Patent ID: 7809867
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: H01H,H03M

Abstract:
1. A method for inputting data comprising: selectively coupling a reference voltage to a first signal contact by a user, the first signal contact forming part of a first of a plurality of key contact groups each key contact group comprising two signal contacts; storing a first value corresponding to the first signal contact; interrupting computational processing of a processor; initiating a timer and resuming computational processing of the processor; selectively coupling a second signal contact of the first key contact group to the reference voltage by a user; upon expiration of a first timer period, interrupting computational processing of the processor and storing a second value corresponding to the second signal contact; combining the first and second values to determine a key identifier; reinitiating the timer; interrupting computational processing of the processor upon expiration of a second timer period; in the event the first or second signal contacts are coupled to the reference voltage, again reinitiating the timer; in the event the first and second signal contacts are not coupled to the reference voltage, disabling the timer; processing the key identifier by the processor as a user input; and resuming computational processing of the processor.