Patent ID: 8698749
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: G06F,H04M

Abstract:
1. An input apparatus that can be used in two orientations and comprises keys; wherein the keys are symmetrical both vertically and horizontally, on which markings are applied in one or two orientations, depending on an orientation in which the input apparatus will be used, wherein the keys are laid out in a staggered pattern in close proximity in a plane, and wherein each of the keys is diamond-shaped and the keys are arranged so that the markings on key tops of the keys line up along a horizontal axis extending through two staggered, vertically-adjacent horizontal arrays of the keys in a horizontally open position of the input apparatus, wherein each said diamond-shaped key is actuatable to supply to the input apparatus information corresponding to the marking on the key top of the respective diamond-shaped key, wherein some of said diamond-shaped keys are configured to correspond to a first function in the vertical orientation and a second function in the horizontal orientation, wherein the first function corresponding to the vertical orientation and the second function corresponding to the horizontal orientation are established based on a ratio of a screen to be displayed, wherein a setting information storage unit of the input apparatus includes a function setting table that indicates which of said first and second functions is currently executable depending on whether the input apparatus is in the vertical orientation or the horizontal orientation wherein the setting information storage unit further includes a key setting table that allows a use orientation of the input apparatus to associate with a key to be emphasized, and wherein the input apparatus emphasizes a key corresponding to a function executed by the input apparatus based on the function setting table and the key setting table.