Data entry device having multifunction keys
First Claim
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1. A data entry device comprising:
- a power source;
a keyboard having a plurality of multifunction keys, each of said plurality of multifunction keys producing one of a primary character and one of at least two secondary characters on a display when said multifunction keys are depressed by a user, each of said plurality of multifunction keys having an actuator with a convex profile on a bottom surface of said multifunction keys; and
a circuit board disposed below said keyboard, said circuit board having a central electrical contact and a series of outer electrical contacts;
wherein each of said plurality of multifunction keys produces said primary character when depressed vertically along an axis of said multifunction keys so that said actuator makes contact with only said central electrical contact, andwherein each of said plurality of multifunction keys produces said one of said at least two secondary characters when depressed vertically along said axis and simultaneously at an edge of said multifunction key, so that said actuator makes contact with said central contact and ones of said series outer electrical contacts.
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Abstract
A data entry device is provided, having as its primary function the entry of numeric data. A secondary function is the entry of alphabetic characters. The device is operated with a single hand and requires no shift or function keys. The number of keys of the device is kept to a minimum to avoid visual clutter and to facilitate its use with one hand. The keys are designed to be easy to access and to be operated while wearing a glove.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A data entry device comprising:
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a power source; a keyboard having a plurality of multifunction keys, each of said plurality of multifunction keys producing one of a primary character and one of at least two secondary characters on a display when said multifunction keys are depressed by a user, each of said plurality of multifunction keys having an actuator with a convex profile on a bottom surface of said multifunction keys; and a circuit board disposed below said keyboard, said circuit board having a central electrical contact and a series of outer electrical contacts; wherein each of said plurality of multifunction keys produces said primary character when depressed vertically along an axis of said multifunction keys so that said actuator makes contact with only said central electrical contact, and wherein each of said plurality of multifunction keys produces said one of said at least two secondary characters when depressed vertically along said axis and simultaneously at an edge of said multifunction key, so that said actuator makes contact with said central contact and ones of said series outer electrical contacts. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16)
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14. A data entry device comprising:
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a power source; a keyboard having a plurality of multifunction keys, each of said plurality of multifunction keys producing one of a primary character and one of at least two secondary characters on a display when said multifunction keys are depressed by a user, each of said plurality of multifunction keys having an actuator with an arcuate profile on a bottom surface of said multifunction keys; and a circuit board disposed below said keyboard, said circuit board having a central electrical contact and a series of outer electrical contacts; wherein each of said plurality of multifunction keys produces said primary character when depressed vertically along an axis of said multifunction keys so that said actuator makes contact with only said central electrical contact, and wherein each of said plurality of multifunction keys produces said one of said at least two secondary characters when depressed vertically along said axis and simultaneously at an edge of said multifunction key, so that said actuator makes contact with said central contact and ones of said series outer electrical contacts. - View Dependent Claims (15, 17)
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Specification