Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATENT
ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.: JCW-1-PCT
TEXT ENTRY DEVICE WITH RADIAL KEYPAD LAYOUT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a text entry device for use in
entering text by a user. More particularly, the present application involves a
text
entry device for thumb actuation in which letters are arranged thereon for
optimum clarity and memory impact to achieve greater ease of use.
BACKGROUND
Text entry devices are known for use on electronic devices such as cell
phones, gaming consoles, cameras, personal digital assistants, keypads, and
remote controls. The sending and receiving of text messages is becoming a
popular mode of communication and in certain age groups is in fact more
preferred than voice communication. Text entry devices for these types of
electronic devices employ one of two general formats.
An alpha-numeric layout is often used that generally includes ten
numbered keys typically with three letters assigned to each key. Other keys
may
have more than three letters assigned thereto. The user will typically have to
tap the key multiple times so that the desired character is registered in the
device. Such alpha-numeric layouts typically require the user watch an input
screen to ensure the data is entered correctly.
Another layout used with electronic devices is a QWERTY keypad which is
a standard keyboard layout. Such a layout is familiar with the user due to its
common usage in other applications and can thus be picked up on by the user
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with little difficulty. Each letter of the QWERTY layout is assigned its own
key
which increases the speed at which data can be entered. However, the keypad
must be made in a reduced layout on certain electronic devices thus causing
thumb and finger extension to be awkward and exceed natural movements.
Entering of text on such reduced sized keypads is commonly done with the use
of both thumbs. Further, the close proximity of the keys to one another causes
inadvertent keys to be struck. As such, there remains room for variation and
improvement in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best
mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more
particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to
the
appended Figs. in which:
Fig. 1 is a top view of a text entry device in accordance with one
exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a top view of a text entry device similar to Fig. 1 in which the
fifth
and sixth grouping of letters are arranged differently.
Fig. 3 is a top view of a text entry device similar to Fig. 1 in which the
fifth
and sixth groupings of letters are arranged differently.
Fig. 4 is a top view of a text entry device in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment in which all of the letters extend less than 1800 about
the concentric.
Fig. 5 is a top view of a text entry device in which the concentric does not
include a key in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a top view of a text entry device in which the letters are
configured into the shape of a spider.
Fig. 7 is a top view of a text entry device in which the letters extend from
a concentric that includes symbols, a function key, and a back space key.
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Fig. 8 is top view of a text entry device in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a top view of a text entry device in which the groupings extend in
a spiral configuration from the concentric.
Fig. 10 is a top view of a text entry device in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a top view of a text entry device in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a top view of a text entry device that includes multi-tap keys
that have letters along with numbers and symbols.
Fig. 13 is a top view of a text entry device that has keys shaped and sized
so as to receive a thumb print of the user upon actuating the keys from an at-
rest position at the concentric.
Fig. 14 is a top view of a text entry device in which a single row of keys
having letters is present.
Fig. 15 is a top view of a text entry device in which keys that are irregular
in shape that extend in groupings that are irregular in shape are present.
Fig. 16 is a top view of a text entry device in which multi-tap keys are
present and two rows of keys with letters exist.
Fig. 17 is a top view of a text entry device in which the first row includes
letters assigned to a single key and in which the second row includes letters
assigned to multi-tap keys.
Fig. 18 is a top view of a text entry device in which multi-tap keys span
adjacent groupings of letters.
Fig. 19 is a top view of a text entry device in which each grouping of
letters is assigned a single multi-tap key.
Fig. 20 is a top view of a text entry device in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 21 is a top view of a text entry device in which the groupings are
spirally arranged and in which a seventh row of keys is present.
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Fig. 22 is a top view of a text entry device in which groupings alternating
in the angular direction have different key shapes.
Fig. 23 is a top view of a text entry device in which the groupings have
irregular shapes and key shapes.
Fig. 24 is a top view of a text entry device with keys arranged in a pie like
configuration.
Fig. 25 is a top view of a text entry device with keys arranged in a sunrise
configuration.
Fig. 26 is a top view of a text entry device in which in the keys containing
the letters are sized based upon letter frequency usage.
Fig. 27 is a top view of a text entry device in which each grouping of
letters has keys with unique shapes.
Fig. 28 is a top view of a text entry device in which a color weave is used
to distinguish certain letters.
Fig. 29 is a top view of a text entry device that is micro-sized.
Fig. 30 is a top view of a text entry device in which the groupings extend
linearly but not in an angular direction from the concentric.
Fig. 31 is a top view of a text entry device in which none of the vowels are
located closer to the concentric than any of the consonants.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a text entry device in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a wedge.
Fig. 34 is a side view of a text entry device with keys that have convex
shaped surfaces with groupings arranged in a concave shape.
Fig. 35 is a side view of a text entry device with keys that have flat upper
surfaces with groupings arranged in a concave shape.
Fig. 36 is a side view of a text entry device with keys that have surface
normals that are not parallel to a surface normal of a base of the keyboard.
Fig. 37 is a side view of a text entry device with sides that ascend from
the centric in a varying rate.
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Fig. 38 is a side view of a text entry device with groupings that are
arranged in a concave shape that ascend at varying rates and with keys that
have tips.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and
drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements
of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,
one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is
provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation
of
the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third
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embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other
modifications and variations.
It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges
located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein
5 include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a
range
from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162.
Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the
mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up
to 5,
up to 3, and up to 4.5.
The present invention provides for a text entry device 10 that is arranged
for improved text entry as compared to other devices. Although capable of
being actuated by any number of fingers or thumbs of the user, the user may
actuate all of the keys of the text entry device 10 through the use of a
single
thumb. The letters that are to be struck are arranged in such a fashion that
the
speed of inputting is increased versus standard QWERTY keyboard layouts.
Additional embodiments are possible in which color is used to highlight and
thus
facilitate easier striking of certain keys of the text entry device 10. An
additional
aspect exists in the provision of a text entry device 10 that employs keys
that
have upper surfaces configured in a generally concave, bowl-like shape. Such
an
arrangement provides an ergonomic keypad layout and allows for improved text
entry by the user.
One exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 is shown in Fig. 1.
Here, the letters are arranged on keys such that a single key is devoted to a
single letter. All of the letters of the alphabet are included. The layout of
the
text entry device 10 includes a concentric 12 which in this embodiment
includes
a key that is a space key. The concentric 12 may be the point from which the
keys including the letters of the alphabet extend. The concentric 12 is shown
in
Fig. 1 as being the centrally located point of the keypad layout of the text
entry
device 10. However, it is to be understood that the concentric 12 need not be
the centrally located point in other embodiments. As used herein, the
concentric
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12 is the location from which at least some of the disclosed groupings of
letters
extend, for example the first grouping 14, second grouping 16, third grouping
18, and fourth grouping 20. The concentric need not be a circular location or
point but can be variously shaped in accordance with other exemplary
embodiments.
The concentric 12 may include the space key since the space key is a
commonly used key and the thumb of the user may be initially positioned at the
concentric 12 upon grasping the text entry device 10. A first grouping 14 of
letters extends in the radial direction 26 from the concentric 12 and is
linearly
arranged so that all of the keys of the first grouping 14 are at different
radial
distances from the concentric 12. The letters of the first grouping 14 from
closest to farthest from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26 are A,
B, C
and D in that order. As such, the letter A is closer to the concentric than
the
letter D. The letters of the first grouping 14 are located on individual keys
28,
30, 32 and 34 that are actuated by the user in order to cause the appropriate
letter to be input into the text entry device 10. As shown, the letter A is on
key
28, the letter B is on key 30, the letter C is on key 32, and the letter D is
on key
34. Although described as being actuated by the thumb of the user, it is to be
understood that the keys of the text entry device 10 may be actuated by both
thumbs of the user, by fingers of the user, or any combination of thumbs and
fingers in accordance with other exemplary embodiments.
The text entry device 10 also includes a second grouping 16 of letters that
extends in a linear direction from the concentric 12. All of the letters of
the
second grouping 16 are at different radial distances from the concentric 12.
The
letters of the second grouping 16 from closest to farthest from the concentric
12
in the radial direction 26 are E, F, G and H in that order.
A third grouping 18 of letters is present and extends linearly from the
concentric 12 so that each letter is located at a different radial distance
from the
concentric 12. The letters of the third grouping 18 from closest to farthest
from
the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26 are I, 3, K and L in that order.
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A fourth grouping 20 of letters is also included in the text entry device 10
and are likewise linearly arranged from the concentric 12 so that each letter
is
located a different radial distance from concentric 12. The letters of the
fourth
grouping 20 from closest to farthest from the concentric 12 in the radial
direction
26 are 0, M, N and P in that order.
A fifth grouping 22 is present and includes letters that extend linearly from
the concentric 12 so that each letter is located a different radial distance
therefrom. The fifth grouping 22 includes letters U, Q, R and S in that order
that
extend from closest to farthest from the concentric 12.
A sixth grouping 24 exists that includes letters that are linearly arranged
extending from the concentric 12 so that each letter is located a different
radial
distance from the concentric 12. The letters of the sixth grouping 24 from
closest to farthest from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26 are T,
V, W
and X in that order.
A seventh grouping 25 is included and includes two letters that are
likewise linearly arranged extending from the concentric 12. The seventh
grouping 25 includes the letter Y which is closer to the concentric 12 than
the
letter Z which is farther from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26.
The
letter Y is spaced the same distance from the concentric 12 as the letters C,
G, K,
N, R and W of the other groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24.
The groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 include letters with single keys
that are all linearly arranged from the concentric 12. The letters of the
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 can all be spaced equally such that the
first
letters of the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 are all spaced an equal
distance from the concentric 12, and so that the second letters are all spaced
an
equal distance from the concentric 12, and so forth. The groupings 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24 and 25 are distinguished from one another in that each one is
located
at a different angular position about the concentric 12. As such, all of the
letters
of the first grouping 14 have the same angular position 44 as one another but
a
different angular position than the letters in the other groupings 16, 18, 20,
22,
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24 and 25. As shown for sake of example, the first grouping 14 has angular
position 44 while the second grouping 16 has angular position 46 which is a
different angular position. The groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 are
also
distinguished from one another as the letters of each individual grouping are
immediately adjacent one another. Further, the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22,
24
and 25 may be thought of as being arrays that extend from the concentric 12
such that the letters of the individual groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and
25
extend along the array.
As used herein, the term "vowels" refers to the letters A, E, I, 0 and U.
The term "consonants" refers to the remaining letters of the alphabet that are
not vowels as previously defined. Groupings 20 and 22 may be separated an arc
length 50 from one another. It is to be understood that the terms arc length
and
the distance in the angular direction are interchangeable with one another so
far
as they describe the position of a grouping or other object about the
concentric
12.
The letters of the text entry device 10 are arranged so that a number of
rows of letters are formed around the concentric 12. The rows may extend 3600
around the concentric 12 so as to completely surround the concentric 12, or
the
rows may extend along an arc length that is less than 3600 so that the
concentric 12 is only partially surrounded with letters. As shown, a first row
36
is defined that includes the letters A, E, I, 0, U and T that are all equally
distant
from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26. A second row 38 is likewise
defined that includes letters B, F, 3, M, Q, and V that are all an equal
distance
from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26. A third row 40 is present
that
includes letters C, G, K, N, R, W and Y that are all equally distant from the
concentric 12 in the radial direction 26. Additionally, a fourth row 42 is
present
that includes the letters D, H, L, P, S, X and Z that are all an equal
distance from
the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26.
The rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 may be arranged so that letters of each row
in consecutive angular position are not consecutive consonants of the
alphabet.
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For example, the second row 30 includes letters B, F, 3, M, Q and V in
consecutive angular positions in that order. None of the consonants of the
second row 30 are consecutive with another consonant in the immediately
adjacent angular position. In this regard, letters of the alphabet are present
between the letters B and F, letters of the alphabet are present between the
letters F and 3, and so forth. However, it is to be understood that other
arrangements are possible in which one or more of the rows 36, 38, 40 and/or
42 have consecutive alphabetic consonants in immediately adjacent angular
positions. In other arrangements, one of the rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 may have
an instance of consecutive alphabetic consonants in immediately adjacent
angular positions while the other rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 do not. In yet other
arrangements, at least two of the rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 of the text entry
device
10 do not have any consecutive alphabetic consonants in immediately adjacent
angular positions. The vowels may be placed in consecutive order of appearance
in the alphabet in row 36 extending angularly around the concentric 12.
Although shown alphabetically as progressing in a counterclockwise direction,
the
letters of the text entry device 10 can be arranged in other embodiments so
that
they progress in a clockwise direction about the concentric 12. The groupings
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 may be positioned at angular positions about the
concentric 12 so that they are equally spaced from immediately adjacent
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 such that their arc length from one to
the next is the same. Alternatively, the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and
25
can be located so that they are at different arc lengths from immediately
adjacent groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 about the concentric 12.
The letters can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically about the
concentric 12. The arrangement of Fig. 1 can be modified in accordance with
other exemplary embodiments. For example, in one arrangement the sixth
grouping 24 can be provided so that the letters Y, T, V and W in that order
extend in the radial direction 26 from the concentric 12 so that each letter
of the
sixth grouping 24 is located at a different radial distance from concentric
12.
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The seventh grouping 25 can be modified so that the letter Y is replaced with
the
letter X. In another exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10, the
arrangement of Fig. 1 can be modified so that the sixth grouping 24 includes
three letters T, V and W in that order that extend in the radial direction 26
from
5 the concentric 12. The seventh grouping 25 includes the letters X, Y and
Z in
that order that extend in the radial direction 26 from the concentric 12. The
sixth and seventh groupings 24 and 25 may start radially immediately adjacent
the concentric 12 or may be spaced from the concentric 12 so that the farthest
letter of each grouping 24 and 25 is on the outer perimeter of the keypad
layout.
10 The
groupings of letters and their arrangement may allow for faster entry
to be made by the user of the text entry device 10 and may result in less
errors
being made thus increasing the efficiency of the entry.
Another exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 is illustrated in
Fig. 2. The keypad layout of Fig. 2 is substantially similar to that of Fig.
1.
However, the sixth grouping 24 includes the letters Y, T and V in that order
that
extend in the radial direction 26 from the concentric 12 so that each letter
of the
sixth grouping 24 is located at a different radial distance from the
concentric 12.
The seventh grouping 25 is also different in that it includes three letters
that are
W, X and Z that extend in that order in the radial direction 26 from the
concentric 12 and again are linearly arranged so that they are each located at
a
different radial distance from concentric 12.
Another arrangement of the text entry device 10 is shown in Fig. 3 that is
similar to that of Fig. 1. However, the sixth grouping 24 is different in that
it is
only three letters long with the letters T, V and W in that order that extend
in the
radial direction 26 from the concentric 12. The seventh grouping 25 is
likewise
different and includes three letters Y, X and Z in that order that extend in
the
radial direction 26 from the concentric 12. Both the sixth and seventh
groupings
24 and 25 begin immediately adjacent the concentric 12 so that the letters T
and
Y are in the first row 36, the letters V and X are in the second row 38, and
the
letters W and Z are in the third row 38. Again, the letters in each of the
rows
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36, 38, 40 and 42 are located the same distance from one another in the radial
direction 26 from the concentric 12.
Although shown as being circular in shape, the keys 28 of the text entry
device 10 can be variously shaped in accordance with other embodiments.
Further, the letters can be arranged so that the letters of the groupings 14,
16,
18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 all extend in a linear manner from the concentric 12 and
are located symmetrically or asymmetrically about the concentric 12. In this
regard, the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 can be arranged so that
there is a gap between adjacent groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 in
angular direction that is larger than the angular distance between other
adjacent
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25. This gap may be used by the user as a
tactile reference aid or may include other keys of the text entry device 10
such
as number 72, symbol 74, function 76, or back space 78 keys. Other gaps may
also be present between other adjacent groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25
so that these gaps are larger than those between the remaining adjacent
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 that may be exploited in a similar
manner. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the seventh
grouping 25 may include the Y and Z letters and may not be linearly arranged
with respect to the concentric 12. Here, the seventh grouping 25 may merely be
located adjacent the outer two letters of the sixth grouping 24 and thus
offset
from the concentric 12 and not linearly arranged therewith in the radial
direction
26.
Fig. 4 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the text entry
device 10. The concentric 12 includes the space button but is not located at
the
center of the keypad but rather on the bottom edge. However, letters of the
text entry device 10 all extend from the concentric 12. The first grouping 14
includes the letters A, B, C and D in that order that extend from the
concentric
12 in the radial direction 26. The second, third and fourth groupings 16, 18
and
20 are arranged in an order previously discussed. The fifth grouping 22
includes
the letters U, Q, R, S and Z in that order from the concentric 12 in the
radial
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direction 26. Further, the seventh grouping 24 includes the letters T, V, W, X
and Y in that order from the concentric 12. A fifth row 43 is present that
includes the letters Y and Z. The letters are thus arranged around generally
less
than 1800 of the concentric 12, and are not present upon at least an arc
length
of 1800 about the concentric 12. Number keys 72 are located between the sixth
and seventh groupings 24 and 25. The number keys 72 including the numbers
1-5 are on a single multi-tap key, and the number keys including the numbers 6-
0 are on a second multi-tap key. Symbol keys 74 are located between groupings
18 and 20, between groupings 16 and 18, and between groupings 14 and 16 and
are located at the outer edge of the text entry device 10 remote from the
concentric 12. Function keys 76 and a backspace key 78 may a!so be included
and are located at locations farther from the concentric 12 in the radial
direction
26 than groupings 14, 16 and 18. Symbol keys 74 including the symbols?, +, #1
*, # and * are on a single multi-tap key. Symbol keys including the symbols!,
", $, CAP, and NUM are on a single multi-tap key. Symbol keys 74 including the
symbols ",", &,1, c, and BS are on a single multi-tap key. Symbol keys
including
the symbols ., @, (), and SYM are on a single multi-tap key. The letter keys
of
the embodiment may be single tap keys. However, it is to be understood that
the arrangement in Fig. 4 can be varied in other embodiments so that any
combination of single or multi-tap keys can be employed.
An alternative exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 is shown
in Fig. 5 in which the concentric 12 does not include a space key. In this
embodiment, the concentric 12 does not include any keys. The groupings 14,
16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 are arranged as generally described with other
previous embodiments. A larger gap is present between the first grouping 14
and the sixth grouping 24 into which the space key and other keys 72, 76 and
78
may be located. These additional keys can be located around the seventh
grouping 25 which includes the letters Y and Z. The number keys 72 may be
multi-tap keys in which more than one number are assigned to a single key. In
this regard, one tap of the key 72 may register the first number while the
second
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tap of the key 72 may register the second number. In accordance with other
exemplary embodiments, the number keys 72 may include a single key for each
number so that each number has its own key 72. Additional keys may be spaced
between the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 or they may be only
located in the gap formed between the sixth and seventh grouping 24 and 25
and the first grouping 14. In yet other embodiments, an additional large gap
may be present between the third and fourth groupings 18 and 20 into which
additional non-letter keys can be located. As such, the groupings 14, 16 and
18
can be immediately adjacent to one another and separated from groupings 20,
22 and 24 by way of a pair of gaps that include non-letter keys. In such an
arrangement, the groupings 14, 16 and 18 may be on the left side of the
layout,
and the groupings 20, 22, and 24 (that includes X and Z in the fourth row) may
be on the right side of the layout. The pair of gaps may be arranged between
the left side and the right side of the layout with one gap at the top of the
layout
and the other gap at the bottom of the layout with the concentric 12 between.
The gap may be filled with non-letter keys and the pair of gaps, and left and
right sides of the layout may be symmetrically formed.
The text entry device 10 can be arranged so that the keys are in the
shape of a spider or other animal or object. Fig. 6 illustrates one such
embodiment in which the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 extend from a
concentric 12 that includes an enter key. The groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
and 25 make up the legs of the spider and sequential keys are each farther
from
the concentric 12 so that none of the individual keys of each one of the
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 is located the same distance from the
concentric. The letters Y and Z may be located in the first row 36 and the
second row 38 respectively.
Fig. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment that again includes
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 that extend from a concentric 12 that
includes a caps key, a back space key and various symbol keys. The Y and Z
letters are located in the first row 36 and the second row 38 respectively.
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Fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment similar to Fig. 1 as the groupings
14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 are identical with the exception of the shape of the
keys
and the angular positions are slightly off. However, a seventh grouping 25 is
not
present and the sixth grouping 24 includes the letters T, V and W in that
order
extending from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26. The letters X, Y
and
Z are all located radially beyond the letter W and are disposed in the fourth
row
42. The letters X, Y and Z are each assigned their own key. However, other
embodiments are possible in which a single key is assigned to the letters X, Y
and Z so that the single key is a multi-tap key in which the number of taps to
the
key determine which letter X, Y or Z registers on the text entry device 10. In
yet
other embodiments, the letter X is assigned to its own single key while the
letters Y and Z share a key that is again a multi-tap key.
The text entry device 10 can be fashioned as illustrated in Fig. 9 in which
the groupings 14, 16, 13, 20, 22, and 24 do not extend linearly from the
concentric 12 but rather are arranged in a spiral manner so that each letter
is
consecutively farther from the concentric 12 along the particular grouping. As
with the embodiment in Fig. 8, the letters X, Y and Z are in the fourth row 42
and are each located along the outer perimeter of the text entry device 10.
Fig. 10 discloses another exemplary embodiment in which the groupings
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 are arranged as disclosed with previous
embodiments. Number keys 72 ean be included in order to fill in the seventh
grouping 25 and to define two additional pairs of groupings that in effect
fill in
the gap present between the first grouping 14 and seventh grouping 25 so that
a
symmetric text entry device 10 is provided. In another exemplary embodiment,
the number keys 72 can be removed, or replaced with other types of keys, and
the letter keys may remain.
The text entry device 10 of Fig. 11 includes groupings 14, 16, 18, 20 and
22 as previously discussed. Grouping 24 includes letters T, V, W, X, Y and Z
in
which the letters X, Y and Z are in the fourth row 42. A grouping of multi-tap
number keys 72 are located in a gap between the first grouping 14 and the
sixth
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grouping 24. Other exemplary embodiments exist in which an additional
grouping of multi-tap symbol keys 74 are likewise located between the
groupings
14 and 24 and are arranged with the grouping of number keys 72 so that a
generally symmetric arrangement of keys of the text entry device 10 is
realized.
5 Fig. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 similar
to
Fig. 1. However, certain keys are multi-tap keys and include a letter and a
number, or include a letter and multiple symbols. A conversion key may be used
to obtain desired input from the multi-tap keys, or the multi-tap key may be
struck a number of times to achieve the desired text entry. Generally multi-
tap
10 keys that have combinations of numbers and symbols actuate the number
upon
the first tap and the symbols on successive taps, however a conversion key may
be first actuated so that strikes on the multi-tap key yield symbols when
first
struck.
Fig. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 in
15 which the keys are shaped differently from one another and are shaped
and
arranged so as to capture the thumb-print of the user upon being displaced
from
the concentric 12 during use. The ccncentric 12 includes a space key and a
back
space key. The user will generally keep his or her thumb over the concentric
12
in an at rest position. When striking the keys, the user will move his or her
thumb some distance from the concentric 12. The size of the portion of his or
her thumb striking a particular key will depend upon its location from the
concentric 12. As such, the keys may be sized and shaped so as to capture the
thumb print of the user upon being displaced from the concentric 12. Four rows
36, 38, 40 and 42 are present and extend in an irregular path about the
concentric 12. Letters in the third or fourth rows 40 and 42 may be located at
the perimeter although this is not always the case for every letter. The
letters Y
and Z are located in the third row 40 and the fourth row 42 respectively.
Also,
the letters in the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 do not extend
linearly
from the concentric 12 but are arranged so that each consecutive letter of a
particular grouping is located at a farther distance from the concentric 12.
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The keys of the text entry device 10 may be variously shaped in
accordance with different exemplary embodiments. For example, the keys may
be hemispherically shaped, cylindrically shaped and oriented vertically,
cylindrically shaped and oriented horizontally, elliptically shaped, or bar
shaped
that are straight, curved or angled. Further, the keys may be in the shape of
a
square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, parallelogram, or circle in accordance
with
various exemplary embodiments.
Fig. 14 illustrates an embodiment in which all of the letters are located on
only rows 36 of keys that are immediately adjacent one another. In this
regard,
the keys are separate keys so that only one key is actuated at a time.
The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 15 includes groupings 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24 and 25 that extend in irregular paths from the concentric 12.
Additionally,
the keys are irregular in shape, and a gap is formed between the first
grouping
14 and the seventh grouping 25 into which various keys that are non-letters
may
be placed as desired.
Fig. 16 is an exemplary embodiment in which each grouping 14, 16, 18,
20, 22 and 24 includes two keys that are each multi-tap keys. The keys of the
first row 36 include the two letters that are located closest to the
concentric 12
in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, and the keys of the second row 38
include the two letters that are located farthest from the concentric 12 in
the
exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1. A single tap of key 28 may cause an A to be
registered while a double tap will cause a B to be registered. A single tap of
key
may cause a C to be registered while a double tap actuates a D. As such, the
order of the letter listed on the key with respect to the concentric 12 may be
25 instructive as to how many taps are needed. Grouping 25 includes a
single
multi-tap key for letters Y and Z and is arranged in the second row 38 on the
perimeter of the text entry device 10.
Fig. 17 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the text entry device
10 in which a pair of rows 36 and 38 are present. The first row 36 includes
the
30 vowels A, E, I, 0 and U and the consonant T. The keys of the first row
36 are
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single tap such that each letter is assigned its own key. The second row 38
includes multi-tap keys to capture the rest of the letters of the alphabet.
Each
grouping 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 includes only one multi-tap key so that
three letters are assigned to each key. The grouping 25 is an exception in
that
only two letters, Y and Z, are used although a symbol may also be included as
well so that it includes three characters thereon. Number keys 72 also
arranged
into the first and second rows 36 and 38 can be included and can be between
the first grouping 14 and seventh grouping 25 and may be multi-tap keys.
Another exemplary embodiment is shown in Fig. 18 in which multi-tap
keys that span adjacent groupings are used. The multi-tap keys are located in
the second row 38. In this regard, the letter B of the first grouping 14
shares a
key with the letter F of the second grouping 16. Actuation of this multi-tap
key a
single time may cause the B letter to be registered and actuation a second
time
may cause the F letter to be registered as B is before F in the alphabet. The
other two muti-tap keys may be similarly arranged. An enter key or a timed
auto-enter feature may be incorporated into the text entry device 10 when
multi-
tap keys are used. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 can have their own muti-tap keys. For
example, the letters A and D of the first grouping 14 may each have their own
key while the letters B and C share a multi-tap key. The other groupings 16,
18,
20, 22 and 24 may be arranged in a similar manner in which only their first
and
last letters are located on a single key. The letters Y and Z may be located
on a
single multi-tap key in this exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment in which a single row of keys 36
is present and are multi-tap keys. All four letters A, B, C and D are actuated
by
use of the single key 28. The letters Y and Z are included on a multi-tap key
that functions as a double tap key. Non-letter keys may be included in a gap
between the first grouping 14 and the sixth and seventh groupings 24 and 25
and may or may not be multi-tap keys.
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Fig. 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which multi-tap keys are
used that include both letters, numbers and symbols. Such an arrangement was
previously disclosed with reference to Fig. 12, and a conversion key may be
actuated in order to cause a particular multi-tap key to generate a particular
letter, number or symbol as listed thereon. Additionally or alternatively, a
conversion key need not be used and instead the generated character may be
based upon the number of times the multi-tap key is struck.
Fig. 21 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of the text entry
device 10 in which the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 are spirally
arranged
about the concentric 12. Any number of rows may be used in accordance with
various exemplary embodiments. For example, the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
and 24 may be extended up to seven rows. The first grouping 14 includes
letters arranged as in previous exemplary embodiments. However, a fifth row 43
is present that is farther from the concentric 12 along the first grouping 14
and
includes a multi-tap symbol key. A sixth row 80 located next in distance from
the concentric 12 from the fifth row 43 is present and includes a multi-tap
key
that features symbols. A seventh row 82 is included and has a multi-tap key
that
is farther from the concentric 12 than the sixth row 80 along the grouping 14.
The fifth grouping 22 includes seven rows in which the numbers 9 and 0 are
both located in the seventh row 82 and are positioned along the perimeter of
the
text entry device 10. Additional function keys 76 can be arranged along the
perimeter. As with other exemplary embodiments, the consecutive letters along
the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 are generally farther from the
concentric
12 in the radial direction 26 although this may not be the case with every
letter
due to the spiral nature of the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 in
embodiments that include this feature.
The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 22 includes groupings 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24 and 25 that are arranged so as to extend linearly from the concentric
12
with each letter of the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 being spaced a
different distance in the radial direction 26 from the concentric 12. The
first
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grouping 14, third grouping 18, and fifth grouping 22 have keys that engage
one
another while the alternate groupings 16, 20, 24 and 25 have keys that are
distinct from one another. Number keys 72, symbol keys 74, and function keys
76 extend from the perimeter of the text entry device 10 towards the
concentric
12 between the various groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 as shown in
Fig.
22.
The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 22 may also use color to help the user
distinguish between groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24. For example, primary and
secondary colors may be used and each grouping 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be
provided in a different color. In this regard, primary and secondary colors
may
alternate around the layout in the circumferential direction. The first
grouping
14 may be a primary color, the second grouping 16 may be a secondary color,
the third grouping 18 may be a primary color and so forth. In one arrangement,
all of the keys of grouping 14 are blue, all of the keys of grouping 16 are
green,
all of the keys of grouping 18 are yellow, all of the keys of grouping 20 are
purple, all of the keys of grouping 22 are red, and all of the keys of
grouping 24
are orange. In a different version, the grouping 24 may be purple and the
grouping 20 may be orange so that the placement of all of the secondary colors
are all between two primary colors that form the secondary colors. The
grouping
25 and all of the other keys may be of the same color such as black, white or
gray. The concentric 12 may be black or brown.
The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 23 includes a concentric 12 that does
not have a key and groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 that extend in
curved arrangements from the concentric 12. Each letter of the individual
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 is located a different distance from
the
concentric 12 in the radial direction 26. Four rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 are
present
such that each one of the letters in the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24
is
located in a different one of the rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 depending upon their
consecutive distance from the concentric 12. The letters Y and Z may be
located
in the third row 40 and fourth row 42 respectively. All of the other non-
letter
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keys are located at the perimeter. Certain keys are multi-tap such as the
combined number keys 72 and symbol keys 74, while other keys such as the
illustrated function keys 76 are single assigned.
The concentric 12 can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape.
5 The concentric 12 in Fig. 23 is asymmetrical and extends from the base of
the Y
key to the base of the 0 key. As such, the concentric 12 need not be a single
point but can be elongated and may extend along any portion of the keypad
surface of the device.
Another exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 is shown in
10 Fig. 24 in which the keys are divided up into sections that are pie
shaped and the
same size. The letters on the fourth row 42 are located at the perimeter.
Certain keys are multi-tap, and certain keys that are non-letter keys are
single
assigned. The letters Y and Z are in the third and fourth rows 40 and 42
respectively.
15 The
text entry device 10 can be arranged so that the keys are arranged to
form various items. Fig. 25 is one example in which the keys are arranged in
the
form of a sunrise. The groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 are shaped and
sized so as to be rays of the sun, non-letter keys 72, 74 and 76 are shaped
and
sized so as to be reflections off of water, and the concentric space key 12 is
20 shaped and sized to be the sun rising over a body of water. A gap is
thus made
in the angular direction between grouping 14 and grouping 25 into which the
non-letter keys 72, 74 and 76 are disposed. Other arrangements of the text
entry device 10 are possible in which the keys are arranged to be in the shape
of
a spider web, eagle, hawk, palm tree, or other object or animal. The keys may
be arranged in the likeness of a person, plant, celestial body, machine,
building,
structure, logo, ascot, hobbies, club, religion, event, or holiday in other
exemplary embodiments.
Fig. 26 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 are spiral in shape, as other
embodiments,
and in which certain letters are on keys that are larger than the keys onto
which
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other letters are located. The letters of the first row 36 are sized so that
none of
the other letters are larger. The letters can be sized so that more frequently
used letters are larger than those that are less frequently used. For example,
the keys having the letters V, Q and X are smaller than the keys having the
letters L, N and P. The keys may be grouped into any number of groups of size
based on usage. The other previously discussed embodiments in which the keys
are shaped and sized based on thumb or finger print may also be provided so
that the frequency of usage of the letters on the keys is taken into account
when
sizing the keys. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the key is
selected
based upon the usage frequency of the letter included with the key.
The exemplary embodiment in Fig. 27 includes groupings 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, and 24 that each have keys that are differently shaped from one another.
In
this regard, the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 have keys with unique
shapes and sizes. The use of different shaped keys for each grouping 14, 16,
18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 may allow the user to more easily identify a desired key
by
way of tactile sensation without having to look at the text entry device 10.
Color may also be used to allow the user to more easily distinguish keys in
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 from one another. For example, the
keys of each grouping 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 may be assigned a
different
color so that they are more easily distinguishable from one another. In
accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the primary colors of red, blue and
yellow are used on alternating groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 in the
angular direction about the concentric 12. Secondary colors are used for the
groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 between those that have primary
colors.
For example, in one exemplary embodiment grouping 14 is red, grouping 18 is
blue, and grouping 22 is yellow. Those between groupings 14, 18 and 22 are
made of secondary colors such that grouping 16 is green, grouping 20 is
purple,
and grouping 24 is orange.
Fig. 28 shows another exemplary embodiment in which color is used to
distinguish certain letters. The letters chosen for being accentuated by color
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may be those letters more commonly used when entering text. A color weave
48 is present on the text entry device 10 and features one or more colors that
function to draw attention to those letters within the color weave 48. Those
letters outside of the color weave 48 are associated with less pronounced
coloring such as black, white, gray, or cream so that the user notices a
distinction between the letters found within the color weave 48, which may be
primary colors, and those outside of the color weave 48. The color weave 48
may include the portion of the text entry device 10 that surrounds the letters
on
the base of the keypad, commonly known as the keybed, or may form part of
the keys onto which the letters are located. The color weave 48 may be
customizable by the user. In this regard, the user can place or arrange the
color
weave 48 so that it is associated with letters or numbers the user desires. As
such, the letters shown in Fig. 28 in association with the color weave 48 are
only
exemplary and others are possible in accordance with other embodiments.
The color weave 48 can be a ribbon or tape that is printed or painted,
molded into, or applied to the surface upon which the keys having the letters
are
mounted. The color weave 48 may take a variety of shapes. For instance, the
color weave 48 can be circular in nature and surround letters on keys that are
likewise circular in nature. The color weave 48 may highlight the ten most
frequently used letters in accordance with one embodiment. Although shown as
being continuous, the color weave 48 may be made of several separate
segments and can transition from being bright colors associated with the most
commonly used letters to colors of lesser brightness of letters less
frequently
used. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, primary colors are used
in the color weave 48 to highlight vowels and the letter T while secondary
colors
are used for other less commonly used consonants which may be the letters D,
H, L and N. The letters found within the color weave 48 may be the letters A,
D,
H, L, N, E, I, 0, U, R, S, T, and W and may extend between different groupings
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25.
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The text entry device 10 may also be arranged in a micro-size format with
keys that can be actuated through the use of a pen or pencil tip, a stylus, or
bent
paper clip. The text entry device 10 may have a diameter that is from 5/16" to
3/8" in one exemplary embodiment. In accordance with another exemplary
embodiment, the diameter of the text entry device 10 may be up to 1/8". Fig.
29 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the text entry device 10 when used
in
micro size. A space key is located at the concentric 12, and multi-tap keys
are
used in the groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 due to size constraints as
single
keys for single letters may be difficult to actuate. The letters are all thus
found
within a single row 36 and the keys themselves are not numbered but rather the
area adjacent the keys to inform the user of the input upon actuating a
particular
key. Color and/or division lines may be used to distinguish the groupings 14,
16,
18, 20, 22, and 24 from one another.
An alternative exemplary embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 30 in which the
concentric 12 includes an enter key, a backspace key 78, and a space key. The
letters extend linearly from the concentric 12 but are not disposed in an
angular
fashion about the concentric. Each letter of each of the groupings 14, 16, 18,
20, 22 and 24 is located a farther distance away from the concentric than the
adjacent letter of that grouping 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. An eighth row 84
is
present that includes letters X, S and P. A ninth row 86 includes the letter Y
and
a tenth row 88 includes the letter Z. The letters in each row 36, 38, 40, 42,
43,
80, 82, 84, 86, and 88 are all equally distant from the concentric 12 as the
other
letters of that particular row 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 80, 82, 84, 86, and 88 if
any.
Fig. 31 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment that is the same
as that described in relation to Fig. 1, but in which all of the letters are
reversed
in their order in the radial direction 26 from that shown in Fig. 1. For
example,
the letters D, C, B and A in that order extend from closest to the concentric
12 to
farthest from the concentric 12 in the radial direction 26. The vowels are
thus
arranged on the outer perimeter of the text entry device 10 and none of the
vowels are located closer to the concentric 12 than any of the consonants.
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However, the consonant T is located the same distance from the concentric 12
as the vowels.
The text entry device 10 may be arranged into a unit so that a keybed 92,
keys, sensors and support electronics are housed into a rounded or angled unit
that resembles a disc. The text entry device 10 can be connected to a host
device 90 as illustrated in Fig. 32. Communication to the host device 90 can
be
effected through the use of a wire with a plug, pins or blades, a USB port, or
a
wireless connection. A flexible data transfer tape or strip with a plug on one
end
as illustrated in fig. 32 can also be used. The text entry device 10 can be
rotatable, removable, and replaceable with respect to the host device 90. The
host device 90 can have a cavity that is shaped to receive the text entry
device
10 and into which the text entry device 10 can be disposed and retained. Any
suitable connection can be used to attach the text entry device 10 to the host
device 90 such as by means of snaps, screws, pins, blades, friction, or
mechanical fasteners. As stated, the text entry device 10 can be rotated with
respect to the host device 90 to satisfy user preference. The rotation ability
of
the text entry device 10 may be achieved by the user picking up and manually
rotating the text entry device 10 and then placing the text entry device 10
into
communication with the host device 90 through engagement of the plug, pins or
blades, USB port, wireless connection, or flexible data strip. The text entry
device 10 may thus be swapped for another to be then inserted into the host
device 90 in order to allow for use with different applications, user
preferences,
or in a training type mode in which more advanced text entry device 10 layouts
are used as the user gains familiarity with more basic text entry device 10
layouts. The user may move from a strong functional visual text entry device
10
and once becoming proficient with same, may change to a more tactile based
text entry device 10 for no-look texting. The text entry device 10 may also be
changed to achieve different designs, themes or colors as desired. The host
device 90 may be any electronic device that needs text entry. The host device
90 may be a cell phone, computer mouse, camera, gaming console, GPS device,
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language translator, PDA, portable keyboard, remote control, or a key fob in
accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
An angled wedge 70 as shown in Fig. 33 can be included and may be
placed between the text entry device 10 and the host device 90. The angled
5 wedge 70 changes the orientation of the keys of the text entry device 10
as
presented to the user when utilized so that greater user comfort is realized.
The
user may remove the angled wedge 70 if desired to thus change back the
angular relationship of the keys. The wedge 70 can likewise be rotated with
respect to the host device 90 so that the angle of inclination realized by the
text
10 entry device 10 is likewise rotated as per user preference. The wedge 70
may
be a completely separate component from the text entry device 10 or may be
formed integrally therewith so that they form a single, non-detachable
component. In one embodiment, fivo different wedges 70 can be provided to
the user so that the user may select one of these wedges 70 to use to achieve
a
15 desired angle of inclination.
In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the text entry device
10 can be in the shape of a concave bowl. In this regard, the first row 36 may
have a height that is lower than the second row 38. Fig. 34 shows an exemplary
=
embodiment in which the letters are located on keys that have curved upper -
20 surfaces. The upper surfaces 58 of t:le keys of the first row 28, which
are shown
in Fig. 33 as including the first group!ng 14 and the fourth grouping 20, are
located at a height from the keybed 92 that is lower than the height of the
upper
surfaces 60 of the keys of the second row 38. The upper surfaces 58 are higher
than the upper surface 56 of the concentric 12. The upper surfaces 62 of the
25 keys of the third row 40 are higher than the upper surfaces 60 of the
second row
38. Additionally, the upper surfaces 64 of the keys of the fourth row 42 are
higher than the upper surfaces 62 of the keys of the third row 40. Collars 54
may extend from the keybed 92 and be of different heights in.order to cause
the
keys for the letters to thus be at different heights. The rows 36, 38, 40 and
42
are thus arranged so that they extend upwards from the concentric 12 in the
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radial direction 26 away from the concentric 12 to result in upper surfaces of
the
keys of the letters being in a concave bowl-like shape. The rows 36, 38, 40
and
42, may be arranged completely around the concentric 12 so that a bowl shape
is realized instead of simply a concave shape. This height variance may
provide
for increased tactile sensation and key strike efficiency of the user and may
accommodate a wide range of thumb sizes. The concave bowl shape may
provide for more efficient striking of the keys by the user as the keys may be
more quickly struck with less errors being made by striking adjacent keys.
Further, the groupings of letters and their arrangements may result in faster
and
more efficient entry of text during use of the text entry device 10.
An alternative exemplary embodiment is shown in Fig. 35 in which the
upper surface 56 is higher than the upper surfaces 58. The upper surfaces 58,
60, 62 and 64 are flat with surface normals 68 that extend vertically with no
horizontal component. The upper surfaces 60 are higher than upper surfaces 58
and upper surface 56. The upper surfaces 62 are higher than upper surfaces 60,
and upper surfaces 64 are higher than upper surfaces 62. As shown, the keybed
92 is convex and bowl shaped so that the upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and 64
extend generally the same amount from the keybed 92. However, the elevation
(height) of the upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and 64 may be measured by their
distance from the upper surface 56 of the concentric 12, or may be measured by
their distance with respect to the thumb of the user when resting on the upper
surface 56, or may be measured by their vertical elevation towards or away
from
the user of the text entry deyice 10. The upper surface 56 may be at the
lowest
point with respect to any of the other keys in accordance with certain
exemplary
embodiments. In other embodiments, the outermost row is located at the
highest elevation. Although shown as having upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and 64
at different heights, it is to be understood that other arrangements are
possible
in which some of the upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and 64 are located at the same
height. As used herein, the elevation or height may be measured from the
central location of the upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and 64. In other
arrangements,
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the height or elevation of the upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and 64 may be
measured from their outer edges.
Fig. 36 illustrates another alternative exemplary embodiment in which the
keys are angled with respect to a keybed 92. The upper surfaces 58, 60, 62 and
64 have surface normals 68 that have a horizontal component and that point in
the general direction towards the concentric 12 when viewed from above. Other
arrangements are possible in which the surface normals 68 have a horizontal
component that causes them to point away from the concentric 12 when viewed
from above.
The text entry device 10 of Fig. 37 includes upper surfaces 64 that have
surface normals 68 pointing vertically upwards with no horizontal component,
while the surface normals 68 of the other upper surfaces 58, 60 and 62 have a
horizontal component and point towards the concentric 12 when viewed from
above. The elevation of the rows 36, 38, 40 and 42 is also varied such that
the
elevation becomes higher from rows 36 to 38 to 40 to 42. The rate of elevation
increase is largest between row 36 and row 38. The rate of elevation increase
is
the least between row 40 and row 42 so that these rows 40 and 42 have
elevations that are fairly close to one another. The elevation increase from
row
38 to row 40 is intermediate such that the overall rate of elevation increase
starts out sharply close to the concentric 12 and then tapers off along the
radial
direction 26 although it is not a consistent tapering from the concentric to
the
outer perimeter. The keybed 92 can be arranged in this elevation profile, or
collars 54 can be employed as disclosed with other exemplary embodiments.
Fig. 38 discloses an exemplary embodiment that is similar to that
previously discussed with respect to Fig. 37. However, the upper surfaces 58,
60
and 62 are provided with tips 66 to aid the user in striking the keys. The
raised
tips 66 extend from the upper surfaces 58, 60 and 62 at the point of the upper
surfaces 58, 60 and 62 closest to the concentric 12. The upper surfaces 64 may
be provided with tips 66 in a similar manner in accordance with other
exemplary
embodiments.
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Other exemplary embodiments may include raised, tactile bars that are
located between adjacent groupings 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 that are
present in order to highlight the division between the groupings 14, 16, 18,
20,
22, 24 and 25 and to afford the user with a tactile dividing line when
entering
text without looking at the text entry device. The raised, tactile bars can be
a
single continuous bar or may be segmented. The raised tactile bars may be
linear and extend from or be adjacent the concentric 12 or may be shaped so as
to generally mimic the shape of the grouping 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 to
which it is associated. The raised tactile bars may be molded onto the bed the
keys extend from or may be attached thereto.
Although described as being used in conjunction with a physical text entry
device 10, the disclosed letter arrangements and other features may be
incorporated into a soft keyboard or virtual keyboard in other exemplary
embodiments. As such, it is to be understood that the text entry device 10 may
be a soft keyboard or virtual keyboard and need not be a physical device in
other
embodiments. Text entry device 10 may be varied so as to include different
languages such as English, Spanish, Latin, French, Italian, Portuguese and
Romanian.
While the present invention has been described in connection with certain
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter
encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those
specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter
of
the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as
can be
included within scope of the following claims.
