Key input device combined with key display unit and digital appliance having the same

• US 7,423,557 B2
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Issued: 09/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Kang, Sang-woo
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US11/347,233
• Publication Number:
  US 20060179088A1
• Time in Patent Office: 946 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/22, 341/23, 345/170, 379/433.04, 379/433.07
• US Class Current: 341/23
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72445 for supporting Internet browser applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72466 with selection means, e.g. keys, having functions defined by the mode or the status of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/22 including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector digitizers for touch screens G06F3/041

Abstract

A key input device combined with a key display unit and a digital appliance having the same are disclosed. The key input device includes a key display unit for displaying a character or an image that identifies a key, a touch sensing unit that moves down and up by a pressure applied to this key, and a signal generation unit for generating an electric signal in accordance with the pressure applied to the key, wherein the character or the image displayed on the key display unit can be changed.

Claims

1. A key input device comprising:

a key display unit for displaying at least one of a character and an image that identifies a key;

a touch sensing unit that senses touch according to pressure applied to the key identified by the key display unit; and

a signal generation unit for generating an electric signal in accordance with the pressure applied to the key;

wherein the at least one of a character and an image displayed on the key display unit can be changed; and

further comprising a transparent or translucent protector for reducing the pressure applied to the key display unit to protect the key display unit, and projecting the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key display unit;

wherein the touch sensing unit is arranged within the transparent or translucent protector.

2. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a key map receiving unit for receiving key map information determining the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key.

3. The key input device as claimed in claim 2, wherein if the key input device is combined with a mobile communication device, the key map receiving unit receives a key map from a communication network connected to the mobile communication device.

4. The key input device as claimed in claim 2, wherein if the key input device is combined with a remote controller, the key map receiving unit receives a key map of a home appliance controlled by the remote controller.

5. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key display unit displays the at least one of a character and an image for identifying one key, and the touch sensing unit is positioned at an upper or lower end of the key display unit.

6. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key display unit displays respective characters or images for a plurality of keys, and the touch sensing unit is positioned at an upper end of the characters or images of the key display unit.

7. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch sensing unit senses the pressure applied through the key display unit.

8. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key display unit corresponds to a moving image.

9. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the touch sensing unit is positioned at an upper end of the key display unit, the key display unit comprises material operable to project the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key display unit.

10. The key input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key display unit is an organic electro-luminescence (EL) device or an LCD.

11. A digital appliance having a key input device comprising:

a key display unit for displaying at least one of a character and an image that identifies a key;

a touch sensing unit that senses pressure applied to the key identified by the key display unit;

a signal generation unit for generating an electric signal in accordance with the pressure applied to the key; and

a display control unit for changing the at least one of a character and an image displayed on the key display unit;

further comprising a transparent or translucent protector for reducing the pressure applied to the key display unit to protect the key display unit, and projecting the character or image to be displayed on the key display unit;

wherein the touch sensing unit is arranged within the transparent or translucent protector.

12. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a key map receiving unit for receiving key map information determining the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key.

13. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein if the digital appliance is a mobile communication device, the key map receiving unit receives a key map from a communication network combined with the mobile communication device.

14. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein if the digital appliance is a remote controller, the key map receiving unit receives a key map of a home appliance controlled by the remote controller.

15. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the display control unit controls the key display unit to output the at least one of a character and an image that is received from an external source and stored.

16. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein if the signal generation unit reports contact of the touch sensing unit, the display control unit activates or inactivate s a function for displaying the at least one of a character and an image outputted from the key display unit.

17. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the key display unit displays the at least one of a character and an image for identifying one key, and the touch sensing unit is positioned at an upper or lower end of the key display unit.

18. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the key display unit displays respective characters or images for a plurality of keys, and the touch sensing unit is positioned at an upper end of the characters or images of the key display unit.

19. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the touch sensing unit senses the pressure applied through the key display unit.

20. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key display unit corresponds to a moving image.

21. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein if the touch sensing unit is positioned at an upper end of the key display unit, the key display unit is made of a material capable of projecting the at least one of a character and an image to be displayed on the key display unit.

22. The digital appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the key display unit is made of an organic electro-luminescence (EL) device or an LCD.