(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0020692 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Jan. 30, 2003
`
`Griffin et al.
`
`US 20030020692A1
`
`(54) HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH
`A KEYBOARD OPTIMIZED FOR USE WITH
`THE THUMBS
`
`part of application No. 29/089,942, filed on Jun. 26,
`1998, now Pat. No. D,416,256.
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, Waterloo (CA); David
`M. Walters, Waterloo (CA); John A.
`Holmes, Waterloo (CA); Mihal
`Lazaridis, Waterloo (CA)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`JOSEPH M. SAUER
`JONES DAY REAVIS & POGUE
`NORTH POINT, 901 LAKESIDE AVENUE
`CLEVELAND, OH 44114 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/205,023
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 25, 2002
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/663,972,
`filed on Sep. 19, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part
`of application No. 09/106,585, filed on Jun. 29, 1998,
`now Pat. No. 6,278,442, which is a continuation-in-
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/307,755, filed on Jul.
`25, 2001.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ....................................................... G09G 5/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S.Cl.
`.............................................................. 345/168
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Ahand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for
`use with the thumbs is provided. The handheld device
`includes a keyboard, a display, and a processor. The key-
`board is horizontally positioned symmetrically between a
`left edge and a right edge of a face of the handheld
`messaging device. The keyboard has a plurality of keys
`arranged in a plurality of rows across the face, wherein each
`row of keys is arranged in a concave pattern. The display is
`vertically positioned between the keyboard and a top edge of
`the face and is horizontally positioned symmetrically
`between the left edge and the right edge of the face. The
`processor is coupled to the keyboard and the display, and
`controls the operation of the hand-held messaging device.
`
`
`
`
`1000
`
`901
`
`SCEA EX. 1007 Page 1
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`

`

`4OO
`
`1010
`
`1000
`
`THUMBHHEEL
`
`IMPEDANCE
`MATCHING
`RF LPF
`"x_/
`52%;:
`
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`TO 94]
`MHz Rx
`
`OEMODULATEDE
`SIGNAL
`5
`
`200
`
`RECEIVER
`
`EMBEDDED
`MICRO-
`
`LINE
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`900
`
`KEYBOARD
`
`,
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`A/D
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ETA/TIA 233
`SERIAL PORT
`IRS-232C
`COMPATIBLE]
`
`ALKALINE
`BATTERY
`
`BATTERY CHARGING
`SUPPLY CONSTANT
`CURRENT REGULATOR
`SWITCH/BURST MODE
`BOOST CONVERTER
`300kHz
`
`
`
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`VIJOIlaaqs€00z‘09HerHoneauqnd:Honeouddv'nnned
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`
`TRANSMITTER
`
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`
`________
`
`
`LOCAL OSCILLATORS
`890 TO 902 MHz L0]
`
`90 MHz LOB
`
`
`MODULATION
`“3.2 MHZ TEXO
`
`
`
`896 TO 908
`MHz Rx
`
`______
`
`t
`________
`
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`
`x
`
`_-_-______-__-______-__-_________--___p_
`
`POWER
`' MANAGEMENT
`CIRCUITRY
`
`III
`
`
`
`TX POWER CONTROL
`
`
`
`§
`1
`
`IMPEDANCE
`MATCHING
`RF LPF
`
`I W
`
`E 5
`
`SCEA Ex. 1007 Page 2
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`
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`5.8—:66:39.:w:mam—mo:.35.we.38mtg»Ncm3dm383333>H
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 4 0f 14
`
`US 2003/0020692 A1
`
`GND
`
`R801
`100K
`
`GND
`
`/1010
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`(133(1):
`R802
`580]
`HP
`100K
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`SCEA EX. 1007 Page 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 5 0f 14
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`US 2003/0020692 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 6 0f 14
`
`US 2003/0020692 A1
`
`SYMBOL
`
`906
`
`SYM
`
`SCEA EX. 1007 Page 7
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 7 0f 14
`
`US 2003/0020692 A1
`
`a,
`
`SYMBOL
`
`Fig. 10
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`906
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`SCEA EX. 1007 Page 8
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`

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`SCEA Ex. 1007 Page 9
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`

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`SCEA Ex. 1007 Page 10
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 10 0f 14
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 11 0f 14
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`US 2003/0020692 A1
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`1406
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`Fig. Mb
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`SCEA EX. 1007 Page 12
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`
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 13 0f 14
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`US 2003/0020692 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 30, 2003 Sheet 14 0f 14
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`US 2003/0020692 A1
`
`Jan. 30, 2003
`
`HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A
`KEYBOARD OPTIMIZED FOR USE WITH THE
`THUMBS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims priority from and is related
`to the following prior application: “Hand-Held Electronic
`Device with a Keyboard Optimized for Use with the
`Thumbs”, US. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/307,755,
`filed on Jul. 25, 2001. In addition,
`this application is a
`continuation-in-part of US. patent application Ser. No.
`09/663,972, filed on Sep. 19, 2000, which is a continuation-
`in-part of US. patent application Ser. No. 09/106,585, filed
`on Jun. 29, 1998 (now US. Pat. No. 6,278,442), which is a
`continuation-in-part of US. Design application Ser. No.
`29/089,942, entitled “Hand-held Messaging Device with
`Keyboard”, filed on Jun. 26, 1998 (now US. Pat. No.
`D416,256) and assigned to the assignee of the present
`invention. These prior applications,
`including the entire
`written descriptions and drawing figures, are hereby incor-
`porated into the present application by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] The arrangements described herein are directed
`toward the field of small, hand-held electronic devices such
`as personal data assistants (PDAs), personal information
`managers (PIMs), two-way pagers and the like. In particular,
`the described systems and methods provide the user of a
`hand-held device with the ability to input data with a
`minimal amount of key strokes, and includes a keyboard
`structure that
`is optimized for use substantially with the
`thumbs.
`
`In a two-way paging system that provides two-way,
`[0003]
`full text messaging, there is a need to permit the user to
`initiate messages and to respond to messages in a timely
`fashion and with text entirely created by the user on a
`communication device. In order to keep the form factor of
`the device small enough to be worn on the body of the user,
`such as with a belt clip, the input device should be small,
`have a minimal number of keys, and be optimized for use
`with a minimal number of key strokes. Known systems have
`attempted to address these needs by incorporating virtual
`keyboards or pen-based systems for user inputs to the
`device, but such systems require the user to input data in an
`unfamiliar manner. Additionally, in a small hand-held mes-
`saging device, such as a two-way pager, these systems prove
`awkward to use.
`
`In order to provide a hand-held electronic device
`[0004]
`that permits a user the opportunity to enter data into an
`address book, a calendar, a task list, an email or other
`message or a similar text file that requires user-generated
`data,
`this application describes an input device that
`is
`oriented to be operated substantially through use of the
`thumbs. This is accomplished first by providing a keyboard
`with a minimal number of keys, but with the keys repre-
`senting the alphabet generally placed in the same order as
`they would appear on a standard keyboard, such as in a
`standard QWERTY or a DVORAK keyboard layout. The
`use of a keyboard layout that is familiar to the user enables
`the user to immediately use the device without having to
`hunt for the keys he or she wishes to use.
`
`[0005] Although the layout is similar to a standard key-
`board,
`the keys are placed at an orientation and in a
`particular shape that attempts to maximize the surface area
`of the thumb hitting the key and to provide the user with a
`comfortable position of the hands for data input. Also, the
`orientation encourages input by the thumbs, which the
`inventors of the present invention have discovered to be
`faster and more accurate in small hand-held electronic
`devices than touch-typing or “hunting and pecking” typing.
`
`[0006] The device preferably includes an additional input
`means for control of functions that might otherwise be
`controlled by a keyboard that included function keys. To
`encourage data entry using thumbs and again to minimize
`the number of keys on the keyboard, the device may also
`include a thumb-wheel for control of menus to select forms
`
`and functions relevant to data input. The thumb-based wheel
`is preferably position in close proximity to the keyboard to
`enable the easy transition from thumb-b ased typing to thumb
`control of forms and functions Via the thumb-wheel.
`
`In addition to hardware features that encourage
`[0007]
`optimal data entry through the use of thumbs, several
`software features that are designed to minimize keystrokes
`and aid data entry are also provided.
`SUMMARY
`
`[0008] A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard
`optimized for use with the thumbs is provided. The handheld
`device includes a keyboard, a display, and a processor. The
`keyboard is horizontally positioned symmetrically between
`a left edge and a right edge of a face of the handheld
`messaging device. The keyboard has a plurality of keys
`arranged in a plurality of rows across the face, wherein each
`row of keys is arranged in a concave pattern. The display is
`vertically positioned between the keyboard and a top edge of
`the face and is horizontally positioned symmetrically
`between the left edge and the right edge of the face. The
`processor is coupled to the keyboard and the display, and
`controls the operation of the hand-held messaging device.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the major subsystems
`and elements comprising a palm-sized, mobile, two-way
`messaging device that may incorporate a keyboard opti-
`mized for use with the thumbs;
`
`[0010] FIG. 2 is a front View of an exemplary messaging
`device having a keyboard that is optimized for use with the
`thumbs;
`
`[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of a subset of the letter keys shown
`in FIG. 2, illustrating exemplary dimensions and relative
`positions of the keys;
`
`[0012] FIG. 4 is the logic circuitry associated with the
`thumb-wheel of FIGS. 1 and 2;
`
`[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one exemplary
`embodiment of a keyboard that is optimized for use with the
`thumbs;
`
`[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another exemplary
`embodiment of a keyboard optimized for use with the
`thumbs;
`
`[0015] FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the keyboard
`shown in FIG. 6 having a special center key with a vertically
`symmetrical key shape and orientation;
`
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`
`Ian. 30, 2003
`
`[0016] FIG. 8 shows a keyboard embodiment with circu-
`lar keys;
`
`[0017] FIG. 9 shows a keyboard embodiment with square
`keys;
`
`[0018] FIG. 10 shows a keyboard embodiment having
`rectangular keys;
`
`[0019] FIGS. 11a through 11C show front and side Views
`of a hand-held electronic device incorporating an alternative
`functional key arrangement;
`
`[0020] FIGS. 12a through 126 are diagrams showing front
`and side views of a hand-held electronic device incorporat-
`ing another alternative functional key arrangement;
`
`[0021] FIGS. 13a and 13b show front and top views of a
`hand-held electronic device incorporating a further alterna-
`tive functional key arrangement;
`
`[0022] FIGS. 14a and 14b show rear views of a hand-held
`electronic device in which two additional functional key
`arrangements are implemented;
`
`[0023] FIGS. 15a through 156 show front and side Views
`of another exemplary hand-held electronic device incorpo-
`rating an alternative functional key arrangement;
`
`[0024] FIG. 16 is a rear view of a device, such as shown
`in FIG. 15, in which another functional key arrangement is
`implemented; and
`
`[0025] FIGS. 17a through 17d show front, side and top
`views of a further exemplary hand-held electronic device
`incorporating alternative functional key arrangements.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0026] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block
`diagram of the major subsystems and elements comprising
`a palm-sized, mobile, two-way messaging device that may
`incorporate a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs.
`The exemplary messaging device shown in FIG. 1 includes
`a wireless radio transmitter/receiver subsystem 100 con-
`nected to a DSP 200 for digital signal processing of the
`incoming and outgoing data transmissions, power supply
`and management subsystem 300, which supplies and man-
`ages power to the overall messaging device components,
`microprocessor 400, which is preferably an X86 architecture
`processor, which controls the operation of the messaging
`device, display 500, which is preferably a full graphic LCD,
`FLASH memory 600, RAM 700, serial port 800, keyboard
`900,
`thumb-wheel 1000 and thumb-wheel control
`logic
`1010.
`
`In its intended use, a message comes to the device
`[0027]
`via a wireless data communications network, such as the
`MobitexTM network,
`into subsystem 100, where it
`is
`demodulated via DSP 200, decoded and presented to micro-
`processor 300 for display on display 500. To access the
`display of the message, the user may choose from functions
`listed under a menu presented as a result of user interaction
`with thumb-wheel 1000. If the message is an email message,
`then the user may choose to respond to the email by
`selecting “Reply” from a menu presented on the display
`through interaction via thumb-wheel 1000 or via menu
`selection from keyboard 900. In typing the reply, the user
`can use keyboard 900 to type full text message replies, or
`insert pre-determined or “canned” responses by using either
`
`a particular keystroke pattern or through pulling down
`pre-determined text strings from a menu of items presented
`on display 500 through the use of thumb-wheel 1000.
`
`[0028] When the reply to the message is composed, the
`user can initiate the sending of the message preferably by
`interaction through thumb-wheel 1000, or alternatively, with
`less efficiency,
`through a combination of keyboard 900
`keystrokes. When the microprocessor 300 receives an indi-
`cation that the message is to be sent, it processes the message
`for transport, and by directing and communicating with
`transmitter/receiver subsystem 100, enables the reply mes-
`sage to be sent via the wireless data communications net-
`work to the intended recipient. Similar interaction through
`I/O devices keyboard 900 and thumb-wheel 1000 can be
`used to initiate full-text messages or to forward messages to
`another party.
`
`the keyboard 900 and thumb-wheel
`In addition,
`[0029]
`1000 can be used to permit data entry to an address book
`resident on the messaging device, or an electronic calendar
`or log book, or any other function on the messaging device
`requiring data entry. Preferably,
`the thumb-wheel
`is
`a
`thumb-wheel with a push button SPST switch with quadra-
`ture signal outputs, such as that manufactured by Matsushita
`Electronic Components Co. Ltd.
`as
`part
`number
`EVQWK2001, but may, alternatively, be some other type of
`auxiliary input device.
`[0030] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary messaging
`device having a keyboard that is optimized for use with the
`thumbs. Shown in FIG. 2 are a plurality of letter keys 901,
`specialized keys 902, 903, 904 and 905, and a space bar 906.
`Also shown is the thumb-wheel 1000 in its vertical orien-
`
`tation and in association with display 500 and keyboard 900.
`The specialized key 902 may, for example, be an alt key, the
`specialized key 903 may be a shift or capitalization key, the
`specialized key 904 may be a line feed key, and the spe-
`cialized key 905 may be a backspace key. It should be
`understood, however, that the specialized keys 902-905 may
`provide other functions, such as an escape key, a delete key,
`a home key, a menu key, a cursor-left key or a cursor-right
`key. It should also be understood, that the messaging device
`may include additional functional keys.
`In addition,
`in
`alternative embodiments described below, certain functional
`keys, such as an alt key and shift/cap key, may be positioned
`on another device surface in addition to or instead of on the
`face of the device, to be operated, for example, by the fingers
`or part of the hand of a user.
`[0031] FIG. 2 also shows the arrangement of keys on the
`keyboard into multiple rows. Each of the rows are arranged
`in a concave pattern, such as an arc.
`In the illustrated
`embodiment, the rows of keys are arranged along an arc in
`a concave-down pattern. In other embodiments, however,
`the rows of keys may be arranged in other concave patterns.
`For example, the concave pattern may be defined along two
`intersecting line segments instead of along an arc, and may
`be a concave-up pattern instead of a concave-down pattern.
`Such an arrangement of the keys not only facilitates thumb
`typing by a user but also reduces the space occupied by the
`keyboard. The concave rows of keys shown in FIG. 2 allow
`for location of the space bar 906 in its conventional key-
`board position but reduce the amount of unoccupied space at
`the ends of the space bar.
`[0032] Although FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of
`a messaging device, other implementations incorporating
`
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`
`Jan. 30, 2003
`
`alternate device architectures are also contemplated. For
`example, different patterns of the concave rows could be
`employed to accommodate keys on the keyboard between
`rows either in addition to or instead of only at the bottom of
`the keyboard in the position of the space bar shown in FIG.
`2. In addition, many difierent shapes and orientations of the
`keys could also be utilized, as is further detailed below with
`respect to FIGS. 5-10. Similar keyboard layouts would also
`be suitable for use in other electronic devices with different
`
`display arrangements. Electronic devices having clamshell
`type designs in which the display is positioned on a movable
`cover portion of the device which is attached to the keyboard
`portion with a hinge, represent one such alternate keyboard/
`display arrangement. It
`is well within the scope of the
`present invention to include the inventive keyboard on a
`variety of handheld electronic devices such handheld elec-
`tronic arcade devices; two-way pagers; wireless data com-
`munication devices; cell phones; and Personal Digital Assis-
`tants (PDAs).
`
`the messaging
`In one alternative embodiment,
`[0033]
`device may include a light source, such as a backlight, that
`can be activated by a user of the device to light the keyboard
`and/or the display in low-light conditions.
`
`[0034] FIG. 3 is a View of a subset of the letter keys 901
`shown in FIG. 2, illustrating exemplary dimensions and
`relative positions of the keys. Also shown is the point 950
`that marks the center of keyboard 900, key dimensions 970,
`971, 972 and 973, as well as angle 960 and the rho value
`965, representing curvature of a letter key 901. In investi-
`gating optimal key placement on the keyboard,
`it was
`determined that the keys should be placed at an angle 960
`relative to a vertical reference bisecting the key that facili-
`tated easy typing using thumbs. That angle is preferably
`positive 40 degrees relative to the vertical reference for keys
`on the right side of the keyboard (where 950 is the center of
`the keyboard), and negative 40 degrees for the keys on the
`left side of the keyboard. Complementary angles ranging
`from 20 degrees to 70 degrees could also be used to
`accomplish the goal, albeit
`less optimally, of facilitating
`thumb typing.
`
`It should be understood, however, that alternative
`[0035]
`key dimensions and/or placements could also be utilized.
`For instance,
`the keys on the right and left sides of the
`keyboard could be tilted at the same angle 960 from vertical
`(i.e., all of the keys may have a positive angle 960 or all of
`the keys may have a negative angle 960), or could all be
`aligned with the vertical reference (i.e., having no angle 960
`from vertical). It should also be understood that the phase
`“tilted at the same angle” as used within this application
`means either tilted at equal angles or tilted at nearly equal
`angles.
`
`[0036] As is also shown on FIGS. 2 and 3, the keys 901
`are dispersed across keyboard 900 evenly so that there is
`sufficient space between the keys to decrease the opportunity
`for multiple keys being depressed while thumb typing.
`Additionally, the keys 901 are sized appropriately given the
`footprint of the messaging device and the keyboard 900. In
`one embodiment, the messaging device measures 64 mm by
`89 mm across its face, which does not leave much room for
`keyboard 900 and display 500. In this embodiment, key-
`board 900 occupies over half of the face of the messaging
`device.
`
`In order to maximize the surface area of the key
`[0037]
`that a thumb would hit, the keys are preferably oval, and
`have a rho 965 defining the curvature of the key of 0.414,
`although values may range higher or lower. Other rho values
`will lead to an acceptable, but not as optimal, or aesthetically
`pleasing, shape of keys 901. As to the key dimensions, the
`width 970 of the key 901 is 4.8 millimeters (971 represent-
`ing the radius of half that value, 2.4 mm) and the length (or
`height) 972 of the key 901 is 7 millimeters (973 representing
`the radius of half that value, 3.5 mm). It should be under-
`stood, however, that other key shapes could also be utilized,
`such as the key shapes illustrated in FIGS. 8-10.
`
`[0038] One of the software features that aids in the device
`being optimally used for thumb typing is a capitalization
`feature. Using this feature, if a user depresses a key 901, then
`the operating system detects a key down event. If the key is
`released after a period of time, the operating system detects
`a key up event. If, upon a key down event, a period of time
`elapses before a key up event is detected, then the operating
`system determines that a key repeat event has occurred
`representing a situation where a user has continued to
`depress a key without releasing it. Akey repeat event is then
`treated by application software residing in either FLASH
`600 or RAM 700 as an event that requires the capitalization
`of the key previously depressed. This feature disables a key
`repeat feature and substitutes instead a capitalization feature
`based upon a key repeat. The timing of the key scanning to
`determine whether a key has been released can be set to
`permit a slower keyboard response or a faster keyboard
`response, depending upon user experience or preferences.
`Depression of a letter key while or immediately after the
`shift/cap key 903 is depressed may also cause the upper case
`letter to be entered.
`
`[0039] Although the capitalization function preferably
`works only to change the state of a letter to a capital, it
`alternatively could operate to change a capital letter to a
`lower case letter. The actual display is changed by the
`application program substituting the value of the capital
`letter in the register that holds the value of the letter to be
`displayed. As alternatively implemented,
`the continued
`depressing without release of a letter key could result in a
`key oscillating between upper case and lower case, depend-
`ing on the length of time the key is depressed.
`
`[0040] FIG. 4 is the logic circuitry 1010 associated with
`the thumb-wheel 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Thumb-wheel
`
`1000 outputs quadrature signals phase A 1021 and phase B
`1022, which are processed by D flip-flops 1031 and 1032 to
`present signals 1041 W_UP and 1042 W_DN to micropro-
`cessor 300. Signals 1041 and 1042 represent, respectively, a
`user rolling the thumb-wheel up and rolling the thumb-
`wheel down.
`
`[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one exemplary
`embodiment of a keyboard that is optimized for use with the
`thumbs. This keyboard includes a plurality of letter keys 901
`(A-Z), several function keys 902, 903, 904, and a spacebar/
`symbol selector 906. The respective keys 901 are preferably
`organized into three concave rows 910, 912, 914. The first
`concave row 910 includes the function keys 902, 903, and
`the letter keys 901 Z, X, C, V, B, N, and M, just like on the
`first row of a standard QWERTY keyboard. The degree of
`arcing of the first concave row 910 is preferably defined by
`a first radius R1. The second concave row 912 includes the
`
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`function key 904, and the letter keys 901 A, S, D, F, G, H,
`J, K and L, just like on the second row of a standard
`QWERTY keyboard. The degree of arcing of the second
`concave row 912 is preferably defined by a second radius
`R2. The third concave row 914 includes the letter keys 901
`Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O and P, just like on the third row of
`a standard QWERTY keyboard. The degree of arcing of the
`third concave row 914 is preferably defined by a third radius
`R3.
`
`[0042] For the three-row organization shown in FIG. 5,
`the first radius R1 of the first concave row 910 is preferably
`less than the second radius R2 of the second concave row
`912, which is preferably less than the third radius R3 of the
`third concave row 914. These radii R1, R2, R3 may define
`a set of concentric circles on which the concave rows of keys
`910, 912, 914 are placed. Other configurations and orienta-
`tions of the concave rows of keys are also possible.
`
`[0043] Also shown in FIG. 5 are a set of vertical refer-
`ences 916. Each of these vertical references 916 bisects one
`
`or more (up to three) of the letter keys 901 making up the
`keyboard. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the keys 901
`are oval-shaped, and are oriented at an angle with respect to
`the vertical references 916. The keys on the right-hand side
`of the keyboard are oriented at a first predetermined angle
`918, and the keys on the left-hand side of the keyboard are
`oriented at a second predetermined angle 920. The first
`predetermined angle 918 is a positive angle with respect to
`the vertical reference 916, and the second predetermined
`angle 920 is a negative angle with respect to the vertical
`reference 916. These first and second predetermined angles
`918, 920 are complementary angles, for example +/—40
`degrees from vertical. As discussed above, the keys may also
`be aligned at other angles, all tilted at the same angle, or
`aligned with the vertical reference.
`
`[0044] The keys 901 in FIG. 5 are also preferably aligned
`along the set of vertical references 916, such that a key in the
`first row is aligned with a key in the second row, which is
`aligned with a key in the third row. For example, the N key
`in the first row 910 is aligned with the J key in the second
`row 912 and the U key in the third row 914.
`
`[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another exemplary
`embodiment of a keyboard optimized for use with the
`thumbs. This embodiment is similar to FIG. 5, except that
`the keys 901 in each concave row 910, 912, 914 are not
`aligned along the set of vertical references 916, but instead
`are offset from one row to the next. Keys positioned along
`a vertical line passing through the center of the keyboard,
`such as the “G” key in FIG. 6 may be oriented such that an
`axis of symmetry of the shape coincides with the vertical
`line passing through the center of the keyboard, thereby
`allowing the key to be used as easily with the left as the right
`thumb. In the figure, although the “G” key was oriented with
`the major axis coinciding with a vertical, it could have been
`placed with the minor axis coinciding with the vertical. In
`another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, a special center
`key 922 has a vertically symmetrical key shape and orien-
`tation that is a combination of the left key shape and the right
`key shape: by superimposing the two shapes and tracing the
`exterior circumference as a central shape, the resulting shape
`can be used just as easily with the left or right thumb.
`
`[0046] FIG. 8 shows a keyboard embodiment with circu-
`lar keys. This embodiment is similar to FIGS. 6 and 7,
`
`except that the keys 901 in each concave row 910, 912, 914
`are circular in shape instead of ovals. Because of the circular
`shape of the keys 901, the concept of orienting the keys 901
`at the first and second predetermined angles 918, 920 is not
`applicable to this design. However, the concept of a circum-
`scribed oval still applies, as in the case of a central key
`discussed above in reference to FIG. 6. It is possible to
`circumscribe a thumb-impact oval onto the keys with a
`major axis coinciding with a line going through the center of
`each circular key at an angle 918 and 920 for right sided keys
`and left sided keys respectively. Note that the keys 901 in
`FIG. 8 are arranged in an offset key arrangement. In an
`alternative embodiment,
`the circular keys could be also
`aligned along a set of vertical references, similar to FIG. 5.
`
`[0047] FIG. 9 shows a keyboard embodiment with square
`keys. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments shown
`in FIGS. 5 and 8, except that the keys are square instead of
`ovals or circles. The keys in FIG. 9 are aligned along the set
`of vertical references 916. In alternative embodiments, how-
`ever, the square keys may instead be tilted, offset, or both.
`
`[0048] FIG. 10 shows a keyboard embodiment having
`rectangular keys. This embodiment is similar to the embodi-
`ment shown in FIG. 9, except that the keys 901 in each
`concave row 910, 912, 914 are rectangular, and are slanted
`similar to the keys described above with reference to FIG.
`5. In one alternative embodiment, the rectangular keys may
`be arranged in an offset layout, with a center key having a
`vertically symmetrical key shape and orientation that is a
`combination of the left key shape and the right key shape,
`such that the resulting shape can be used just as easily with
`the left or right thumb.
`
`[0049] FIGS. 11a through 11c show front and side Views
`of a hand-held electronic device incorporating an alternative
`functional key arrangement. As described above, a keyboard
`optimized for use with the thumbs may comprise keys which
`will normally be operated with either the right or the left
`thumb of a user, as well as possibly one or more keys that
`may be operated with either thumb. In the case of certain
`functional keys such as an alt key 902 or a shift key
`designated 902a in FIG. 11a, a device input is made when
`a letter key is depressed simultaneously with or subsequent
`to the operation of the functional key. For example, the alt
`key 902 may be operated in order to input a number or
`symbol associated with a letter key 901. In the example
`keyboard of FIG. 5, operation of the ‘Q’ key will normally
`cause a lowercase ‘q’ to be input to the device. The number
`‘1’ may be input when the ‘Q’ key is operated while or after
`the alt key 902 is operated. Similarly, an uppercase ‘Q’ could
`be entered when the ‘Q’ key is depressed while the shift key
`902a is depressed or immediately after the shift key has been
`depressed.
`
`[0050] Since the space that the keyboard occupies is to be
`minimized however, only a single alt key 902 and a single
`shift key 902a can be accommodated on a small device.
`Thus, a user’s thumb typing may be interrupted when a letter
`key that is normally operated using the same thumb used to
`operate the alt key 902 or the shift key 902a is to be operated
`in conjunction with the alt key or shift key. According to an
`aspect of the invention, the device 1100 in FIG. 11a includes
`the functional keys 1102 and 1104, which are located on
`different surfaces of the device housing (on the sides) than
`the keyboard and are thus operable using other parts of the
`
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`
`hand such as a finger or an inside part of the hand. The
`functional keys 1102 and 1104 may therefore easily be
`operated in conjunction with the depression of letter keys by
`the thumbs without interrupting a user’s typing.
`
`[0051] Where the key 1102 is the alt key for example, to
`enter the number ‘1’ a user need simply press the functional
`key 1102 using a finger or part of the hand instead of a thumb
`and then depress the ‘ Q’ key (see FIG. 5 for example). If the
`key 1104 is a shift key, then when an upper case letter is to
`be entered, the user may depress the key 1104 using a finger
`or part of the hand. Thus, the thumbs may be used only for
`operation of letter keys 901 and keys requiring operation of
`a letter key in conjunction therewith are operated using other
`parts of the hand. Typing speed may thereby be improved in
`that the entry of an upper case letter, a number, a symbol or
`any other special character associated with a letter key 901
`does not require operation of a functional key with the
`thumbs.