Patent Publication Number: US-2013230345-A1

Title: Ramped-Key Keyboard for a Handheld Mobile Communication Device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/431,219, filed on Mar. 27, 2012, which application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/861,118, filed on Sep. 25, 2007, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/826,898, filed Sep. 25, 2006. Said applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to keyboards for handheld electronic devices, and more particularly to keyboards for handheld electronic devices, as well as the devices themselves, that have keys which include a turned-up or ramped corner that facilitates thumb typing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The keyboard of a handheld electronic device, and more particularly, a handheld mobile communication device, can be used to enter text for sending messages electronically, as well as to dial phone numbers for voice calls. The keyboard for text entry can take many different forms including a keyboard in which all letters of the alphabet are shown on respective keys. 
     Handheld mobile communication devices can be used to send electronic mail and other data messages. Even though these devices have the ability to send text messages, the entry of text requires care to avoid striking unintended keys. Today, handheld mobile communication devices are being designed with smaller widths which present a challenge in designing a keyboard that is both easy to use and has large enough keys for the user. Use of the device is further complicated by the fact that users typically make use of their thumbs, the largest of the digits, for striking the keys. One problem the present disclosure appreciates and addresses is the fact that when the keys present a generally uniform top surface, it is easy to inadvertently press surrounding keys when an intended key is pressed using the user&#39;s thumb. Therefore, the solutions of this disclosure focus on designs that facilitate a particular key&#39;s depression, while avoiding inadvertent actuations of surrounding key(s). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a handheld mobile communication (handheld electronic) device comprising a keyboard configured according to the teachings of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the lower front portion of the handheld mobile communication device of  FIG. 1  including the keyboard; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a flexible keyboard overlay for incorporation into a handheld mobile communication device showing a user&#39;s thumbs oriented relative thereto; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the flexible keyboard overlay of  FIG. 3  without indicia; 
         FIG. 4   a  is an expanded view of several keys of the keyboard of  FIG. 3  located adjacent the vertical centerline (Vc); 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the flexible keyboard overlay of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are side (lateral and bottom, respectively) views of the flexible keyboard overlay of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective front view of an alternatively configured handheld mobile communication device according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the handheld mobile communication device of  FIG. 8  demonstrating the width, d 1 , of the device; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary wireless handheld electronic device incorporating an keyboard configured according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram representing a wireless handheld communication device interacting in a communication network. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be appreciated at the outset that while the instant disclosure describes one or more preferred embodiments of a ramped-key keyboard, such embodiments are presented solely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limitations on the scope of the disclosure. 
     The instant disclosure relates to handheld electronic devices and more particularly to mobile handheld communication devices comprising ramped-key keyboards. As used herein, the term “handheld electronic device” describes a relatively small electronic device that is capable of being held in a user&#39;s hand. “Handheld electronic device” is a broad term that includes devices further classified as handheld communication devices, and mobile handheld communications devices, which can interact with one or more communications networks to transmit and receive data of various types, e.g., text, voice, data, etc. 
     The ramped-key keyboard disclosed herein can be a full keyboard. A full keyboard refers to a keyboard on which all the keys of the alphabet are shown as indicia on the keys. Reference to a full keyboard in the remainder of the disclosure can be abbreviated as “keyboard.” Furthermore, “keyboard” can also be used to refer to a ramped-key keyboard. The format of the indicia shown on the keys can comprise, for example, the letters A-Z in one of a standard keyboard layout and/or numerals as described later in this writing. Examples of different types of standard keyboard layouts include, but are not limited to: QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and Dvorak layouts. In the embodiments disclosed, the keyboard is secured to the housing and the keys are located on the face side of the device. 
     In the alternative to comprising a full keyboard, the ramped-key keyboard can be configured to comprise a plurality of keys wherein alphabetic letters are associated with the keys, but at least a portion of the individual keys have multiple alphabetic letters associated therewith. This type of configuration is referred to as a reduced keyboard (in comparison to the full keyboard described immediately above) and can, among others comprise QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and Dvorak layouts. 
     Generally, typing or inputting information on a handheld electronic device is typically performed by using the thumbs to strike the keys. The motion of the thumbs while holding a handheld electronic device is different when compared with the typical motion that a typist uses when using a standard sized keyboard, e.g., a typewriter, word processor, or keyboard that is attached to a computer. The fingers used to type on standard typewriters, word processing machines, e.g. desktop computers, or other data entry devices, typically involves holding the hands and fingers over a set of keys that make up a so-called home row of keys. Typing on a handheld electronic device, on the other hand, does not allow a user to use all of his/her fingers because the device is too small to accommodate the use of all of the fingers. Consequently, users of such handheld mobile communication/electronic devices are forced to employ a “hunt and peck” type style of entry, use their thumbs, or use some other type of entry that is different from the typical motion of a typist that uses a regularly sized keyboard. This condition is further aggravated by the use of smaller devices in which the keys of the keyboard are made smaller and/or closer to one another. 
     Additionally, the range of motion of the human thumb is different from that of the human fingers. Typing on a keyboard of a handheld mobile communication device can be described by the way the user strikes keys and holds the device. When the user desires to type on the handheld mobile communication device, the device is rested in one or more palm(s) of the user&#39;s hand(s) and the thumb(s) are used to perform the key striking. 
     Because of the large “footprint” of the thumb when typing on keys of these small keyboards, it is easy to actually be engaging two or more keys when only one is intended. Measures have previously been taken to minimize this effect. For example, the edges of the keys have been beveled so they are less likely to be engaged by an adjacent finger or thumb. In this manner, more clearance space is provided around a particular key thereby accommodating an engaging finger or thumb with less overlap on adjoining keys. 
     In the accompanying figures, a handheld electronic device is generally illustrated by reference numeral  300 . Handheld electronic device  300 , which can comprise a mobile communications device, is seen as comprising housing  12  having front side  14 , rear side  16 , top side  18 , bottom side  20 , right side  22  and left side  24 . In the figures, handheld electronic device  300  is illustrated as further comprising a ramped-key keyboard  332  (which can be a QWERTY keyboard), an electronic graphical display  322  (which can be an illuminable LED display), input buttons  26  (which may be left and right “mouse,” telephone buttons for initiating or ending a telephone call, function buttons, keyboard buttons, etc.), cursor navigation controller assembly  328  for navigating a cursor about the electronic graphical display and causing execution of a selected function to be performed, speaker  334 , and microphone  336 . 
     The handheld electronic device  300  can also comprise one or more inputs/outputs, for example, a USB port, for among other things, providing power to the device, charging a battery, or transferring data to/from another electronic device. The handheld electronic device has a width D 1 , which is between 1 and 5 inches, and preferably between 2 and 3½ inches, and a height which is preferably between 2 and 5 inches (See  FIG. 9 ). 
     As may be appreciated from  FIG. 1 , electronic display  322  is generally disposed above the ramped-key keyboard  332  and is suitable for accommodating textual input to the handheld electronic device  300  when in an operable configuration. Preferably, the electronic display  322  and keyboard  332  are disposed on the front side  14  of the handheld electronic device  300 . As shown, the device  300  is of unibody construction, but it is also contemplated that the device may be of an alternative construction such as that commonly known as “clamshell,” “flip-phone,” “sliding,” or “rotating” style. The navigation cursor control assembly  328  and keyboard  332  are each generally located below the electronic display  322 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , which illustrate the ramped-key keyboard  332  in more detail, the keyboard  332  is generally rectangular in appearance and spans a substantial entirety of the width D 1  of the device  300 . Ramped-key keyboard  332  is bounded by top  36 , bottom  38 , left  40  and right  42  keyboard sides. Left  40  and right keyboard  42  sides are generally parallel with respect to one another, but can be otherwise. Top  36  and bottom  38  sides can be, alone or in combination, linear or arced and the arced sides can be concave, convex or combinations thereof. The ramped-key keys  30  and input keys  26  (function keys) of the keyboard predominantly extend from the left side  40  to the right side  42  of the keyboard and from the top side  36  to the bottom side  38  of the keyboard. 
     Generally, the keyboard  332  comprises a left-hand keyfield  32 , which is located to the left of the vertical centerline V c  of the housing, and a right-hand keyfield  34 , which is located to the right of the vertical centerline V c  of the housing (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     In one contemplated configuration, the top surface of the ramped-keys is curved and resembles a cresting wave. The vertical portion of the wave basically provides an upturning wall against which the thumb engages when depressing the particular key. The very top of the wave is provided with a ridge that can be tactually sensed by the thumb, and the ridge also provides resistance to the thumb slipping over the top of the ramped-key. The top of the wave also provides an elevated portion to the key that can be engaged up above the rest of the key&#39;s surface. 
     The ramped-key is scalloped behind the wave portion, which is to say undercut slightly back toward the key body. In this way, the several surrounding keys collectively provide a clearance space around the target or central key thereby aiding actuation of only that target key while avoiding inadvertent actuation of those surrounding keys. This clearance zone establishes an enhanced actuation zone for the target key. 
     On keys of the right-hand keyfield  34 , the left top corner contains the elevated wave portion. As an enhancement, the bottom right corner can be lowered or shaved down further enhancing the ramped nature of the key&#39;s top surface. For the keys of the left-hand keyfield, the configuration is mirrored. Because of the scallops, a top plan view of the key demonstrates that the elevated wave portion is not at the edge of the key, but in fact more centrally located with respect the top surface of the key. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the keyboard is depicted as a flexible overlay sheeting for incorporation into a wireless handheld mobile communication device as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . The keyboard comprises a keyfield comprising a plurality of depressible keys arranged in rows that are distributed about a vertical centerline (Vc) of the keyboard. Each of the depressible keys constituting the rows in the keyfield (but not necessarily all of the keys in total) has a top engagement surface  31  of which an upper inboard portion  43  is raised relative a lower outboard portion  45  thereof. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4   a , in one embodiment, each of the depressible keys has a top engagement surface  31  of which an upper inboard portion  43  is raised relative a lower outboard portion  45  thereof. The top engagement surface  31  of each of the depressible keys is ramped from the lower outboard portion  45  toward the upper inboard portion  43 . Each top engagement surface  31  is generally crest shaped  41 , with the apex of the crest running generally diagonally across the respective key with the rest of the top engagement surface  31  falling away from the crest toward the upper outboard portion and the lower inboard portion of the key, forming a diagonally oriented crest  41 . Although the apex of the crest  41  is illustrated as straight in  FIG. 4   a , other embodiments in which the diagonally oriented crest is rounded or curved are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     As may also be appreciated in  FIG. 4   a , the top engagement surface  31  of each of the depressible keys terminates at an upper edge thereof in a diagonally running ridge  37  from which the balance of the respective top engagement surface  31  slopes. Further in this example, each of the depressible keys has an upper side surface  47  that slopes downward from the elevated ridge at a grade greater than any grade of the top engagement surface  31 . 
       FIG. 3  aptly illustrates the keyfield comprising a right-hand keyfield  34  composed of a plurality of depressible keys located on a right-hand side of the vertical centerline of the device and a left-hand keyfield composed of a plurality of keys located on a left-hand side of the vertical centerline of the device. Each key of the plurality of keys located on the left-hand side of the vertical centerline has a top engagement surface that is lower-left-to-upper-right inclined and each key of the plurality of keys located on the right-hand side of the vertical centerline has a top engagement surface that is lower-right-to-upper-left inclined. 
     As is typified in  FIGS. 1-2  and  8 - 11 , the present disclosure is also directed toward a wireless handheld mobile communication device comprising a housing with a display located in a top portion  5  thereof for displaying information and a keyboard located in a lower portion  6  thereof below the display. In this regard, the keyboard is uniquely configured as described herein. 
     As depicted, the wireless handheld mobile communication device also includes an input device exemplified as a trackball that controls cursor movement on the display via the device&#39;s included microprocessor. 
     The keys comprising the keyfields can be of several shapes that include, but are not limited to: substantially trapezoidal and substantially parallelogram shaped (rectangular and non-rectangular) and possibly comprising arced side members to correspond with an arced side of the keyboard. Also the lengths and widths of the various keys can vary depending on a number of factors, e.g., width and height of the device, width and height of the keyboard, etc.; albeit the length of the keys will typically be greater than the width. In some embodiments, a navigation controller assembly  328 , or other auxiliary I/O device, can be disposed proximate, or within a portion of the void  39 . 
     The ramped keys  30  can be arranged such that the upper row of keys in the left-hand keyfield  32  are keys “Q”, “W”, “E”, “R”, and “T.” Another lower row of keys in the left-hand keyfield  32  can be: “A”, “S”, “D”, “F”, and “G.” Still further, an even lower row of keys can comprise the keys “ALT”, “Z”, “X”, “C”, and “V”. While these rows are described in relation to a standard QWERTY key arrangement, other types of arrangements including, but not limited to, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or Dvorak are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, an upper row in the right-hand keyfield  34  can comprise keys with indicia corresponding to letters “Y”, “U”, “I”, “O”, and “P”. Further, a lower row can be composed of the keys with indicia corresponding to letters “H”, “J”, “K”, “L”, and symbol “&lt;”. As mentioned above, these comprise embodiments of a standard QWERTY array, and other known arrays can be used instead and remain within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The indicia on the keys are provided so that the indicia generally appear uprightly oriented along an imaginary horizontal line that extends across a row of keys; the indicia can also appear along an arced imaginary line, if desired. The indicia can comprise alphabetic indicia as well as numeric indicia and/or other functions and symbols. The layout of the alphabetic indicia is generally provided to present the user with a familiar and easy to follow keyboard arrangement. The above described alphabetic indicia can be arranged in one of QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and Dvorak layouts. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the keyboard is held in the palm(s) of a user&#39;s hand(s), the thumb(s) of the user are generally naturally diagonally oriented with respect to the housing and/or naturally diagonally oriented with respect to the vertical center V c . The longitudinal axis of the user&#39;s right thumb is shown. 
     As shown in at least  FIGS. 3-5 , a void  39  is formed near the top row of the keyboard proximate the nexus of the left-hand keyfield  32  and right-hand keyfield  34 . This void  39  is useful because it provides a natural location for accommodating a navigation controller assembly  328  (also known as an auxiliary I/O device), which can be useful for navigating a cursor on the electronic display  322 , or for other purposes. The navigation controller assembly  328  can comprise several forms that include, but are not limited to: cursor keys, trackball, navigation wheel, joystick, touchpad, or barrel roller, among other types of auxiliary input devices. The location of the auxiliary I/O device  328  between the display  322  of the handheld communication device  300  and the ramped-key keyboard  332  provides the user with a familiar location for the navigation controller assembly  328 . The void  39  provided by the nexus of the left-hand keyfield  32  and the right-hand keyfield  34  allows freedom of movement away from other keys on the keyboard. The size and shape of this void area  39  can vary depending on, among other things, the width D 1  and height D 2  of the handheld electronic device, the disposition of the top  36 , bottom  38 , left  40  and right  42  sides of the keyboard  328  (linear versus arcuate), key length, key width and the like. 
     The left and right-hand keyfields  32 ,  34  can be configured such that the ramped-key keys  30  are bound by one or more input keys  26  to form the top side  36  and bottom side  38  of the keyboard. Preferably, the input keys  26  forming the top side  36  and bottom side  38  of the keyboard comprise one or more function keys; e.g., CALL SEND, CALL END, ALT, SPACEBAR, RETURN, BACKSPACE, SYMBOL, or SHIFT keys and the like. In some embodiments, the function keys can be integrated with the keys of the left and right-hand keyfields. Alternatively, the function keys can be located above or below the left and right-hand keyfields and can be arranged to form a generally horizontal line. In other embodiments, the function keys can comprise arced sides or can be aligned substantially along arcs to thereby form convex or concave top sides  36  and bottom sides  38 . The arcs forming the top and bottom sides can be identical, or different from one another and different arrangements of the function keys are described in relation to several figures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the handheld electronic device is capable of various forms of communication and the arrangement of keyboard  332  encourages efficient and ergonomic typing. This arrangement enables user&#39;s to send text messages that can take many forms including electronic mail messages. In a preferred embodiment, the handheld electronic device is equipped to communicate with a wireless system to allow a user to place telephone calls. In addition to comprising a plurality of keys corresponding to letters of the alphabet, the keyboard  332  can also be configured to comprise a standard telephone keypad layout as an overlay of indicia on some of the keys in the left-hand keyfield, or right-hand keyfield. Such configuration allows for efficient use of both text and voice communication modes. 
     The various characters, commands and functions associated with keyboard typing, in general, are traditionally arranged using various conventions. The most common of these in the United States, for instance, is the QWERTY keyboard layout. Others include the QWERTZ, AZERTY, and Dvorak keyboard configurations. 
     The QWERTY keyboard layout is the standard English-language alphabetic key arrangement  44 . In this configuration, Q, W, E, R, T and Y are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. It was designed by Christopher Sholes, who invented the typewriter. The keyboard layout was organized by him to prevent people from typing too fast and jamming the keys. The QWERTY layout was included in the drawing for Sholes&#39; patent application in 1878. 
     The QWERTZ keyboard layout is normally used in German-speaking regions. In this configuration, Q, W, E, R, T and Z are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. It differs from the QWERTY keyboard layout by exchanging the “Y” with a “Z”. This is because “Z” is a much more common letter than “Y” in German and the letters “T” and “Z” often appear next to each other in the German language. 
     The AZERTY keyboard layout is normally used in French-speaking regions. In this configuration, A, Z, E, R, T and Y are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. It is similar to the QWERTY layout, except that the letters Q and A are swapped, the letters Z and W are swapped, and the letter M is in the middle row instead of the bottom one. 
     Alphabetic key arrangements in full keyboards and typewriters are often presented along with numeric key arrangements. An exemplary numeric key arrangement is shown wherein the numbers 1-9 and 0 are positioned above the alphabetic keys. In another numeric key arrangement, numbers share keys with the alphabetic characters, such as for example, the top row of the QWERTY keyboard. A numeric phone key arrangement  45  is shown in the figures. 
     It is desirable for handheld electronic devices  300  to include a combined text-entry keyboard and a telephony keyboard. Examples of such mobile communication devices include mobile stations, cellular telephones, wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way paging devices, and others. Various keyboards are used with such devices depending in part on the physical size of the handheld electronic device. Some of these are termed full keyboard, reduced keyboard, and phone key pads. 
     In embodiments of the handheld electronic device  300  having a full keyboard, only one alphabetic character is associated with each one of a plurality of physical keys. Thus, with an English-language keyboard, there are at least 26 keys in the plurality, one for each letter of the English alphabet. In such embodiments using the English-language alphabet, one of the keyboard layouts described above is usually employed, and with the QWERTY keyboard layout being the most common. 
     Other embodiments can comprise a full keyboard for alphabetic characters and incorporate a combined numeric keyboard. In this embodiment, numeric characters share keys with alphabetic characters on the top row of the QWERTY keyboard. In the illustrated embodiment, the numeric characters share keys with alphabetic characters on the left side of the keyboard. 
     Examples of handheld electronic devices having a full keyboard assembly are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,278,442 and 6,891,529, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     Further aspects of the environments, devices and methods of employment described hereinabove are expanded upon in the following details. An exemplary embodiment of the handheld electronic device  300  as shown is cradleable in one or more palm(s) the palm of a user&#39;s hand. The size of the device  300  is such that a user is capable of operating the device using the same hand that is holding the device. In an embodiment, the user is capable of actuating all features of the device  300  using a single thumb of the cradling hand. In an embodiment, the handheld device  300  features a keyboard  332  on the face of the device  300 , which keyboard is actuable by the thumb of the hand cradling the device  300 . As intimated in  FIG. 3 , the user may also hold the device  300  in such a manner to enable two thumbs to type on the device  300 . Furthermore, the user may use fingers rather than thumbs to actuate the keys on the device  300 . In order to accommodate palm-cradling of the device  300  by the average person, the length, or height, of the device, D 2 , is generally greater than the width D 1 , and the width is preferably between approximately two and three inches, but by no means limited to such dimensions. 
     The handheld electronic device  300  includes an input portion and an output display portion. The output display portion can be a display screen  322 , such as an LCD or other similar display device. 
     Among the physical keys, all or a portion of the plurality of keys have one or more indicia displayed at their top surface and/or on the surface of the area adjacent the respective key, the particular indicia representing the character(s), command(s) and/or function(s) typically associated with that key. In the instance where the indicia of a key&#39;s function is provided adjacent the key, it is understood that this may be a permanent insignia that is, for instance, printed on the device cover beside the key, or in the instance of keys located adjacent the display screen, a current indicia for the key may be temporarily shown nearby the key on the screen. 
     An exemplary handheld electronic device  300  is shown in the assembly drawing of  FIG. 10  and its cooperation in a wireless network is exemplified in the block diagram of  FIG. 11 . These figures are exemplary only, and those persons skilled in the art will appreciate the additional elements and modifications necessary to make the device work in particular network environments. 
     Integration of the trackball assembly into handheld device  300  can be seen in the exploded view of  FIG. 10  showing some of the typical components found in the assembly of the handheld electronic device  300 . The construction of the device benefits from various manufacturing simplifications. The internal components are predominantly constructed on a single PCB (printed circuit board, not illustrated). The keyboard  332  in one of the presently described embodiments is constructed from a single piece of material, and in some embodiments is made from plastic. While in another embodiment, the keyboard  332  can be constructed from a film on plastic technology allowing the plastic keyboard to be labeled with the desired alphanumeric arrangements as described herein. In at least one embodiment, the keyboard  332  is flexible allowing each individual key to move substantially independent from the other keys on the keyboard  332 . 
     In one of the presently described embodiments, the keyboard  332  is assembled as part of a user input subassembly. The user input subassembly at least includes a lightguide panel  138  constructed of light diffusing material. The user subassembly optionally includes a navigational tool (examplary a trackball navigational tool  325 ) and a dome sheet  139 . The keyboard  332  can be attached to a front surface of the lightguide panel  138 . Additionally a dome sheet  139  can be mounted on the back surface of the lightguide panel  138  for receiving input from the keyboard  332  through the lightguide panel  138 . The dome sheet  139  is in communication with the PCB (not shown) allowing for communication of a user selected key on the keyboard  332 . The dome sheet  139  in at least one embodiment provides for switches that relay information to the PCB, and while in the presently described examplary embodiment one switch is provided for every key on the keyboard  332 , in other embodiments more than one switch or less than one switch per key are provided. 
     In at least one embodiment, the PCB is equipped with at least one concentrate light source that emits light to the back surface of the lightguide panel  138 . The portion of the back surface of the lightguide panel  138  that receives the concentrate light can aptly be described as a light-entrance surface are of the back surface of the lightguide panel  138 . Furthermore, when the user input subassembly is constructed using a dome sheet  139 , apertures can be provided in the dome sheet  138  to allow the at least one concentrate light source to be transmitted to the lightguide panel  138 . The lightguide panel  138  is constructed to diffuse the light from the at least one concentrate light source to diffuse and be emitted through at least a portion of the front surface of the lightguide panel. The light source in at least one embodiment is a light emitting diode (LED). When the PCB is provided with a plurality of concentrate light sources, these light sources can be a plurality of LEDs. 
     In one embodiment, the trackball navigational tool assembly further comprises a lock ring  23  that at least partially surrounds the trackball navigational tool  325 . The lock ring  23  like the trackball navigation tool can include a securement feature such as a barbed insert or a ramped insert that is capable of being snap-engaged or press-fit into the corresponding securement feature formed at the surface of the lightguide panel  138 . These interfaces on the lock ring  23  likewise establish a releaseable interference connection and a releasable friction connection, respectively, between the trackball navigational tool assembly and the lightguide panel  138 . 
     The user input subassembly is mountable within the handheld electronic device to the back support frame  109 . The user input subassembly can be assembled using one or more of the above described components such that a user interface such as a keyboard and/or navigational tool are provided to the user of the handheld device  300  on the front face thereof. 
     The user input subassembly allows for various keypads such as keyboard  332  to be placed in communication with the lightguide panel  138 . This allows the user or manufacturer to exchange the keyboard  332  according to the desired alphabetic arrangement of the particular region the handheld device  300  is shipped. Likewise, the user input subassembly can be integrated into varying support frames such as the one described herein or others in which proper connection and support is provided for the lightguide panel  138 . These features allow for a single user input subassembly to be replaced as necessary as well. 
     A front housing cover  101  is mounted over the keyboard  332  and lightguide  138 . The front housing cover  101  is constructed to allow the keyboard  332  to be accessible through at least one apperature (not shown) or a plurality of apertures corresponding to one or more keys and/or navigational tool depending on the configuration of the keyboard  332  and navigational tool such as the trackball navigational tool  325 . The front housing cover  101  also provides an attachment point for the lens  103 . A lens  103  covers the display, which is typically mounted on the PCB, to prevent damage. When assembled, the front housing cover  101  and the PCB are fixedly attached to each other and the display is positioned between the PCB and the front housing cover  101 . 
     The trackball navigation tool  325  can be frictionally engaged with the front housing cover  101 , and in one examplary embodiment the trackball navigation tool  325  is removable when the device is assembled. This allows for replacement of the trackball navigation tool  325  if/when it becomes damaged or the user desires replacement with a different type of trackball navigation tool  325 . Other multidirectional navigation tools such as joysticks, four-way cursors, or touch pads are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The removal of the trackball navigation tool  325  is enabled through the use of an outer removable ring  23 , the outer edge of which defines the periphery of the trackball navigation tool  325 . The ring  23  ensures that the trackball navigation tool  325  is properly held in place against the light guide  138 . 
     A serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port)  330  and an earphone jack  140  are fixedly attached to the PCB and further held in place by left side element  106 . Buttons  131 - 133  may be attached to switches (not shown) which are connected to the PCB  12 . 
     Final assembly involves placing a bottom piece  108  in contact with front housing cover  101  and back support frame  109 . Furthermore, the assembly interconnects right side element  105  and left side element  106  with the front housing cover  101 , bottom piece  108 , back support frame  109 , PCB, and lens  103 . These side elements  105 ,  106  provide additional protection and strength to the support structure of the device  300 . In the presently described exemplary embodiment, backplate  104  is removably attached to the back support frame  109 . 
     The block diagram of  FIG. 11 , represents an embodiment of handheld electronic device  300  interacting in a communications network  319 , and illustrates the use of a microprocessor  338  to control operation of the device  300 . In  FIG. 11 , communication subsystem  311  performs all communication transmission and reception with wireless network  319 . The microprocessor  338  further connects with an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem  328 , a serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port)  330 , a display  322 , a keyboard  332 , a speaker  334 , a microphone  336 , random access memory (RAM)  326 , and flash memory  324 . Other communications subsystems  340  and other device subsystems  342  are generally indicated as connected to the microprocessor  338  as well. An example of a communication subsystem  340  is that of a short range communication subsystem such as BLUETOOTH™ communication module or an infrared device and associated circuits and components. Additionally, the microprocessor  338  is capable of performing operating system  408  functions and can enable execution of software applications on the communication device  300 . 
     The above described auxiliary I/O subsystem  328  can take a variety of different subsystems including the above described cursor navigation assembly  328 . As previously mentioned, the cursor navigation assembly (also known as a navigation tool)  328  is an ergonomic cursor navigation controller. Other auxiliary I/O devices can include external display devices and externally connected keyboards (not shown). While the above examples have been provided in relation to the auxiliary I/O subsystem, other subsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from the handheld electronic device  300  are considered within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the handheld electronic device  300  is designed to wirelessly connect with a communication network  319 . Some communication networks that the handheld electronic device  300  may be designed to operate on require a subscriber identity module (SIM) or removable user identity module (RUIM). Thus, a device  300  intended to operate on such a system will include SIM/RUIM interface  344  into which the SIM/RUIM card (not shown) may be placed. The SIM/RUIM interface  344  can be one in which the SIM/RUIM card is inserted and ejected. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a flash memory  324  is enabled to provide a storage location for the operating system, device programs, and data. While the operating system in a preferred embodiment is stored in flash memory  324 , the operating system in other embodiments is stored in read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system, device application or parts thereof may be loaded in RAM  326  or other volatile memory. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the flash memory  324  contains programs/applications  358  for execution on the device  300  including an address book  352 , a personal information manager (PIM)  354 , and the device state  350 . Furthermore, programs  358  and other information  356  can be segregated upon storage in the flash memory  324  of the device  300 . However, another embodiment of the flash memory  324  utilizes a storage allocation method such that a program  358  is allocated additional space in order to store data associated with such program. Other known allocation methods exist in the art and those persons skilled in the art will appreciate additional ways to allocate the memory of the device  300 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the device  300  is pre-loaded with a limited set of programs that enable it to operate on the communication network  319 . Another program that can be preloaded is a PIM  354  application that has the ability to organize and manage data items including but not limited to email, calendar events, voice messages, appointments and task items. In order to operate efficiently, memory  324  is allocated for use by the PIM  354  for the storage of associated data. In a preferred embodiment, the information that PIM  354  manages is seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated through the communication network  319  with a user&#39;s corresponding information on a remote computer (not shown). The synchronization, in another embodiment, can also be performed through the serial port  330  or other short range communication subsystem  340 . Other applications may be installed through connection with the wireless network  319 , serial port  330  or via other short range communication subsystems  340 . 
     When the device  300  is enabled for two-way communication within the wireless communication network  319 , it can send and receive signals from a mobile communication service. Examples of communication systems enabled for two-way communication include, but are not limited to, the MOBITEX mobile communication system, DATATAC mobile communication system, the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) network, the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service) network, the EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) network, and the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network. 
     For the systems listed above, the communication device  300  must be properly enabled to transmit and receive signals from the communication network  319 . Other systems may not require such identifying information. MOBITEX and DATATAC mobile communication systems feature a unique identification code that is associated with each handheld electronic device  300 . A GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE require the use of a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) in order to allow communication with the communication network  319 . Likewise, most CDMA systems require the use of a RUIM (Removable Identity Module) in order to communicate with the CDMA network. The RUIM and SIM card can be used in multiple different handheld electronic devices  300 . Handheld electronic device  300  can be configured to operate some features without a SIM/RUIM card, but it may not be able to communicate with the network  319 . In some locations, the handheld electronic device  300  can be enabled to work with special services, such as “911” emergency, without a SIM/RUIM or with a non-functioning SIM/RUIM card. A SIM/RUIM interface  344  located within the device allows for removal or insertion of a SIM/RUIM card (not shown). This interface  344  can be configured like that of a disk drive or a PCMCIA slot or other known attachment mechanism in the art. The SIM/RUIM card features memory and holds key configurations  351 , and other information  353  such as identification and subscriber related information. Furthermore, a SIM/RUIM card can be enabled to store information about the user including identification, carrier and address book information. With a properly enabled handheld electronic communications device  300 , two-way communication between the handheld electronic device  300  and communication network  319  is possible. 
     If the handheld electronic device  300  is enabled as described above or the communication network  319  does not require such enablement, the two-way communication enabled device  300  is able to both transmit and receive information from the communication network  319 . The transfer of communication can be from the device  300  or to the device  300 . In order to communicate with the communication network  319 , the device  300  in a preferred embodiment is equipped with an integral or internal antenna  318  for transmitting signals to the communication network  319 . Likewise the communication device  300  in the preferred embodiment is equipped with another antenna  316  for receiving communication from the communication network  319 . These antennae  316 ,  318  in another preferred embodiment are combined into a single antenna (not shown). As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the antenna or antennae  316 ,  318  in another embodiment are externally mounted on the device  300 . 
     When equipped for two-way communication, the handheld electronic device  300  features a communication subsystem  311 . As is well known in the art, this communication subsystem  311  is modified so that it can support the operational needs of the device  300 . The subsystem  311  includes a transmitter  314  and receiver  312  including the associated antenna or antennae  316 ,  318  as described above, local oscillators (LOs)  313 , and a processing module  320  which in a preferred embodiment is a digital signal processor (DSP)  320 . 
     A signal received by the handheld electronic device  300  is first received by the antenna  316  and then input into a receiver  312 , which in a preferred embodiment is capable of performing common receiver functions including signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection and the like, and analog to digital (A/D) conversion. The A/D conversion allows the DSP  320  to perform more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding on the signals that are received by DSP  320  from the receiver  312 . The DSP  320  is also capable of issuing control commands to the receiver  312 . An example of a control command that the DSP  320  is capable of sending to the receiver  312  is gain control, which is implemented in automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP  320 . Likewise, the communication device  300  is capable of transmitting signals to the communication network  319 . The DSP  320  communicates the signals to be sent to the transmitter  314  and further communicates control functions, such as the above described gain control. The signal is emitted by the device  300  through an antenna  318  connected to the transmitter  314 . 
     It is contemplated that communication by the device  300  with the wireless network  319  can be any type of communication that both the wireless network  319  and device  300  are enabled to transmit, receive and process. In general, these can be classified as voice and data. Voice communication is communication in which signals for audible sounds are transmitted by the device  300  through the communication network  319 . Data is all other types of communication that the device  300  is capable of performing within the constraints of the wireless network  319 . 
     In the instance of voice communications, voice transmissions that originate from the communication device  300  enter the device  300  though a microphone  336 . The microphone  336  communicates the signals to the microprocessor  338  for further conditioning and processing. The microprocessor  338  sends the signals to the DSP  320  which controls the transmitter  314  and provides the correct signals to the transmitter  314 . Then, the transmitter  314  sends the signals to the antenna  318 , which emits the signals to be detected by a communication network  319 . Likewise, when the receiver  312  obtains a signal from the receiving antenna  316  that is a voice signal, it is transmitted to the DSP  320  which further sends the signal to the microprocessor  338 . Then, the microprocessor  338  provides a signal to the speaker  334  of the device  300  and the user can hear the voice communication that has been received. The device  300  in a preferred embodiment is enabled to allow for full duplex voice transmission. 
     In another embodiment, the voice transmission may be received by the communication device  300  and translated as text to be shown on the display screen  322  of the communication device  300 . The communication device  300  is also capable of retrieving messages from a voice messaging service operated by the communication network operator. In a preferred embodiment, the device  300  displays information in relation to the voice message, such as the number of voice messages or an indication that a new voice message is present on the operating system. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the display  322  of the communication device  300  provides an indication about the identity of an incoming call, duration of the voice communication, telephone number of the communication device, call history, and other related information. It should be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given as examples only and one skilled in the art may effect alterations, modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the application. 
     As stated above, the communication device  300  and communication network  319  can be enabled to transmit, receive and process data. Several different types of data exist and some of these types of data will be described in further detail. One type of data communication that occurs over the communication network  319  includes electronic mail (email) messages. Typically an email is text based, but can also include other types of data such as picture files, attachments and html. While these are given as examples, other types of messages are considered within the scope of this disclosure as well. 
     When the email originates from a source outside of the device and is communicated to the device  300 , it is first received by the receiving antenna  316  and then transmitted to the receiver  312 . From the receiver  312 , the email message is further processed by the DSP  320 , and it then reaches the microprocessor  338 . The microprocessor  338  executes instructions as indicated from the relevant programming instructions to display, store or process the email message as directed by the program. In a similar manner, once an email message has been properly processed by the microprocessor  338  for transmission to the communication network  319 , it is first sent to the DSP  320 , which further transmits the email message to the transmitter  314 . The transmitter  314  processes the email message and transmits it to the transmission antenna  318 , which broadcasts a signal to be received by a communication network  319 . While the above has been described generally, those skilled in this art will appreciate those modifications which are necessary to enable the communication device  300  to properly transmit the email message over a given communication network  319 . 
     Furthermore, the email message may instead be transmitted from the device  300  via a serial port  330 , another communication port  340 , or other wireless communication ports  340 . The user of the device  300  can generate a message to be sent using the keyboard  332  and/or auxiliary I/O  328 , and the associated application to generate the email message. Once the email message is generated, the user may execute a send command which directs the email message from the communication device  300  to the communication network  319 . In an exemplary embodiment, a keyboard  332 , and preferably an alphanumeric keyboard is used to compose the email message. In a preferred embodiment, an auxiliary I/O device  328  is used in addition to the keyboard  332 . 
     While the above has been described in relation to email messages, one skilled in the art can modify the procedures to function with other types of data such as SMS text messages, internet websites, videos, instant messages, programs and ringtones. Once the data is received by the microprocessor  338 , the data is placed appropriately within the operating system of the device  300 . This might involve presenting a message on the display  322  which indicates the data has been received or storing it in the appropriate memory  324  on the device  300 . For example, a downloaded application such as a game will be placed into a suitable place in the flash memory  324  of the device  300 . The operating system of the device  300  will also allow for appropriate access to the new application as downloaded. 
     Exemplary embodiments have been described hereinabove regarding handheld electronic devices  300  and wireless handheld communication devices  300  as well as the communication networks within which they cooperate. It should be appreciated, however, that a focus of the present disclosure is the enablement of a ramped-key keyboard for a handheld electronic device.