Abstract:
A data input arrangement may include a first array of input keys defining a first shape extending across a first typing surface thereof; and a second array of input keys defining a second shape extending across a second typing surface thereof. The first and second arrays are contiguous with one another so that the first and second shapes create a non-linear surface extending across the data input arrangement. The non-linear surface enables users to tactilely locate individual keys of the first and second arrays.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/863,260, entitled “Data Input Arrangement With a Key Pad Wave,” filed Oct. 27, 2006. The specification of the above-identified application is incorporated herewith by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a data input arrangement with a shaped interface. Specifically, the shaped interface exhibits a non-flat (i.e., non-linear) surface. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Computing devices include a data input arrangement that allows a user to enter data. The data input arrangement may be a separate unit from the processing unit. For example, a keyboard connects to a computer tower. The input arrangement may also be part of a single unit. For example, hand held devices include a key pad on the housing. Conventional data input arrangements include keys with a corresponding data input. Furthermore, each key of the data input arrangement exhibits an identical shape. The shape may have a flat, concave, or convex face. However, the overall shape of the data input arrangement exhibits a substantially flat surface. 
         [0004]    Data input arrangements may include indicia to identify a particular key. For example, on a conventional numeric key pad such as those found on telephones, a central key may include a circular protrusion (i.e., dot) such as the key to enter the data for the number “5.” In another example, a conventional keyboard includes identical horizontal bars on the keys to enter the data for the letter “F” and “J.” However, though these indicia may assist a user in locating a particular key, the user must always locate the indicia before proceeding. In addition, the use of gloves or other protection decreases the likelihood that the user will recognize the indicia. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A data input arrangement may include a first array of input keys defining a first shape extending across a first typing surface thereof; and a second array of input keys defining a second shape extending across a second typing surface thereof. The first and second arrays are contiguous with one another so that the first and second shapes create a non-linear surface extending across the data input arrangement. The non-linear surface enables users to tactilely locate individual keys of the first and second arrays. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a data input arrangement for a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a cross sectional view for a first exemplary embodiment including a wave shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view for a second exemplary embodiment including a wave shape of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view for a third exemplary embodiment including a wave shape of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view for a fourth exemplary embodiment including a wave shape of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view for a fifth exemplary embodiment including a wave shape of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7   a  shows a cross sectional view for a sixth exemplary embodiment including an angled shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7   b  shows a cross sectional view for a seventh exemplary embodiment including an angled shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7   c  shows a cross sectional view for an eighth exemplary embodiment including an angled shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. The present invention describes a data input arrangement for a computing device (e.g., personal computer, laptop, pager, mobile device, cell phone, radio frequency identification device, scanner, a data acquisition device, an imager, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data input arrangement may exhibit a non-linear surface. The data input arrangement and the non-linear surface will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a data input arrangement  500  for a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates the computing device as a mobile device. It should be noted that the use of a mobile device is only exemplary and, as discussed above, the data input arrangement  500  may be applied to any computing device utilizing a data input arrangement. In the following exemplary embodiments, the data input arrangement is described using a key pad (i.e., typing surface) for a mobile device, where the keys of the key pad are arranged in at least one array. However, the data input arrangement  500  may be any arrangement that utilizes one or more keys to input data such as a data-centric key pad, numeric key pad, keyboard, etc. It should be noted that the use of keys is only exemplary and the data input arrangement may utilize other data input means such as switches, light sensors, heat sensors, etc. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the data input arrangement  500  consists of at least a numeric key pad  100 . The numeric key pad  100  is housed in a housing  501 . The numeric key pad  100  may include a plurality of keys (e.g., twelve keys) which may be divided into a plurality of rows and columns (i.e., arrays) (e.g., three columns and four rows). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , from left to right, a first row (top) may include the numbers “1”, “2”, and “3”; a second row may include the numbers “4”, “5”, and “6”; a third row may include the numbers “7”, “8” and “9”; and a fourth row (bottom) may include “*”, “0”, and “#”. It should be noted that the use of rows and columns is only exemplary and the data input arrangement may exist in staggered form, diagonal lines, etc. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a cross sectional view for a first exemplary embodiment of a row of the data input arrangement  500  of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the numeric key pad  100  incorporates a shaped interface that spans across at least one row of the numeric key pad  100 . Specifically, the shaped interface exhibits a wave shape. The wave shape is created by arranging the three columns contiguously with one another. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the wave shape is horizontal extending across a lateral surface of the numeric key pad  100 . That is, the wave shape exhibits two crests (i.e., concave shape) and one trough (i.e., convex shape). The two crests exist on the first and third columns, where the first column is the leftmost. The trough exists between the two crests in the second column. For example, the key  105  is a key in the first column and thus exhibits a crest of the wave shape. The key  110  is a key in the second column and thus exhibits a trough of the wave shape. The key  115  is a key in the third column and thus exhibits a crest of the wave shape. In addition, the wave shape maintains a common amplitude for each row of the numeric key pad  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . It should be noted that this wave shape may exist on a single row or may exist in multiple rows for the data input arrangement  500 . 
         [0019]    It should also be noted that the first exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2  is only exemplary and the wave shape of the numeric key pad  100  may be altered in a plurality of embodiments. For example, the wave shape may exhibit varying amplitudes across the columns of the numeric key pad  100 , as shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  shows a perspective view for a second exemplary embodiment  120  of the data input arrangement  500  of  FIG. 1 . In the second exemplary embodiment  120 , the amplitude may gradually decrease going down the rows. As shown, row  121  has the largest amplitude laterally spanning across the numeric key pad  100 . Row  122  has a lower amplitude than row  121  that laterally spans across the numeric key pad  100 . Row  123  has an even lower amplitude than row  122  that laterally spans across the numeric key pad  100 . Finally, row  124  has the lowest amplitude that laterally spans across the numeric key pad  100 . The amplitude of row  124  may be low enough to substantially create a flat wave (i.e., linear). It should be noted that the amplitudes decreasing going down the rows is only exemplary and the amplitudes may also increase going down the rows. 
         [0020]    In another example, the wave shape may exhibit wave shapes that alternate going down the rows, as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  shows a perspective view for a third exemplary embodiment  125  of the data input arrangement  500  of  FIG. 1 . In the third exemplary embodiment  125 , two different wave shapes exist. The first wave type is similar to the wave shape described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 . That is, the first wave type has two crests (going down columns  1  and  3 ) and one trough (going down column  2 ). The second wave type is a horizontal reflection of the wave shape described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 . That is, the second wave type has two troughs (going down columns  1  and  3 ) and one crest (going down column  2 ). The first wave type exists in rows  126  and  128 . The second wave type exists in rows  127  and  129 . In the exemplary embodiment, the amplitudes of the first wave type and the second wave type are identical. However, it should be noted that the third exemplary embodiment may also incorporate the features of the previously described exemplary embodiments. For example, the wave shapes of  FIG. 4  may exhibit a decreasing or increasing amplitude going down the rows  126 - 129 . In addition, it should be noted that the use of the first wave type (two crests, one trough) in the initial row is only exemplary and the initial row may exhibit the second wave type (two troughs, one crest). 
         [0021]    In yet another example, the wave shape may span across a longitudinal surface of the numeric key pad  100 , as shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows a perspective view for a fourth exemplary embodiment  130  of the data input arrangement  500  of  FIG. 1 . In the fourth exemplary embodiment  130 , the wave shape may exhibit the same properties as the wave shape described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 . However, the wave shape of the first exemplary embodiment extends across the lateral surface of the numeric key pad  100  while the fourth exemplary embodiment  130  extends across the longitudinal surface. The wave shape of the fourth exemplary embodiment  130  includes two crests and two troughs. As illustrated, the two crests exist in rows  131  and  133 . The two troughs exist in rows  132  and  134 . A common amplitude is maintained for the wave shapes in the fourth exemplary embodiment. However, it should be noted that the fourth exemplary embodiment  130  may also incorporate the features of the previous described exemplary embodiments. For example, the wave shapes of  FIG. 5  may exhibit a decreasing or increasing amplitude going across the columns that include the rows  131 - 134 . In addition, the alternating wave shapes for the third exemplary embodiment  125  of  FIG. 4  may also be incorporated. 
         [0022]    In yet another example, the wave shape may span across a single period of the wave as it extends across the longitudinal surface of the numeric key pad  100 , as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  shows a perspective view for a fifth exemplary embodiment  135  of the data input arrangement  500  of  FIG. 1 . In the fifth exemplary embodiment  135 , the wave shape may exhibit the same properties as the wave shape described above with reference to  FIG. 5 . However, the wave shape of the fourth exemplary embodiment  130  includes two periods of the wave extending across the longitudinal surface of the numeric key pad  100 . Such an embodiment allows each key of the numeric key pad  100  to exhibit half a period of the wave shape. 
         [0023]    In the fifth exemplary embodiment  135 , each key of the numeric key pad  100  exhibits a quarter period of the wave shape. That is, a single period of the wave shape is extended across the longitudinal length of the numeric key pad  100 . As illustrated, row  136  includes the first quarter (increasing half of the crest) of the period of the wave shape. Row  137  includes the second quarter (decreasing half of the crest) of the period of the wave shape. Row  138  includes the third quarter (decreasing half of the trough) of the period of the wave shape. And row  139  includes the fourth quarter (increasing half of the trough) of the period of the wave shape. 
         [0024]    A common amplitude is maintained for the wave shapes in the fifth exemplary embodiment. However, it should be noted that the fifth exemplary embodiment may also incorporate the features of the previous described exemplary embodiments. For example, the wave shapes of  FIG. 6  may exhibit a decreasing or increasing amplitude going across the columns that include the rows  136 - 139 . In addition, the alternating wave shapes illustrated in  FIG. 4  may be incorporated. It should be noted that the use of a single period is only exemplary. The numeric key pad  100  may incorporate any portion or number of periods. For example, the wave shape may decrease the size of the period (increase frequency) and include more than two waves in the wave shape. In another example, the wave shape may further stretch (decrease frequency), thereby increasing the period. If the numeric key pad  100  only included ¼ of the wave shape, then all keys would exhibit the increasing portion of a crest or decreasing portion of a trough. In a similar manner, the ¼ of the wave shape may apply to any portion of a single period of the wave shape. 
         [0025]    It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described above are only exemplary and that the features of the exemplary embodiments may stand alone (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 ) or may be mixed to include more than a single feature. It should also be noted that there are other embodiments that may include the wave shape for the data input arrangement  500 . For example, the wave shape may extend diagonally (e.g., from top left to bottom right, from top right to bottom left, etc.) across the data input arrangement  500 . In another example, the wave shape may extend in both diagonals across the data input arrangement  500  to form an X-shaped wave. In yet another example, the wave shape may extend as a combination of at least lateral, longitudinal, and diagonal directions. For example, if the wave shape extends in both diagonals for a first half of the data input arrangement  500  and another wave shape extends laterally in the other half, a substantially Y-shaped wave may exist. Other wave shapes include V-shaped waves, O-shaped waves, etc. and their horizontal/vertical reflections. 
         [0026]    Furthermore, the data input arrangement may include an interface that exhibits substantially similar properties achieved by using the wave shape. For example, the keys may taper to a point instead of rounding off and thereby create an angled shape. Similar to the wave shape, the angled shape may also be designed in a variety of manners. 
         [0027]      FIG. 7   a  shows a cross sectional view  140  for a sixth exemplary embodiment including an angled shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 7   a , the numeric key pad  100  incorporates an angled shape that spans across at least one row of the numeric key pad  100 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 7   a , the angled shape is horizontal extending across a lateral surface of the numeric key pad  100 . That is, the wave shape exhibits two increasing slants (i.e., positive slope) and one decreasing slant (i.e., negative slope). The two increasing slants exist on the first and third columns, where the first column is the leftmost. The decreasing slant exists between the two increasing slants in the second column. For example, the key  141  is a key in the first column and thus exhibits an increasing slant of the angled shape. The key  142  is a key in the second column and thus exhibits a decreasing slant of the angled shape. The key  143  is a key in the third column and thus exhibits an increasing slant of the angled shape. In addition, the angled shape maintains a slope for each row of the numeric key pad  100  that exhibits an identical absolute value. However, the use of the identical absolute value slope is only exemplary and the slopes of the slants may alter. It should be noted that this angled shape may exist on a single row or may exist in multiple rows for the data input arrangement  500 . It should also be noted that this angled shape may be vertically reflected. That is, the keys  141 ,  143  may exhibit the decreasing slope while the key  142  may exhibit the increasing slope. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7   b  shows a cross sectional view  145  for a seventh exemplary embodiment including an angled shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 7   b , the numeric key pad  100  incorporates an angled shape that spans across at least one row of the numeric key pad  100 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 7   b , the angled shape is horizontal extending across a lateral surface of the numeric key pad  100 . That is, the wave shape exhibits two peaks and one valley. The two peaks exist on the first and third columns, where the first column is the leftmost. The valley exists between the two peaks in the second column. For example, the key  146  is a key in the first column and thus exhibits a peak of the angled shape. The key  147  is a key in the second column and thus exhibits a valley of the angled shape. The key  148  is a key in the third column and thus exhibits a peak of the angled shape. The peaks for the cross sectional view  145  is shown as being situated away from a midpoint of the key. However, the peak may be directly over the midpoint of the key. In contrast, the valley is shows as being directly above the midpoint of the key. However, the valley may be situated away from the midpoint. In addition, the angled shape maintains a first value for slope toward a peak (i.e., away from valley) and a second value for slope toward a valley (i.e., away from peak). Similar to the slopes exhibited in the slants of the cross sectional view  140  of  FIG. 7   a , the use of the identical absolute value slope is only exemplary and the slopes of the slants may alter. Furthermore, it should again be noted that this angled shape may exist on a single row or may exist in multiple rows for the data input arrangement  500 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 7   c  shows a cross sectional view  150  for an eighth exemplary embodiment including an angled shape in a row of the data input arrangement of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 7   c , the numeric key pad  100  incorporates an angled shape that spans across at least one row of the numeric key pad  100 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 7   c , the angled shape is horizontal extending across a lateral surface of the numeric key pad  100 . That is, the wave shape exhibits one peak and two valleys. The two valleys exist on the first and third columns, where the first column is the leftmost. The peak exists between the two valleys in the second column. For example, the key  151  is a key in the first column and thus exhibits a peak of the angled shape. The key  152  is a key in the second column and thus exhibits a valley of the angled shape. The key  153  is a key in the third column and thus exhibits a peak of the angled shape. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the angled shape of the cross sectional view  150  is a horizontal reflection of the angled shape of the cross sectional view  145 . Thus, the angled shape maintains a first value for slope toward a peak (i.e., away from valley) and a second value for slope toward a valley (i.e., away from peak). Accordingly, as discussed above, the use of the identical absolute value slope is only exemplary and the slopes of the slants may alter. Furthermore, it should again be noted that this angled shape may exist on a single row or may exist in multiple rows for the data input arrangement  500 . 
         [0030]    It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7   a - c  is only exemplary and the angled shape of the numeric key pad  100  may be altered in a plurality of embodiments. The plurality of embodiments may include, for example, the variety of changes shown in  FIGS. 3-6  except applied to an angled shape rather than a wave shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that the alternate embodiments for the wave shape may be achieved for the angled shape as well. Furthermore, it should be noted that the wave shape may also incorporate the angled shape. That is, the data input arrangement  500  may include both a wave shape and an angled shape. 
         [0031]    The shaped interface including a wave shape or angled shape offers several advantages over conventional shapes for key pads. For example, one advantage is a blind identification of a key using tactile means. With reference to  FIG. 1 , when a user feels a key in the first exemplary embodiment, the convex shape (e.g., keys  105 ,  115 ) would identify that the key is in the first or third column while a concave shape (e.g., key  110 ) would identify the key is in the second column. Therefore, a user is able to identify, at the very least, a relative, lateral location on the numeric key pad  100  of the first exemplary embodiment. As discussed above, the numeric key pad  100  may also exhibit the varying amplitude of the wave shape across the columns, as illustrated in the second exemplary embodiment  120  of  FIG. 3 . Such a variation may also help with blind identification of the keys. Therefore, a user is able to identify, at the very least, a relative, longitudinal and lateral location on the numeric key pad  100  of the second exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the numeric key pad  100  may also incorporate indicia such as the small, circular protrusion found in conventional numeric key pads. It should be noted that whether or not the indicia exists, a user is able to blindly identify the keys of the data input arrangement  500  with the shaped interface using a naked hand or a protected (e.g., gloved) hand. Furthermore, the angled shape may increase the user&#39;s awareness of location due to the prominent tips as opposed to a rounded surface. It should be noted that the blind identification of keys applies to all the embodiments described above (e.g., wave shape, angled shape). 
         [0032]    Another advantage is that the shaped interface of the numeric key pad  100  allows for placement of a user&#39;s finger. Conventional key pads are designed to allow a user to easily depress the keys so that a user is not required to forcibly push keys to input data. However, this design includes disadvantages such as a user inadvertently pressing keys while simply resting a finger on the conventional key pad. Most conventional key pads also include keys that are small and thus have a small surface area for a finger to rest. Convex keys or flat keys have even smaller surface areas than concave keys. Furthermore, a user&#39;s finger is likely to be too large to rest on a single key. That is, the user&#39;s finger is likely to rest on several keys at a single time. The shaped interface of the numeric key pad  100  addresses these issues and minimizes the inadvertent pressing of keys. That is, the shaped interface of the numeric key pad  100  is contoured so a user&#39;s finger may easily rest. As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the wave shape spans across the columns and a trough exists going down the second column. The wave shape increases the potential surface area to which the finger may rest. The crests provide support for the user&#39;s finger toward the periphery while the trough provides support for the user&#39;s finger toward the middle. Thus, a user may easily rest a finger laterally (across a row), longitudinally (across the trough), diagonally, etc. on the numeric key pad  100  while minimizing inadvertent pressing of keys. The angled shape also provides a similar surface. For example, the valleys that are created increase the potential surface area to which the finger may rest. 
         [0033]    It should be noted that the above described advantages are only exemplary and that other advantages exist for the shaped interface of the numeric key pad  100 . For example, the keys may include functionality to input several different kinds of data with a single push of a key. The application of the shaped interface of the data input arrangement  500  is only exemplary and the shaped interface may be exhibited on other objects that require the advantages of a shaped surface in contrast to a flat surface. 
         [0034]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present invention, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.