Condensed Keyboard for Electronic Devices
First Claim
1. An apparatus to generate signals to select characters for a portable electronic device using a condensed keyboard, the apparatus comprising:
- an arrangement of a first set of keys and a second set of keys on the condensed keyboard to direct movement of the keys to selected positions in response to pressure on the keys,wherein the arrangement can direct one or more of the keys into the selected positions of three or more actuation positions available for each of the keys located on one side of the electronic device, the one side arranged to be facing away from a user when the user is to operate the condensed keyboard,wherein the directed movements associated with the first set of keys are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements between keys by a right hand of the user and the directed movements associated with the second set of keys are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements between keys by a left hand of the user; and
an actuation determiner to generate unique signals in response to actuation of each of the keys at the selected positions.
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Abstract
Apparatuses and systems for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a keyboard that monitors two sets, of keys, one for each hand, for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboard generally has four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboard may be located on the back and/or sides of a portable electronic device. One or several of the keys may generate multiple characters, depending on how the user manipulates the key while depressing it. A further embodiment may display cues of help information on a display screen of the system, assisting users in typing with the keys since the users may be unable to easily observe their fingers. That is to say, some embodiments may provide support for people with no touch-typing skills and accommodate key configurations on the back of devices with an embodiment keyboard.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. An apparatus to generate signals to select characters for a portable electronic device using a condensed keyboard, the apparatus comprising:
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an arrangement of a first set of keys and a second set of keys on the condensed keyboard to direct movement of the keys to selected positions in response to pressure on the keys, wherein the arrangement can direct one or more of the keys into the selected positions of three or more actuation positions available for each of the keys located on one side of the electronic device, the one side arranged to be facing away from a user when the user is to operate the condensed keyboard, wherein the directed movements associated with the first set of keys are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements between keys by a right hand of the user and the directed movements associated with the second set of keys are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements between keys by a left hand of the user; and an actuation determiner to generate unique signals in response to actuation of each of the keys at the selected positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An apparatus for generating characters for an electronic device, comprising:
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an actuation determiner comprising a first set of at least four keys and a second set of at least four keys to sense actuations of the first set and second set of keys and generate signals responsive to the actuations, wherein the first set and the second set/of at least four keys are located on a backside of the electronic device arid adapted to be operated by right hand fingers and left hand fingers of a user, wherein further each key of the first set and the second set of keys has at least three different actuation positions and the actuation determiner is capable of generating at least three signals for each key, each of the at least three signals being associated with actuation of each key in one of the at least three different actuation positions; a character generator to generate characters in response the signals generated by the actuation determiner; and a display mapper to determine positions of the characters to be displayed on a screen of the electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A keyboard to enter data into an electronic device, comprising:
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a first row of at least four keys adapted to be operated by a right hand of a user of the electronic device; and a second row of at least four keys adapted to be operated by a left hand of the user, each of the keys from the first row and the second row having at least three different positions, wherein each key generates a unique signal upon actuation of the key, wherein further the generated signal is based on the position of the key upon actuation, wherein the first row and the second row of keys are located on one side of the electronic device, the one side arranged to be facing away from the user during normal operation of the keyboard. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A portable electronic device, comprising:
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a display screen; and a first set of keys and a second .set of keys coupled to the screen, the first set and the second set of keys being located on a backside of the portable electronic device, each key in the first set and the second set of keys haying at least three actuation positions, wherein the at least three actuation positions are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements by right and left hand fingers of a user, wherein further each key of the first set of keys and the second set of keys generates unique signals in response to actuation of each key at the at least three actuation positions. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification