Key system for an electronic device

• US 8,963,744 B2
• Filed: 05/07/2008
• Issued: 02/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Griffin, Jason, Rak, Roman, Fyke, Steven, Ladouceur, Norman
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US12/116,455
• Publication Number:
  US 20080211696A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,484 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/22, 341/27, 341/34, 345/161, 400/485, 400/491.3
• US Class Current: 341/22
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/84 characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback legends H01H13/83
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2213/002 with external pressure
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/03 Sound
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/034 Separate snap action
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/048 Vent
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/006 Different feeling for different switch sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/014 handicapped
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/032 Feedback about selected symbol, e.g. display
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2225/018 Consecutive operations
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2235/002 Linear coil spring combined with dome spring
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/048 comprising microphone or speaker
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/038 Preselection, i.e. the output of a switch depends on a particular preselection, e.g. a particular position of another switch
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/96062 with tactile or haptic feedback

Abstract

A key activation system for use in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises an activation mechanism associated with a key in the system, a first feedback system and a second feedback system. The activation mechanism is associated with the key activation system and provides a first feedback sense when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition. The second feedback system provides a second feedback sense indicating when the key triggers the second activation condition. In the system, the second feedback system operates independently from the activation mechanism and the first activation condition is triggered before the second activation condition when the activation mechanism is initially engaged. An activation mechanism may be centrally located for a set of keys.

Claims

1. A keypad assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising:

a first key;

an activation mechanism associated with the first key, the activation mechanism having at least a first activation condition and a second activation condition;

a first feedback system associated with the activation mechanism providing a first feedback sense on the device; and

a second feedback system providing a second feedback sense on the device, the second feedback sense indicating when the first key has triggered the second activation condition, the second feedback system, the second feedback system including;

a first cam assembly coupled to the first key and is to move in a first direction when the first key is activated, an end of the first cam assembly having a first cam; and

a second cam assembly positioned adjacent the first key, the second cam assembly having a second cam to move in a second direction non-parallel relative to the first direction when the first cam engages the second cam, wherein at least one of the first cam or the second cam is to deflect laterally away from the other one of the first cam or the second cam when the first cam engages the second cam.

2. The keypad assembly of claim 1, wherein the activation mechanism comprises a switch mechanism, an accelerometer, a piezoelectric circuit, a light sensor or a strain gauge.

3. The keypad assembly of claim 1, wherein the first feedback sensor comprises at least one of a motion signal, a visual signal, or an audible signal when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition.

4. the keypad assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cam is to engage the second cam only along a portion of a travel stroke of the first key.