Modified keyboard arrangement with distinct vowel keys

A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters that include consonants and vowels. Each key within the plurality of keys is associated with a plurality of consonants and no more than one vowel. The plurality of keys is arranged in a grid pattern having at least five keys. The consonants are arranged in a standard keyboard format. Numbers may also be associated with the keys. A mobile communication device includes the key arrangement, a display, a processor, a housing, and a plurality of toggle switches associated with the keys. A method of using a key arrangement is also described.

FIELD

This technology relates to an arrangement of keys for an electronic device. In particular, the technology concerns an arrangement of keys for a handheld mobile communication device.

BACKGROUND

Different standard English-language keyboard arrangements such as the QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, DVORAK, and FITALY arrangements are known. The most widely used English-language alphabetic key arrangement is the QWERTY arrangement10, as shown inFIG. 1. The QWERTY keyboard arrangement10is a proven industry standard, providing benefits in typing speed and accuracy.

The standard QWERTY keyboard arrangement works on typewriters, computer keyboards, electronic personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile devices where the width of the device provides sufficient area for a full sized QWERTY arrangement.FIG. 2illustrates a mobile device12incorporating a standard full-sized QWERTY keyboard14.

A standard full-sized QWERTY keyboard14usually includes three rows and 10 columns of keys arranged in a QWERTY layout representing all the letters of the English alphabet. Furthermore, numbers (0-9) and symbols are either positioned adjacent letters or share keys with letters via toggle keys55(e.g., shift, alt, etc.). Full-sized QWERTY keyboard14typically suits larger mobile devices with adequate space to accommodate the size of all keys. However, smaller mobile devices such as mobile phones and smart phones may not have sufficient area to accommodate a full QWERTY keyboard.

Mobile devices12, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, and other devices, commonly incorporate alphanumeric keyboards. Numbers may share keys with alphabetic characters on the top row16of a QWERTY keyboard. Alternatively, alphabetic characters may be arranged in a numeric phone keypad arrangement18, such as one consistent with ITU Standard E. 161, entitled “Arrangement of Digits, Letters, and Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for Gaining Access to a Telephone Network.” This standard is also known as ANSI TI. 703-1995/1999 and ISO/IEC 9995-8:1994 and is the standard that you see on most, if not all, telephones sold in the United States today and many mobile phones.

Traditional mobile phones and smart-phones utilize either a Tegic, T9 or multi-tap technique for character input. The main drawback of Tegic, T9 and multi-tap keyboards is that they are cumbersome to use in typing. To access a specific character, a user must press a specific key numerous times. For example, for ITU Standard E. 161 keypads, to access the “C” character, a user must tap the “1” key three times. Consequently, typing on a Tegic, T9, or multi-tap keyboard proves to be slow, frustrating and burdensome.

Reduced size keyboards20that are arranged in a standard QWERTY format, shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, are known. This reduced QWERTY keyboard arrangement20utilizes the same number of rows22of keys, but reduces the number of columns24by combining multiple letters onto one key. U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,342 to Griffin describes a mobile communication device that has a reduced QWERTY keyboard of this type, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The reduced QWERTY keyboard arrangement20is suitable for use on medium to larger-size mobile devices that have the space to accommodate up to five columns of keys. However, slimmer phones and smart-phones that may only accommodate up to three columns of keys for a traditional number-pad may not have sufficient area to incorporate the reduced QWERTY arrangement20. Additionally, some users may consider the reduced QWERTY keyboard arrangement20unstylish or unfashionable compared to the traditional, slimmer number-pad keyboard arrangement.

SUMMARY

A key arrangement, method of using a key arrangement, and mobile device incorporating a key arrangement are described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A full size QWERTY keyboard10is presented inFIG. 1and a prior art device12that incorporates a full QWERTY keyboard14is presented inFIG. 2. As can be seen inFIG. 2, the full size QWERTY keyboard takes up a significant amount of space on the face26of the device12. As a result, devices that incorporate full size QWERTY keyboards10tend to be larger than other mobile devices. In order to reduce the size of QWERTY arrangements, keyboards have been designed that utilize fewer than 26 alphabetic keys, such as the prior are examples20shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. By using less keys that the standard full size QWERTY10, less space is used on the face of the mobile device and the device12may be made smaller. These reduced QWERTY keyboards20maintain the same order for the alphabetic characters as the full size QWERTY keyboard10, but associate more than one letter and/or number with each key. The presently described example modified keyboard30takes the reduced size one step farther, resulting in fewer keys and the possibility for an overall smaller size for the mobile device12, while maintaining the familiarity to the user of a QWERTY key arrangement.

An example modified QWERTY keyboard arrangement30is depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5Band includes a 2 column54,56by 3 row22array of keys, each of which is associated with one or more characters that include letters, numbers, symbols, and functions. The associated characters are presented on each key via indicia32that is printed on the keys, and programming within the mobile device12is designed such that it recognizes the selected character(s) based upon which key is selected. The alphabetic characters include consonants34and vowels36. The consonants34of the example modified QWERTY arrangement30are mapped according to the touch typing finger assignments for a traditional QWERTY layout. But the vowels36are not all mapped in the traditional QWERTY style. The modified QWERTY key arrangement30has two columns54,56and three rows22. Distinct vowel keys are provided such that the entire alphabet representing all twenty-six letters of the English language are provided.

As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the alphabetic characters are arranged in a modified QWERTY format30, where the consonants34are arranged in a standard QWERTY arrangement and the vowels36are split up among each of the keys such that no more than one vowel is associated with each key. Since five vowels36are present in the English language, one of the six keys will not include a vowel and may alternatively be associated with a symbol38and/or function40. Additional symbols, functions and numbers may be associated with the same or additional keys. While a QWERTY arrangement is depicted in the figures, it will be readily recognized that any standard key arrangement may be utilized with the present examples, including key layouts consistent with QWERTZ, AZERTY, DVORAK, or FITALY arrangements, among other known keyboard arrangements.

Examples of functions40that may be utilized on a mobile device12include TAB, CAPS LOCK, SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, ESC, Backspace, INSERT, SPACE, HOME, Page up, Page down, Delete, End, ENTER, Pause, Break, send, end, and many other functions. Function keys may enable the mobile device's functionality, such as Send, Convenience, and End keys in the example of a phone application, and such keys may enable use of the modified keyboard30, as in the example of a toggle key55used to shift between lowercase and uppercase letters or between alphabetic characters, numbers, or symbols.

The 2×3 array of keys in the example modified keyboard30includes a first42, second44, and third46key in the first column54and a fourth48, fifth50, and sixth52key in the second column56. On a standard QWERTY keyboard, the rows may be split in half in order to correspond to the left and right halves, for example. When the first row of the QWERTY keyboard is split in two, the right half consists of the letters “Y, U, I, O, P”. However, since the example modified key arrangement30provides for a single vowel36per key, the vowels “U, I, O” are split up and moved onto other keys, thereby modifying the traditional QWERTY layout. Consonants34remain arranged in a traditional QWERTY arrangement and are mapped according to the touch typing finger assignments for a traditional QWERTY layout. Since there are only five vowels and six keys within the 2×3 array, the sixth key may be used to represent punctuation or a function that is regularly used.

Referring toFIG. 5A, an example is shown where consonants34are arranged in a layout consistent with a QWERTY arrangement and vowels36are interspersed among the keys. A first key42is associated with letters Q, W, f, R, and T. A second key44is positioned below the first key and is associated with letters S, D, A, F, and G. A third key46is positioned below the second key and is associated with letters Z, X, I, C, and V. A fourth key48is associated with letters Y, O, and P and is positioned to the right of the first key. A fifth key50is associated with letters H, J, U, K, and L and is positioned below the fourth key. A sixth key52is associated with letters B, N, and M and symbols38comma (,) and period (.) and is positioned below the fifth key.

Another example key arrangement30is presented inFIG. 5B, where consonants34are arranged in a layout consistent with a QWERTY arrangement and vowels36are interspersed among the keys. A first key42is associated with letters Q, W, E, R, and T, A second key44is positioned below the first key42and is associated with letters S, D, A, F, and G. A third key46is associated with letters Z, X, C, and V and symbols comma (,) and is positioned below the second key44. A fourth key48is associated with letters Y, U, and P and is positioned to the right of the first key42. A fifth key50is associated with letters H, J, I, K, and L and is positioned below the fourth key48. A sixth key52is associated with the letters B, N, O, and M and symbol38period (.).

Referring toFIGS. 5c&5d, the keys of the modified keyboard30may also be associated with numbers 0-9. The numbers may be activated using a function key, such as an Alt or a toggle key55. Alternatively, the mobile device12may be programmed such that when the phone is in different modes, the keys may be pressed directly to obtain either numbers or letters. The indicia for the numbers may be positioned as indicated on the keys, as shown inFIG. 6, or may be positioned adjacent the keys if space permits on the face26of the device12.

The numbers may be arranged in a layout consistent with a telephone keypad, or may be arranged in numeric order. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, one key is associated with numbers 1 and 2, another key is associated with numbers 3 and 4, another key is associated with numbers 5 and 6, another key is associated with numbers 7 and 8, another key is associated with number 9 and symbol character star (*), another key is associated with number 0, and the space key58is associated with the symbol character pound (#).

In an alternative example, shown inFIG. 5d, one key is associated with numbers 1 and 2, another key is associated with numbers 3 and 4, another key is associated with numbers 5 and 6, another key is associated with numbers 7 and 8, another key is associated with number 9 and symbol character star (*), another key is associated with symbol character pound (#) and the space key(s)58is associated with the number 0.

Another example, shown inFIG. 5E, depicts the numbers arranged in the format of a standard telephone keypad18. One key is associated with the numbers 1 and 2, another key is associated with the number 3, another key is associated with the numbers 4 and 5, another key is associated with the number 6, another key is associated with the numbers 7 and 8, another key is associated with the number 9, and the space key58is associated with a 0. Additional keys may be utilized for symbols * and #.

As previously discussed, each key depicts indicia32associated with the characters that are associated with the respective key. Each key has an upwardly extending face60, and the indicia32is applied to the face60of the key in a known manner. Alternatively, the indicia32could be provided on the surface of the face26of the device12, adjacent each key, if space permitted. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, a desirable location for the vowel36indicia32is to be positioned in the center of each key, with consonant34indicia32positioned on either side of the vowels36. Alternatively, the vowel36indicia32could be positioned on a left or a right side of each key, with consonants34, symbols38or functions40positioned in the center of each key. Since there are only five vowels in the English language and in the QWERTY key arrangement, one of the six keys within the grid will not be associated with a vowel. When vowel36indicia32is associated with the centers of five of the six keys, the center of the sixth key may be used for punctuation, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, or could be associated with consonants or functions.

There are a number of different ways that the mobile device12may be programmed in order to interpret the keystroke entry. In a multi-tap methodology, the user taps a key multiple times until a desired letter, number, symbol, or function is selected. Multi-tapping involves tapping one time to select one number on the key and a second time for the second number. For example, to select a “1” on the first key, users will tap on the first key once, to select a “2”, users will tap twice on the same key. This technology has been utilized on cell phones and touch screen devices, among other devices. Companies that offer solutions for the multi-tap method include Motorola (e.g., iTAP); Zi (e.g., eZiText); AOL (Tegic) (e.g., T9); and Eatoni (e.g., LetterWise). A related method is the long tap method, where a user depresses the key until the desired character appears on the display62. An alternative key stroke entry technique is to employ predictive text programming, where the device is programmed to select a word from among the many variations possible based upon the characters associated with the keys.

FIG. 6illustrates a mobile device12having a body with a face26, a display62and an example of the modified QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement30with distinct vowel keys. The mobile device12incorporates alphabetic keys that are laid out in a two column54,56by three row22array. Each of the keys in the array are split into three distinct sections, including a left section64, a right section66and a center section68. A space key58is positioned below the array, a toggle key55is positioned to the left of the space key58, and a return key70is positioned to the right of the space key58. A row72of function keys is positioned above the array. Three keys are shown, including a send74, convenience76, and end key78. The send74and end keys78are for use in phone mode. The convenience key76may be programmed to perform whatever function is desired, or it may be omitted altogether. The function keys in this upper row72are shown having a size that is significantly smaller than the size of the keys within the array. They may alternatively be larger in size. The mobile device12may incorporate other keys and/or peripheral inputs and outputs, including but not limited to a thumbwheel, a speaker port, a microphone, a camera, and any other features known to be utilized with a mobile device.

As previously discussed in connection withFIG. 6, each key may be divided into three separate sections64,66,68. These sections may lie in a single plane, or may be located on different planes, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7G. As shown, each key associated with a vowel character may display the vowel character and a plurality of non-vowel characters on a plurality of surfaces situated in a single plane. Alternatively, each key may display the vowel indicia on a key surface situated in a first plane, while the non-vowel indicia is displayed on a surface situated in at least one other plane.

FIG. 7aillustrates key80, where the consonants34and vowel36indicia are all positioned in a single, common plane X-X. The plane may be uninterrupted (not shown), or may be separated with the use of a surface treatment such as the formation of channels82in the surface of the key. Any type of surface treatment may be provided and the surface treatment may provide tactile feedback to the user in order to more easily locate the desired portion of the respective key.

FIG. 7billustrates another example key84, where letters are situated on multiple planes. Key84is separated into three sections; the left64and right66sections representing the consonants34and the middle section representing a vowel36. The middle section is elevated to a separate plane X2-X2such that the consonants are positioned in a single, common plane X1-X1, with the vowel being elevated above this plane. The placement of the vowel36on a separate plane enables the vowel keys to be more easily tactilely and visually identified by a user.

FIG. 7cillustrates an alternate example key86, similar to that ofFIG. 7b, but also including channels82that are defined between the vowel36and consonant34sections. The channels82are a form of surface treatment that provides additional visual and tactile feedback to a user to more readily distinguish the various sections64,66,68of the keys.

FIG. 7dillustrates another example key88where the consonants34are positioned on a plane X1-X1that is distinct from the vowel36, but in this example, the vowel36is associated with a plane X2-X2that is recessed relative to the common plane X1-X1of the consonant34indicia. The entire surface associated with the vowel36is recessed relative to the remainder of the key surface. This design will also provide tactile and visual feedback to a user to more readily identify the various sections of the keys. In addition, the finger of the user may be drawn to the recess90, making vowels more readily identifiable.

FIG. 7eillustrates another example key92where the three sections64,66,68of the key all lie in different planes. The lowermost plane X1-X1is associated with the left section64of the key92and is used for consonants34. The middle plane X2-X2is positioned in the center section68of the key, and the uppermost plane X3-X3is associated with the right section66of the key92.FIG. 7fillustrates a key94exhibiting a similar phenomenon, but in a mirror image.

FIG. 7gillustrates a further example key96, where the surfaces of the keys have a surface treatment to aid in identifying the respective surfaces. In this example, the center section68of the key96is elevated relative to the end sections64,66, but each surface has an indentation98. The finger of a user may be more readily drawn to the indentation98. Other surface treatments known to those of skill in the art may alternatively be utilized.

The keys80,84,86,88,92,94,96may be associated with a toggle switch (not shown), which is a mechanical switch where the user can toggle between one or more values. An example of a toggle switch is an ON/OFF switch for a light bulb. The example keys80,84,86,88,92,94,96may utilize a toggle switch comprising a left toggle, a right toggle and a center button capable of storing a third selection (e.g., a vowel value). To access the multiple consonants on the left or right toggle, the device12may be programmed to use a multi-tap input technique, where the user will toggle in that direction multiple times. For example, to access the consonant “W”, the user will toggle the left side of the key64twice and to access the consonant “T”, the user will toggle the right side of key68twice. Instead of multi-tap, the toggle keys may be tied to a predictive text subroutine that predicts the input based upon the selected surfaces of the keys. Predictive text routines are known by those of skill in the art.

FIG. 8is an exploded view of the hardware of a mobile communication device12incorporating an example keyboard arrangement30. The device12includes a first device housing section160and a second device housing section162. The housing sections are connected together with fasteners (not shown) that engage a plurality of holes150,154to form a single integrated device housing that encloses the internal components of the mobile communication device12. The fasteners may be screws, rivets or the like. Fasteners are but one example of possible components that may be used to couple the device housing sections160,162together. Other components include flexible or rigid but deformable members, possibly integral with one of the device housing sections, which engage cooperating structures on the other or each device housing section or are deformed to hold the device housing sections together. The device housing sections160,162might also or instead be coupled together by bonding, with adhesive, for example. However, the device housing sections160,162are preferably coupled together using releasable fasteners such as screws.

Referring toFIG. 8, the device12includes a PCB (printed circuit board)164. Most of the internal components of the mobile communication device12are preferably mounted on the PCB164. The keyboard30is preferably formed by positioning a key web133A over a plurality of switches133B on the PCB164. The key web133A and plurality of switches133B are preferably configured such that each key in the key web133A contacts and operates one of the switches133B when the key is depressed. Other configurations may also be implemented, in which the number of switches133B may be less than the number of keys on the key web133A, or the number of switches133B may be greater than the number of keys on the key web133A. The key web133A and switches133B are also positioned such that the apertures135on the first device housing section160at least partially expose the keyboard30. Portions of the key web133A are exposed by the apertures135to provide key surfaces that may be depressed by a user to provide data input to the device12. Such data input may, for example, be used to generate data communications on the device12.

A display62is preferably mounted on the PCB164, as shown inFIG. 8. When the first device housing section160and second device housing section162are coupled together, an aperture123in the first device housing section160at least partially exposes the display62. The aperture123in the first device housing section160and the display62on the PCB164may be positioned such that a viewing area of the display62is exposed. The frame and other components associated with the display62are preferably hidden from view when the first and second device housing sections160,162are coupled together.

A speaker134is preferably mounted at or near the top of the PCB164. One or more apertures132in the first device housing section160are positioned to at least partially expose the speaker134when the first and second device housing sections160,162are coupled together. A microphone136is mounted in the second device housing section162. The microphone136is at least partially exposed by the aperture137B in the second device housing section162, and coupled to the PCB and other device components. Other apertures may also be provided for the speaker and/or microphone. Audio or voice inputs to the microphone136may be used, for example, to generate voice communications. When the microphone136is positioned in the housing, an aperture (not shown) is provided in the first device housing section160to at least partially expose the microphone136. The microphone136may alternatively be mounted in the first device housing section160or on the PCB164.

The device housing sections160,162may include further apertures to expose or partially expose other device components. In the first device housing section160, apertures170,172and174are configured to partially expose the auxiliary I/O devices. An aperture168is similarly positioned in the second device housing section162to at least partially expose an auxiliary I/O device. An aperture166in the second device housing section162may be provided to accommodate a power supply such as a battery. Other apertures may also be provided in the device housing as necessary.

Other internal components of the device12may also be mounted on the PCB164. The device components are interconnected to provide at least data and voice communication functionality, possibly in addition to further local non-communication functions and short-range communication functions. Although these other internal components are not shown inFIG. 8, most of them are preferably mounted on the rear side of the PCB264, opposite the side on which the keyboard30, display62and speaker134are mounted, but some components may be mounted adjacent to the display62and/or keyboard30or on or along an edge of the PCB164. The internal components of the device12are interconnected as necessary, through wired connections, PCB tracks, other types of connectors or connections, or possibly combinations thereof.

The first and second device housing sections160,162, when coupled together, form a handheld mobile communication device housing enclosing the PCB164and internal components. The apertures135,123,132and137B at least partially expose the speaker134, display62, keyboard30and microphone136as described above. Partial exposure of these components allows a user to make use of these components while at the same time protecting the components from damage. Apertures168,170,172,174similarly expose and protect auxiliary I/O devices. When access to a component will normally be required relatively infrequently, a removable cover element may be provided for a corresponding device housing aperture. In the above example of a device power supply, a cover (not shown) is preferably provided for the aperture166. Access to the power supply is thereby possible when required, yet the battery remains protected when access thereto is not necessary.

The assembly inFIG. 8offers manufacturing advantages for the device12. Mounting of most internal device components on a single PCB164simplifies manufacture of the PCB in that only a single PCB must be built and positioned in a device housing section. Interconnections between different PCBs and problems associated with accurate relative placement of multiple PCBs are thereby avoided. During manufacture, the PCB164may be positioned on or in either the first device housing section160or the second device housing section162. The other device section is then moved into place and the housing sections are coupled together to enclose the PCB and other internal device components in a single integrated device housing. Once assembled, the device housing is static, and device housing sections need not be moved relative to each other to provide for voice and data communication or other functions. Advantageously, breakage of movable device housing sections and typically problematic hinge arrangements and connections are thereby avoided.

The mobile communication device12may also include a predictive text computer program that is used in conjunction with the keyboard. Predictive test software is useful in reduced format keyboards, such as the example keyboard, in order to identify the desired input from the combination of keystrokes of a user. A predictive text computer program may, for example, be used to predict a complete word or phrase from one or more keystrokes. If the predictive text computer program does not successfully predict a desired word or phrase, then text-entry characters may be entered more precisely, albeit more slowly, by selecting the appropriate characters on the keys via multi-tap or selection from a list displayed on the display, among other selection techniques. Predictive text methodologies often include a disambiguation engine and/or a predictive editor application. A number of U.S. and foreign patents discuss predictive text procedures, including: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,818,437, 5,952,942, 6,002,390, 6,223,059, 6,231,252, and 6,307,548; WO62150A1; WO9959310A2; WO0344650A2; EP1035712B1; EP129621A1 EP1378817A1; EP1347362A1; and LP1347361A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Several mobile communication device manufacturers utilize predictive text technologies, including RIM, Tegic, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, and NEC, among others.

A number of different predictive text methodologies are known and may be utilized with the example modified keyboard. These methodologies utilize database software to predict the entered text. One method involves automatically correcting common spelling mistakes (e.g., “teh” corrected to “the”). Predictive text methodologies use known spellings of words in combination with their probabilities and frequencies of use to determine a preferred word based upon input commands by a user. Disambiguation engines and predictive editor applications may be used to establish a single grammatical or semantic interpretation of the keystrokes entered by a user. With predictive editor applications, the display62of the device12depicts possible character sequences corresponding to the keystrokes that were entered. Typically, the most commonly used word is displayed first. The user may select other, less common words manually, or otherwise. Other types of predictive text computer programs may be utilized with the keyboard arrangement and keyboard described herein, without limitation.

The handheld mobile communication devices12, presented inFIGS. 6,8, and9include similar features, such as a housing160,162, a keyboard30and an output device62. The output device shown is a display62, which is preferably a full graphic LCD. Other types of output devices may alternatively be utilized. A processing device102, which is shown schematically inFIG. 9, is contained within the housing160,162and is coupled between the physical keyboard30and the display62. The processing device102controls the operation of the display62, as well as the overall operation of the mobile communication device12, in response to actuation of keys on the keyboard30by the user.

The housing160,162may be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizes and shapes, including a clamshell housing structure, among other structures. The keyboard may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between text entry and telephony entry.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating the subsystems of interest in the mobile electronic device12. Mobile wireless device12is preferably a two-way wireless electronic communication device having at least voice and/or data communication capabilities. Depending on the exact functionality provided, the wireless device may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a wireless e-mail device, a cellular telephone with or without data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device, as examples.

Where mobile wireless device12is enabled for two-way communication, it incorporates a radio subsystem211, including both a receiver212and a transmitter214, as well as associated components such as one or more, preferably embedded or internal, antenna elements216and218, local oscillators (LOs)213, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP)220. As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communications, the particular design of the radio subsystem211is dependent upon the communication network in which the device12is intended to operate.

Mobile wireless device12preferably includes a microprocessor238that controls the overall operation of the device. Communication functions, including at least data and/or voice communications, are performed through radio subsystem211. Microprocessor238also interacts with further device subsystems such as the display62, flash memory224, random access memory (RAM)226, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems228, serial port230, keyboard30, speaker134, microphone136, a short-range communications subsystem240and any other device subsystems generally designated as242.

Operating system software250,251,252,253,254,256,258executed by the processing device238is preferably stored in a persistent store, such as a flash memory224, but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as a random access memory (RAM)226. Communication signals received by the mobile communication device may also be stored to the RAM226.

The processing device238, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications250,251,252,253,254,256,258on the device12. A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, such as data and voice communications, may be installed on the device12during manufacture. In addition, a personal information manager (PIM) application254may be installed during manufacture. The PIM254is preferably capable of organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is also preferably capable of sending and receiving data items via a wireless network211. Preferably, the PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated via the wireless network211with the device user's corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system. An example system and method for accomplishing these steps is disclosed in “System And Method For Pushing Information From A Host System To A Mobile Device Having A Shared Electronic Address,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,694, which is owned by the assignee of the present application, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through the communication subsystem211, and possibly through the short-range communications subsystem. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem211is dependent upon the communication network in which the mobile communication device12is intended to operate. For example, a mobile communication device12may include a communication subsystem211designed to operate with the Mobitex™, Data TAC™ or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also designed to operate with any of a variety of voice communication networks, such as AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, GSM, etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate and integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile communication device12.

When required network registration or activation procedures have been completed, the mobile communication device12may send and receive communication signals over the communication network219. Signals received from the communication network219by the antenna216are routed to the receiver212, which provides for signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provide analog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received signal allows the DSP220to perform more complex communication functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network219are processed (e.g. modulated and encoded) by the DSP220and are then provided to the transmitter214for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission to the communication network219(or networks) via the antenna218.

In addition to processing communication signals, the DSP220provides for control of the receiver211and the transmitter214. For example, gains applied to communication signals in the receiver211and transmitter214may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP220.

In a data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message or web page download, is processed by the communication subsystem211and is input to the processing device238. The received signal is then further processed by the processing device238for an output to the display62, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O device228. A device user may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, using the keyboard30and/or some other auxiliary I/O device228, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some other type of input device. The composed data items may then be transmitted over the communication network219via the communication subsystem211.

In a voice communication mode, overall operation of the device is substantially similar to the data communication mode, except that received signals are output to a speaker134, and signals for transmission are generated by a microphone136. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the device12. In addition, the display62may also be utilized in voice communication mode, for example to display the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem enables communication between the mobile communication device12and other proximate systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.

A method of using the above-discussed key arrangement includes manipulating a plurality of keys comprising at least one space key, at least one function key, and a plurality of alphabetic keys. Each alphabetic key is associated with a plurality of non-vowel characters and no more than one vowel character. The method also includes tapping each alphabetic key once to select a vowel character and tapping each alphabetic key more than one time to select a non-vowel character. The method may also include utilizing a predictive text technique to select subsequent vowel or non-vowel characters based on the key tapping sequence.

Another method of using the above-discussed key arrangement includes manipulating a plurality of keys comprising at least one space key, at least one function key, and a plurality of alphabetic keys. Each alphabetic key is associated with a plurality of non-vowel characters and no more than one vowel character and includes at least two outer sections and at least one center section. The method also includes tapping each alphabetic key once in the center section to select a vowel character and tapping each alphabetic key one or more times in an outer section to select a non-vowel character. The method may also include utilizing a predictive text technique to select subsequent vowel or non-vowel characters based on the key tapping sequence.

The present invention currently supports a standard QWERTY keyboard arrangement, but may easily be extended to support other keyboard layouts such as the QWERTZ, AZERTY, DVORAK, and FITALY keyboard layouts. Furthermore, the present invention may also be extended to support other languages that utilize the concept of vowels and consonants. For example, it is envisioned that a German, French, Spanish, Italian or Russian keyboard would be supported by this unique arrangement, as well as keyboards reflecting other international, national or regional dialects and languages. Further, such arrangements may be used for written communication in computer programming languages, mathematics and scientific expression.

Further examples may alternatively utilize one, two or three rows, or one, two, or three columns for the alphanumeric portion of the keyboard.

A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters that include consonants and vowels. Each key within the plurality of keys is associated with a plurality of consonants and no more than one vowel. The plurality of keys is arranged in a grid pattern having at least five keys. The consonants may be are arranged in the format of a standard key arrangement. The standard key arrangement is selected from the group of QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, DVORAK, and FITALY. The plurality of keys may be further associated with at least one of symbols, functions, and numbers. One or more additional keys may be provided for at least one of symbols, functions, and numbers.

Each of the keys within the plurality of keys may comprise indicia that is positioned on a surface of the respective key. The indicia is for identifying the associated consonants, vowels, symbols, functions or numbers.

In one example, the plurality of keys that are associated with alphabetic characters comprises at least 6 and the key arrangement further comprises a key associated with a space function. The plurality of alphabetic keys and space key are further associated with numbers, the numbers being arranged in a layout consistent with a standard telephone keypad arrangement. The plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters may comprise six keys and the six keys may be arranged in a two column by three row grid. The key arrangement may also include a key associated with a space function and a key associated with a toggle function.

In one example, the keys associated with alphabetic characters include a first key associated with alphabetic characters Q, W, E, R, and T; a second key associated with alphabetic characters S, D, A, F, and G; a third key associated with alphabetic characters Z, X, I, C, and V; a fourth key associated with alphabetic characters Y, O, and P; a fifth key associated with alphabetic characters H, J, U, K, and L; and a sixth key associated with alphabetic characters B, N, and M and symbols comma (,) and period (.).

In another example, the keys associated with alphabetic characters comprise a first key associated with letter characters Q, W, E, R, and T; a second key associated with letter characters S, D, A, F, and G; a third key associated with letter characters Z, X, C, and V and a symbol comma (,); a fourth key associated with letter characters Y, U, and P; a fifth key associated with letter characters H, J, I, K, and L; and a sixth key associated with letter characters B, N, O, and M and a symbol period (.).

In yet another example, the plurality of keys that are associated with alphabetic characters include a first key associated with the numbers 1 and 2; a second key associated with the numbers 3 and 4; a third key associated with the numbers 5 and 6; a fourth key associated with the numbers 7 and 8; a fifth key associated with the number 9 and a symbol star (*); and a sixth key associated with a symbol pound (#). They also include an additional key associated with the space function and the number “0”.

In a further example, the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters includes a first key associated with the numbers 1 and 2; a second key associated with numbers 3 and 4; a third key associated with numbers 5 and 6, a fourth key associated with numbers 7 and 8; a fifth key associated with number 9 and a symbol star (*); and a sixth key associated with number 0. The key arrangement may further include a key associated with a space function and a symbol pound (#).

The plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters may be associated with numbers and may also include at least three additional keys including a first additional key being associated with a symbol (*), a second additional key being associated with a space function and zero or more numbers, and a third key being associated with a symbol (#).

The key arrangement may also include one or more communication keys that comprise at least a send function and an end function. In one example, the communication keys include a key associated with a send function, a key associated with an end function, and a convenience key, all of which are aligned adjacent one another in a common row that is positioned above the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters. The send, end, and convenience functions could be associated with a single toggle key have three individual sections, one for each function.

The keys within the key arrangement may each have a body having a plurality of sections that comprise at least two outer sections and an inner section, with consonant indicia being positioned in a section of the respective key that is distinct from the vowel indicia. The vowel indicia may be associated with the inner section and the consonant indicia may be associated with the outer sections. The plurality of sections may each have a top surface that is one of aligned with or not aligned with the top surfaces of the other sections. The top surfaces of the two outer sections may be associated with a common plane, and the top surface of the inner section may be associated with a different plane, with the different plane being one of higher than or lower than the common plane. A recess may be positioned between adjacent sections. The outer sections may comprise a first outer section and a second outer section, with the inner section, the first outer section and the second outer section each being associated with a different plane. Furthermore, each of the sections may be associated with a surface treatment.

A mobile communication device may comprise the key arrangement discussed above, a housing, a display, a processor, and a plurality of switches. The plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters are associated with the housing. The display is coupled to the housing. The processor is positioned inside the housing for communicating with the keys and the display. The plurality of switches are coupled to the keys for communicating an input command based upon the selected key section of each key to the processor. The plurality of switches may be toggle switches.

The mobile device may also include predictive text programming associated with the processor for predicting the desired input command based upon the selected section of the key. The mobile device may also include a key associated with a send function and a key associated with an end function, both of which are associated with a common row that is positioned above the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters.

A method of using a key arrangement comprises manipulating a plurality of keys comprising at least one space key, at least one function key, and a plurality of alphabetic keys, with each alphabetic key being associated with a plurality of non-vowel characters and no more than one vowel character, tapping each alphabetic key once to select a vowel character; and tapping each alphabetic key more than one time to select a non-vowel character. The method may also include utilizing a predictive text technique to select subsequent vowel or non-vowel characters based on the key tapping sequence.

Another method of using a key arrangement includes manipulating a plurality of keys comprising at least one space key, at least one function key, and a plurality of alphabetic keys, with each alphabetic key being associated with a plurality of non-vowel characters and no more than one vowel character. The keys each include at least two outer sections and at least one center section. The method also includes tapping each alphabetic key once in the center section to select a vowel character; and tapping each alphabetic key one or more times in an outer section to select a non-vowel character. The method may also include utilizing a predictive text technique to select subsequent vowel or non-vowel characters based on the key tapping sequence.

The word “substantially,” if used herein, is a term of estimation.

While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features might be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.

Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.