] are additional control
keys.
[0039] Table. 2 shows additional symbols which is displayed when a user taps
[N_Etc-1] (Option) in Left menu selection.
{ } [ ]
< > & %
| \ ~ ^[0040] Table.2
[0041] Thus, most of necessary symbols, control characters for a standard
keyboard are accessible by simple one or two click operation. Addition to this,
face character, pictograph, language selection and other optional settings are
also selectable.
[0042] Fig. 13 shows a flowchart for controlling data input of a key with the
key-top assignment of Table.1 and Figs.3.
[0043] The software starts touch-sensing scanning and if there is a key data
change after a scan, then the process checks whether mode select switch is
selected at step s-01. As shown, [Left], [Up], [Right], [Down] or [Center]
-10-
key is pressed at step-S02, new key-top screen, with different characters are
highlighted, is redraw on the display device at step-03.
[0044] 301 show a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone when [Center]
menu select key is selected according to one embodiment of the present
invention. Initially no menu selection is necessary to select numbers unless
otherwise display is changed from 303~306.
[0045] 302 show a touch sensor position (X,Y) scan, and if there is any
change at S-04, then (X,Y) position is converted to specific key-top at S-05.
[0046] 303 show a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone when [Left] menu
select key is selected according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] 304 show a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone when [Top] menu
select key is selected according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] 305 show a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone when [Right] menu
select key is selected according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] 306 show a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone when [Down]
menu select key is selected according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0050] As shown in Table.1, each key-top of the screen is converted to
specific letter by menu selection mode at S-06 and S-07, and selected
character is feed-backed to a user by displaying its character at the cursor
point in a display and/or by its specific sound at S-08.
[0051] Some symbols and control characters might require an additional task
to execute at S-09 such as carriage return, shift, delete, and so on.
[0052] Next letter input starts from either keeping the last display 303~306, or
back to 301 display mode every time.
-11-
[0053] In another embodiment, Figs.4 shows a key display of a PDA or a
smart-phone of present invention, and conventional square keys of a mobile
phone are displayed on its touch sensitive screen device. 402 show how a
virtual key displays on its display device in a standard manner, and 401 show
bigger key-top layout of 402 by turning 90 degree to its left. In this
embodiment, menu select switches are not necessary. Instead, unique key
stroke does clarify specific character as shown in 403 which shows key stroke
direction. Fig.5 shows touch sensor detection position(X, Y) when a user
touch sensor detect [N_9] area in layout 401 case.
[0054] Table.3 shows minimum key-top and character assignment table
Center Left Up Right Down
N_1: 1 ? . ! ,
N_2: 2 A B C @
N_3: 3 D E F /
N_4: 4 G H I '
N_5: 5 J K L "
N_6: 6 M N O :
N_7: 7 P Q R S
N_8: 8 T U V ;
N_9: 9 W X Y Z
N_*: * BS Delete Option pictograph
N_0: 0 ( $ ) Space
N_#: # Shift Caps Lock Insert CR [0055] Table. 3
-12-
[0056] Table. 3 shows minimum 12-key assignment table, which only
frequently used symbols and control characters are assigned addition to
alphabets and numbers.
[0057]
[0058] Table. 4 shows an additional symbols to Table.3
+ - = _{ } [ ]
< > & %
| \ ~ ^[0059] Table. 4
[0060] Table.4 symbols are assignable to [N_1], [N_#], [N_0], [N_*] when a
user move around his/her finger or a stylus more than once within the same
key-top boundary without releasing them. User can scroll these symbols
both ways by moving them clockwise or anti-clockwise until he/she find
expected letter to be displayed without releasing them.
[0061] Fig.14 shows a flowchart for controlling data input of a key with the
key-top assignment of Table.3 according to another embodiment of the present
application.
[0062] The software starts touch-sensing scan as shown in Fig.5, and if there
is a data change at S-01, then the process checks whether key status changed
at S-02. Key status has three modes. [OFF>ON] which means touch the
screen from release position, [ON>OFF] which means release a finger or
stylus from its screen surface, and [ON>ON] which means drug a finger or
stylus by crossing the boundary of its allocated address area as shown in 403.
-13-
[0063] When a user touches the area within [W], [X], [Y], or [Z] as shown in
403, the specific letter is feed-backed temporarily to the user by display the
character at the cursor point and/or by a sound at S-09. If a user released
his/her finger or a stylus without crossing its boundary from the same letter,
then the letter is stored at S-07, and execute its task at S-08, followed by
feedback to the user at S-09. [9] is confirmed by simply lift-up a finger
without crossing [9] boundary as shown in 403.
[0064] The uniqueness of this embodiment is that by simply moving a finger
or a stylus across its boundary, which means crossing its boundary position at
S-03, the former letter or symbol is determined as confirmed input. While
user moving around his/her finger or a stylus within the same key-top and go
into different letter area at S-06, simply feedback its letter to a user at S-09.
When a user’s finger or a stylus touch or cross borderline of its key-top at
S-04, or detect letter of its neighbor key-top at S-05, then the former letter or a
symbol is determined as a key event at S-07 and execute its key task at S-08,
followed by a feedback to the user at S-09. As shown in 403, [W] is
confirmed by moving from any position within [K_9] key-top area to cross
over to [V] , [8] or any part of [N_8] key-top area, and so on, then temporal
key value [W, X, Y, Z, or 9] is determined as [W]. [X] is confirmed by
moving a finger up to [:], [6] or any part of [N_6] key-top area. [Z] is
confirmed by moving a finger down to any [Delete], [*] or any part of [N_*]
key-top area. [Y] is confirmed by moving a finger right to cross over right-side
border line displayed on the screen.
[0065]
[0066]
-14-
[0067] In another embodiment, Fig.6 shows a key display of a PDA or a
smart-phone of present invention, and conventional in-line keys of a mobile
phone are displayed on its touch sensitive screen device. By the contrast of
Figs.3 and Fig.13 operation, a user tap key-top first then select specific menu
direction key switch, or tap specific area of zoomed pop-up screen. S-06 ~
S-09 shown in Fig.13 is executed after S-03 operation in this case. As shown
in Fig.6, Pop up screen of its key-top is displayed after converting specific
key-top at S-05. When a user selects [left] menu key or taps pop-up area [W],
then [W] is determined. When a user selects [Up] menu key or taps pop-up
area [X], then [X] is determined. When a user selects [Right] menu key or
taps pop-up area [Y], then [Y] is determined. When a user selects [down]
menu key or taps pop-up area [Z], then [Z] is determined. When a user
selects [center] menu key or taps pop-up area [9], then [9] is determined.
[0068]
[0069] In another embodiment, Fig.6 shows a key display of a cellular phone
instead of PDA or a smart-phone of present invention, and conventional 12
keys of a mobile phone and physical menu select switches on its device are
used instead of touch sensitive screen device.
[0070]
[0071] In another embodiment, Fig.7 shows a key display of a cellular phone
or any other 12-key devices with smooth surface. Key-top surface is flat, so
that a user can move his/her finger sliding to neighbor key-top easily such as
membrane sheet switch. As shown in 702, physical multiple switches are
allocated under its 12-key panel 701. Fig.14 flowchart is applied in this
embodiment, and hardware switches are used for its detection instead of touch
-15-
sensor boundary detection as shown in Fig. 5 and Figs.4. Single hand user can
utilize this keyboard to replace existing PC keyboard.
[0072]
[0073] In another embodiment, Figs.8 shows a key display of a PDA or a
smart-phone of present invention, and word prediction software is merged into
Figs.4. 801 is same as 402. When a user uses a stylus, he/she can tap
specified position. As shown in 802, user may tap [W] position and potential
words are showed up in a separate display area as shown in 803. If a user
find an intended letter or an idiom in its word prediction display area, then
he/she simply release his/her finger and tap intended word.
[0074]
[0075] In another embodiment, Figs.8 applies for hardware switches as shown
in Figs.7. User simply move his/her finger from outside or corner, which 1 or
2 switches are pressed, to its center position, which 3 or 4 physical switches
are pressed at the same time. By detecting this change, move the cursor point
from character input area to word prediction selection area. Then, a user
move his/her finger clockwise or anti-clockwise to choose predicted word, and
determines a character when a user release his/her finger from the key-top.
Through sequential operation without releasing his/her finger, user can
achieve faster input from initial letter input to predicted word selection.
[0076]
[0077] In another embodiment, Figs.9 shows a key display of a PDA or a
smart-phone of present invention, and existing tiny QWERTY keyboard as
shown in 901 and its switches in 902 can be replaced by a conventional mobile
phone key layout as shown in 904. Multiple switches 903 are combined as
-16-
one key sheet under its key-top 904, user can achieve standard phone call by
simply tapping each number key-top addition to character input by former
invention method described in EV 538915599 US. Unified multiple switches
can reduce cost compared with existing 901 & 902 solution.
[0078]
[0079] In another embodiment, Figs.10 shows a key display of a smart-phone
of present invention, and conventional dual keys as shown in 1005 or 1006 can
replace existing single key as shown in 1004 for a device like RIM’s SureType
solution. SureType has QWERTY key layout as shown in 1001, and internal
software intelligently select potential word and display throughout the process
of character input by comparing dictionary database, and allow user to avoid
multiple press for each key. However, due to this multiple letter assignment
for each key, some of short words or unique names cannot convert intended
word. By changing its switches from 1002 to 1003, and user intentionally
press either left side or right side of its key-top, user can achieve accurate
QWERTY character input without relying on word conversion software.
Even if word conversion software is used, user can minimize the number of
potential candidate words by using this multiple switch solution, or allow
incorrect taps by mistake.
[0080] In another embodiment, Table.5 shows a sound allocation table which
assigns specific frequency to each character of key-top of a PDA or a
smart-phone of present invention as shown in Figs.3 or Figs.4. Conventional
sound frequency C3(262Hz), D3(294Hz), E3(330Hz), F3(349Hz), and
G3(392Hz) are assigned for [W], [X], [Y], [Z], and [9] in Table.5. Sound
-17-
feedback enables blind-touch and faster operation. User can move his/her
finger by hearing the sound change.
[0081] Table.5 shows segmented area of key-top [N_9] & sound frequency
assignment table.
Left Up Right Down Center
W X Y Z 9
C3 D3 E3 F3 G3
262Hz 294Hz 330Hz 349Hz 392Hz
[0082] Table.5
[0083] In another embodiment, Table.5 applies for hardware switches for a
cellular phone or smart phone as shown in Figs.7 or Figs.9. Multiple presses
within the same key-top convert to either single tone as shown in table.5 or
polyphonic harmony sounds of combination of each sound as shown. Voice,
rhythm, timber, or any other sound effects can replace specific frequency of
table.5. By adding sound feedback, it adds entertaining elements and
accurate feedback for character input.
[0084]
[0085] In another embodiment, Fig.11 shows unified multiple switches in
one unit as an electronics device addition to former invention described in EV
538915599 US. Existing metal dome switches, which is used for such as
cellular phone, has better click feedback to a user. However, its stroke which
reflects height of the switch become short when the diameter D1 ~ D3
becomes small. Addition to this, it is important to have better click feeling
and proper strength of power even though multiple switch components are
presses with comfortable power. It is required to use thinner metal material
which might shorten its durability. As shown in Fig.11, unified circle rim
-18-
which has a diameter of D4, will increase durability with enough stroke, which
means enough height of inner switches, and thinner metal material to achieve
less power to press multiple switches at the same time.
[0086] In another embodiment, Fig.12 shows unified multiple switches in one
unit as an electronics device addition to former invention described in EV
538915599 US. 1201 is a pattern of the five switches in one unit to use
Japanese input which requires 5 different letters and one number for each
key-top. As shown in 1202, which represents Japanese pattern in 1203,
AIUEO are allocated number 1 key-top. User can directly select intended
character by one time operation. At the same time, key-top position is
slightly lower than outer rim, so that a user can move around his /her finger
easily as shown in 1204, this add flexibility to select target letter in data input.
[0087]
[0088] Although the invention is described above with reference to a key
arrangement of a PDA and smart-phone, the invention can be used in other
handhold electrical devices, such as remote controllers, VoIP handy devices,
cellular phones, cordless phones, combination telephone recorders, and even
as a single-hand use assistive PC keyboard.
[0089] The previous description of embodiments is provided to enable a
person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Moreover,
various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, and the generic principles and specific examples defined
herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive
faculty. For example, some or all of the features of the different
embodiments discussed above may be deleted from the embodiment.
-19-
Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope defined
only by the claims below and equivalents thereof.
[0091]
[0092] CLAIMS
[0093] WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
[0094] 1. A data entry device comprising:
[0095] a key-top with at least a first and a second symbols on its surface;
[0096] a display devise to show key-top on it;
[0097] a touch sensing device to detects said symbols position on said display
devise;
[0098] a menu selection switches with at least a first and a second directions
to select a said symbol to highlight;
[0099] a conversion means producing an output having states unique to
respective combinations of said menu selection status and said highlighted
key-top symbols.
[00100] 2. The data entry device of claim 1, further comprising a third symbol
highlighted when a third menu selection switch pressed, said conversion
means further having an input coupled to said third symbol and producing an
output having states unique to respective combinations of said first, second,
and third menu selection status and said highlighted first, second, or third
key-top symbol.
[00101] 3. The data entry device of claim 2, further comprising a forth symbol
highlighted when a forth menu selection switch pressed, said conversion
means further having an input coupled to said forth symbol and producing an
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output having states unique to respective combinations of said first to forth
menu selection status and said highlighted first to forth key-top symbol.
[00102] 4. The data entry device of claim 3, further comprising a fifth symbol
highlighted when a fifth menu selection switch pressed, said conversion means
further having an input coupled to said fifth symbol and producing an output
having states unique to respective combinations of said first to fifth menu
selection status and said highlighted first to fifth key-top symbol.
[00103] 5. The data entry device of claim 4, wherein the key-top is a in-line
shape.
[00104] 6. The data entry device of claim 4, wherein the key-top is separated
into five small boundaries and the first to fifth symbols are allocated to each
area, said conversion means producing an output having states unique to
respective key-top symbols.
[00105] 7. The data entry device of claim 6, wherein the dome switch
comprises:
[00106] a dome-shaped metal switch; and a circuit board comprising an center
and an outer ring insulated from each other, the outer ring contacts the bottom
periphery of the dome-shaped metal switch constantly, the center is connected
to the top of the dome when the key-top is pressed, and five small metal dome
switches instead of software boundaries on a touch-sensor device, and outside
rim is connected each other with round shape, which consist of five internal
dome switches, and keep long durability with thinner thickness to keep lower
power to push without losing better click feeling by keeping enough height or
stroke for small diameter metal dome switches.
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[00107] 8. The data entry device of claim 7, wherein four small metal dome
switches instead of five, and outside rim is connected each other with round
shape, which consist of four internal dome switches.
[00108] 9. The data entry device of claim 7, wherein the outside of key-top is
lower than its rim which enable easy finger control to clockwise or
anti-clockwise for faster key movement.
[00109] 10. The data entry device of claim 4, wherein most frequently used
symbols are assigned to specific manner as shown in Table.1 and Table.2,
which enable faster character input.
[00110] 11, The data entry device of claim 10, wherein four additional
control keys expand capability to enable support of standard PC keyboard’s
key command.
[00111] 12. The data entry device of claim 6, wherein software means allows
additional movement of a finger or a stylus, and enable precise symbol
selection by detecting boundaries of its key-top, borderline, or neighbor key’s
position.
[00112] 13. The data entry device of claim 12, wherein hardware switches are
used instead of touch sensor device on a display unit. Said boundary detection
reflects physical switch detection.
[00113] 14. The data entry device of claim 5, wherein software means changes
the order of key selection. Initially, select the said key-top, then pop-up screen
show up with virtual menu selection which match with physical menu
selection keys, then select physical menu key.
[00114] 15. The data entry device of claim 12, wherein word prediction method
is triggered within one time key on-and-off sequential operation. This
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eliminates extra key operation to switch mode from character data input to
predicted word selection.
[00115] 16. The data entry device of claim 8, wherein QWERTY keyboard is
replaced with multiple key-top of standard cellular phone key layout, which
minimize cost and expand usability for a number input.
[00116] 17. The data entry device of claim 16, wherein QWERTY keyboard
with software prediction which two symbols are assigned for one key-top,
replace one switch for one key-top to two switches for one key-top to match
each symbol. This eliminates software prediction, or increase accuracy.
[00117] 18. The data entry device of claim 1~17, wherein sound effect applies
to each symbol of key-top, by selecting said switches or bounded area reflects
specific sound frequency, voice, rhythm, harmony, or timber. A memory
device having a conversion lookup table stored therein and having inputs
coupled to said switches, said memory device producing a specific sound
output having states unique to respective combinations of activation states of
said switches including simultaneous activation. Sound feedback enable
blind-touch and fast data input.
[00118] 19. The electrical device of claim 1~18, wherein said electrical device
is a smart phone.
[00119] 20. The electrical device of claim 1~18, wherein said electrical device
is a PDA.
[00120] 21. The electrical device of claim 1~18, wherein said electrical device
is an IP-ready PDA or smart phone.
[00121] 22. The electrical device of claim 1~18, wherein said key pad is
mounted on a remote controller.
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[00122] 23. The electrical device of claim 1~18, wherein said electrical device
is a cordless telephone.
[00123] 24. The electrical device of claim 1~18, wherein said keypad is
designed for facilitating single-hand use.
[00124]
[00125] ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[00126] An efficient and user friendly data entry device and data entry method.
At least a first and a second symbols are displayed on its display devise, and a
menu selection switches with at least a first and a second directions to select a
said symbol to be highlighted. By the combinations of said menu selection
status and said highlighted key-top symbols, enables accurate and faster data
entry.
1
Figs.1
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10
2
10Fig.2
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1
Figs.3
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2
3030
3
304
5
Figs.3
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30
30
6 302 1
403
Figs.4
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40
40
Fig. 5
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Fig. 6
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3
Figs. 7
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70
1
702
701
3
2
804
Figs. 8
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80
80
80
1
4
2
3
Figs. 9
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90
90
90
90
4
1
1005
6
2
1003
Figs. 10
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100
100
100
100
Fig. 11
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1
2
1204
Figs. 12
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120
3
120120
Fig. 13
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Fig. 14
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