Patent ID: 7953448
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A keyboard for a mobile device having a processor for interpreting signals, the keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to an array of letters A-Z, said keys that are associated with alphabetic characters numbering fewer than twenty-six and corresponding to one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK key arrangement, each of said plurality of keys having multiple input surfaces and being arranged in an array of rows and columns, including a first outer column, at least one middle column, and a last outer column, wherein each key in the first and last columns of keys is a three-switch key operable to input at least three different signals to a processor of a mobile device depending upon what input surface of the key is pressed; and each key in a middle column of keys is a five-switch key operable to input at least five different signals to a processor depending on what input surface of the key is pressed.