Alphanumerical keyboard

• US 6,559,778 B1
• Filed: 01/02/1998
• Issued: 05/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Minec Systems Investment AB
• Original Assignee: Minec Systems Investment AB
• Inventors: Hillmering, Christer
• Primary Examiner(s): Edwards, Jr., Timothy
• Application Number:
  US08/973,003
• Time in Patent Office: 1,950 Days
• Field of Search: 341/22, 341/23, 345/169, 708/145, 708/146
• US Class Current: 341/23
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0235 using chord techniques G06F3/0234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/036 Plural multifunctional miniature keys for one symbol

Abstract

An alphanumerical keyboard which includes a plurality of numeral keys and function keys is programmed so that an alpha-character will always be generated when exactly two mutually adjacent keys are depressed simultaneously, and that a numeral will always be generated when only one numeral key is depressed.

Claims

1. An alphanumerical keyboard comprising a plurality of numeral keys and function keys,

wherein the keyboard is programmed so that only simultaneous depression of exactly two mutually adjacent keys will generate an alpha-character and so that only depression of solely one numeral key will generate a numeral,

wherein simultaneous depression requires both of the exactly two mutually adjacent keys to be in a depressed state at the same time.

2. A keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the alpha-character that is generated when two adjacent keys (T) are depressed simultaneously is marked on the keyboard casing (2) between relevant pairs of keys (T).

3. A keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the numerals and alpha-characters are generated as a key (T) or two keys returns/return from a depressed position.

4. A keyboard according to claim 3, characterized by a searching means which is initiated by the depression of a key (T1) such as to investigate over a predetermined period of time whether an adjacent key (T2) is depressed.

5. A keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the numerals are generated at the return of a key (T) from a depressed position, and that alpha-characters are generated when two keys (T) are depressed simultaneously.

6. A keyboard according to claim 5, characterized by a searching means which is initiated by the depression of a key (T1) such as to investigate over a predetermined period of time whether an adjacent key (T2) is depressed.

7. An alphanumerical keyboard comprising:

a matrix of row and column keys,

said keyboard being programmed to require depression of a single one of said keys to generate a numeral,

said keyboard being programmed to limit generation of alpha-characters responsive to only the depression of exactly two adjacent of said keys,

wherein said two adjacent keys are two adjacent row keys or two adjacent column keys,

wherein simultaneous depression requires both of the exactly two mutually adjacent keys to be in a depressed state at the same time.