Patent ID: 7133706
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: G06F,H04M

Abstract:
1. A mobile communication device, comprising: a set of keys organized as a keyboard, wherein each key of said set of keys has a first assigned function for entering alphanumeric text; at least a subset of keys included in said set of keys and arranged in a pre-determined configuration, wherein each key of said subset has a second assigned function for entering alphanumeric text; a first selection of keys provided for entering numbers and telephone number related symbols in accordance with said second assigned function, wherein said first selection of keys is compressed by said subset of keys; a second selection of keys provided for entering control letters in accordance with said first assigned function, wherein said control letters have control functions in relationship with dialing of a telephone number, wherein said second selection of said keys is comprised by said set of keys; at least one of a plurality of applications executable on said mobile communication device and adapted to switch a keyboard operation mode into a first mode and into a second mode; wherein said set of keys is operable with said keyboard operation mode being in said first mode; wherein said first selection of keys and said second selection of keys are operable with said keyboard operation mode being in said second mode; a mode selecting key for switching an input mode into a first mode and into a second mode, said mode selecting key being operable to change modes in at least one of said plurality of applications; wherein while said keyboard operation mode is in said first mode: said set of keys each having a first assigned function is operable with said input mode being in said first mode; and said subset of keys each having a second assigned function is operable with said input mode being in said second mode; a keyboard controller adapted to receive signals from said keyboard and signals from said mode selecting key, and adapted to generate commands in accordance with said received signals and able to transmit said commands to at least one of said plurality of applications; a first set of commands is provided operable with said input mode being in said first mode and said keyboard operation mode being in said first mode, said first set of commands representing said first assigned function of said set of keys; a second set of commands is provided operable with said input mode being in said second mode and said keyoard operation mode being in said first mode, said second set of commands representing said first assigned function of said set of keys, wherein in case said keyboard operation mode is in said second mode: a third set of commands is provided, said third set of commands representing said second assigned functions of said first selection of keys and representing said first assigned functions of said second selection of keys.