Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
KEY ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to key assemblies for
electronic devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic devices, in particular mobile devices, are often
equipped with a keyboard or keypad to allow user input. Currently, if-a full
keyboard, such as a QWERTY keyboard, is desired for a mobile device, the
mobile device is designed to be larger than a typical mobile phone in order to
accommodate the keyboard. A larger device is often undesirable. Even where
a larger keyboard can be accommodated, a smaller keyboard would be useful
for allowing extra space on the device for other purposes.
[0003] Even in devices that are large enough to accommodate a full
keyboard, such as a QWERTY keyboard, the keyboard is typically still smaller
than that of a desktop computer. The individual keys on a keyboard of a
mobile device are usually relatively small and close to each other. This
increases the likelihood of a typing error.
[0004] One solution is to provide a reduced keyboard or keypad on
such devices. Reduced keypads typically use a single key for multiple
different inputs. For example, in a ,reduced keypad, a single key may be used
for input of the characters "A", "B" and "C", and the user has to tap the key
multiple times to select the desired character. To assist user input using a
reduced keypad, text prediction algorithms, such as SureTypeTM, are often,
used. However, using a text prediction algorithm places extra demand on the
device, using up device resources and battery power, both of which are
limited on a mobile device. Further, text prediction algorithms are not error-
proof, and typically cannot predict names, uncommon terms or acronyms.
Thus, such algorithms often predict input different from what the user
1
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
intends. Text prediction algorithms also are not convenient for typing
passwords.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which show by
way of example embodiments of the present disclosure, and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 shows in block diagram form an electronic device suitable
for incorporating a key assembly in accordance with an example
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the key assembly in a rest
position;
[0008] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the key assembly in a first key
position;
[0009] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the key assembly in a second
key position;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a key of the key assembly
disposed in a track of the key assembly;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of a key of the key assembly;
[0012] FIGS. 4A-4D are cross-sectional views of a key of the key
assembly; and
[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an electronic device having a key
assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0014] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are identified by like reference numerals.
2
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a key assembly, comprising: a key housing; at least one
key coupled to the key housing for sliding movement relative to the key
housing, wherein the at least one key is positionable relative to the key
housing in a first key position and its disposition in the first key position
effects a transmission of a first signal associated with the first key
position; a
first switch located below the at least one key; a first appendage located
below the at least one key for triggering the first switch, the first
appendage
being tilted relative to a plane of the sliding movement; wherein the at least
one key is moveable by sliding movement relative to the key housing
between at least one other key position and the first key position, wherein
the sliding movement of the at least one key from the at least one other key
position to the first key position moves the first appendage from an initial
tilted position to a straightened position which triggers the first switch
causing transmission of the first signal associated with the first key
position.
[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a key assembly, comprising: a key housing; at
least one key coupled to the key housing for sliding movement relative to the
key housing, wherein the at least one key is positionable relative to the key
housing in a first key position and its disposition in the first key position
effects a transmission of a first signal associated with the first key
position; a
first switch located below the at least one key; wherein the at least one key
includes a first protrusion extending below the at least one key for
triggering
the first switch, the first protrusion being tilted relative to a plane of the
sliding movement; wherein the at least one key is moveable by sliding
movement relative to the key housing between at least one other key
position and the first key position, wherein the sliding movement of the at
least one key from the at least one other key position to the first key
position
moves the first protrusion which triggers the first switch causing
transmission
of the first signal associated with the first key position.
3
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
[0017] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a key assembly comprising: a key housing; at
least one key, wherein each one of the at least one key is coupled to the key
housing for sliding movement relative to the key housing and is positionable
relative to the key housing in a respective first key position and its
disposition in the respective first key position effects a transmission of a
signal associated with the respective first key position; wherein each one of
the at least on key is moveable by an operative movement relative to the
key housing between the respective first key position and at least another
key position and the operative movement includes a sliding movement.
[0018] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a method of effecting transmission of a signal
from an input device including: providing an input device including: a key
housing; and at least one key, wherein each one of the at least one key is
coupled to the key housing for sliding movement relative to the key housing
and is positionable relative to the key housing in a respective first key
position and its disposition in the respective first key position effects a
transmission of a signal associated with the respective first key position;
wherein each one of the at least one key is moveable by an operative
movement relative to the key housing between the respective first key
position and at least another key position and the operative movement
includes a sliding movement; effecting the operative movement of at least
one actuated key, wherein each one of the at least one actuated key is a one
of the at least one key, such that each one of the at least one actuated key
becomes disposed in its respective first key position. In some embodiments,
at least one of the at least one actuated key includes an actuator, and
wherein the effecting of the operative movement includes applying a manual
force to the actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a key
surface portion. In some embodiments, for at least one of the at least one
actuated key: the applied manual force is provided for at least overcoming a
biasing force being applied to the actuated key, wherein the biasing force
4
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
effects resistance to movement of the actuated key to is respective first key
position.
[0019] In accordance with further embodiments of the present
disclosure, there is provided an electronic device, comprising: a key
assembly as described above and herein; and a microprocessor configured to
effect a response based on signals transmitted by the disposition of the at
least one key into one of a number of key positions including the first key
position.
[0020] Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows a block diagram
illustrating an example embodiment of an electronic device 102 suitable for
incorporating a key assembly. It will be understood that references to an
electronic device in this disclosure may also refer to any suitable electronic
device requiring input, including a wireless device, a mobile device, or a
mobile communication device. Although the disclosure presents a mobile
communication device in some examples, any electronic device requiring
input may be suitable.- In some embodiments, the electronic device 102
communicates through a wireless communication network 104. For example,
the wireless network 104 includes antennae, base stations, and supporting
radio equipment as for supporting wireless communications between the
electronic device 102 and other devices connected to wireless network 104.
In some embodiments, the wireless network 104 is coupled to a wireless
network gateway and to a wide area network (not shown).
[0021] In an example embodiment, the electronic device 102 is a two-
way mobile communication device having at least voice and data
communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with
other computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by the
electronic device 102, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a
two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a
wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without
telephony capabilities). In some embodiments, the electronic device 102
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
communicates with any one of a plurality of fixed transceiver stations within
its geographic coverage area.
[0022] In some embodiments, the electronic device 102 incorporates a
communication subsystem 112, which includes a receiver 114, a transmitter
116, and associated components, such as one or more antenna elements 118
and 120, local oscillators (LOs) 122, and a processing module such as a
digital signal processor (DSP) 124. In some embodiments, the antenna
elements 118 and 120 may be embedded or internal to the electronic device
102. In some embodiments, the particular design of the communication
subsystem 112 depends on the wireless network 104 in which the electronic
device 102 is intended to operate.
[0023] In some embodiments, the electronic device 102 sends and
receives communication signals over the wireless network 104 after the
required network registration or activation procedures have been completed.
Signals received by the antenna 118 through the wireless network 104 are
input to the receiver 114, which, for example, performs such common
receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion,
filtering, channel selection, etc., as well as analog-to-digital (A/D)
conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal may allow more complex
communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be
performed in the DSP 124. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are
processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by the DSP 124.
In some embodiments, these DSP-processed signals are input to the
transmitter 116 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up
conversion, filtering, amplification, and transmission to the wireless network
104 via the antenna 120. In some embodiments, the DSP 124 not only
processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and
transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals
in the receiver 114 and the transmitter 116 is adaptively controlled through
automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 124.
6
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
[0024] In some embodiments, network access is associated with a
subscriber or user of the electronic device 102 via a memory module, such as
a memory module.130, which may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
card for-use in a GSM network or a Universal Subscriber Identity Module
(USIM) card for use in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
(UMTS). In some embodiments, the SIM card is inserted in or connected to
an interface 132 of the electronic device 102 in order to operate in
conjunction with the wireless network 104. Alternatively, the electronic
device 102 includes an integrated identity module for use with systems such
as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems.
[0025] In an example embodiment, the electronic device 102 also
includes a battery interface 136 for receiving one or more rechargeable
batteries 138. The battery 138 provides electrical power to at least some of
the electrical circuitry in the electronic device 102, and the battery
interface
136, for example, provides a mechanical and electrical connection for the
battery 138. In some embodiments, the battery, interface 136 is coupled to a
regulator (not shown) which provides power V+ to the circuitry of the
electronic device 102.
[0026] The electronic device 102 includes a microprocessor 140 which
controls the overall operation of the electronic device 102. In some
embodiments, communication functions, including at least data and voice
communications, are performed through the communication subsystem 112.
In some embodiments, the microprocessor 140 also interacts with additional
device subsystems such as a display 142, a flash memory 144, as random
access memory (RAM) 146, a read-only memory (ROM) 148, auxiliary
input/output (I/O) subsystems 150, a data port such as serial port 152, a
keyboard or keypad 154, a speaker or audio port 156 for connecting to, for
example a set of headphones or an earpiece, a microphone 158, a clickable
thumbwheel or thumbwheel 160, a short-range communications subsystem
162, and any other device subsystems *generally designated as 164. In some
embodiments, some of the subsystems shown in FIG.. 1 perform
7
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide
"resident" or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as the
keypad 154, the display 142, and the clickable thumbwheel 160, for
example, are used for both communication-related functions, such as
displaying notifications or entering a text message for transmission over the
wireless network 104, and executing device-resident functions such as a
clock, a calculator or a task list. In some embodiments, operating system
software used by the microprocessor 140 is stored in a persistent store such
as the flash memory 144, which may alternatively be the ROM 148 or similar
storage element. For example, the operating system, specific device
applications, or parts thereof, is temporarily loaded into a volatile store
such
as the RAM 146.
[0027] The microprocessor 140, in addition to its operating system
functions, enables execution of software applications on the electronic device
102. A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations,
including data and voice communication applications, may normally be
installed on the electronic device 102 during or after manufacture. In some
embodiments, the electronic device 102 includes a personal information
manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data
items relating to a user such as, but not limited to, instant messaging,
email,
calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. One or more
memory stores are available on the electronic device 102 to facilitate storage
of information, such as the flash memory 144, the RAM 146, the ROM 148,
the memory module 130, or other typos of memory storage devices or
FLASH memory cards represented by the other device subsystems 164, such
as Secure Digital (SD) cards or mini SD cards, etc.
[0028] In some embodiments, the PIM and/or media applications have
the ability to send and receive data items via either the wireless network 104
or a link to a computer system. The link to the computer system may be via
the serial port 152 or the short-range communications subsystem 162. In an
example embodiment, PIM and/or media data items are seamlessly
8
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
combined, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network 104, with the
electronic device user's corresponding data items stored and/or associated
with a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored or partially
mirrored host computer on the electronic device 102 with respect to such
items. This may be useful where the host computer system is the electronic
device user's office computer system. In some embodiments, additional
applications are also loaded onto the electronic device 102 through the
wireless network 104, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 150, the serial port 152,
the short-range communications subsystem 162, or any other suitable
subsystem 164, and installed by a user in the RAM 146 or a non-volatile
store such as the ROM 148 for execution by the microprocessor 140. For
example, such flexibility in application installation increases the
functionality
of the electronic device 102 and may provide enhanced on-device functions,
communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure
communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and
other such financial transactions to.be performed using the electronic device
102.
[0029] In a data communication mode, a received data signal
representing information such as a text message, an email message, a media
file to be transferred, or Web page download is processed by the
communication subsystem 112 and input to the microprocessor 140. In some
embodiments, the microprocessor 140 further processes the signal for output
to the display 142, or alternatively to the auxiliary I/O device 150. In some
embodiments, a user of the electronic device 102 also composes data items,
such as email messages, for example, using the keypad 154 and/or the
clickable thumbwheel 160 in conjunction with the primary display 142 and
possibly the auxiliary I/O device 150. For example, these composed items
are transmitted through the communication subsystem 112 over the wireless.
network 104 or via the short range communication subsystem 162.
[0030] In some embodiments, for voice communications, the overall
operation of the electronic device 102 is similar, except that the received
9
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
signals may be output to the speaker or audio port 156 and signals for
transmission would be generated by a transducer such as the microphone
158. In some embodiments, alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such
as a voice message recording subsystem, is also be implemented on the,
electronic device 102. Although voice or audio signal output is typically
accomplished primarily through the speaker or audio port 156, the display
142 is also used to provide, for example, an indication of the identity of a
calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related
information.
For example, stereo headphones or an earpiece is also used in place of the
speaker 156.
[0031] In some embodiments, the serial port 152 is normally
implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA) type communication device
for which synchronization with a user's computer is a desirable, albeit
optional, component. For example, the serial port 152 enables a user to set
preferences through an external device or software application and may
extend the capabilities of the electronic device 102 by providing for
information or software downloads to the electronic device 102 other than
through the wireless network 104. The alternate download path, for example,
is used to load software or data files onto the electronic device 102 through
a
direct, reliable and trusted connection.
[0032] In some embodiments, the short-range communications
subsystem 162 is an additional optional component which provides for
communication between the electronic device 102 and different systems or
devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example,.the
subsystem 162 includes an infrared device and associated circuits and
components, or a wireless bus protocol compliant communication mechanism
such as a BluetoothTM communication module to provide for communication
with similarly-enabled systems and devices (BluetoothTM is a registered
trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.). In some embodiments, the short-range
communications subsystem 162 is a wireless networking communications
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
subsystem, conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards such as one or more of
802.11b, 802.118, or 802.11n.
[0033] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, showing an
isometric view of an example embodiment of a key assembly 200. The key
assembly 200 comprises at least one key 202 slidably coupled to a key
housing 204 (shown in dotted line). For simplicity and clarity, only one key
202 is discussed, however the key assembly 200 includes, in some
embodiments, more than one key 202. The key 202 is. positionable relative to
the key housing 204 in a plurality of key positions. Where there is more than
one key 202, each key 202 includes its own respective plurality of key
positions, which typically do not overlap with the key positions of any other
key 202. The key positions include at least one first key position (see FIG.
2B). A function or signal is triggered when the slidable key 202 is in the
first
key position. The key 202 is displaced from at least one other-key position
(for example, see FIG. 2A) to the first key position (see FIG. 2B) by way of
an operative movement. The operative movement includes a sliding
movement of the key 202 relative to the key housing 204. For example, the
key 202 is displaced from another key position (for example, see FIG. 2A) to
the first key position (see FIG. 2B) by sliding the slidable key 202 relative
to
the key housing 204.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, in the example
embodiment shown, the key housing 204 includes a track 208 configured to
receive sliding movement of the key 202. In this example, the track 208 is
configured to co-operate with a 'sliding component on the key 202, in this
case a pair of tabs 206a, 206b. The key 202 includes tabs 206a, 206b on
opposite sides 203a, 203b of the key 202 cooperating with respective tracks
208a, 208b. For example, where there are multiple keys 202, at least one of
the keys 202 co-operates with the key housing 204 in this manner to effect
the sliding movement.
11
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
[0035] In some embodiments, at least one of the key positions of the
key 202 is a rest position (see FIG. 2A). When not in use, the key 202 is
biased towards the rest position, for example by at least one biasing member
210. For example, each one of the at least one biasing member 210 is
provided in the track 208. In this example, the key 202 is centered between
two biasing members 210, such as coil springs, housed in the key housing
204, and providing substantially equal biasing force against the key 202. In
some embodiments, there are biasing members 210 on opposite sides of the
key 202. Where there are multiple keys 202, at least one of the keys 202 is
biased to a rest position.
[0036] For a key which is biased towards a rest position, there is a
minimum spacing of at least 2.5 millimetres between its rest position (FIG.
2A) and its first key position (FIG. 2B).
[0037] In some embodiments, the key 202 is positionable, when in the
rest position, to a third. key position (see FIG. 4B) by an operative movement
including depression of the key 202, for example, against the key housing
204. When the key 202 is disposed in the third position, the key 202 effects
transmission of a signal associated with the third position.
[0038] In the example shown, the key 202 is positionable to any one of
the first key position (FIG. 2B), a second key position (FIG. 2C), and third
key position (FIG. 4B), and is biased towards a rest position (see FIG. 2A).
Each of the first, second and third key positions is associated with a
function,
and disposition of the key 202 in any one of the first, second and third key
positions effects the transmission of the respective signal. In this example,
the first and second key positions are associated with inputs "A" and "B", and
the third key position is associated with input "1".
[0039] The key 202 includes an operative surface 212 that extends
beyond the key housing 204. The operative surface 212.is configured such
that it is accessible for receiving an application of manual force to effect
the
operative movement. For example, the manual force for which the operative
12
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
surface 212 is configured to receive includes a compressive force (to effect
depression of the key to the third key position (FIG. 4C)). For example, the
operative surface 212 includes indication of inputs, or functions associated
with respective functional key positions. For example, the operative surface
includes a raised portion 214, which may be resilient, to facilitate
disposition
of the key 202 to the third key position, such as by depression of the key
202 against the key housing 204.
[0040] At the rest position (see FIG. 2A), the key 202 is biased to be
disposed over the third key position (see FIG. 4C) in an undepressed state.
Depression of the key 202 disposes the key 202 to the third key position (see
FIG. 4C), effecting the transmission of a signal representing the input "1".
The key 202 is slidable to either one of the first or second key positions
(FIGS. 2B, 2C) from the rest position (FIG. 2A). Sliding the key 202 in the.
direction corresponding to the indicated "A" input disposes the key 202 to the
key position associated with the "A" input (ie. the first key position, FIG.
2B)
and effects the transmission of a signal representing the input "A".
Similarly,
sliding the key 202 in the direction corresponding to the indicated "B" input
disposes the key 202 to the key position associated with the "B" input (ie.
the second key position, FIG. 2C) and effects transmission of a signal
representing the input "B". In some embodiments, to effect displacement of
the key to either of the first and second key position, a manual force is
applied to the key and overcomes any biasing force being applied to the key
202 to bias the key 202 towards the rest position.
[0041] In the example shown, the key assembly 200 includes a spacer
216 disposed in the track 208. The spacer 216 is fixed in the track 208 and
serves to limit the sliding movement of the key 202. The spacer 216
functions as a detent to stop the sliding movement of the key 202 once the
key 202 reaches the first or second key position. The spacer 216 also serves
to prevent the key 202 from coming up against an adjacent key 2021 and
interfering with the movement of the adjacent key 2021. In other examples,
the key assembly 200 does not include the spacer 216, but rather limits the
13
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
sliding movement of the key 202 by designing the key housing 204 to
constrain the possible extent of sliding movement available to the key 202,
for example, by forming a frame around the key 202.
[0042] Although the example shown illustrates a key assembly 200 that
provides for sliding movement only along one axis, the key assembly 200, in
some embodiments, permits sliding movement in two or more axes. While
the example key 202 is shown positionable in the first and second key
positions from another key position by an operative movement including a
sliding movement, the key 202, in some embodiments, is positionable to
other key positions, from another key position, by an operative movement
including a sliding movement, and when the key is disposed in any one of
these other key positions, a respective signal associated with such key
position is transmitted. Also, while the example key 202 is shown
positionable in a third key position from a rest position by an operative
movement including depression of the key 202, the key 202, in some
embodiments, is positionable to other depressed key positions, each from a
respective other rest position, by an operative movement including
depression of the key 202, and when the key 202 is disposed in any one of
these other depressed key positions, a respective signal associated with such
depressed key position is transmitted.
[0043] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing a cross-
sectional view of an example key 202 of the key assembly 200 of FIG. 2. The
key assembly 200 also includes a respective one or more rollers 302 for
positioning each one of the tabs 206a, 206b in the respective tracks 208a,
208b and for facilitating movement of each one of the tabs 206a, 206b within
the respective tracks 208a, 208b.
[0044] Reference is how made to FIGS. 4A-4D, showing, in operation, a
cross-sectional view of the example key assembly 200 in a rest position,
third key position, first position, and second key position, respectively.
14
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
[0045] In this example, the key assembly 200 includes appendages
402, 404a, 404b that cooperate with the key 202 and switches 406a, 406b,
406c for facilitating detection of the key position. The appendages 402, 404a,
404b and the switches 406a, 406b, 406c are located between the key 202
and the key housing 204. Appendage 402 is relatively rigid and cooperates
with the key 202 to facilitate detection of the third key position by the
switch
406b. Appendages 404a, 404b are relatively rigid and tiltable, and cooperate
with the key 202 to facilitate detection of the first and second key positions
by the switches 406a, 406c respectively.
[0046] FIG. 4A illustrates the key 202 in a rest position. In this
example, biasing members (not shown) bias the key 202 towards a rest
position that is approximately centered between the first and second key
positions. The key 202 is also biased away from the third key position, for
example by designing the key 202 to include a resilient raised portion 214
that is biased away from the third key position. In the rest position (FIG.
4A),
each one of the appendages 402, 404a, 404b is disposed such that each one
of the switches 406a, 406b, 406c is unactuated. In the example shown, the
appendage 402 extends from the key 202 towards the switch 406b. The
appendages 404a, 404b extend from the'switches 406a, 406c irrespectively,
towards the key 202 in a tilted manner.
[0047] FIG. 4B illustrates the key 202 in the third key position. In this
example, the appendage 402 is compressed towards the switch 406b,
triggering the switch 406b. Thus, the disposition of the key 202 in the third
key position is detected and a signal representing the function associated
with the third key position is transmitted.
[0048] FIG. 4C illustrates the key 202 in a first key position. In this
example, the appendage 404a is rotated so that it is straightened from its
initial tilted position. In some embodiments, key 202 includes a protrusion
408a that cooperates with the appendage 404a to cause it to rotate when the
key 202 is disposed to the first key position. When the appendage 404a is
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
straightened, it is compressed towards the switch 406a, triggering the switch
406a. Thus, the disposition of the key 202 in the first key position is
detected
and a signal representing the function associated with' the first key position
is
transmitted.
[0049] FIG. 4D illustrates the key in a second key position. In this
example, the appendage 404b is rotated so that it is straightened from its
initial tilted position. In some embodiments, the key 202 includes a
protrusion 408b that co-operates with the appendage 404b to cause it to
rotate when the key is disposed to the second key position. When the
appendage 404b is straightened, it is compressed towards the switch 406c,
triggering the switch 406c. Thus, the disposition of the key 202 in the second
position is detected and a signal representing the function association with
the second key position is transmitted.
[0050] Although the example illustrates the use of appendages 402,
404a, 404b and switches 406a, 406b, 406c to detect the key position of the
key 202, other arrangements and methods may be suitable. For example,
other arrangements may use protrusions in place of one or more appendages
402, 404a, 404b, or electrical contacts in place of switches 406a, 406b,
406c. Although the example illustrates a key 202 suitable for disposition in
first, second and third key positions, a similar arrangement may be used for
a key 202 configured to transmit more than three separate and independent
electrical signals. Other arrangements may accommodate a key 202 that is
not necessarily biased towards a rest position.
[0051] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, illustrating the electronic
device 102 suitable for incorporating the key assembly 200. In the example
shown, the electronic device 102 is a mobile communication device. The
keyboard 154 includes the key assembly 200.
[0052] In some embodiments, in addition to one or more keys 202, the
keyboard 154 includes conventional, keys 502. For example, the conventional
keys 502 are used for input in addition to the keys 202. In the example
1'6
CA 02713010 2010-08-11
shown, the keys 202 are arranged in rows and columns, similar to a reduced
keypad, and together they provide the input characters typically found in a
QWERTY keyboard. Other arrangements may be suitable, for example to
accommodate other keyboard layouts. In some embodiments, the electronic
device 102 includes at least one key 202 not included in the keyboard 154.
[0053] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are
intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect
alterations,
modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing
from the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, selected
features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be
combined to create alternative embodiments not explicitly described,
features suitable for such combinations being readily apparent to persons
skilled in the art.
17
