HK1154671A - Keyboard arrangement - Google Patents

Description

Keyboard arrangement

Technical Field

The present technology relates to a keyboard arrangement of an electronic device. In particular, the present technology relates to a keyboard arrangement for a handheld mobile communication device.

Background

Different standard keyboard arrangements are known. The most widely used english alphabet key arrangement is the QWERTY arrangement, as shown in fig. 1 and 5. Other types of standard english letter key arrangements include: a QWERTZ arrangement, as shown in FIG. 2; AZERTY arrangement, as shown in fig. 3; and DVORAK placement, as shown in fig. 4. The alphabetic key arrangement 44 is typically present with the numeric key arrangement. Exemplary numeric key arrangements are shown in FIGS. 1-4, where the numbers 1-9 and 0 are located above the alphabetic keys. In another known arrangement of numeric keys, the numbers share keys with alphabetic characters, such as the top row of a QWERTY keyboard. Additionally, another exemplary arrangement of number keys is shown in FIG. 5, wherein the numeric keypad 46 is spaced from the alpha/numeric key arrangement. The numeric keypad 46 includes the numbers "7", "8", "9" disposed in the top row, "4", "5", "6" disposed in the second row, "1", "2", "3" disposed in the third row, and "0" in the bottom row, consistent with what may be found on the keypads of known computer keyboards.

A numeric phone key arrangement 42 is also known, as shown in fig. 6. Telephone keypads also typically include an arrangement of alphabetic keys that overlap or coincide with the numeric keys, as shown in fig. 7. Such alphanumeric telephone keypads are used in a variety of conventional handheld mobile communication devices, such as cellular handsets. Standards-establishing organization-the international telecommunications union ("ITU") has established a telephone standard for alphanumeric key arrangements. The standard Telephone number key arrangement shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 corresponds to ITU standard E.161 entitled "arrangement of keys, Letters, and Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices Thatcan Be Used for gaming Access to a Telephone Network". This standard is also known as ANSI TI.703-1995/1999 and ISO/IEC 9995-8: 1994.

mobile communication devices comprising a combined text entry keypad and telephone keypad are also known. Examples of such mobile communication devices include mobile stations, cellular telephones, wireless Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), two-way paging devices, and the like. Combining a conventional text entry keyboard (e.g., a QWERTY-style keyboard) and a conventional telephone keyboard on the same mobile communication device often results in an undesirable ergonomic and/or intuitive user interface compromise.

One existing device that incorporates a combined alpha/numeric keypad is the RIM Blackberry 950 mobile communication device, as shown in fig. 8. In this device, the numeric characters share keys with alphabetic characters on the top row of a QWERTY keyboard. Another existing device that incorporates a combined alpha/numeric keypad is the RIM Blackberry 6210 mobile communication device, as shown in fig. 9. The device uses numeric characters in a numeric phone key arrangement in accordance with the above-mentioned ITU standard e.161. The numeric characters share keys with alphabetic characters on the left side of the keyboard.

Examples of mobile communication devices having a keypad assembly (with a key arrangement) are described in U.S. patent application nos. 09/967,536 and 10/302,242 and U.S. patent No.6,278,442, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent No.6,295,052 and PCT publication No. wo 02/088920a1 to Kato et al teach a data input device in the form of an on-screen display key input unit that uses a reduced QWERTY arrangement on a touch screen keyboard. The numbers are superimposed on a selected number of letter keys. The keys are selected by touching the screen of the display with a pen or using a mouse.

Mobile communication devices currently use predictive text techniques to automatically correct general spelling errors and predict the intended word from keystroke input. Predictive text techniques typically include a disambiguation engine and/or a predictive editor application. A number of U.S. and foreign patents discuss predictive text processes, including: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,818,437, 5,952,942, 6,002,390, 6,223,059, 6,231,252 and 6,307,548; WO62150a 1; WO9959310a 2; WO0344650a 2; EP1035712B 1; EP129621a 1; EP1378817a 1; EP1347362a1 and EP1347361a1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Many mobile communication device manufacturers use predictive text technology including RIM, Tegic, Motorola, Nokia, Sony and NEC.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a standard keyboard layout arrangement of letters a-Z and an overlapping numeric phone key arrangement corresponding to numerals 0-9, the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters being fewer than 26, and further including at least one function key including a space key having a height greater than the heights of the other keys of the plurality of keys.

In one embodiment, the spacebar may be located in a row of keys and extend below the other keys in the row of keys.

In one embodiment, the plurality of keys may be arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and the space bar may be located in the bottom row of keys and extend below the other keys in the bottom row. The space key may be at the center of the bottom row of keys.

In one embodiment, the space key may share a key with the number 0.

In one embodiment, the space bar may be configured to be contacted by a finger of a user through touch.

In one embodiment, the standard keyboard layout includes, for example, one of QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and DOVRAK.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of rows including a bottom-most row, the plurality of keys being associated with indicia corresponding to letters A-Z, numbers 0-9 and at least one function, wherein keys located in the bottom-most row have top and bottom aligned lines with an area between the top and bottom aligned lines, and at least one of the keys comprises an elongated key extending beyond the area between the top and bottom aligned lines.

In one embodiment, the elongated keys may extend below the aligned bottom lines. The elongated key may be located at the center of its corresponding row of keys.

In one embodiment, the at least one function may include a space function, and the elongated key may include a single key associated with the space function. The extended key may also be associated with the number 0.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of rows, each row having an aligned top line and an aligned bottom line, such that each key in a row is at least partially located in an area between the top and bottom lines, the plurality of keys being associated with indicia corresponding to letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and at least one function, wherein at least one key in the plurality of keys extends outside the area between the aligned top and bottom lines of the respective row.

In one embodiment, the plurality of rows may include a bottom-most row, and the at least one key extending outside of an area between the top and bottom lines is located in the bottom-most row.

In one embodiment, the height of the at least one key that extends beyond the area between the top and bottom lines may be higher than the height of any other key in the corresponding row in which the at least one key is located. The at least one key extending outside the area between the top and bottom lines may be located in the bottom-most row of the grid pattern and at the center of the row. For example, the at least one key extending outside of the area between the top and bottom lines may be associated with a space function. Optionally, the at least one key extending outside the area between the top and bottom lines may also be associated with at least one number.

According to the teachings described herein, a physical keyboard comprises: a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to the QWERTY arrangement of the letters a-Z and an overlapping arrangement of numeric phone keys. The total number of keys comprising alphabetic and/or numeric characters is less than 26.

In one embodiment, the number of keys comprising alphabetic and numeric characters is 14. In this embodiment, the total number of keys including other function keys is 20. The plurality of keys may include four rows and five columns of keys, the four rows including, in order, the first, second, third, and fourth rows, and the five columns including, in order, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth columns. A QWERTY arrangement of letters is associated with three of the four rows and a numeric phone key arrangement is associated with each of the four rows. The numeric phone key arrangement is associated with three of the five columns. In particular, a numeric phone key arrangement may be associated with the second, third and fourth columns. The numeric phone key arrangement may optionally be associated with keys in first, second, third and fourth rows, wherein the keys in the first row include the number "1" in the second column, the number "2" in the third column and the number "3" in the fourth column. The numeric phone key associated with the key in the second row includes the number "4" in the second column, the number "5" in the third column, and the number "6" in the fourth column. The numeric phone keys associated with the keys in the third row include the number "7" in the second column, the number "8" in the third column, and the number "9" in the fourth column. The numeric phone keys associated with keys in the fourth row may include a "+" in the second column, a "0" in the third column, and a "#" in the fourth column.

The physical keyboard may further comprise a function associated with at least one of the plurality of keys. The keys of the fourth row may include an "alt" function in the first column, a "next" function in the second column, a "space" function in the third column, a "shift" function in the fourth column, and a "return/enter" function in the fifth column.

The first row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI", and "OP". The second row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L". The third row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "CV", "BN", and "M".

In another embodiment, the first row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI", and "OP". The second row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "DF", "GH", and "JKL". The third row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "ZXC", "VB", and "NM".

In another embodiment, the first row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI", and "OP". The second row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "AS", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L", and the third row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "Z", "XC", "VB", and "NM".

One of the keys on the physical keyboard is the "return/enter" key associated with the return/enter function. The "return/enter" key may be located in the fifth column. "return/enter" may be located in the fourth row.

In one embodiment, the first row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI", and "OP". The second row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "AS", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L", and the third row of five keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "ZX", "CV", "BN", and "M".

The plurality of keys may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns forming a grid of keys, and in one embodiment at least one of the columns and rows is straight. In another embodiment, one or more of the rows and columns are non-linear.

The plurality of keys preferably comprise a shape. The shape may be uniform or non-uniform. In one embodiment, the plurality of keys are rectangular. In another embodiment, the keys are oval. In another embodiment, the keys are polygonal.

In another embodiment of the physical keyboard, the number of keys is 24, and the plurality of keys includes first, second, third, and fourth rows and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh columns, the first row includes seven keys, the second row includes seven keys, the third row includes seven keys, and the fourth row includes three keys. The three keys of the fourth row may be located in the third, fourth and fifth columns.

The seven keys in the first row may include keys corresponding in order to letters "Q", "W", "ER", "TY", "UI", "O", and "P". The second row of seven keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "a", "S", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L", and the third row of seven keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "Z", "XC", "VB", and "NM". The digital telephone arrangement is associated with keys in a first, second, third and fourth row, wherein the keys of the first row comprise the number "1" in the third column, the number "2" in the fourth column and the number "3" in the fifth column. The numeric phone key associated with the key in the second row includes the number "4" in the third column, the number "5" in the fourth column, and the number "6" in the fifth column. The numeric phone keys associated with the keys in the third row include the number "7" in the third column, the number "8" in the fourth column, and the number "9" in the fifth column. The numeric phone keys associated with keys in the fourth row may include a "+" in the third column, a "0" in the fourth column, and a "#" in the fifth column.

In another embodiment, the plurality of keys includes four rows and six columns of keys, the four rows including a first, second, third, and fourth row, and the six columns including a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth column. A numeric phone key arrangement may be associated with the first, second and third columns and with the first, second, third and fourth rows.

The six keys in the first row may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "E", "RT", "YU", "I", and "OP". The second row of six keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "D", "FG", "HJ", "K", and "L". The third row of six keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "C", "V", "BN", and "M". The numeric phone keys may comprise keys in a first row comprising the number "1" in a first column, the number "2" in a second column and the number "3" in a third column. The numeric phone key associated with the key in the second row may include the number "4" in the first column, the number "5" in the second column, and the number "6" in the third column. The numeric phone keys associated with the keys of the third row may include the number "7" in the first column, the number "8" in the second column, and the number "9" in the third column. The fourth row may include five keys that are not aligned with the first through sixth columns. The keys of the fourth row include first, second, third, fourth and fifth keys, wherein the second key of the fourth row includes a "0" of the numeric phone key arrangement.

In an alternative embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement is associated with the second, third and fourth columns and the first, second, third and fourth rows. The six keys in the first row may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "E", "RT", "YU", "I", and "OP". The second row of six keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "D", "FG", "HJ", and "KL". The third row of six keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "CV", "BN", and "M". The digital telephone arrangement may comprise a first row of keys comprising the number "1" in a second column, the number "2" in a third column and the number "3" in a fourth column. The numeric phone key associated with the key in the second row may include the number "4" in the second column, the number "5" in the third column, and the number "6" in the fourth column. The numeric phone keys associated with the keys in the third row may include the number "7" in the second column, the number "8" in the third column, and the number "9" in the fourth column. The fourth row may include three keys that are not aligned with the first through sixth columns. The fourth row of keys may include first, second, and third keys, wherein the first key of the fourth row includes a "#", the second key of the fourth row includes a "0", and the third key of the fourth row includes a "#".

In another embodiment, the plurality of keys includes four rows including a first, second, third, and fourth row and four columns including a first, second, third, and fourth column. In this embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement is associated with first, second and third columns and first, second, third and fourth rows. The first row includes four keys, including keys corresponding in order to letters "QWE", "RT", "YU", and "IOP". The second row includes four keys, including keys corresponding in sequence to the letters "ASD", "FGH", and "JKL". The third row includes four keys, including keys corresponding in order to the letters "ZXC", "VB", and "NM". The numeric phone key arrangement includes keys in a first row including the number "1" in a first column, the number "2" in a second column, and the number "3" in a third column. The numeric phone key arrangement includes keys in a second row, with the number "4" included in the first column, the number "5" included in the second column, and the number "6" included in the third column. The numeric phone key arrangement includes keys in a third row, including the number "7" in the first column, the number "8" in the second column, and the number "9" in the third column. The fourth row includes four keys and the arrangement of numeric phone keys in the fourth row includes a "+" in the first column, a "0" in the second column and a "#" key in the third column. The fourth key of the second row may be associated with a "backspace" function. The fourth key of the third row may be associated with a "return/enter" function. The first key of the fourth row may be associated with a "txt" function. The second key of the fourth row may be associated with a "space" function. The third key of the fourth row may be associated with a "shift" function and the fourth key of the fourth row may be associated with an "alt" function.

In another embodiment, the physical keyboard includes four rows of keys, a first row of keys including a first number of keys, a second row of keys including a first number minus 1, a third row of keys including a first number minus 2, and a fourth row of keys including a first number minus 3. The plurality of keys may be symmetrically arranged about the center line.

In another embodiment, the physical keyboard includes four rows of keys, a first row of keys including a first number of keys, a second row of keys including fewer keys than the first row, a third row of keys including fewer keys than the second row, and a fourth row of keys including fewer keys than the third row. The plurality of keys may be symmetrically arranged about the center line.

Indicia associated with the physical keyboard may include alphabetic indicia and numeric indicia, wherein the alphabetic indicia has a first color and the numeric indicia has a second color. The first and second colors may be the same or different. Alphabetic and/or numeric indicia may be located on the plurality of keys. The alphabetic marks and numeric marks have a font and a font size. The font size of the alphabetical indicia may be the same or different than the font size of the numeric indicia. The lettering may be in the same font or different from the numeric indicia. The font size of the alphabetical indicia may be about 1/3 the font size of the numeric indicia. In another embodiment, the digital mark may have a font size of 10 mm.

The keyboard may also include a touch recognition portion in the form of a raised pocket or recessed dimple associated with a key. In one embodiment, the identification portion is located on the key associated with the number "5".

In another embodiment of the physical keyboard, the keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to the QWERTY arrangement of the letters A-Z. The plurality of keys overlaps the arrangement of numeric phone keys. A number phone key arrangement is associated with a subset of the plurality of keys, and the subset of keys are symmetrically arranged about a centerline.

A plurality of keys may be arranged in rows and columns, with "1", "2" and "3" of the arrangement of numeric phone keys being associated with a first row of keys, "4", "5" and "6" of the arrangement of numeric phone keys being associated with a second row of keys, and "7", "8" and "9" of the arrangement of numeric phone keys being associated with a third row of keys. A "0" of the numeric phone key arrangement is associated with one key of the fourth row, and the "0" key is centered under the other numeric keys in the numeric phone key arrangement. The plurality of keys may further include a "#" associated with one of the plurality of keys and a "#" associated with one of the plurality of keys. The "+" bond is immediately adjacent to one side of the "0" bond, and the "#" bond is immediately adjacent to the other side of the "0" bond.

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard arrangement includes a reduced column QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z that overlaps with a numeric phone key arrangement. The numeric phone key arrangement includes at least a number. The numeric phone key arrangement may also include symbols.

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia including a reduced column QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement. A plurality of keys overlap the numeric phone key arrangement. The number of columns may be odd and the numeric phone key arrangement may be at the center of the columns. In a preferred embodiment, the number of columns is 5 and the physical keyboard arrangement further comprises four rows, wherein the QWERTY key arrangement uses keys in three of the four rows and the numeric phone key arrangement uses keys in each of the four rows.

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z. The plurality of keys are positioned in seven columns including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh columns and at least three rows including first, second and third rows.

The first row may include seven keys, including keys corresponding in order to the letters "QW", "E", "R", "TY", "U", "I", and "OP". The second row may include seven keys, including keys corresponding in order to letters "A", "S", "DF", "G", "H", "JK", and "L". The third row may include seven keys, including keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "C", "VB", "N", and "M". The physical keyboard may also include a fourth row of keys having at least five keys. The at least five keys are associated with "next", "shift", "space", "shift", and "enter" functions.

The seven keys in the first row may include keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "E", "R", "TY", "U", "I", and "OP". The second row of seven keys may include keys corresponding in order to letters "a", "S", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L". The third row of seven keys may include keys corresponding in order to the letters "ZX", "C", "VB", "N", and "M".

The physical keyboard may include a fourth row having a numeric phone key arrangement that overlaps the QWERTY arrangement. In one embodiment, a numeric phone key arrangement is associated with the third, fourth, and fifth columns. In another embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement is associated with the first, second and third columns. In another embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement is associated with the second, third and fourth columns.

In another embodiment, a handheld mobile station includes a housing, a display, and a physical keyboard, the physical keyboard comprising: a first user interface having a set of keys associated therewith; and a second user interface having a set of keys associated therewith. The subset of the set of keys of the second user interface is a subset of the set of keys of the first user interface. The first user interface is selected from the group consisting of QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK. The second user interface is a numeric phone key arrangement. The key set of the first user interface includes fewer than 26 keys.

The second user interface may be centrally located on the front face of the handheld mobile station. Alternatively, the second user interface may be located substantially to the left of the front face of the handheld mobile station. The second user interface may also be located substantially to the right of the front side of the handheld mobile station.

The "0" label of the second user interface may be presented on the key representing the space bar associated with the first user interface. Indicia associated with the first user interface may be presented on the set of keys of the first user interface and indicia associated with the second user interface may be presented on the housing. Alternatively, a label associated with the first user interface may be presented on a key set of the first user interface and a label associated with the second user interface may be presented on a key set of the second user interface.

The first area of the front surface of the housing may have a first color inside and around an area near the set of keys of the second user interface. The first color may be different from a second color in a second region of the front surface adjacent to at least a portion of the first region. The first and second colors on the set of keys may be associated with the first user interface. The first color may occupy an upper portion of the set of keys and the second color occupies a lower portion of the set of keys. The second color may be associated with a group of keys of the first user interface.

In another embodiment of the physical keyboard, a plurality of keys having one or more indicia associated with each key, the plurality of keys making up at least the first user interface on the physical keyboard. The keys and indicia of the first user interface are arranged to form a QWERTY alphabet configuration, wherein a majority of the keys of the first user interface each represent more than one alphabet. The physical keyboard also includes a subset of the plurality of keys, wherein each key of the subset has indicia representing the numbers 0-9. The subset constitutes a second user interface in a numeric phone keypad arrangement located on the physical keyboard. The indicia representing the numbers are larger in size than any alphabetic indicia relating to the subset of keys. The subset of keys may also include the symbols "+" and "#".

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of keys with one or more indicia on each key. The plurality of keys constitutes at least a first user interface on a physical keyboard. The keys and indicia of the first user interface are arranged to form a QWERTY alphabet configuration, wherein each of a majority of the keys of the first user interface represents more than one alphabet. There are fewer than 26 keys on a physical keyboard. The physical keyboard also includes a subset of the plurality of keys. Each key of the subset has indicia representing a character from the numeric phone keypad arrangement. The subset constitutes a second user interface arranged as a numeric phone keypad on a physical keyboard. The characters from the numeric phone keypad may be selected from the group consisting of "0", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", "+" and "#".

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z, an overlapping numeric key arrangement of numbers 0-9, and a "space" function. The numbers "0" and "space" functions are associated with the same key.

The numeric key arrangement may be arranged in a numeric phone key arrangement. The plurality of keys may be arranged in at least four rows and at least four columns, with at least some of the keys being associated with more than one alphabetic character.

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with an alphanumeric symbol corresponding to a QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z and an overlapping numeric arrangement of numbers 0-9. The overlapping number arrangement of numbers comprises more than 10 keys, whereby at least one number is associated with two or more keys.

Each of the alphabetic characters may be located on a single key and the number of keys for the alphabetic characters is 26. Alternatively, the number of keys for alphabetic characters may be less than 26, such that at least two alphabetic characters are associated with a single key.

The number keys may include at least two keys associated with the number "1", at least two keys associated with the number "3", at least two keys associated with the number "4", at least two keys associated with the number "6", at least two keys associated with the number "7", and at least two keys associated with the number "9". In addition, the number keys may also include at least two keys associated with the number "2", at least two keys associated with the number "5", and at least two keys associated with the number "8".

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard comprises a plurality of multi-function keys, the multi-function keys comprising: letter key arrangement including letter characters A-Z; and a number key arrangement including numeric characters 0-9 superimposed on the letter key arrangement. The alphabetic and numeric characters share at least some of the plurality of keys. The plurality of keys are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each column having a column width. The numeric keys are spaced from each other by at least one column width.

In another embodiment, the physical keyboard includes a plurality of function keys and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z and an overlapping arrangement of numeric phone keys. The numeric phone key arrangement is centered on the key associated with the alphabetic character. A plurality of keys can be arranged in rows and columns, wherein alphabetic characters are associated with a first row, a second row, and a third row, numerals are associated with the first row, the second row, the third row, and the fourth row, wherein "1", "2", and "3" are associated with the first row, "4", "5", and "6" are associated with the second row, and "7", "8", and "9" are associated with the third row. "0" is associated with the fourth row and is centered under the numeric keys of the first, second, and third rows.

A mobile communication device having a front face may use the physical keyboard described above. A physical keyboard is associated with the front face and an arrangement of number keys is symmetrically located on the front face of the device.

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a reduced QWERTY arrangement of letters a-Z and a subset of a plurality of keys corresponding to a numeric phone key arrangement. The numeric phone key arrangement is arranged on the keyboard such that the subset of keys is symmetrical about a common centerline.

In another embodiment, the plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia comprise keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a reduced QWERTY arrangement of letters a-Z and a subset of a plurality of keys corresponding to a numeric phone key arrangement. The plurality of keys are arranged in first, second, third and fourth rows and columns. The subset of keys includes "1", "2", and "3" associated with the first row of keys, "4", "5", and "6" associated with the second row of keys, "7", "8", and "9" associated with the third row of keys, and "0" associated with the fourth row of keys. Further, "1", "4", and "7" are aligned in the first column, "2", "5", "8", and "0" are aligned in the second column, and "3", "6", and "9" are aligned in the third column. The key associated with "0" is centered under the 1-9 keys of the numeric phone key arrangement.

The first, second and third columns may be a subset of the plurality of columns, with the first, second and third columns being central to the plurality of columns. Alternatively, the first, second and third columns may be a subset of the plurality of columns, and the first, second and third columns may not be in the center of the plurality of columns.

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z and a subset of a plurality of keys corresponding to a numeric arrangement of numbers 0-9, "+" and "#". The key associated with "0" is located between the key associated with "#" and the key associated with "#". The plurality of keys may include rows and columns, and the keys associated with "+," 0 ", and" # "are located in the same row. The key associated with "#" may be located to the left of and adjacent to the key associated with "0", and the key associated with "#" may be located to the right of and adjacent to the key associated with "0".

In another embodiment, a physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-function keys and corresponding indicia, including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a QWERTY arrangement of letters A-Z, a first subset of a plurality of keys corresponding to a numeric arrangement of numbers 0-9, and a second subset of a plurality of keys corresponding to the symbols "+" and "#". The first subset of keys is non-overlapping with the second subset of keys.

The physical keyboard or physical keyboard arrangement described above may be used with other devices such as handheld mobile communication devices and mobile communication devices having a telephone mode and a text input mode.

In another embodiment, a method for operating a mobile communication device having the above physical keyboard comprises: numbers are entered into the mobile communication device by finger keystrokes with one hand and letters are entered into the mobile communication device by finger keystrokes with both hands. The method may further include inputting the function commands and symbols by finger strokes with one hand or inputting the function commands and symbols by finger strokes with both hands.

In another embodiment, a keyboard includes a plurality of keys and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a standard keyboard layout arrangement of letters A-Z and an overlapping numeric phone key arrangement corresponding to the numbers 0-9. The number of keys associated with an alphabetic character is less than 26. Further, the keyboard includes at least one function key including a space key having a height that is higher than heights of other keys of the plurality of keys.

The spacebar may be located in a row of keys and extend below the other keys in the row of keys. In one embodiment, the plurality of keys are arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and the space bar is located in the bottom row of keys and extends below the other keys in the bottom row. The space key may be at the center of the bottom row of keys. The space key may share a key with the number 0. The space bar is configured to be contacted by a finger of a user through touch. The standard keyboard layout includes one of QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and DVORAK.

In another embodiment, a keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of rows, including a bottom-most row. The plurality of keys are associated with indicia corresponding to letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and at least one function. The keys in the bottom most row have aligned top and bottom lines with an area between the aligned top and bottom lines. At least one key of the plurality of keys comprises an elongated key extending outside an area between the aligned top and bottom lines.

The elongated keys may extend below the aligned bottom lines. The elongated key may be located at the center of its corresponding row of keys. The at least one function may include a space function, and the elongated key may include a single key associated with the space function. The extended key may also be associated with the number 0.

In another embodiment, a keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of rows, each row having an aligned top line and an aligned bottom line, such that each key in a row is at least partially located in a region between the top and bottom lines. The plurality of keys are associated with indicia corresponding to letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and at least one function. At least one of the plurality of keys extends beyond an area between the aligned top and bottom lines of the corresponding row.

The plurality of rows may include a bottom-most row, and the at least one key extending outside of an area between the top line and the bottom line is located in the bottom-most row. The height of the at least one key extending outside the area between the top and bottom lines may be higher than the height of any other key in the corresponding row in which the at least one key is located. The at least one key extending outside the area between the top and bottom lines may be located at the center of the bottom-most row of the grid pattern. The at least one key extending outside the area between the top and bottom lines may be associated with a space function. The at least one key extending outside the area between the top and bottom lines may also be associated with at least one number.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a standard QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement with the numeric key arrangement aligned over the alphabetic key arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a standard QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement with the number key arrangement aligned over the alphabetic key arrangement;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a standard AZERTY alphabetic key arrangement with the numeric key arrangement aligned over the alphabetic key arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a standard DOVRAK letter key arrangement with the number key arrangement aligned over the letter key arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the key arrangement of FIG. 1 located alongside a numeric keypad;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a standard numeric phone keypad arrangement;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a standard numeric phone/alphabetic keypad arrangement;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a prior art handheld mobile communication device;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a prior art handheld mobile communication device;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a handheld mobile communication device having an exemplary keypad incorporating a preferred keypad arrangement;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a handheld mobile communication device having another example keypad;

FIG. 11A is an exploded view of the keyboard of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the mobile communication device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the mobile communication device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the mobile communication device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the mobile communication device of FIG. 11;

fig. 16 is a rear view of the mobile communication device of fig. 11 positioned in a belt buckle (belt clip) sleeve (carrier);

fig. 17 is a front view of the mobile communication device of fig. 11 positioned in the buckle housing of fig. 16;

fig. 18 is a side view of the mobile communication device of fig. 11 positioned in the buckle housing of fig. 16;

fig. 19 is a top view of the mobile communication device of fig. 11 positioned in the buckle housing of fig. 16;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a handheld device incorporating an example keyboard arrangement;

FIG. 21 is an example keyboard arrangement of a reduced QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 22 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 23 is an alternative example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 24 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 25 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 26 is an example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 27 is an exemplary keyboard arrangement for a reduced key AZERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of a handheld mobile communication device incorporating another exemplary keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 29 is an example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY keyboard;

FIG. 30 is another example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY keyboard;

FIG. 31 is another example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY keyboard;

FIG. 32 is another example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY keyboard;

FIG. 33 is an exemplary keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 34 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 35 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 36 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 37 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 38 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 39 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 40 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 41 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 42 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 43 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 44 is another exemplary keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 45 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 46 is another example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 47 is an alternative example keyboard arrangement of a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 48 is another alternative example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 49 is another alternative example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 50 is another alternative example keyboard arrangement for a reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 51 is an alternative example keyboard arrangement for a non-reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 52 is another alternative example keyboard arrangement that is a non-reduced key QWERTY/numeric keyboard;

FIG. 53 is an exploded view of a handheld mobile communication device incorporating an exemplary keypad arrangement;

fig. 54 is a block diagram illustrating an example mobile communication device.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 10-20, 28 and 54 contain various views of a mobile communication device 10 having an exemplary keypad 14. The keyboard 14 is a physical keyboard that includes a plurality of multifunction keys. The keys are multifunctional in that they may be used to enter alphabetic characters, numbers, key tones, symbols, and/or functions or other known inputs. The keyboard is a physical keyboard because of the touch screen type keyboard that uses active keys rather than active keys. In a preferred embodiment, the keys are active to activate switches located beneath the keys.

The example physical keyboard 14 may be used for text entry and telephone entry, and is intended to combine a known keyboard such as a keyboard used on a computer or a typewriter keyboard with a keypad such as a keypad used on a touch-tone telephone or cellular telephone into a single arrangement. Because of this combination, the example physical keyboard is designed to be readily familiar to the user. The keyboard 14 provides: a first user interface including alphabetic characters 44 for text input, the alphabetic characters 44 including a standard alphabetic format of a known format such as QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK; and a second user interface comprising numeric characters for telephone input. Current standard alphabetic keyboard formats use 26 alphabetic character keys, as shown in fig. 1-5, each representing a single alphabetic character. The preferred embodiment of the exemplary keyboard 14 presents alphabetic characters in a reduced key format (having fewer columns and keys than in a standard format). Each of the 26 alphabetic characters is provided, but in a reduced format, such that some keys of the keyboard represent more than one alphabetic character. On the keyboard 14, alphabetic characters, numbers, symbols, and functions are represented by indicia that may be located directly on the keys of the keyboard 14 or on the housing of the mobile communication device.

The preferred reduced physical keyboard is achieved by using fewer columns than a standard format keyboard. Thus, keyboard 14 is well suited for application on a housing form factor similar to that associated with a numeric keypad-based mobile communication device. In particular, the reduced column keyboard 14 provides for reduced size devices without sacrificing speed and user convenience. Reduced key keyboards also allow for more modern and popular smaller devices.

The second user interface of the example keyboard 14 includes numeric characters corresponding to the telephone keypad 42, including the numbers 0-9. Preferably, the arrangement of numbers is presented on the keyboard in the format of a standard numeric phone key arrangement 42 as shown in fig. 6, such that the numbers "1, 2, 3" appear in a first row 50, "4, 5, 6" appear in a second row 52, "7, 8, 9" appear in a third row 54, and at least "0" appears in a fourth (bottommost) row 56, each row being symmetrical about a common center line passing through the central column of numbers. Preferably, a "0" is centered under the other numbers 1-9. In addition, each number is located on its own key, as is the standard telephone keypad. The standard numeric phone key Arrangement corresponds to International telecommunication Union ("ITU") Standard E.161 entitled "Arrangement of Digits, Letters, and Symbols on Telephons and Other Devices That Can Be used for Gaining Access to a Telephon Network" (also known as ANSI.703-1995/1999 and ISO/IEC 9995-8: 1994).

In one embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement 42 may also use a surface treatment on the surface of the central "5" key, in the form of a raised pocket or recessed pocket 43. This bag or pocket 43 is typically a standard for telephones and is used to identify the "5" key by touch only. Once the user has identified the "5" key, the other phone keys can be identified by touch only, due to their standard arrangement. For example, a bag or nest 43 is shown in fig. 6, 10, 11A and 21. The bag or nest 43 preferably has a shape and size that is easily recognizable by a user through touch. The exemplary bag or nest 43 may be circular, rectangular, or may have other shapes if desired. Alternatively, the raised pockets may be located on the housing around the "5" keys, and not necessarily directly on the keys, as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The fourth row 56 may also include the symbols "+" and "#", although these symbols may alternatively be located elsewhere on the keyboard 14, as shown in fig. 40, or appear on the display of the mobile communication device when invoked by a symbol look-up. In a preferred embodiment, the "#" key is located directly to the left of the "0" key and the "#" key is located directly to the right of the "0" key. In any case, the "+" and "#" keys preferably do not share a key with any of the numbers 0-9.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the numeric key arrangement does not correspond to the ITU E.161 standard. In this alternative embodiment, the numbers are typically arranged as a qwerty keyboard with the numeric keypad 46 spaced from the alphabetic characters, as shown in fig. 5. The physical keyboard in fig. 50 shows a reduced alphabetic configuration 44 in which a numeric arrangement 46 is superimposed on the alphabetic characters 44. As with the numeric phone key arrangement 42, each number 0-9 is located on a different key, and the keys are symmetrical about a common center line with a "0" at the center below the other numeric keys 1-9.

The keyboard 14 may also include symbols and functions commonly used with keyboards. Example symbols include "-", "; "," ",": ","? ","/"," > "," < ","! "," @ "," $ ","% "," "&", "(", ")", "" - "," + "," "," ", and" \\\ ". Example functions include "tab," "caps lock," "shift," "control," "alt," "return/enter," "backspace," "insert," "delete," "home," "end," "page up," "page down," "end," "escape," "use," "break," "send," "end," "txt," "sym," and "scroll lock," among other known functions associated with text or telephone input.

The keys on physical keyboard 14 associated with the numbers may be used in a text mode and a telephone (number) mode. The keyboard 14 may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between text input (first user interface) and telephony input (second user interface). When the mobile communication device 10 is in the phone or text entry mode, phone characters may be entered, and when the mobile communication device 10 is in the text entry mode, text entry characters may be entered. The function keys may also be configured to operate in both a telephone mode and a text entry mode, or alternatively one or more of the function keys may operate only in the telephone mode or the text entry mode. In this manner, the keypad 14 has at least two different ergonomic configurations depending on the mode of the mobile communication device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, a toggle key is used for mode selection between text entry and telephone (numeric) modes. Example toggle keys include the "alt" or "shift" keys, where a user selects one of these keys to switch data entry from text entry to phone mode (or vice versa).

Alternatively, software may be used to determine the mode of input. If the user is using a telephony application, the default data entry mode is numeric. If the user is using a text entry application, such as when composing an email, the default data entry mode is text. When in each such mode, the user can manually switch the mode by using the switch key. For example, to enter text in a telephone application, the user selects the "alt" key and then presses the desired alphanumeric key corresponding to the desired letter. Software may also be used to predict whether a user is in a phone or text entry mode based on keystrokes entered by the user.

By providing text entry and phone modes, the keypad design produces at least two distinct, familiar user interfaces that the user may have experienced on two different devices, respectively. In each of the reduced-format keyboards 14 discussed herein, selection of a particular character, number, symbol, or function may be inferred from predictive text software resident on the mobile communication device and/or from a plurality of switches associated with the keys, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to the drawings, FIG. 10 shows a handheld mobile communication device 10 having an exemplary physical keyboard arrangement of twenty keys in five columns and four rows. Fourteen keys are used for alphabetic characters and ten keys are used for numbers. Nine of the ten digits share keys with alphabetic characters. The "space" key and the number "0" share the same key, which is centered on the device and centered under the other numbers on the keyboard 14. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The five columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, and a fifth column 68. Each of the keys in the first, second and third rows 50, 52, 54 are uniform in size, while the keys in the fourth (bottom) row 56 are of different sizes relative to each other and to the keys in the first through third rows 50, 52, 54. The rows and columns are straight, although the keys in the fourth row 56 are not perfectly aligned with the columns due to their different sizes. The columns are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis x-x of the device 10. In another embodiment of the exemplary keypad arrangement, as shown in fig. 11 and 20, the rows and/or columns need not be straight.

FIG. 11 shows a handheld mobile communication device 10 having an exemplary physical keyboard arrangement of five columns and four rows of 20 keys. Fig. 11A shows an exploded view of the keyboard. Fourteen keys on the keyboard 14 are associated with alphabetic characters and ten keys are associated with numbers. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The five columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, and a fifth column 68. Many keys have different sizes than other keys and the rows are non-linear. Specifically, the rows are V-shaped, with the middle key in the third column 64 representing the tip of the V. The columns are generally straight, but the outer two columns 60, 62, 66, 68 are angled inwardly toward the middle column 64. To easily identify the phone user interface (second user interface), the color scheme of the numeric phone keys 0-9 is different from the color scheme of the other keys associated with the QWERTY key arrangement. In this example, the color scheme of the numeric phone keys has a two-tone appearance, where the upper portion of the numeric keys are a first color and the lower portion of the numeric keys are a second color. In this example, the upper portion of the key is a blue-on-white word and the lower portion of the key is a white-on-blue word. Most other keys associated with the QWERTY key arrangement are primarily the second: and blue background and white characters. The first color may be lighter than the second color or darker than the second color. In addition, keyboard 14 includes a "send" key 6 and an "end" key 8. The "send" key 6 is located in the upper left corner of the keyboard 14 and the "end" key 8 is located in the upper right corner. The "send" key 6 and the "end" key 8 may have a different color scheme than the other keys so as to be distinguished from the other keys. Further, the "send" and "end" keys 6, 8 may have different colors from each other. In the example shown, the "send" key 6 is green and the "end" key 8 is red. Different colors may be used if desired.

Fig. 12-15 show various side, end and rear views of the mobile communication device 10. Fig. 12 shows a headphone jack 20 and a USB port 22. Fig. 14 shows the speaker port 24, external charging contacts 26, hands-free button 28, and battery cover release 30. Fig. 15 shows the power button 32.

Fig. 16-19 show the hand held device 10 of fig. 11 installed in a belt buckle assembly 34. Fig. 16 includes an expanded region 36 that makes the buckle easier to attach to and detach from the strap. Fig. 16 also shows internal retainer 38 locking device 10 in place. Figure 17 shows a rotating belt buckle 40. Fig. 18 shows the headset jack 20 and USB port 22 accessible through the belt buckle assembly 34 when worn on a belt.

Fig. 20 shows a handheld mobile communication device 10 similar to that of fig. 10 but with a different key arrangement. In this embodiment, an arrangement of 20 keys is arranged in five columns and four rows. Fourteen keys are associated with alphabetic characters 44 and ten keys are associated with numbers 42. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The five columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, and a fifth column 68. The rows are arcuate, with the uppermost portion of the arcuate being in the central column 64. Each column is straight and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis X-X of the device 10. The keys are oval and multifunctional. The telephone keypad numbers 42 are overlaid on and associated with some of the keys associated with the alphabetic characters 44. Nine of the ten digits share keys with alphabetic characters. In the preferred embodiment, the telephone numbers 0-9 are in the center of the alphanumeric key arrangement 44. The "space" key coincides with the number "0" and is centered in the third column 64 of the fourth row 56.

Figures 21-27 show various key configurations of the physical keyboard arrangement shown in figure 20 using five columns and four rows to represent a reduced column QWERTY keyboard with an overlaid numeric phone key arrangement 42. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The five columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, and a fifth column 68.

Fig. 21 shows a user interface that combines a numeric phone key arrangement 42 with a QWERTY alphabet configuration 44. The total number of keys is 15, with alphabetic characters associated with 14 keys and numbers associated with ten keys. In this particular embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement 42 is centrally located and distributed across the second, third and fourth columns 62, 64, 66. Nine keys share alphabetic and numeric input. For example, the "ER/1" key may be used to enter the letter "E" or "R" or the number "1". Other navigation (e.g., backspace, return/enter, exit), symbol, and function (i.e., alt, control) keys may be added to the keyboard 14, as shown in FIG. 22.

Indicia are located on each key to indicate which alphabetic characters, numbers, symbols, and functions are associated with each key. In order to distinguish alphabetic characters and numbers from each other, the font size of the numeric indicia on the keys shown in fig. 21 is larger than the font size of the alphabetic character indicia. In alternative embodiments, the font types of the numeric and alphabetic indicia may be different. Other embodiments may use different font sizes and different font types to further distinguish between alphabetic and numeric labels. Another way to distinguish between numeric and alphabetic indicia is to use different colors for the indicia. For example, the numeric indicia may have a first color, the alphabetic indicia may have a second color, and the other non-alphabetic or numeric keys may have a third color, as shown in FIG. 22. Alternatively, as described in connection with FIG. 11A, the undertones of the keys may be different in order to distinguish the types of keys. Other means of distinguishing the markers may be used, such as different textures and/or surface treatments.

Fig. 22 shows a physical keyboard 14 of twenty keys with a numeric phone key arrangement 42 at the center of five columns. The first row 50 of keys comprises in turn the following key combinations for text entry and phone mode: "QW", "ER/1", "TY/2", "UI/3" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "AS/," DF/4 "," GH/5 "," JK/6 ", and" L/. The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "ZX/sym", "CV/7", "BN/8", "M/9", and "backspace/delete". The "sym" function key pulls up a list of symbols that the user can enter. The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "alt", "next/", "space/0", "shift/#", and "return/enter". The keys in the upper three rows 50, 52, 54 are of uniform size, while the keys in the fourth row 56 are of a different size than the keys in the upper three rows. Specifically, the central "space" key 84 is larger than the other four keys in the row, which have a uniform size. The outermost keys in the fourth row 56 also have a more rounded shape for aesthetic and other reasons. Each row is straight and each column is straight, wherein the keys in the fourth row 56 are not aligned with the five columns due to their different sizes. The "0" and "space" keys of the numeric phone key arrangement 42 coincide. In another embodiment of fourth row 56, the central "space" key may contain a plurality of functions, symbols, characters, or numbers, such as the key combination "next/", "space/0", "shift/#", or a combination thereof. Selection of a particular function, character, symbol or number may be inferred from predictive text software resident on the mobile communication device and/or a plurality of switches associated with the "space" key.

FIG. 22 also illustrates another feature of an example keyboard. In this feature, the space key has a height that is higher than the other keys in the fourth row 56 of the keyboard, such that it is elongated relative to the other keys. In one embodiment, the space key extends downward in the fourth row 56, beyond the bottom of the other keys, as shown. Specifically, each row of keys has an aligned top line T and an aligned bottom line B for all keys in the row, such that all keys are at least partially between the top and bottom lines T, B. In the embodiment shown in fig. 22, the space bar extends below the aligned bottom line B. The higher space key allows the user to more easily identify the space key, which is a common key on a keyboard. Because the key extends below the other keys in the bottom row 56, the user's finger can more easily discern the location of the key by touch. This feature is also shown in fig. 26, 27 and 47.

Fig. 23 shows a reduced QWERTY layout format of the alphabetic characters 44 similar to that shown in fig. 22, but with the numeric phone key arrangement 42 located in the first, second and third columns 60, 62, 64 rather than at the center of the keyboard 14. The first row 50 of keys comprises in turn the following key combinations for text entry and phone mode: "QW/1", "ER/2", "TY/3", "UI" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "AS/4", "DF/5", "GH/6", "JK/," and "L/". The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "ZX/7", "CV/8", "BN/9", "M/sym", and "backspace/delete". The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "next/", "space/0", "shift/#", "alt", and "return/enter". The keys in each row are of uniform size and the rows and columns are straight.

Fig. 24 shows a combined QWERTY alphabet arrangement 44 and digital telephone keypad arrangement 42, where the keys associated with the numeric input are dispersed in the physical keyboard 14. As shown, the numbers are associated with the first, third and fifth columns 60, 64, 68 and are spaced from one another by a column width. Specifically, the number "1" is labeled on the "QW" key, the "2" is labeled on the "TY" key, and the "3" is labeled on the "OP" key. Other embodiments of the layout include representing numeric and alphabetic indicia by alternative key configurations. For example, one alternative arrangement includes a "1" label overlaid on the "OP" key, a "2" label on the "UI" key, and a "3" label on the "TY" key. In all cases, the "0" key is centered under the other number 1-9 keys.

Fig. 25 shows another embodiment of a combined reduced QWERTY alphabet arrangement 44 and digital telephone keypad arrangement 42, wherein the indicia of the number arrangement are located on the surface of the housing, but not on the keys. In this embodiment, the numeral "1" label is located directly above the "ER" key on the second column 62, first row 50; the numeral "2" label is located on the "TY" key on the third column 64, first row 50; the numeral "3" label is located on the fourth column 66, above the "UI" key on the first row 50. Further, the numeral "4" is located between the "DF" key and the "ER" key on the second column 62, second row 52, and the numeral "7" is located between the "DF" key and the "CV" key on the second column 62, third row 54.

Fig. 26 shows another key arrangement similar to that shown in fig. 22 but for a reduced QWERTZ keyboard arrangement. Fig. 27 shows a key arrangement similar to that shown in fig. 22 but for a reduced AZERTY keyboard arrangement. In each of the above embodiments, the return/enter key 48 is located near the lower right corner of the keyboard 14. In the preferred embodiment, the return/enter key 48 is located in the fifth column 68 or the fourth row 56.

Fig. 28 shows a handheld device 10 similar to that shown in fig. 20 but having a seven column, four row reduction key arrangement. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The seven columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, a fifth column 68, a sixth column 70, and a seventh column 72. The first (uppermost) row 50 includes seven keys. The second row 52 includes seven keys and the third row 54 includes seven keys. The fourth (lowermost) row 56 includes only three keys aligned with the third 64, fourth 66 and fifth 68 columns. The alphabetic characters are associated with 17 of the 24 total keys. The number is associated with ten keys, nine of which share the key associated with the alphabetic character. Alphabetic characters are associated with keys in the first, second and third rows and numbers are associated with keys in each of the four rows. The columns are generally straight and the rows are arcuate, with the arcuate being centered on the fourth column 66. Each column is straight and aligned with the longitudinal axis X-X of the device 10. The keys are oval and multifunctional.

Fig. 29 shows a physical keyboard 14 similar in arrangement to that shown in fig. 28, but with rectangular keys and rows and columns being straight. Specifically, the arrangement of the keyboard 14 of fig. 29 includes four rows and seven columns. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The seven columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, a fifth column 68, a sixth column 70, and a seventh column 72. The alphabetic characters 44 are associated with 19 of the total 28 keys. FIG. 29 does not show the phone key mode, but may include a phone mode if desired, as shown in FIGS. 33-37. The first row 50 of keys comprises in turn the following key combinations for the text entry mode: "QW", "E", "R", "TY", "U", "I" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "A", "S", "DF", "G", "H", "JK" and "L". The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "alt", "ZX", "C", "VB", "N", "M" and "backspace/delete". The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "Next", "shift", "space", "shift", and "return/enter". The keys in each row are of uniform size and the rows and columns are straight. The first and last keys of the fourth row 56 are shown as blank, but may be fitted with any other type of function or symbol keys. Alternatively, the keys may not be present in the keyboard 14.

FIG. 30 shows a physical keyboard 14 similar in arrangement to that shown in FIG. 29, but having only five keys in the fourth row 56. In particular, the arrangement of the keyboard 14 of FIG. 30 includes four rows and seven columns, but wherein the fourth row 56 includes only five keys. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The seven columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, a fifth column 68, a sixth column 70, and a seventh column 72. The alphabetic characters 44 are associated with 19 of the total 28 keys. FIG. 30 does not show the phone key mode, but may include a phone mode if desired, as shown in FIGS. 33-37. The first row 50 of keys comprises in turn the following key combinations for the text entry mode: "QW", "E", "R", "TY", "U", "I" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "A", "S", "DF", "G", "H", "JK" and "L". The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "alt", "ZX", "C", "VB", "N", "M" and "backspace/delete". The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "Next", "shift", "space", "shift", and "return/enter". The keys in each row are of uniform size except for the keys in the fourth row 56, and the keys in the fourth row 56 are of a different size than the keys in the first through third rows 50, 52, 54. Specifically, the "space" key is larger than the other keys on the keyboard 14. The rows and columns are straight, although the keys in the fourth row 56 are not aligned with the seven columns. Although less than seven, the keys in the fourth row 56 span the entire width of all seven columns.

FIG. 31 shows a physical keyboard 14, similar in arrangement to that shown in FIG. 30, but with the keys in the fourth row 56 having a combined width less than the width of the seven columns of keys. FIG. 32 shows a keyboard 14 similar in arrangement to that shown in FIG. 30, but with the fourth row 56 including only three keys and the width of the fourth row 56 not spanning the entire width of the seven columns of keys. The fourth row 56 in fig. 32 includes the following key combinations: "next", "space", and "shift".

Fig. 33 shows a physical keyboard 14 similar in arrangement to that shown in fig. 29, but with a numeric phone key arrangement 42 superimposed on a reduced QWERTY alphabet arrangement 44 of keys. The labels of the keys are located directly on the keys. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The seven columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, a fifth column 68, a sixth column 70, and a seventh column 72. In this embodiment, the numeric phone key arrangement 42 is centered on the keypad in the third 64, fourth 66 and fifth 68 columns. The alphabetic characters 44 are associated with 19 of the total 28 keys. The numbers are associated with ten keys, some of which share an association with alphabetic characters. The first row of keys in turn comprises the following key combinations for text entry and phone mode: "QW", "E", "R/1", "TY/2", "U/3", "I" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "A", "S", "DF/4", "G/5", "H/6", "JK" and "L". The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "alt", "ZX", "C/7", "VB/8", "N/9", "M" and "backspace/delete". The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "next", "shift/", "space/0", "shift/#", and "return/enter". The keys in each row are of uniform size and the rows and columns are straight. The first and last keys of the fourth row 56 are shown as blank, but may be fitted with any other type of function or symbol keys.

Fig. 34 shows a physical keyboard 14 similar in arrangement to that shown in fig. 33, but with the numeric phone key arrangement 42 in a second column 62, a third column 64 and a fourth column 66. The first row 50 of keys comprises in turn the following key combinations for text entry and phone mode: "QW", "E/1", "R/2", "TY/3", "U", "I" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "A", "S/4", "DF/5", "G/6", "H", "JK" and "L". The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "alt", "ZX/7", "C/8", "VB/9", "N", "M" and "backspace/delete". The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "next/", "shift/0", "space/#", "shift", and "return/enter". The keys in each row are of uniform size and the rows and columns are straight. The first and last keys of the fourth row 56 are shown as blank, but may be fitted with any other type of function or symbol keys.

Fig. 35 shows a physical keyboard 14 similar in arrangement to that shown in fig. 33, but with the numeric phone key arrangement 42 in a first column 60, a second column 62 and a third column 64. The first row 50 of keys comprises in turn the following key combinations for text entry and phone mode: "QW/1", "E/2", "R/3", "TY", "U", "I" and "OP". The second row 52 comprises in turn the following key combinations: "A/4", "S/5", "DF/6", "G", "H", "JK" and "L". The third row 54 comprises the following key combinations in order: "alt/7", "ZX/8", "C/9", "VB", "N", "M" and "backspace/delete". The fourth row 56 comprises the following key combinations in order: "next/", "space/0", "shift/#", and "return/enter". The keys in each row are of uniform size and the rows and columns are straight. The keys in the fourth 66, fifth 68 and sixth 70 columns of the fourth row 56 are shown blank, but may be fitted with any other type of function or symbol keys. Although the numeric phone key arrangement 42 is preferably at the center of the keyboard 14, it may be located in any column of the keyboard 14.

FIG. 36 shows a physical keyboard 14 similar in configuration to that shown in FIG. 33, but with the fourth row 56 having only five keys. The "space" key is oversized compared to the other keys and includes the number "0". In addition, the "space" key is at the center of the keyboard 14 and below the other keys in the numeric phone key arrangement 42. The rows and columns are straight, although the keys in the fourth row 56 are not aligned with the seven columns. Although less than seven, the keys in the fourth row 56 span the entire width of all seven columns.

FIG. 37 is similar to FIG. 36 except that the keys in the fourth row 56 do not span the entire width of the seven columns. Other key arrangements may also be used without limitation.

FIGS. 38 and 39 show a reduced QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement 44 of five columns and four rows of keys, similar to the key arrangement presented in FIGS. 20-27, but with a different key design. Fig. 38 uses a total of 18 keys, with alphabetic characters 44 associated with 12 of all keys. Fig. 39 includes a total of 20 keys, 14 of which are associated with alphabetic characters 44. In each of fig. 38 and 39, the numeric phone key arrangement 42 is preferably located in the central three columns 52, 54, 56, but could be located in other columns if desired.

Fig. 40 and 41 show a six column, four row reduced QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement 44. The four rows include a first row 50, a second row 52, a third row 54, and a fourth row 56. The six columns include a first column 60, a second column 62, a third column 64, a fourth column 66, a fifth column 68, and a sixth column 70. Fig. 40 uses a total of 25 keys. Alphabetic characters 44 are associated with 17 of these keys. The numeric phone key arrangement 42 is associated with keys in first, second and third columns 60, 62, 64. FIG. 40 has five keys instead of six in the fourth row 56, and additional "select" 88 and "cancel" 86 keys are also used at the center of the keyboard 14 arrangement, such that three columns 60, 62, 64 are located to the left of the "select" key 88 and three columns 66, 68, 70 are located to the right of the "select" key 88. The "space" key 84 is centrally located below the "select" key 88. The "select" key 88 is preferably a toggle key.

Fig. 41 includes a total of 22 keys. Alphabetic characters 44 are associated with 15 of these keys. The numeric phone key arrangement 42 is associated with keys in second, third and fourth columns 62, 64, 66. FIG. 41 uses four keys in the fourth row 56. In fig. 40 and 41, the "0" key is centered under the other keys in the numeric phone key arrangement 42. In fig. 40, the "+" and "#" keys are not adjacent to the "0" key. Instead, they are associated with letter keys, located to the right of the "select" key 88. They may be located in other positions if desired, although the preferred location is to the side of the "0" key so that the numeric phone key arrangement is more familiar to the user.

Fig. 42 shows a four column, four row reduced QWERTY arrangement of alphabetic characters 44, with the numeric phone key arrangement 42 superimposed over the alphabetic characters of the QWERTY arrangement 44. The numeric phone keys 42 are located in the first, second and third columns 60, 62, 64 of the keypad arrangement, and the "space/0" key is centered under the other numbers 1-9. The alphabetic characters are associated with 10 of the 16 total keys and the numbers are associated with nine of the alphabetic keys.

Fig. 43 and 44 show a reduced QWERTY alphabetic key arrangement 44 having four rows of keys, with the first row 50 having more keys than the fourth row 56. Each middle row has fewer keys than the rows above it. In FIG. 43, the first row 50 includes six keys, the second row 52 includes five keys, the third row 54 includes four keys and the fourth row 56 includes three keys. Thus, each row below the first row 50 has one fewer key than the row immediately above it. FIG. 44 has five keys in a first row 50, four keys in a second row 52, three keys in a third row 54, and one key in a fourth row 56. Other similar non-uniform arrangements may also be used if desired. Although no numerals are shown in fig. 43 and 44, they may be superimposed on the keys, as in any of the foregoing and later-described embodiments.

Fig. 45 and 46 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a three row and six column reduced QWERTY physical keyboard. The keys are divided into left 80 and right 82 keys, with the left key 80 centered on the "space" key 84 and the right key 82 centered on the "space" key 84. The keys are shown as having a rectangular shape, but may take on other shapes. Further, numbers may be included, if desired.

FIGS. 47-49 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a physical keyboard 14 in which keys associated with a reduced QWERTY arrangement of alphabetic characters 44 overlap the numeric phone key arrangement 42. In these embodiments, some numbers are associated with more than one key. For example, FIG. 47 shows a five column keyboard 14 in which the outermost rows of the numeric phone key arrangement 42 are repeated so that if the user taps any one of the keys in the upper three rows 50, 52, 54, a digit will be selected in the phone mode. Specifically, the numbers "1, 4, 7" are associated with the first and second columns 60, 62, while the numbers "3, 6, 9" are associated with the fourth and fifth columns 66, 68. The numeric phone key arrangement 42 is still at the center of the keyboard 14 and the "space" functions share the "0" key, which is still at the center under the other numbers and at the center of the keyboard 14.

Fig. 48 shows a six-column reduced QWERTY physical keyboard 14, with a numeric phone key arrangement 42 associated with the keys in each of the six columns. The numbers "1, 4, 7" are associated with the first and second columns 60, 62; the numbers "2, 5,8, 0" are associated with the third and fourth columns 64, 66; and the numbers "3, 6, 9" are associated with the fifth and sixth columns 68, 70. The numeric phone key arrangement is also at the center of the keyboard 14. The "space" function shares a key with a "0" key.

FIG. 49 is similar to FIGS. 47-48, but uses a seven column reduced QWERTY key arrangement. The numbers "1, 4, 7" are associated with the keys in the first and second columns 60, 62; the numbers "2, 5,8, 0" are associated with keys in the third, fourth and fifth columns 64, 66, 68; and the numbers "3, 6, 9" are associated with the keys in the sixth and seventh columns 70, 72. Further, fig. 49 shows the indicia of the numeric phone key arrangement 42 located on each key. For alphabetic character indicia, the indicia have a font size and color that is different from the numeric indicia.

Fig. 50 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a reduced key QWERTY physical keyboard 14 in combination with a numeric keypad 46 (e.g., as shown in fig. 5). In this embodiment, the numbers "7, 8, 9" are located in the first row 50, the numbers "4, 5, 6" are located in the second row 52, the numbers "1, 2, 3" are located in the third row 54, and the number "0" is located in the fourth row 56, centered under the other numbers. As with the previous embodiments, the numbers of the numeric keypad 46 may be located in other columns, or may be arranged in multiple columns, as shown in FIGS. 47-49 or 51-52.

Fig. 51 and 52 illustrate another example physical keyboard 90. The keyboard is a full QWERTY alphabet arrangement in which a numeric phone key arrangement 42 is superimposed over alphabetic characters such that a plurality of keys are multi-functional. In this embodiment, similar to FIGS. 47-49, the digits of the numeric phone key arrangement 42 are associated with more than one key. For example, the numbers "1, 4, 7" are associated with keys in the third and fourth columns 64, 66; the numbers "2, 5,8, 0" are associated with the keys in the fifth and sixth columns 68, 70; and the numbers "3, 6, 9" are associated with the keys in the seventh and eighth columns 72, 74. Indicia associated with the numbers are provided on the front face of the keyboard 14 rather than directly on the keys, and brackets or other indicating indicia may be provided on the keyboard 14 to identify which keys are associated with the numbers, if desired. FIG. 51 uses the "space" function associated with the two "0" keys. FIG. 52 is similar to FIG. 51, except that the center four keys of row 56 are combined into a single key associated with the "0" and "space" functions.

A symbol not shown may be included in the keys shown in the drawings. In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 20, 22-23, 26-43 and 54, the "return/enter" key 48 is located near the lower right corner of the keyboard 14. In the preferred embodiment, the "return/enter" 48 is located in the rightmost column or in the fourth row 56.

The physical keyboard 14 includes hardware and software associated with each key for entering characters (as indicated by indicia on or near the key). Examples of mobile communication devices having a keypad assembly (with hardware and software associated with key input) are described in U.S. patent application nos. 09/967,537 and 10/302,242 and U.S. patent No.6,278,442, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and are shown in fig. 53 and 54.

Fig. 53 is an exploded view of the hardware of the mobile communication device 10 incorporating an example keypad arrangement 14. The device includes a first device housing portion 260 and a second device housing portion 262. The housing portions are connected together by fasteners (not shown) that fit through the plurality of apertures 250, 254 to form a single complete device housing that encloses the internal components of the mobile communication device 10. The fasteners may be screws, rivets, etc. Fasteners are but one example of possible components that may be used to connect the housing portions of the device together. Other components include flexible or rigid but deformable members, which may be integral with one device housing portion, which engage mating structures on the or each other device housing portion, or which deform to secure the device housing portions together. For example, the device housing portions may also or instead be joined together by welding, using an adhesive. However, the device housing portions are preferably connected together using releasable fasteners such as screws.

Referring to fig. 53, the device 10 includes a PCB (printed circuit board) 264. Preferably, most of the internal components of the mobile communication device are mounted on the PCB 264. Preferably, the keyboard 14 is formed by placing a key web 233A on a plurality of switches 233B on the PCB 264. Preferably, the key net 233A and the plurality of switches 233B are configured such that each key in the key net 233A contacts and operates one of the switches 233B when the key is pressed. Other configurations may also be implemented in which the number of switches 233B may be less than the number of keys on key net 233A, or the number of switches 233B may be greater than the number of keys on key net 233A. The key net 233A and the switches 233B may also be positioned such that the openings 235 in the first device housing portion 260 at least partially expose the keyboard 14. A portion of the key net 233A is exposed by opening 235 to provide a key surface that can be pressed by a user to provide data input to device 10. Such data input may be used, for example, to generate data communications on device 10.

Preferably, display 16 is mounted on PCB264, as shown in FIG. 53. The opening 223 in the first device housing portion 260 at least partially exposes the display 16 when the first device housing portion 260 and the second device housing portion 262 are coupled together. Opening 223 in first device housing portion 260 and display 16 on PCB264 may be positioned such that display area 225 of display 16 is exposed. Preferably, a frame or other component associated with the display 16 is hidden from view when the first and second device housing portions 260, 262 are connected together.

Preferably, speaker 234 is mounted at or near the top of PCB 264. One or more openings 235 in the first device housing portion 260 are positioned to at least partially expose the speaker 234 when the first and second device housing portions 260, 262 are coupled together. The microphone 236 is mounted in the second device housing portion 262. The microphone 236 is at least partially exposed by the opening 237B in the second device housing portion and is connected to the PCB and other device components. For example, audio or voice input to the microphone 236 may be used to generate voice communications. An opening (not shown) is provided in the first device housing portion 260 to at least partially expose the microphone 236 when the microphone 236 is located in the housing. The microphone 236 may optionally be located in the first device housing portion 260 or on the PCB 264.

The device housing portions 260, 262 may include other openings to expose or partially expose other device components. In the first device housing portion 260, the openings 270, 272, and 274 are configured to partially expose the auxiliary I/O devices. An opening 268 is also located in the second device housing portion 262 to at least partially expose the auxiliary I/O device 228D. An opening 266 in the second device housing portion 262 may be provided for receiving a power source such as a battery. Other openings may also be provided in the device housing as desired.

Other internal components of device 10 may also be mounted on PCB 264. The device components are interconnected to provide at least data and voice communication functions, and possibly other local non-communication functions and near field communication functions. Although these other internal components are not shown in fig. 53, most of them are preferably mounted on the back of PCB264, opposite the side on which keyboard 14, display 16 and speaker 234 are mounted, but some components may also be mounted near display 16 and/or keyboard 14, either on or along the edge of PCB 264. The internal components of the device 10 are interconnected as needed by wired connections, PCB traces (tracks), other types of connectors or connections, or possible combinations thereof.

When connected together, the first and second device housing portions 260, 262 form a handheld mobile communication device housing 10 that encloses a PCB264 and internal components. Openings 235, 223, 235, and 237B at least partially expose speaker 234, display 16, keypad 14, and microphone 236, as described above. Partial exposure of these components allows the user to use these components while protecting them from damage. Openings 268, 270, 272, 274 likewise expose and protect auxiliary I/O devices. When it is generally necessary to access the components relatively frequently, a removable covering element can be provided for the respective device housing opening. In the above example of the device power supply, a cover (not shown) is preferably provided for the opening 266. So that power can be accessed when needed, while the battery remains protected when access is not needed.

The assembly of fig. 53 provides significant manufacturing advantages to the device 10. Mounting most of the internal device components on a single PCB264 simplifies the manufacture of the PCB, since only a single PCB needs to be constructed and placed in the device housing portion. Thereby, interconnection between different PCBs and problems associated with the precise relative positions of multiple PCBs may be avoided. During manufacture, the PCB264 may be placed on or within the first device housing portion 260 or the second device housing portion 262. The other device portions are then placed in position and the housing portions are connected together to enclose the PCB and other internal device components in a single unitary device housing. Once assembled, the device housing is stationary and no movement of the device housing portions relative to each other is required to provide voice and data communications or other functionality. Advantageously, damage to the movable apparatus housing part and the often problematic hinge arrangement and connection are thereby avoided.

The mobile communication device 10 may also include a predictive text computer program for use in conjunction with a keyboard. Predictive test software is useful in reduced format keyboards, such as the exemplary keyboard, for identifying a desired input based on a combination of user keystrokes. For example, predictive text computer programs may be used to predict complete words or phrases from one or more keystrokes. If the predictive text computer program does not successfully predict the desired word or phrase, the text input characters may be entered more accurately (though more slowly) by selecting the appropriate character on the key. In the following commonly owned patent applications: U.S. provisional patent application No.60/397,680, "curable Predictive Text Method For reduced Keyboards", filed on 23/7/2002; exemplary predictive text computer programs are described in International patent application No. PCT/CA03/01103, "Systems and Methods of Building and Using custom word Lists," filed on 23/7/2003, and International patent application No. PCT/CA02/00862, "Portable Electronic Device With Keyboard," filed on 10/6/2002, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A number of different predictive text techniques are known and may be used with the example keyboard. In the multi-tap method, a user taps a key multiple times until a desired letter, number, symbol, or function is selected. This technology has been used in devices such as cellular phones and touch screens. Companies that offer solutions to the multi-hit approach include Motorola (e.g., iTAP), Zi (e.g., eZiText), aol (text) (e.g., T9), and Eatoni (e.g., lettewise). A related method is the long-tap method, in which the user presses a key until the desired character appears on the display.

Another technique relates to predictive text methods. These methods use database software to predict the entered text. One approach involves automatically correcting general spelling errors (e.g., "teh" to "the"). The predictive text method uses the known spellings of words in conjunction with the probability and frequency of use of the words to determine a preferred word based on the user's input commands. A disambiguation engine and predictive editor application may be used to establish a single grammatical or semantic interpretation of keystrokes entered by a user. With the predictive editor application, the display of the device shows the possible character sequences corresponding to the entered keystrokes. Typically, the most commonly used words are displayed first. The user may manually or otherwise select other words that are not commonly used. Without limitation, other types of predictive text computer programs may be used with the keyboard arrangements and keyboards described herein.

The handheld mobile communication device 10 shown in FIGS. 10-20, 28 and 53-54 includes similar features such as the housing 12, the keypad 14 and the output device 16. The output device shown is a display 16, which is preferably a full graphic LCD. Alternatively, other types of output devices may be used. A processing device 18, shown schematically in fig. 54, is contained in the housing 12, and the processing device 18 is connected between the physical keyboard 14 and the display 16. The processing device 18 controls the operation of the display 16 and the overall operation of the mobile communication device 10 in response to actuation of keys on the keypad 14 by the user.

The housing 12 may be elongated vertically or may take on other sizes and shapes, including clamshell housing structures and the like. The keyboard may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between text entry and telephony entry.

In addition to the processing device 18, other parts of the mobile communication device 10 are shown schematically in fig. 54. These parts include: a communication subsystem 100; a close range communication subsystem; keyboard 14 and display 16 and other input/output devices 106, 108, 110, and 112; as well as storage devices 116, 118 and various other device subsystems 120. The mobile communication device 10 is preferably a two-way RF communication device having voice and data communication capabilities. In addition, the mobile communication device 10 preferably has the capability to communicate with other computer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by processing device 18 is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash memory 116, but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) 118. Communication signals received by the mobile communication device may also be stored to the RAM 118.

In addition to its operating system functions, the processing device 18 is capable of executing software applications 130A-130N on the device 10. A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, such as data and voice communications 130A and 130B, may be installed on device 10 during manufacture. In addition, a Personal Information Manager (PIM) may be installed during manufacture. The PIM is preferably capable of organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is also preferably capable of sending and receiving data items via the wireless network 140. The PIM data items are preferably seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated, via the wireless network 140, with the device user's corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system. An exemplary System and method For accomplishing these steps is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,219,694 "System and method For Pushing Information From A Host System To A Mobile device Having A Shared Electronic Address", which is owned by the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through the communication subsystem 100, and possibly through the short-range communications subsystem. The communication subsystem 100 includes a receiver 150, a transmitter 152, and one or more antennas 154, 156. In addition, the communication subsystem 100 includes a processing module, such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)158 and a Local Oscillator (LO) 160. The particular design and implementation of the communication subsystem 100 is dependent upon the communication network in which the mobile communication device 10 is intended to operate. For example, the mobile communication device 10 may include a device designed to operate at Mobitex^TM、Data TAC^TMOr General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communications network and is also designed for use with the communications subsystem 100 operating in any of a number of voice communications networks, such as AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, GSM, etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate and integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile communication device 10.

Network access requirements vary based on the type of communication system. For example, in the Mobitex and DataTAC networks, mobile devices are registered on the network using a unique personal identification number or PIN associated with each device. In GPRS networks, however, network access is associated with a subscriber or user of a device. GPRS devices therefore require a subscriber identity module, commonly referred to as a SIM card, in order to operate on a GPRS network.

When required network registration or activation procedures are completed, the mobile communication device 10 may send and receive communication signals over the communication network 140. Signals received by the antenna 154 from the communication network 140 are routed to the receiver 150, which receiver 150 provides signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and also provides analog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received signal allows the DSP 158 to perform more complex communication functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network 140 are processed (e.g., modulated and encoded) by the DSP 158 and are provided to the transmitter 152 for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission to the communication network 140 (or networks) via the antenna 156.

In addition to processing communication signals, the DSP 158 provides for control of the receiver 150 and the transmitter 152. For example, gains applied to communication signals in the receiver 150 and transmitter 152 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 158.

In the data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message or web page download, is processed by the communication subsystem 100 and input to the processing device 18. The received signal is then further processed by the processing device 18 for output to the display 16, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O device 106. A device user may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, using the keyboard 14 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device 106, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumbwheel, or some other type of input device. The composed data items are then transmitted over the communication network 140 via the communication subsystem 100.

In a voice communication mode, overall operation of the device is substantially similar to the data communication mode, except that received signals are output to a speaker 110, and signals for transmission are generated by a microphone 112. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the device 10. In addition, the display 16 may also be used in voice communication mode, for example to display the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem enables communication between the mobile communication device 10 and other proximate systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth (TM) communications module to provide for communications with similarly-functioning systems and devices.

As mentioned above, the preferred example keyboard represents a combination of a text entry keyboard and a telephone keypad in a reduced key format. The example keyboard may be used in two modes. In the first mode, the user uses both hands to enter text characters, similar to the use of a standard 26-key keyboard. In the second mode, the user uses a single hand to enter numeric characters in the phone mode. Thus, the example keyboard provides two different methods of input, both of which are common to users.

Thus, the example keyboard also relates to a method of operating the keyboard and entering text and telephony commands on the keyboard. The method includes inputting numbers into the mobile communication device using one hand and inputting text into the mobile communication device using two hands. The method also includes entering functional commands and symbols using both hands. Alternatively, one-handed input of functional commands and symbols may be used.

The keys may be toggle keys or non-toggle keys, if desired. Additional or fewer rows and columns (more than the number shown here) may be provided to place functions or other keys, if desired. Further, in some embodiments, the keys may be aligned in columns, or may be staggered.

Although most examples show a QWERTY arrangement of alphabetic characters, these examples are equally applicable to other standard arrangements. Furthermore, a QWERTY keyboard is shown with a specific combination of alphabetic characters on each key. Without limitation, other combinations may alternatively be used, so long as the alphabetic characters are presented in the same order as their standard arrangement.

The word "substantially" is used herein as an estimating term.

While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that these features can be used alone or in combination. Therefore, the claimed invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

Further, it is to be understood that variations and modifications may be effected by those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are merely examples of the claimed invention. This disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention thus includes other embodiments that do not differ or differ substantially from the literal semantics of the claims. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims.

Industrial applicability

The present invention provides a keyboard arrangement for a handheld mobile communication device.

Claims (70)

1. A handheld mobile communication device having a physical keyboard, the device comprising:

a housing having a plurality of keys on a front surface thereof;

the plurality of keys include: a first key set of at least 12 and less than 26 keys having indicia of letters A through Z associated therewith, whereby at least a portion of the keys of the first set each have more than one alphabetic indicia associated therewith, the alphabetic indicia arranged in a standard alphabetic keyboard arrangement; a second key set having indicia of numerals 0 to 9 associated therewith, said numerals being arranged in a numeric phone key arrangement at least partially overlapping on said standard alphabetic keyboard arrangement; and a space key having a height greater than a height of each key of the first key set.

2. A handheld mobile communication device according to claim 1, wherein the number of said first key set having indicia of letters a to Z associated therewith is 12.

3. A handheld mobile communication device according to claim 1, wherein the number of said first key set having indicia of letters a to Z associated therewith is 14.

4. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the spacebar is centered on the row of keys in which it is located.

5. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the spacebar is further associated with the number 0.

6. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the space key is located in a row of keys and extends below the other keys in the row of keys.

7. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys are arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of columns and rows, and the space bar is located in the bottom row of keys and extends below the other keys in the bottom row.

8. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 7, wherein the space key is at the center of the bottom row of keys.

9. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the spacebar is configured to be contacted by a finger of a user through touch.

10. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys are arranged in a grid-like pattern having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein keys in a row comprising a space key have aligned top lines and aligned bottom lines, the space key extending beyond one of the aligned top lines and the aligned bottom lines.

11. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 10, wherein the spacebar is located in the bottom row.

12. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 10, wherein the spacebar extends below the aligned bottom line.

13. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 10, wherein the spacebar extends above the aligned top line.

14. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the standard alphabetic keyboard arrangement comprises one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and DOVRAK layout.

15. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the first key set number associated with an alphabetic keyboard arrangement is 14 and the plurality of key numbers is 20.

16. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys are arranged in four rows comprising in sequence a first, second, third and fourth row and five columns comprising in sequence a first, second, third, fourth and fifth column.

17. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16, wherein the first set of keys is associated with three of four rows, the second set of keys is associated with each of the four rows, and the alphabetic designation associated with the first set of keys is arranged in one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and DVORAK layout.

18. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 17, wherein the second set of keys is associated with three of five columns.

19. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 17, wherein the second set of keys is associated with a second, third and fourth column.

20. A handheld mobile communication device according to claim 17, wherein the second group of keys is associated with keys in first, second, third and fourth rows, wherein the keys in the first row comprise the number "1" in the second column, the number "2" in the third column and the number "3" in the fourth column, the keys in the second row comprise the number "4" in the second column, the number "5" in the third column and the number "6" in the fourth column, the keys in the third row comprise the number "7" in the second column, the number "8" in the third column and the number "9" in the fourth column, the keys in the fourth row comprise the number "0" in the second column, and the number "#" in the fourth column.

21. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16, wherein the keys in the fourth row include an "alt" function in the first column, a "next" function in the second column, a "space" function in the third column, a "shift" function in the fourth column and a "return/enter" function in the fifth column.

22. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16, wherein the first row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI", and "OP".

23. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16, wherein the first row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI", and "OP", the second row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L", and the third row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "CV", "BN", and "M".

24. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16 wherein the first row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI" and "OP", the second row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "DF", "GH" and "JKL", and the third row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "ZXC", "VB" and "NM".

25. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16 wherein the first row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "ER", "TY", "UI" and "OP", the second row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "DF", "GH", "JK" and "L", and the third row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "Z", "XC", "VB" and "NM".

26. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 16, further comprising a "return/enter" key associated with a return/enter function.

27. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 26, wherein the "return/enter" key is located in the fifth column.

28. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 26, wherein the "return/enter" key is located in the fourth row.

29. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, further comprising a function associated with at least one of the plurality of keys.

30. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys of the physical keyboard are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns forming a grid of keys, and at least one of the columns and rows is straight.

31. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 30, wherein at least one of the rows and columns is non-linear.

32. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of keys is rectangular.

33. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of keys is oval-shaped.

34. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys are arranged in four rows and seven columns including first, second, third, and fourth rows and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh columns, the first row including seven keys, the second row including seven keys, the third row including seven keys, and the fourth row including three keys.

35. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 34 wherein the three keys in the fourth row are located in the third, fourth and fifth columns.

36. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 34, wherein the first row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "Q", "W", "ER", "TY", "UI", "O", and "P", and the first row of keys includes the number "1" in the third column, the number "2" in the fourth column, and the number "3" in the fifth column.

37. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 34, wherein a first row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "Q", "W", "ER", "TY", "UI", "O", and "P", a second row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "a", "S", "DF", "GH", "JK", and "L", a third row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "Z", "XC", "VB", and "NM", and the second group of keys is associated with keys in first, second, third, and fourth rows, wherein the keys in the first row comprise the number "1" in a third column, the number "2" in a fourth column, and the number "3" in a fifth column, the second group of keys associated with keys in the second row comprise the number "4" in a third column, the number "5" in a fourth column, and the number "6" in a fifth column, said second set of keys associated with keys in the third row comprises the number "7" in the third column, the number "8" in the fourth column and the number "9" in the fifth column, and said second set of keys associated with keys in the fourth row comprises the number "0" in the fourth column.

38. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys comprises four rows and six columns of keys, the four rows comprising a first, second, third, and fourth row, and the six columns comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth column.

39. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 38, wherein the second set of keys is associated with first, second and third columns and with first, second, third and fourth rows.

40. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 38, wherein a first row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "E", "RT", "YU", "I" and "OP", a second row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "D", "FG", "HJ", "K" and "L", a third row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "C", "V", "BN" and "M", and the second group of keys comprises keys in a first row comprising the number "1" in a first column, the number "2" in a second column and the number "3" in a third column, the second group of keys associated with keys in a second row comprises the number "4" in a first column, the number "5" in a second column and the number "6" in a third column, the second group of keys associated with keys in a third row comprises the number "7" in a first column, The number "8" in the second column and the number "9" in the third column, and the five keys in the fourth row, which include the first, second, third, fourth and fifth keys, which are not aligned with the first through sixth columns, wherein the second key in the fourth row includes the "0" of the numeric phone key arrangement, which "0" key is centered under the other numeric keys 1-9.

41. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 38, wherein the second set of keys is associated with second, third and fourth columns and first, second, third and fourth rows.

42. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 38, wherein a first row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "QW", "E", "RT", "YU", "I" and "OP", a second row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "AS", "D", "FG", "HJ" and "KL", a third row comprises keys corresponding in order to letters "ZX", "CV", "BN" and "M", and the second group of keys comprises keys of the first row comprising the number "1" in a second column, the number "2" in a third column and the number "3" in a fourth column, the second group of keys associated with keys in the second row comprises the number "4" in a second column, the number "5" in a third column and the number "6" in a fourth column, the second group of keys associated with keys in the third row comprises the number "7" in a second column, The number "8" in the third column and the number "9" in the fourth column, and the fourth row comprising three keys not aligned with the first through sixth columns, the keys of the fourth row comprising first, second and third keys, wherein the first key of the fourth row comprises a "#", the second key of the fourth row comprises a "0" of the second group of keys, and the third key of the fourth row comprises a "#".

43. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys comprises four rows and four columns of keys, the four rows comprising a first, second, third, and fourth row, and the four columns comprising a first, second, third, and fourth column.

44. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 43, wherein the second set of keys is associated with first, second and third columns and first, second, third and fourth rows.

45. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 43, wherein the first row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "QWE", "RT", "YU" and "IOP", the second row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "ASD", "FGH" and "JKL", the third row includes keys corresponding in order to letters "ZXC", "VB" and "NM", and the second group of keys includes keys in the first row including the number "1" in the first column, the number "2" in the second column and the number "3" in the third column, the second group of keys includes keys in the second row including the number "4" in the first column, the number "5" in the second column and the number "6" in the third column, the second group of keys includes keys in the third row including the number "7" in the first column, the number "7" in the third column, and the number "6" in the third column, The number "8" is included in the second column and the number "9" is included in the third column, and the fourth row includes the "+" in the first column, the "0" in the second column and the "#" key in the third column.

46. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 43, wherein the fourth key of the second row is associated with a "backspace" function, the fourth key of the third row is associated with a "return/enter" function, the first key of the fourth row may be associated with a "txt" function, the second key of the fourth row is associated with a "space" function, the third key of the fourth row is associated with a "shift" function, and the fourth key of the fourth row is associated with an "alt" function.

47. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys comprises four rows of keys, a first row of keys comprising a first number of keys, a second row of keys comprising a first number minus 1 of keys, a third row of keys comprising a first number minus 2 of keys, and a fourth row of keys comprising a first number minus 3 of keys.

48. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, comprising four rows of keys, a first row of keys comprising a first number of keys, a second row of keys comprising fewer keys than the first row, a third row of keys comprising fewer keys than the second row, and a fourth row of keys comprising fewer keys than the third row.

49. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the second set of keys are symmetrically arranged about a centerline.

50. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys are symmetrically arranged about a centerline.

51. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the second set of keys is centered in a key column comprised of a plurality of keys.

52. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein said second key set is centrally located on a front surface of the housing.

53. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the handheld mobile communication device has a phone mode and a text entry mode.

54. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary I/O device.

55. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 54, wherein the auxiliary I/O device is one of a touchpad, a rocker switch, and a thumbwheel.

56. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, further comprising an "# associated with one of the plurality of keys and a" # "associated with another of the plurality of keys, wherein the" # key is immediately adjacent one side of the key associated with the number "0" and the "#" key is immediately adjacent the other side of the key associated with the number "0".

57. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein said second set of keys further comprises a symbol.

58. A handheld mobile communication device according to claim 1, wherein at least one key of the second set of keys comprises an identification portion in the form of one of a raised pocket or a recessed dimple.

59. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the second set of keys is located substantially to the left of a front face of the handheld mobile station.

60. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein said second set of keys is located substantially to the right of the front of the handheld mobile station.

61. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein said second set of keys further comprises symbols "+" and "#".

62. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the space bar is symmetrically arranged about a centerline of the device.

63. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the spacebar is centered on the front surface of the housing.

64. A handheld mobile communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second key set is separated by color from the key regions of the first key set that do not overlap with the second key set.

65. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 64, wherein the numeric indicia associated with the second key set is a first color and the alphabetic indicia associated with the first key set is a second color.

66. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 64, wherein an underlying color of the second set of keys is different from an underlying color of the first set of keys that does not overlap with the second set of keys.

67. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 64, wherein the second set of keys is differentiated by having a first area of the housing front surface around the second set of keys being a first color and a second area of the housing front surface around keys that do not overlap the second set of keys being a second color.

68. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the keys of the second key set have a two-color appearance.

69. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 68, wherein each key of the second set of keys has a first portion of a first color and a second portion of a second color.

70. The handheld mobile communication device of claim 69, wherein the first portion of each key of the second group of keys has a numerical indicium associated therewith that is a different color than the first color.