Abstract:
A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2 nd  key to double functionality of the keys.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/980,243 filed Oct. 31, 2007, now abandoned, which itself is a continuation-in-part (CEP) application of the patent application having U.S. Ser. No. 11/189,957 filed on Jul. 27, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,715. The completed contents of the above-identified patent applications being herein incorporated by reference. 
     CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENTS 
     Design of the optical switch with depth and lateral articulation used in the practice of this invention can be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,705,783, 6,853,366, 5,502,460 and 5,644,338 in which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a switch to be used in mobile devices where a limited number of keys can facilitate the same key outputs of regular full key QWERTY keyboards, and wherein the switch is slid or biased to the side to input a character so downward pressure in handling of the mobile or desk top device will not actuate the switch facilitating one touch per character text messaging is achieved. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Mobil and desk top telephones to date use an arrangement of 0 through 9 numbers with the letters on each of the number keys arranged A, B, C, D, E, where to input a “C” an operator must touch the two 2 key three times. The keys are also of the compression type so if something is laid on them or they are grabbed from a pocket an input can be made. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,235, Lin et al, shows a key that can be depressed on each of its four sides to give an output. 
     Thumb boards to date used for mobile communications are either standalone and plugged into other mobile devices or are built into mobile communication devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore the primary objective of this invention when used in a desk top or mobile device to allow the user a QWERTY keyboard in a small keyboard where depending on key arrangement can be only three columns by three rows of keys that if a key depressed will not give an input. Also using the multi position biasing keys as in  FIG. 31 ,  FIG. 32 ,  FIG. 41  and in  FIG. 37  only one touch, or slightly biasing the key in one direction, is used for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you bias the character 7 key toward the front one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging, dialing phone numbers advertised in letters, or text messaging from desk tops. This invention the letters are more advantageously placed in the more familiar QWERTY pattern making it easier to input characters faster. 
     It is a further objective of this invention in rugged applications to have an optical sensor with a sensing means for a switch position that is not in contact with the switch interrupter being positionally sensed making the operation of the switch rugged and impervious to a striking or operating force. 
     It is a further objective of this invention to have an optical sensor sense with lateral articulation to enable a multiple directional selection of various computer or mobile communication device input functions. 
     It is a further objective of this invention to reduce the number of keys in a more standard QWERTY keyboard, thumb board or other mobile communications device, and to allow a standard desk top telephone to have a QWERTY keyboard with only nine keys. 
     Briefly, this invention contemplates having at least one key interrupter wherein the interrupter is banked by at least one optically emitter detector pair with an optical beam there between. The key interrupter blocks or partially blocks the optical beam giving key location detection thus eliminating contact with the sensing means. The key can be articulated in a lateral or sideward direction to vary the optical beam emission to the detector to input characters. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a view of a nine key QWERTY keyboard with indicia on the housing in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 1A  is a view of a nine key QWERTY keyboard with indicia on the keys in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of a fifteen QWERTY keyboard in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with force sensitive elements for position, lateral and bilateral detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a optical switch having a musical key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with separate optical position and sideward detection and a tension element for resistance in a downward direction in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with force sensitive elements for position and sideward detection with roller contact in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a section view through the a switch showing the key stem starting into optical detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a section view through a switch showing the key stem at a mid point through optical detection starting to contact the tension element resistance in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a section view through a switch showing the key stem through optical detection and in full contact with the tension element resistance in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a section view through a switch with position force sensing element and optical sideward detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a section through an optical switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with separate optical position and sideward detection and an elastomeric resistance with a low resistance sideward articulation ball mechanism in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a section through an optical switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with bi-directional sideward or lateral detection and an elastomeric resistance with a low resistance sideward articulation ball mechanism with pressure sensing downward detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross section view of a optical switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with optical position and sideward detection and an elastomeric resistance in a downward direction beneath the stem in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of a optical switch in a depressed position having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with optical position and sideward detection and a tension element for resistance in a downward direction beneath the stem in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross section through a computer or musical keyboard showing multiple optical switches in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial section view through an optical foot switch in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a dual screen notebook computer with a velocity, acceleration, and lateral detection keys used in a split keyboard in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a section view of an optical switch with mirrors to direct the optical beam in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a section view of an optical switch with a serrated lower key stem to detect position and change in lateral position of the key stem in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 19  is an electrical schematic of an optical switch in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 20  is an electrical schematic of a pressure sensitive switch in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a section view of a switch with optical and pressure sensing elements for downward detection and low resistance roller for lateral detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of a keyboard with optical key detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of a keyboard with optical key detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a plan view of a musical keyboard with optical key detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a flow diagram illustrating the keyboard functions with key stem and sideward articulation detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic illustrating the microprocessor section of a keyboard with key stem position and sideward articulation detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic illustrating the elements of a typical optical detector matrix of a keyboard in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic illustrating the elements of a typical optical emitter matrix of a keyboard in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic illustrating the elements of a typical pressure sensitive matrix of a keyboard in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a isometric view of a switch having a key stem protruding through an elastomer element to allow the actuating movement in a multidirectional sliding or X and Y direction in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a section view of a multidirectional switch in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a section view of a multidirectional switch in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a mechanical schematic of the emitters and detectors showing their interrelation with each in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a cross section of a switch with X, Y and Z directional movement in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a cross section of a switch with X, Y and Z directional movement in the depressed condition in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 36  is a isometric view of a mobile device with a keyboard and display in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a isometric view of a switch with X and Y sliding movement in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 38  is an isometric view of a optical switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with optical position and sideward detection and a tension element for resistance in a downward direction in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 39  is an isometric view of a optical switch having a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with separate optical position and sideward detection and a tension element for resistance in a downward direction in accordance with the teachings of this invention; 
         FIG. 40  is a cross section of a switch with multidirectional movement in accordance with the teachings of this invention; and 
         FIG. 41  is a section view of a multidirectional switch in accordance with the teachings of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which the same reference numeral indicates the same element in the various figures,  FIG. 1  shows a pattern of keys in housing  630  to be used on any type of device that needs a compact keyboard. Housing  630  shows multidirectional keys  634  in key opening  632  with all of the alpha QWERTY keys in a regular QWERTY keyboard but only having nine keys. A reference for a more standard QWERTY keyboard is shown in  FIG. 23 . The keys of  FIG. 1  are not in a standard telephone keypad arrangement of A, B, C, D, E, where to input a C an operator must touch the key three times. Being very advantageously marked with indicia they are in the more familiar QWERTY pattern making it easier to type faster. And using the multi position sliding keys as in  FIG. 31 ,  FIG. 32 ,  FIG. 37  and in  FIG. 41  only one touch, or sliding the key in one direction is used for each character meaning if you want to input the letter “C” you slide the character 7 key toward the front one time. Further shown in  FIG. 1  is some indicia is on housing  630  and some is on multidirectional keys  634  allowing for the indicia on the housing to be larger and more easily read. Down arrow indicia  636  and side arrow indicia  635  shows that this key can be used as a cursor positioning key wherein the detection is further shown in  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 25 ,  FIG. 36 , and  FIG. 39 . SHIFT indicia  638  shows that the keys can move and be detected in multidirectional positions also shown in  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 25 ,  FIG. 36 , and  FIG. 39 . Further shown in  FIG. 1  SHIFT indicia  638  is a direction that you position that associated key in, then another key and that key is then shifted, the number keys would also be shifted to the symbol above each number. Further in  FIG. 1  there is a 2 nd  key that when touched it can be used to change whether an operator input numbers or letters, or other functions depending on the application, it can also be used to change certain keys to arrows for moving around on a display like down arrow indicia  636 . In an application where the device is used mainly for dialing a phone number the device can have a menu that enables numbers first, then touch 2 nd  and get letters and it could stay in 2 nd  inputting letters until the 2 nd  is touched again to input numbers. Or if the application requires letters first it enables letters first and touch 2 nd  and get numbers. Obviously those skilled in the art can appreciate different functions as a result of touching the shift and or 2 nd  key. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a pattern of keys  500  to be used on any type of device that needs a compact keyboard, pattern of keys  500  with one of the key pattern key  503  shows all of the alpha QWERTY keys with key indicia  501  in a regular QWERTY keyboard but only having nine keys. A reference for a more standard QWERTY keyboard is shown in  FIG. 23 . The keys of  FIG. 1  are not in a standard telephone keypad arrangement of A, B, C, D, E, where to input a C an operator must touch the key three times. Being very advantageous they are in the more familiar QWERTY pattern making it easier to type faster. And using the multidirectional sliding keys as in  FIG. 31 ,  FIG. 32  and in  FIG. 37  only one touch, or sliding the key in one direction, is used for each character meaning if you want to input the letter “C” you slide the character 7 key toward the front one time. Further shown in  FIG. 1  is a SHIFT key, where you touch that key, then another key and that key is shifted, the number keys would also be shifted to the symbol above each number. Further in  FIG. 1  there is a 2 nd  key that when touched it can be used to change whether an operator input numbers or letters, or other functions depending on the application, it can also be used to change certain keys to arrows for moving around on a display. In an application where the device is used mainly for dialing a phone number the device can have a menu that enables numbers first, then touch 2 nd  and get letters and it could stay in 2 nd  inputting letters until the 2 nd  is touched again to input numbers. Or if the application requires letters first it enables letters first and touch 2 nd  and get numbers. Obviously those skilled in the art can appreciate different functions as a result of touching the shift and or 2 nd  key. 
       FIG. 2  shows a larger key pattern  502  for devices that have room for more keys and functions. 
       FIG. 3  shows a switch in systems that do not require the rugged optical elements, shown with lower force sensing element  54  for depth, acceleration and velocity measurements flanked by left side pressure sensing element  50  and right side pressure sensing element  52  to be pressured by left force member  58  and right force member  56  when key stem  29  is moved or oscillated in the direction of lower lateral arrow  24 . Bilateral pressure sensing element  53  to be pressured by side force member  55  can be perpendicular to left side pressure sensitive element  50  and right side pressure sensitive element  52  and opposed by a second bilateral pressure sensing element  51 . When the application necessitates multi lateral detection for input data to a host computer or the like this arrangement of four pressure sensitive elements is advantageous. But any one of the four can be used when singular lateral detection is only needed. It should be appreciated that those skilled in the art that there are different force sensing elements to name two are resistive and capacitive either or others could be used, and in conjunction with position sensing elements like hall effect sensors, magnet sensors and RF based sensors. 
       FIG. 4  shows a musical key  60  being used to position stem  61 . Optical slot  64  is made wide as not to attenuate second optical beam  38  enabling in the up down direction to be attenuated by optical slot top  62  in key stem  61 , and can have pressure resistive pad  23  if resistance to downward key motion is desired. If another output function is needed pressure resistive element  23  can be pressure sensitive so when pressed sending other codes depending on the application. This is advantageous so there is only one optical beam per function facilitating less computation, like a first function could be up down and a second function be side ward or lateral for vibrato and other inputs. 
       FIG. 5  shows a switch in systems that is more rugged than the switch in  FIG. 3  by having the addition of low resistant rollers for side ward pressure. Lower force sensing element  54  for being used for depth, acceleration and velocity measurements flanked by left side force sensing element  50  and right side force sensing element  52  to be pressured by left force roller  68  and right force roller  66  when stem  30  is moved or oscillated in the direction of lower lateral arrow  24 . 
       FIG. 6  is a section view of a switch that has the elastomeric material under the key cap. Key stem  70  being pivotably and slideably received in pivot and sliding surface  19  is shown before optical beam  20  is attenuated by lower surface  17  of key stem  70 . Elastomer pad  72  is shown prior to contacting pivot and sliding opening  75 . Key stem spring  74  holds key stem in an up position being restrained in the up direction by key stem retainer  15  awaiting depression from an operator. 
       FIG. 7  is a section view of a switch with lower surface  17  in a mid position attenuating optical beam  20 , and in first contact with elastomer pad  72 . Phantom line  73  shows the starting or up position of key cap  71 . 
       FIG. 8  is a section view of a switch with key cap  71  reaching the extent of downward travel of key stem  70  compressing elastomer pad  72  and lower surface  17  further attenuating optical beam  20 . 
       FIG. 9  is a section view of a switch that uses optical lateral or vibrato detection and a force sensing element for depth, acceleration and velocity. Key stem  76  is shown in an up position with optical beam  20  being straddled by optical opening  78 . Whereas when lateral movement is made by key stem  76  shown by lateral arrow  82  optical beam  20  is attenuated by the sides of optical opening  78  to be calculated by electronic circuit as shown in  FIG. 26  and flow chart in  FIG. 25  to give distance, velocity and cycle times. Pressure foot  74  will contact force sensing element  80  when key stem  76  is in a down position. Pressure foot  74  can be an elastomer of other spring type material. This is advantageous to give better sideward or lateral movement control in applications that want lower pressure for vibrato when in constant contact with force sensitive element  80 . 
     It is known in the art that FSR&#39;s have a force verses resistance relationship such as 0.35 oz. with 10 ohms resistance, 3.57 oz. with 10K ohms resistance or otherwise a direct relationship, but the distance of travel to obtain this resistance change is virtually zero. So it can be advantageous to use an elastomeric pad to contact the pressure sensitive element and although the change in resistance is not as great, the durometer of the elastomeric pad allows for more distance to be traveled by the key stem giving a better feel and protecting the FSR from damage resulting from severe force. 
       FIG. 10  is a section view of a switch in which key stem  84  has a pivot ball  96  to allow full sideward articulation in 360 degrees. Ball slide  98  slides up and down in pivot and sliding opening  94  as shown by up and down arrow  88 . Key stem lower surface  93  attenuates optical beam  91  in the up down direction. The sides of optical opening  95  attenuates crossing optical beam  97  in the direction of upper lateral arrow  10 . Alignment surface  92  is nested in pivot and sliding opening  94  keeping key stem  84  in a neutral position until key stem  84  is pressed in a down direction allow articulation of key stem  84  about pivot ball  96 . Elastomer pad O-ring  90  is shown to limit downward travel and to give resistance to the movement of key stem  84 . 
       FIG. 11  is a section view of a switch showing similar elements of  FIG. 10  but key stem  85  is longer and remains in optical beam  91  and crossing optical beam  97 . Optical opening  95  and crossing optical opening  93  straddling optical beam  91  and crossing optical beam  97  unattenuating each until lateral articulation is started. By having two crossing optical beams being articulated triangulation can be made to direct a cursor or other computer function with a small amount of force. Alignment surface  92  as explained in  FIG. 10  is optional depending on designer preference in as much as if alignment surface  92  is used then an operator moving their fingers over the key surface will not allow any attenuation of position, attenuation will only occur after depressing key stem  85  thus releasing movement to allow attenuation. Then if alignment surface  92  is not there then attenuation of position can be at anytime the key stem  85  is moved. Force sensing element  89  detects the up down key position with varying pressure from key stem  85 . 
       FIG. 12  is a section view of a switch showing key stem  112  in an up position prior to attenuating optical beam  108  with optical slot top  106 . 
       FIG. 13  is a section view of a switch of  FIG. 12  showing key stem  112  in a downward position from phantom line  73  attenuating optical beam  108  with optical slot top  106  and in first contact with elastomeric pad  110 . It should be appreciated that key stem  112  could also have roller contact  79  like is shown in  FIG. 21  to reduce the lateral force being applied to key stem  112  while in contact with elastomeric pad  110 . 
       FIG. 14  is a section view of a keyboard showing the switch of  FIG. 6  in plurality. With key stem  70 , optical beam  20 , printed wiring board  118  being housed in upper housing  114  and lower housing  116 . Having a plurality of switches allows the keyboard to be used for various functions as in input computer codes to a host, position a cursor, input cursor left, right and scroll codes to a host, input Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) commands for playing music, or input computer codes for playing music on a PC. 
       FIG. 15  is a partial section view of a foot switch or foot pedal having key stem  70  and optical beam  20  housed within upper moveable housing  120  and lower housing  122  with pivot  124  there between to allow movement of key stem  70  through optical beam  20  wherein movement can be varied by depressing upper housing  120  to vary the output resultant from attenuating optical beam  20 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a notebook computer with rear display  128  mounted in rear housing  126  attached to lower housing  132  laterally adjoined by left side articulated key keyboard  136  and right side articulated key keyboard  130  which can be fitted with any of the key switches heretofore mentioned. A separate mouse positioning apparatus is not needed because any one or more of the keys can have mouse like articulation heretofore mentioned in delineation of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 11 . Lower display  134  is disposed on lower housing  132 . The arrangement of keys is split at a point to optimize typing or use of the keyboard. This is also an ergonomically advantageous of keys and display to keep your wrist straight, and if you are typing or playing music your reference material, sheet music, or the like can be placed on lower display  134  to keep your neck straight and avoid looking to the side. Left side articulated key keyboard  136  and right side articulated key keyboard  130  can in a fixed position or if the notebook computer is going to be used for travel then they can be made to retract over lower display  134 . In as much as  FIG. 16  is presented as a notebook computer it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art could think of the notebook computer with very limited function as in just for playing music, or just a split keyboard for use with a computer or musical instrument with a surface for reference material like sheet music or web notes. 
       FIG. 17  shows a different arrangement for directing optical beam  142  being emitted from emitter  140  and being detected by detector  144 . Using emitter mirror  138  and detector mirror  146  both emitter  140  and detector  144  can be surface mounted on printed wiring board  141  to facilitate high production assembly of the switch and or a keyboard. 
       FIG. 18  shows emitter  154  emitting a divergent optical beam  156  and being reflected by serrated detection surface  152  on the lower surface of key stem  150  and back through detector beam  160  to detector  158 . When key  150  is moved in the approximate arc shown by lower arc  148  this movement attenuates the detector beam  160  and to show sideward or lateral movement of key stem  150 . Downward detection can be made by the ever decreasing amount of optical beam incident on detector  158  as key stem gets closure to detector  158 , this downward detection can be made with serrated detection surface  152  being a smooth surface. 
       FIG. 19  shows emitter  162  and detector  164  are the only electrical components needed in a singular optical key switch. 
       FIG. 20  shows pressure sensitive element  166  is the only electrical component needed in a singular pressure sensitive key switch. The pressure sensing element can be but not limited to pressure sensing resistor or a pressuring sensing capacitor type component, and as shown in  FIG. 21  there can be multiple pressure sensors to sense lateral positions. And although only three are shown in  FIG. 21  it is to be understood by those experienced in the art that more or less could be used to increase or decrease sensitivity in the lateral direction as shown by lateral lower arrow  82 . 
       FIG. 21  is a section view of a switch with roller contact  79  to apply pressure to pressure sensitive element  81  and to allow lateral movement in the direction of lateral lower arrow  82  by key stem  89  being pivotably and slideably received in pivot and sliding surface  75  allowing the sides of optical opening  100  to attenuate optical beam  85  being emitted from emitter  87 . As an option pressure sensitive element  81  can be flanked by left pressure sensitive element  83  and right pressure sensitive element  77  allowing when key stem  89  is laterally articulated roller contact  79  can apply pressure to left pressure sensitive element  83  or right pressure sensitive element  77  to output a vibrato type of output or a code or codes to a host. This is advantageous to allow lower pressure on a key or persons finger when laterally articulating. The width of the pressure sensing elements can be varied to better optimize either vibrato or computer key output movements. Pressure sensitive element  83  could also be an elastomeric pad like elastomeric pad  110  as in  FIG. 13  when the downward direction is to be sensed by optical beam  85  eliminating the need for pressure sensitive elements. Optical opening  100  is a hole through key stem  89  with optical beam  85  there through can alternately be enabled after contact is made by roller contact  79  on pressure sensitive  81  to lesson any ambiguous attenuation of optical beam  85 . 
     The downward direction can also be sensed by pressure sensitive element  81  and in the lateral direction by lateral signature detection whereas the rolling effect is measured and results to be different than a singular downward pressure. 
       FIG. 22  is a side view of the keyboard showed in  FIG. 22  showing key cap  12 , upper housing  170  and lower housing  168 . 
       FIG. 23  is a plan view of a keyboard showing key cap  12  and upper housing  170  can have a plurality of keys for computer input to either playing music or normal operation of a PC. The pattern number of keys can be varied to match a particular application. 
       FIG. 24  is a plan view of a keyboard with a long key  174  and upper housing  172  with a musical pattern of keys. The number of keys can be varied to match a particular set of notes or have a piano set of 88. 
       FIG. 25  is a firmware flow chart showing key detection and detection of velocity, acceleration and sideward or lateral key movement of a keyboard with a plurality of key switches. With a singular key switch there is no firmware needed with the switch it would be provided by the host device, this flow chart is to be used when a plurality of key switches are used on a keyboard. The flow chart is shown being generic and can relate to optical or proximity sensors or pressure sensitive components. 
     In INITALIZE ports are set to be in either input or output conditions depending on use, ram is tested, and start up sequence with the host is preformed. At SCAN KEY MATRIX a scan is made to store a base line set of vales showing starting point where no keys are pressed. A 100% number is assigned to each detector and is based on the baseline value so all detectors can be computed and said to be equal, in applications where more precise calculations are needed for key articulation then a linearization would need to be done on each sensor and that value put in a table to be called when a percent of amplitude is needed. A scan is made to check if a key has been detected at SCAN FOR KEY. A value of 80%, this value can be changed to match a particular switch or keyboard application need, is used at IS DETECTOR 80% SENSED to see if a key has reached a down or interim position signaling the end of detection or just before after pressure will be tested, if no then a test is made for detector being sensed less than 10% or not sensed at IS DETECTOR 10% SENSED, no then a test is made to see if the host is sending at IS HOST SENDING, if no then a return to SCAN FOR KEY. 
     If at IS HOST SENDING is yes then RECEIVE HOST DATA, RESPOND TO HOST if necessary and return to SCAN FOR KEY. If at IS DETECTOR 10% SENSED the sensed signal is above 10% then COMPUTE ACCELERATION, by reading and storing the first amplitude, compare with next amplitude and count the time verses amplitude using a percent to equal an acceleration. Then COMPUTE VELOCITY in the same way using a percent to equal Velocity. The MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION to a key or output function and SEND CODE TO HOST in a data string with key code being first and the second being a data byte to equal acceleration and velocity. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that three bytes could be sent, one for each function, key code, acceleration and velocity, or in a computer keyboard where only a key code is needed then only be one byte. These bytes can be either PS2 codes, ASCII codes or a custom code derived for speed of transfer over a standard PS2 link or other data link systems like USB, serial or parallel, or to the 31250 baud MIDI specification. 
     If yes at IS DETECTOR 80% SENSED a test is made at IS LATERAL SENSED to see if a sideward or lateral articulation is being made. This is done by testing if the side sensors have a change is sensed value. This test could also be made prior to IS DETECTOR 80% SENSED and is advantageous in applications where lateral movement is made for other computer or musical products like a mouse pointing device or for use by a handicap person that cannot produce the force necessary to attain 80% pressure, or in the case of the musical instrument where lateral movement is vibrato and the vibrato is wanted above 80%, or to enter codes or sequences of code like ctrl+C for copy and ctrl+V for paste, any of which can be programmed into the keyboard or computer to be recalled by the keyboard lateral direction. If at IS LATERAL SENSED is yes then COMPUTE WHICH DIRECTION by testing which side or triangulate to see the angled direction, then LOAD FUNCTION EQUAL DIRECTION and go to MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION. If at IS LATERAL SENSED is no then test IS SENSED OSCILLATING to see if the signal is changing, then test IS SENSED AFTER 80% is no then go to MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION. If IS SENSED AFTER 80% is yes then compute after pressure by reading and storing the first amplitude, compare with next amplitude and count the time verses amplitude using a percent to equal after pressure. After pressure is more commonly used in musical instruments when a key is held down, then the musician can press harder and get a louder note, or now with the ever changing need for more function from a computer or keyboard the after pressure can be equated and assigned any function code like a mouse, key, or a series of codes as in ctrl+V for paste. Then go to MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION. 
     If at IS SENSED OSCILLATING is yes then by computing a oscillation of the amplitude rising and falling at a rate being done at COMPUTE OSCILLATION and got to MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION where a data code value is assigned for the oscillation signature whether it be vibrato or other assigned functions. 
       FIG. 26  is the micro processor schematic for a keyboard. Keyboard micro processor  200  has various ports under control of the firmware, one such port  202  is shown labeled PH referring to Port H, these ports control the input/output of the keyboard, turning on and off the emitters and detectors, and detecting varying voltage amplitudes from the detectors. One such input/output is shown at keyboard connector  204 , others shown are for MIDI, FM, IR, MOUSE and USB. 
     The quantities of keys vary with different keyboards for different applications as shown in  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 22  and in  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 27  shows a typical detector matrix, and  FIG. 28  shows the detectors matching typical emitter matrix, and depending on the number of detectors and emitters needed in a given keyboard these typical matrixes can be decreased or increased to match the application. In operation PFET  220  is turned on to give a positive bias to signal resistor  222  by output port  221 , at the same time NFET  229  is turned on to give a negative bias to the cathode of detector  226  by port  221 . A voltage amplitude is then seen over A/D resister  222  and at A/D input port  225 . This voltage amplitude will then vary depending on the amount of light that is emitted to detector  226 . The amount of light that can be emitted to the detector is governed by the position of the key stem, one such is key stem  30  of  FIG. 1 . If the key stem or interrupter is not depressed then the majority of light from an emitter is received by the detector, then depending on the amount of depression by the user on the key stem varying amounts of light will be seen as voltage amplitude changes at port  225 . Isolation diode  228  isolates detector  226  to maintain proper voltage bias. 
     In  FIG. 28  PFET  230  is turned on by port  234  to give a positive bias to emitter  232  through current limiting resistor  231 . NFET  233  is then turned on by port  234  the give a negative bias to emitter  232  thus illuminating emitter  232 . Using a matrix like is shown in  FIG. 27  has two distinct advantages, one being a power saving in overall current drain from the host because the detectors are alternatively turned on, and two, isolating detector emitter pairs to limit cross talk between different detector emitter pairs. 
     In  FIG. 29  it shows a similar sensor matrix as in  FIG. 26  with the exception the sensors are pressure sensitive and do not need an opposing emitter matrix. In operation PFET  240  is turned on to give a positive bias to signal resistor  248  by output port  252 , at the same time NFET  250  is turned on to give a negative bias sensor  244  by port  252 . A voltage amplitude is then seen over A/D resister  248  and at A/D input port  246 . This voltage amplitude will then vary depending on the amount of pressure that is applied to the key stem to sensor  244 . The amount of pressure that can be applied to the sensor is governed by the position of the key stem. If the key stem is not depressed then there is no pressure on sensor  244 , then depending on the amount of depression by the user on the key stem varying amounts of pressure will be seen as voltage amplitude changes at port  246 . Isolation diode  242  isolates sensor  244  to maintain proper voltage bias. 
     In  FIG. 30  it shows key top  300  with indicia printed thereon. Directional X arrow  304  and Y arrow  302  show the X and Y movement. Key stem  318  protruding through elastomer element  330  is allowed to move in an X and Y direction, and staying on the X and Y plane can move at any angle an operator would choose. Printed wiring board  322  retains emitters  328  and  324 , and detectors  316  and  312  which can have control circuitry. Key stem  318  has slots with an X center edge  326  and when in the rest or normal position intersects X beam  320 , and at an intersecting angle has slots with a Y center edge  310  and when in the rest or normal position intersects Y beam  314 . These center edges intersecting these beams are advantageous to show the direction that the key top  300  and key stem  318  are moving. If X center edge  326  is moved in one direction it starts to block X beam  320  more, if X center edge  326  is moved in the opposite direction X beam  320  is blocked less. So by measuring the amplitude of X beam  320  the direction of key top  300  can be sensed. The same is true of Y center edge  310  and Y beam  314 . 
       FIG. 31  showing a cross section of a slim style of keyboard with an elastomer keys  340  being housed by a top cover  346  and bottom cover  356 . Elastomer keys  340  being one piece and positionally retained to a resting position by rib  338  to maintain the alignment over emitter  332  with a light beam  352  being received by detector  354  with an intersecting light beam  350  being received by detector  336  being received by printed wiring board  358  that can have circuitry to control detection of key movemovement. Having rib  338  isolates other adjoined elastomer keys  340  so the movement of one key will not effect another. Elastomer key  340  when moved in the direction of directional arrow  347  attenuates light beam  350  to show direction of movement of elastomer keys  340 . Illuminator  348  can emit a light beam  334 A to  334 B to illuminate a particular key to show depressed and or guide an operator through a sequence of keys, or just be used to illuminate the keyboard. 
     In  FIG. 32  it shows a cross section similar to  FIG. 31  except that key  360  is separate from key  366  being positionally retained in a resting position by rib  364 . It should be appreciated to those skilled in the art that key  360  being shown as an individual key could be fabricated from a material other than an elastomer, whereas key  360  could be a rigid material with a spring means retaining it in a resting position. Key nib  367  on key  366  can be used to facilitate movement of keys in a lateral direction. View  362  at LEVEL  362 A shows the emitter and detector positions as shown in  FIG. 33 .  FIG. 33  is a mechanical schematic of the positions of emitter  332  and  368  with beams  352  and  350  being received by detectors  336  and  354 . With illuminator  348  emitting beam  344 . 
       FIG. 34  shows a key and detection means to detect movement in the X, Y and Z directions. Key  428  is retained in upper housing  422  by snaps  424  with spring  378  holding key  426  in a non-depressed position. Recess  428  can be used to retain removable indicia. Slot  372  with a center edge  370  attenuates beam  420  to show direction of movement of key  426 . Elastomer ring  376  gives a first stop for showing when key  426  has reached a first stop. Quad mirror support  390  supports mirrors  418  and  402  to direct beam  400  from emitter  404  to detector  416  being received on printed wiring board  412 , and cover by bottom cover  414 . Illuminator  408  with beam  410  illuminates key  426  through key opening  374 . Down position top slot  380  attenuates beam  400  when key  426  reaches first stop position when elastomer ring  376  is in first stop against top cover  422 , then when key  426  is further depressed elastomer ring  376  becomes oblong and further attenuates beam  400 . This is advantageous so velocity can be sensed of key  426  by timing the time key  426  starts to attenuate beam  420  and beam  420  until elastomer ring  376  contacts upper housing  422 , then after pressure is sensed from the continuing pressure and the amount of compression of elastomer ring  376 . 
       FIG. 35  shows a cross section of the switch in  FIG. 34  in a depressed condition with key  426  lower surface  406  attenuating beam  400 . 
       FIG. 36  shows a mobile device with housing  458  and display  456 , and a pattern of keys as in  FIG. 31  and  FIG. 32 . Mouse positioning key  461  having X and Y sensing can by triangulation using the beam  350  and beam  352  of  FIG. 31  can position a mouse cursor on display  456 . 
       FIG. 37  shows a key  454  being held in elastomer  452  to retain key  454  in a resting position while still allows key  454  to move. Key  454  with a conductive lower surface  442  that when moved in direction  432  “T” connects printed wiring board traces  448  and  444  resulting in connection of circuits connected to pads  445  and  443  that can be connected to a control circuit for detecting key  454  direction. When key  454  is moved in direction  430  U is connects traces  438  and  440  resulting is key  454  movement in the direction  430  “U” direction. Pad  436  is used to detect key  454  movement in direction  432  “I”, and pad  450  is used to detect key  454  movement in the direction  430  “Y” direction. When key  454  is moved in a forty five degree direction then it would connect both sets of pads associated with that direction. As in if key  454  was positioned in the direction of  430  “U” and  432  “T” it would connect traces  448 ,  444 ,  440  and  438  and show a forty five degree movement in that direction thus giving a triangulation showing direction. It should be appreciated to those skilled in the art that traces  448  and  444  could be different shapes or sizes and still function as contacts. It should also be appreciated to those skilled in the art that conductive surface  442  could be a carbon deposit or a separate and different material than key  454  is fabricated from. 
       FIG. 38  shows a top surface  14  with pivot and sliding opening  13  allowing key stem  30  to slide in an up down direction as shown by up down arrow  32  and pivot or be sideward articulated as shown by upper lateral arrow  10 . Key stem  30  having an optical opening  22  with optical opening top  34 . When key stem  30  moves in a downward direction optical opening  22  with sides that straddle light beam  20  and allows light beam  20  to pass through until optical opening top  34  attenuates light beam  20  giving the position of stem  30 . Emitter  28  and detector  16  can be mounted on printed wiring board  18  that can have circuitry to modulate the on and off conditions of each. Elastomeric pad  26  is disposed on printed wiring board  18 . When elastomeric pad  26  or tension element is contacted by key stem  30 , key cap  12  can be pivoted in a sideward direction. The resultant pivot direction of key stem  30  from upper lateral arrow  10  is shown by lower lateral arrow  24  and the sides of optical opening  22  modifies the resultant emitence of light beam  20  emitted from emitter  28  and incident on detector  16 . The clearance between key stem  30  and pivot and sliding opening  13  can be matched to a users preference in as much as more clearance to get more angle of pivot to less clearance to get less angle of movement. At any time from when light beam  20  starts to be attenuated measurements can be made from that point until or during resistance has been felt by elastomeric pad  26  to equal velocity and acceleration from an operator pushing key cap  12 . From the point that resistance is felt measurements can be made that can equal after pressure optically, or the amount of compression elastomeric pad  26  is being compressed optically. Tension elements like elastomeric pad  26  can be made from different durometer elastomers or other spring type components to give the feel conducive to an operator&#39;s preference. After pressure can be plus or minus so if the operator presses harder then softer the distance traveled can be equated to a computer function or when used in a musical instrument a louder or softer tone or note. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the elements shown in  FIG. 38  could be replicated to form a multi key keyboard. 
     Elastomeric pad  26  is not a requirement to be used to detect the depth in position of key stem  30 , in some systems it may just be a stop to stop the downward motion of key cap  12 . If elastomeric pad  26  is not used depth can be measured through the attenuated range of optical beam  20 , velocity from a point to a point can be measured, and acceleration can be measured because all measurements are in distance. This can be advantageous for an operator to use position in place of pressure, as in musical notes from a Trombone where notes are from the position of the slide, or for a handicap person that cannot apply a force sensing elements required force to get a pleasing output. 
     The tension element elastomeric pad  26  can be of the type used in  FIG. 6  where that elastomeric pad  72  is placed in the key cap  12 . 
     When key cap  12  is pivoted or oscillated in a sideward direction light beam  20  will be attenuated by the sides of optical opening  22  and can be measured as a distance to give acceleration and velocity, these measurements can equal a computer function or when playing music it can equal a vibrato effect. This is advantageous when oscillated to be able to have music actually sound as if it was coming from an actual musical instrument where sideward movement of a musicians fingers affect the mouth piece mouth relationship giving a varying intensity or vibrato effect. This is also advantageous when pivoted by a computer operator to input a function, like pivot the keyboard key to the left and get Ctrl+V to paste, and pivot the key to the right and get Ctrl+C to copy. When switch of  FIG. 38  is used in a keyboard in plurality each key could output the same code or sequence of codes allowing ctrl+C or ctrl+V or any other code or sequence available with any typing finger while inputting data or playing music. 
       FIG. 39  having the similar elements as  FIG. 38  with the addition of a second emitter  44  and second detector  42  having a second optical beam  38  there between being attenuated in the up down direction by second optical opening top  40  in key stem  31  and attenuated in the front to back direction shown by upper front back arrow  46  giving a resultant movement in direction shown by lower front back arrow  48  by second optical opening  36 . Having two emitter detector pairs bi-directional alignment allows selection of computer or musical functions in four directions or by triangulation in multiple directions, and when the output is directed to a mouse port can give cursor control. 
       FIG. 40  is a cross section of a switch with multidirectional movement where pivot  604  allows conductive key  602  with a contact surface  600  to connect to contact  606  when conductive key  602  is pivoted toward contact  606 . 
       FIG. 41  showing a cross section of a slim style of keyboard with housing  630  of  FIG. 1  and one of multidirectional keys  634  with a key edge  640  that can be restricted in movement buy key opening  632 . Key movement plane  642  shows the plane of three hundred and sixty degree movement that multidirectional keys  634  can be directed for detection. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of a single preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.