# Patent

## Title
Keyboard

## Abstract

A keyboard (1) for use on an electronic device allowing input of both alphabetic and numerical information adapted for use with a minimal number of keys (2-73) and space. The keyboard includes numerical keys (39-41, 51-53, 63-65) arranged in the format used in telephones and a qwerty arrangement of alphabetic keys (32-42, 44-54, 56-65). Multiple function keys (67-69, 71) allow use to create all functions of a computer keyboard for use in a small device.

## Background
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to input devices for electrical devices. In particular, the invention relates to keyboards for use with multi-function devices. With still greater particularity, the invention relates to limited key keyboards for miniature devices.
BACKGROUND ART
Keyboards are used in a wide variety of electrical devices. Many arrays of keys have been developed for use, but the standard QWERTY remains the most popular. Keyboards are used in calculators, phones and several other devices. Miniature devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDS) generally use touch screens with a handwriting recognition program, but a few devices use a thumb keyboard for rapid entry of alphanumeric material. A typical device of this type is the Blackberry®manufactured by Research in Motion Limited. To type the numeral one (1) on a Blackberry®, for example, you must first push the Alt key then the Q key. To enter strings of numbers such as telephone numbers, this entry method is quite cumbersome.
A suitable keyboard is an essential element of a new generation of electronic devices which will combine the functions of a personal computer, cell phone, web browser, PDA and calculator. Such devices will have full wireless internet capability and a high resolution display. Add-ons could include global positioning system receivers and imaging equipment. These devices will need a keyboard able to support such functions without being unduly cumbersome. A keyboard for such devices should be able to access all Windows® functions as well as allow easy entry of long streams of numerals and cell phone functions.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A problem has arisen in keyboard technology where a relatively small keyboard is needed in order to have a small device that accesses many functions. This problem has led to the development of so-called thumb keyboards specializing in e-mail devices where text can be rapidly produced by use of two thumbs for typing. To-date such keyboards are limited to easy production of text. Long numbers are still tedious to type with thumb key boards with many errors. Accordingly, there is a demand for a keyboard which allows rapid production of both text and numbers.
Because of the limited number of keys on a thumb keyboard, the invention makes extensive use of the Shift key and the two Function keys. When the user simply presses a key, the invention generates the lower case character. When the user presses a Shift key followed by another key, the invention generates the upper case letter. When the user presses the first function key followed by another key, the invention generates the character shown in a color corresponding to the first function key. When the user presses the second function key followed by another key, the invention generates the character shown on the chosen key in the color of the second function key.
A portion of the keyboard functions as a telephone keypad. These keys are activated by using a Num Lock key. Keys affected by Num Lock have a colored highlight in the upper right of the key cap. Caps Lock and Num Lock cannot both be set at the same time. When the Num Lock is activated the device functions as a call phone. Additional keys include browser and e-mail activation keys and a joypad with dual triggers for game operation and cursor control. Volume controls and power controls complete the device.
The invention's QWERTY thumb keyboard supports a full compliment of standard Windows keyboard navigation shortcuts including Alt, Ctrl, Del, Tab, Page Down, Home, Page Up, End, and Insert. For convenience with a thumb keyboard, these shortcuts and accelerators use sequential key presses rather than simultaneous. The keyboard is capable of operating in international modes to produce a full set of international characters.
The invention provides a suitable input device for allowing the entry of telephone numbers for direct dialing including Talk and End functions. The numerical operation of the invention is also suitable for operation of programs such as web browsers, spreadsheets and databases, both quickly and efficiently.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a device incorporating the keyboard of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the keyboard of the invention.



BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a device incorporating the keyboard of the invention. The device is shown with a slide-out keyboard 1, but an embodiment where all buttons are on a single plane is within the concept of the invention. This device incorporates a number of additional controls to those of keyboard 1. The controls include a left trigger 2 for game use on the device top which is also a duplicate of Tab key. A similar right trigger 3 on device top which is a duplicate of a Space Bar. A power button 4 is located on side of the device as are the VOLUME UP 6 and VOLUME DN 7 controls. On the top of the device are located a ZOOM control 8 and a Joypad 9 which further includes a LEFT ARROW 11, a UP ARROW 12, a RIGHT ARROW 13, a DOWN ARROW 14, and a Just Joypad click 16 which is also a duplicate of the Enter key. The top of the device further includes controls for BACK 17 which duplicates Esc, HOME/Today 18, BROWSER 19, EMAIL 21, TALK/END 22.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of keyboard 1 of the invention. Keys 32-42, 44-54 and 56-65 are arranged in a qwerty arrangement to provide an alphabetic keyboard. A shift key 69 provides access to upper case letters and symbols, the return key 66 and a space bar 70 located in the traditional location inserts a blank between characters. Numbers are provided by pressing keys 39-41, 51-53, 63-65 and 72 arranged in a pattern identical to a standard telephone keyboard. A Num Lock key 71 aids in accessing the numbers. An Escape key 31, a Tab Key 43, a Alt key 55, a Ctrl key 68, a Del/backspace key 54 and minus (−) key 42 provide standard computer functions. Alternative key assignments are accessed through the Blue Fun key 67 and Orange Fun key 73.
The invention makes extensive use of Shift key 69 and the two Fun keys 67 and 73. When the user simply presses one of alphabetic keys 32-42, 44-54 or 56-65, the invention generates the lower case character, e.g., key 60 (B) generates (b) represented by the hexadecimal character code value returned by the Windows WM_CHAR message code[42]. When the user presses Shift key 69 or 71, which are either of the up arrow keys (↑) 69 or 70 next to Space bar (70) followed by another key, the invention generates the upper case letter, e.g., key (60) B generates (B). When the user presses blue Fun 67 followed by another key, the invention generates the character shown in blue on the key cap, e.g., key 60 (B) generates (]) represented by the hexadecimal character code value returned by the Windows WM_CHAR message[DD]. When the user presses orange Fun 73 followed by another key, the invention generates the character shown in orange on the key cap, e.g., key 60 (B) generates (') represented by the hexadecimal character code value returned by the Windows WM_CHAR message[DE].
The sequence orange Fun key 73 followed by Shift key 69 sets the keyboard into a “Caps Lock” state, where all subsequent alphabetic key presses 32-42, 44-54 or 56-65 are interpreted as if they were preceded by Shift key 69 or 71. Pressing orange Fun key 73 followed by Shift key 69 again clears the Caps Lock state. Similarly, blue Fun key 67 and Num key 71 sets the keyboard into a “Num Lock” state. Pressing blue Fun key 67 and Num key 71 again clears the Num Lock state. Keys affected by Num Lock 39-41, 51-53, 63-65 and 72 have the blue highlight in the upper right of the key cap. Caps Lock and Num Lock cannot both be set at the same time.
FIG. 3 is a chart of key combinations used to produce international and extended characters. Although they are not shown on the keycaps, the invention supports the entry of international characters. To change these settings, the user can access the Regional Settings icon in the Control Panel. The International keyboard layout does not remap the standard US keyboard layout; instead, it creates international characters by assigning certain characters a strikeover function so that the user can add an accent or diacritical mark to a character. It also assigns new functions to orange Fun key 73.
When the user generates an APOSTROPHE ('), QUOTATION MARK (“), ACCENT GRAVE ({grave over ( )}), TILDE ({tilde over ( )}), ACCENT CIRCUMFLEX, or CARET (^), nothing appears on the screen until the user generates the second key code. If the user presses one of the letters designated as eligible to receive an accent mark, the accented version of the letter appears. If the user presses an ineligible key, two separate characters appear. The invention automatically accents letters that customarily receive an accent but does not automatically accent letters that do not customarily receive an accent.
The user can press the orange Fun key 73 and then another character to produce some common extended characters. Most keys on the keyboard produce one or two extended characters in combination with the orange Fun key 73. Table 1 is an incomplete list of some of these extended characters:










TABLE 1







Key Combination
Result









orange Fun 73 + 35 (R)
Registered trademark symbol  ®



orange Fun 73 + 59 (Y)
Copyright symbol  ©



orange Fun 73 + 33 (W)
ae symbol æ










With the International keyboard, if the user wants to type one of these characters (an APOSTROPHE, QUOTATION MARK, CARET, TILDE, or ACCENT GRAVE) followed by an unaccented letter, the user presses the SPACE BAR after the user presses the key. For example, to type “A girl named Sally,” the user presses orange Fun key 73, then A key 44 (for “), then presses SPACE 70, then presses a Shift key 69 or 71, then presses A 44.
Table 2 lists the accented characters created by the US-International keyboard:









TABLE 2





User Presses This
Then This Key
Result







orange Fun 73 + 60 (B ')
58 (C)
c, Cedilla


orange Fun 73 + 60 (B ')
34,37,38,39,40,44
<letter>, Accent acute


orange Fun 73 + 60 (B ')
70 (SPACE)
Apostrophe (')


orange Fun 73 + 60 (B ')
All others
Apostrophe followed




by the letter (two




separate characters)


orange Fun 73 + 60 (B ')
n/a
Accent acute


orange Fun 73 + 44 (A ')
34,37,38,39,40,44
<letter>, Dieresis


orange Fun 73 + 44 (A ')
70(SPACE)
Quotation mark (“)


orange Fun 73 + 44 (A ')
All others
Quotation mark




followed by the letter




(two separate




characters)


orange Fun 73 + 55 Alt + 44
n/a
Dieresis


(A ')


orange Fun 73 + 59(V {grave over ( )})
34,38,39,40
<letter>, Accent grave


orange Fun 73 + 59(V {grave over ( )})
70(SPACE)
Accent grave ({grave over ( )})


orange Fun 73 + 59(V {grave over ( )})
All others
Accent grave followed




by the letter (two




separate characters)


orange Fun 73 + 58 (C {tilde over ( )})
40,61
<letter>, Tilde


orange Fun 73 + 58 (C {tilde over ( )})
70(SPACE)
Tilde


orange Fun 73 + 58 (C {tilde over ( )})
All others
Tilde followed by the




letter (two separate




characters)


orange Fun 73 + 42(S {circumflex over ( )})
34,37,38,39,40,44
<letter>, Caret


orange Fun 73 + 42(S {circumflex over ( )})
70(SPACE)
Caret


orange Fun 73 + 42(S {circumflex over ( )})
All others
Caret followed by the




letter (two separate




characters)









Table 3 details the result of all key combinations present in the best mode. The first column lists the state of the device as unshifted, shifted, Fun (orange) or Fun (blue). The second column is the key number from FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. The third column is the description and the fourth a symbolic name and the last column is the hexadecimal character code value returned by the Windows WM_CHAR message for each key if applicable.











TABLE 3





State
Key
Description
Symbolic Name
Code



















Unshifted
4
Power button
VK_OFF



Shifted
4
Power button
VK_OFF


Fun (blue)
4
Power button
VK_OFF


Fun (orange)
4
Power button
VK_OFF


Unshifted
54
BACKSPACE
VK_BACK
 8


Shifted
54
BACKSPACE
VK_BACK
 8


Fun (blue)
54
DEL
VK_DELETE
2E


Fun (orange)
54
DEL
VK_DELETE
2E


Unshifted
43
TAB/LTRIG
VK_TAB
 9


Shifted
43
TAB/LTRIG
VK_TAB
 9


Fun (blue)
43
TAB/LTRIG
VK_TAB
 9


Fun (orange)
43
TAB/LTRIG
VK_TAB
 9


Unshifted
66
ENT/SEL
VK_RETURN
0D


Shifted
66
ENT/SEL
VK_RETURN
0D


Fun (blue)
66
ENT/SEL
VK_RETURN
0D


Fun (orange)
66
ENT/SEL
VK_RETURN
0D


Unshifted
69
SHIFT
VK_SHIFT
10


Shifted
69
SHIFT
VK_SHIFT
10


Fun (blue)
69
NUM LOCK
VK_NUMLOCK
90


Fun (orange)
69
CAPS LOCK
VK_CAPITAL
14


Unshifted
68
CTRL
VK_CONTROL
11


Shifted
68
CTRL
VK_CONTROL
11


Fun (blue)
68
CTRL
VK_CONTROL
11


Fun (orange)
68
CTRL
VK_CONTROL
11


Unshifted
55
ALT
VK_MENU
12


Shifted
55
ALT
VK_MENU
12


Fun (blue)
55
ALT
VK_MENU
12


Fun (orange)
55
ALT
VK_MENU
12


Unshifted
31
ESC/BACK
VK_ESCAPE
1B


Shifted
31
ESC/BACK
VK_ESCAPE
1B


Fun (blue)
31
ESC/BACK
VK_ESCAPE
1B


Fun (orange)
31
ESC/BACK
VK_ESCAPE
1B


Unshifted
70
SPACE
VK_SPACE
20


Shifted
70
SPACE
VK_SPACE
20


Fun (blue)
70
SPACE
VK_SPACE
20


Fun (orange)
70
SPACE
VK_SPACE
20


Unshifted
44
a
VK_A
41


Shifted
44
A
S + VK_A


Fun (blue)
44
&
S + VK_7


Fun (orange)
44
“
S + VK_APOSTROPHE
“


Unshifted
60
b
VK_B
42


Shifted
60
B
S + VK_B


Fun (blue)
60
]
VK_RBRACKET
DD


Fun (orange)
60
'
VK_APOSTROPHE
DE


Unshifted
58
c
VK_C
43


Shifted
58
C
S + VK_C


Fun (blue)
58
>
S + VK_PERIOD


Fun (orange)
58
{tilde over ( )}
S + VK_BACKQUOTE


Unshifted
46
d
VK_D
44


Shifted
46
D
S + VK_D


Fun (blue)
46
)
S + VK_0


Fun (orange)
46


Unshifted
34
e
VK_E
45


Shifted
34
E
S + VK_E


Fun (blue)
34
{circle around (u)}

80


Fun (orange)
34
ε


Unshifted
47
f
VK_F
46


Shifted
47
F
S + VK_F


Fun (blue)
47
{
S + VK_LBRACKET


Fun (orange)
47


Unshifted
48
g
VK_G
47


Shifted
48
G
S + VK_G


Fun (blue)
48
}
S + VK_RBRACKET


Fun (orange)
48


Unshifted
49
h
VK_H
48


Shifted
49
H
S + VK_H


Fun (blue)
49
-
VK_HYPHEN
BD


Fun (orange)
49


Unshifted
39
i
VK_I
49


Shifted
39
I
S + VK_I


Fun (blue)
39
1
VK_1
31


Fun (orange)
39


Unshifted
50
j
VK_J
4A


Shifted
50
J
S + VK_J


Fun (blue)
50
+
S + VK_EQUAL


Fun (orange)
50


Unshifted
51
k
VK_K
4B


Shifted
51
K
S + VK_K


Fun (blue)
51
4
VK_4
34


Fun (orange)
51


Unshifted
52
l
VK_L
4C


Shifted
52
L
S + VK_L


Fun (blue)
52
5
VK_5
35


Fun (orange)
52


Unshifted
62
m
VK_M
4D


Shifted
62
M
S + VK_M


Fun (blue)
62
*
S + VK_
 8


Fun (orange)
62


Unshifted
61
n
VK_N
4E


Shifted
61
N
S + VK_N


Fun (blue)
61
/
VK_SLASH
BF


Fun (orange)
61


Unshifted
40
o
VK_O
4F


Shifted
40
O
S + VK_O


Fun (blue)
40
2
VK_2
32


Fun (orange)
40


Unshifted
41
p
VK_P
50


Shifted
41
P
S + VK_P


Fun (blue)
41
3
VK_3
33


Fun (orange)
41


Unshifted
32
q
VK_Q
51


Shifted
32
Q
S + VK_Q


Fun (blue)
32
@
S + VK_2


Fun (orange)
32


Unshifted
35
r
VK_R
52


Shifted
35
R
S + VK_R


Fun (blue)
35
$
S + VK_4


Fun (orange)
35
®

A9


Unshifted
45
s
VK_S
53


Shifted
45
S
S + VK_S


Fun (blue)
45
(
S + VK_9


Fun (orange)
45
{circumflex over ( )}
S + VK_6


Unshifted
36
t
VK_T
54


Shifted
36
T
S + VK_T


Fun (blue)
36
%
S + VK_5


Fun (orange)
36


Unshifted
38
u
VK_U
55


Shifted
38
U
S + VK_U


Fun (blue)
38
=
VK_EQUAL
BB


Fun (orange)
38


Unshifted
59
v
VK_V
56


Shifted
59
V
S + VK_V


Fun (blue)
59
[
VK_LBRACKET
DB


Fun (orange)
59
‘
VK_BACKQUOTE
C0


Unshifted
33
w
VK_W
57


Shifted
33
W
S + VK_W


Fun (blue)
33
£

9C


Fun (orange)
33
æ

91


Unshifted
57
x
VK_X
58


Shifted
57
X
S + VK_X


Fun (blue)
57
<
S + VK_COMMA


Fun (orange)
57
:
S + VK_SEMICOLON


Unshifted
59
y
VK_Y
59


Shifted
59
Y
S + VK_Y


Fun (blue)
59
#
S + VK_3


Fun (orange)
59
©

B8


Unshifted
56
z
VK_Z
5A


Shifted
56
Z
S + VK_Z


Fun (blue)
56
\
VK_BACKSLASH
DC


Fun (orange)
56
|
S + VK_BACKSLASH


Unshifted
53
;
VK_SEMICOLON
BA


Shifted
53
;


Fun (blue)
53
6
VK_6
36


Fun (orange)
53


Unshifted
63
,
VK_COMMA
BC


Shifted
63
,


Fun (blue)
63
7
VK_7


Fun (orange)
63


Unshifted
42
—
S + VK_HYPHEN


Shifted
42
—


Fun (blue)
42
-
VK_DECIMAL
6E


Fun (orange)
42


Unshifted
64
.
VK_PERIOD
BE


Shifted
64
.


Fun (blue)
64
8
VK_8
38


Fun (orange)
64


Unshifted
65
?
S + VK_SLASH


Shifted
65
?


Fun (blue)
65
9
VK_9
39


Fun (orange)
65


Unshifted
72
!
S + VK_1


Shifted
72
!


Fun (blue)
72
0
VK_0
30


Fun (orange)
72


Unshifted
11
LEFT ARROW
VK_LEFT
25


Shifted
11
LEFT ARROW


Fun (blue)
11
PAGE UP
VK_PRIOR
21


Fun (orange)
11


Unshifted
12
UP ARROW
VK_UP
26


Shifted
12
UP ARROW


Fun (blue)
12
PAGE DOWN
VK_NEXT
22


Fun (orange)
12


Unshifted
13
RIGHT ARROW
VK_RIGHT
27


Shifted
13
RIGHT ARROW


Fun (blue)
13
END VK_END

23


Fun (orange)
13


Unshifted
14
DOWN ARROW
VK_DOWN
28


Shifted
14
DOWN ARROW


Fun (blue)
14
HOME
VK_HOME
24


Fun (orange)
14


Unshifted
73
Fun(orange)
VK_RMENU
A5


Shifted
73
Fun(orange)


Fun (blue)
73
Fun(orange)


Fun (orange)
73


Unshifted
67
Fun(blue)


Shifted
67


Fun (blue)
67


Fun (orange)
67


Unshifted
22
TALK(SEND)
VK_F3
72


Shifted
22
TALK(SEND)


Fun (blue)
22
TALK(SEND)


Fun (orange)
22
TALK(SEND)


Unshifted
23
END VK_F4

73


Shifted
23
END VK_F4


Fun (blue)
23
END VK_F4


Fun (orange)
23
VOLUME UP


Unshifted
6
VOLUME UP
VK_VOL_UP


Shifted
6
VOLUME UP
VK_VOL_UP


Fun (blue)
6
VOLUME UP
VK_VOL_UP


Fun (orange)
6
VOLUME UP
VK_VOL_UP


Unshifted
7
VOLUME DN
VK_VOL_DOWN


Shifted
7
VOLUME DN
VK_VOL_DOWN


Fun (blue)
7
VOLUME DN
VK_VOL_DOWN


Fun (orange)
7
VOLUME DN
VK_VOL_DOWN


Unshifted
8
ZOOM
VK_ZOOM
FB


Shifted
8
ZOOM
VK_ZOOM
FB


Fun (blue)
8
ZOOM
VK_ZOOM
FB


Fun (orange)
8
ZOOM
VK_ZOOM
FB


Unshifted
21
EMAIL
VK_APP_LAUNCH1


Shifted
21
EMAIL
VK_APP_LAUNCH1


Fun (blue)
21
EMAIL
VK_APP_LAUNCH1


Fun (orange)
21
EMAIL
VK_APP_LAUNCH1


Unshifted
19
BROWSER
VK_APP_LAUNCH2


Shifted
19
BROWSER
VK_APP_LAUNCH2


Fun (blue)
19
BROWSER
VK_APP_LAUNCH2


Fun (orange)
19
BROWSER
VK_APP_LAUNCH2


Unshifted
18
HOME
VK_APP_LAUNCH3


Shifted
18
HOME
VK_APP_LAUNCH3


Fun (blue)
18
HOME
VK_APP_LAUNCH3


Fun (orange)
18
HOME
VK_APP_LAUNCH3









The present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments and features thereof. However, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more”. The inventions illustratively disclosed herein may be practiced without any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

## Claims

1. A keyboard for use in a portable device comprising:
a alphabetic keyboard with at least one key for each English letter arranged in a qwerty pattern for producing an output recognizable as letters, 
a numerical keyboard having at least ten keys arranged in a pattern identical to that of a standard telephone keypad with a first row including 1, 2, and 3 keys at the top and coincident with the right half of the top row of the alphabetic keyboard, a middle row including 4, 5, and 6 keys below the first row, 
and the second middle row including 7, 8, and 9 keys and an ultimate row below the second middle row including a 0 key, and 
a shifting means for shifting the function of keys between that of a alphabetic and numerical keyboards and keypads.

2. A keyboard for use in a portable device as in claim 1, further comprising means for generating international characters.

3. A keyboard for use in a portable device as in claim 1, wherein said international characters generated by said further comprising means include accents ({grave over ( )}, ’), tildes ( ̃), and carets (^).

4. A keyboard for use in a portable device as in claim 2, further comprising at least one specialized computer operating key.

5. A keyboard for use in a portable device as in claim 4, wherein said specialized computer operating keys include Ctrl, Alt, Del, Home, End, Esc and Tab keys.

6. A keyboard for use in a portable device as in claim 5, wherein said specialized computer operating keys include Right arrow, Left arrow, Up arrow and Down arrow keys.