Device for inputting alphanumeric and special symbols

• US 6,130,628 A
• Filed: 03/19/1998
• Issued: 10/10/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Volland, Rainer, Schneider-Hufschmidt, Matthias
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US09/044,538
• Time in Patent Office: 936 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/22, 341/23, 341/26, 708/145, 708/646, 708/142, 379/368, 345/168, 700/84
• US Class Current: 341/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: H03M 11/18 wherein the shift keys are operated before the operation of the multifunction keys

Abstract

In a keyboard with a restricted number of input keys, shifting between upper-case and lower-case character letters is effected with a key which is otherwise available for character or symbol entry. The upper case shift is accomplished by actuating a control element while observing a particular timing condition. Toggling the control element allows for comfortable caps shifting.

Claims

1. An electronic input device, comprising:

a plurality of input keys for selectively entering alphanumeric characters and special characters;

said plurality of input keys including a first control element and at least one second control element having a set of characters assigned thereto;

said first control element, upon being actuated once within a given time period, effecting a selection from the set of characters assigned to said second control element; and

said first control element, upon being actuated more than once within the given time period, acting as a character input key.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the given time period is adjustable.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the given time period is a predetermined time period.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first control element is a toggle key which, upon actuation, sets a subsequent actuation of said second control element within the given time period to a given character set.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first control element is a shift key which, upon actuation, sets a subsequent actuation of said second control element capital letters instead of lower-case letters.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein a single or plural actuation of said second control element within the given time period effects an input of characters, and wherein, depending on a number of times said control element is actuated within the given time period, a different character from the character set assigned to said control element is input.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second control element is adjusted such that a prolonged depression thereof causes automatic scrolling through a sequence of the multiple characters in the set of characters assigned to said second control element until said second control element is released.