Fio appdraft091105

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.


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.


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


[0048] 305 show a key display of a PDA or a smart-phone when [Right] menu


[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]


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]


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

-20-

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.

-21-

[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

-22-

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.


is a PDA.


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.

-23-


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

-24-

10

2
10

Fig.2

-25-

1

Figs.3

-26-

2
30
30

3
30
4

5

Figs.3

-27-

30

30
6 30

2 1
40
3

Figs.4

-28-

40

40

Fig. 5

-29-

Fig. 6

-30-

3

Figs. 7

-31-

70

1
70
2
70

1

3

2
80
4

Figs. 8

-32-

80

80

80

1

4

2

3

Figs. 9

-33-

90

90

90

90

4

1
100
5

6

2
100
3

Figs. 10

-34-

100

100

100

100

Fig. 11

-35-

1

2
120
4

Figs. 12

-36-

120

3
120
120

Fig. 13

-37-

Fig. 14

-38-

Fio appdraft091105

Technology

Transcript of Fio appdraft091105