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WO1999048120A1 - Keypad having keys identifiable by touching - Google Patents

Keypad having keys identifiable by touching Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999048120A1
WO1999048120A1 PCT/SE1999/000442 SE9900442W WO9948120A1 WO 1999048120 A1 WO1999048120 A1 WO 1999048120A1 SE 9900442 W SE9900442 W SE 9900442W WO 9948120 A1 WO9948120 A1 WO 9948120A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
keys
key
group
finger
keypad
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE1999/000442
Other languages
French (fr)
Swedish (sv)
Inventor
Jonas Skoog
Original Assignee
Nassko Telecom Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nassko Telecom Ab filed Critical Nassko Telecom Ab
Priority to AU29690/99A priority Critical patent/AU2969099A/en
Publication of WO1999048120A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999048120A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/807—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/247—Telephone sets including user guidance or feature selection means facilitating their use
    • H04M1/2474—Telephone terminals specially adapted for disabled people
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/024—Profile on actuator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2225/00—Switch site location
    • H01H2225/022—Switch site location other then row-column disposition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/022—Telephone handset

Definitions

  • Keypad having keys identifiable by touching
  • the present invention relates to a control device serving as a substitute for a keypad with function keys for operating, for example, a mobile telephone or a button-type electronic lock.
  • a keypad has keys which are generally of the same shape and which are arranged m an essentially rectangular pattern. This arrangement means that when keying m a number or a letter combination, the user is always obliged to look at the keypad m order not to risk entering the wrong number. If, simultaneously, the user must keep his attention fully focused m a different direction, which, for example, is the case when driving a car, the keying- m of the number or letter combination will necessarily be more difficult and thus slower.
  • the object of the invention is to simplify the keymg-m operation m connection with the use of mobile telephones, electronic locks, and the like.
  • control device When the control device is used m connection with a mobile telephone, for example, it is then only necessary to quickly check the display of the mobile telephone, where the inputted number is displayed, to ensure that the correct number has been keyed m. However, this operation only requires a moment of observation and can be carried out m connection with the transmission of the telephone number.
  • the keypad by virtue of its design links numerals and symbols to a certain geometry and texture, it enables use of the right cerebral hemisphere when input - ting a number to a greater extent than is the case with an ordinary keypad. This makes it much easier to learn a certain number, since one learns the spatial attributes of the numerals, ust like an experienced typist.
  • Fig. 1 is a front view of a mobile telephone provided with function keys according to the invention and Fig. 2 is an enlarged scale perspective view of the complete keypad of the mobile telephone.
  • the mobile telephone has a front face 1 with a keypad 2 for operating the mobile telephone for the purpose of ordinary telecommunications.
  • a keypad 2 for operating the mobile telephone for the purpose of ordinary telecommunications.
  • Various number and letter combinations are shown on a display 3.
  • the function keys intended for inputting the numerals zero to nine and/or a number of letters are arranged m a group 4 forming a pattern across a surface, where each key differs m its shape and orientation from ad a- cent keys not only visibly but to such a degree that it is possible with a finger to feel the difference between one key and the next without having to look at the keys .
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows m more detail how the keys m the group 4 differ from each other.
  • some of the keys are connected m pairs by bars 5 extending straight across the group .
  • the user can place the thumb of one hand across the bars 5 and fairly quickly, i.e. after a relatively short learning period, find the correct sequence of numerals when keying m a number by searching with the thumb across the bars 5 m order to find the keys at the end of the bars 5 and the keys located between the bars 5.
  • the user can ensure that he has inputted the correct number.
  • the device according to the invention it is no longer necessary for the user to find his way to the keys m a keypad by looking at the keys.
  • the learning process is relatively short because the user quickly learns to position his thumb m an initial position, from which he then searches for the diffe- rent keys.
  • the invention is not limited to what has been shown and described above. Naturally, the keys m group 4 may have many different appearances within the scope of the inventive idea. Furthermore, the invention can be applied m many contexts m addition to the described use m connection with a mobile telephone. Examples of applications include button-type electronic locks, pocket calculators, or remote controls for televisions and VCRs .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device serving as a substitute for a key pad with function keys for operating, for example, a mobile telephone or a button-type electric lock. The function keys intended for keying in the numerals zero to nine and/or a number of letters are arranged in a group (4) forming a pattern across a surface. Each key differs in its shape and orientation from adjacent keys to such a degree that it is possible with a finger, preferably the thumb of one hand, to orientate oneself among the group (4) and to determine which key one is touching with the finger, without looking at the key.

Description

Keypad having keys identifiable by touching
The present invention relates to a control device serving as a substitute for a keypad with function keys for operating, for example, a mobile telephone or a button-type electronic lock. At present, there are many different keypad designs, all of which are aimed at making the tool equipped with the keypad practical and easy to use. However, a common feature of all these designs is that the keypad has keys which are generally of the same shape and which are arranged m an essentially rectangular pattern. This arrangement means that when keying m a number or a letter combination, the user is always obliged to look at the keypad m order not to risk entering the wrong number. If, simultaneously, the user must keep his attention fully focused m a different direction, which, for example, is the case when driving a car, the keying- m of the number or letter combination will necessarily be more difficult and thus slower.
Furthermore, when keying m a number on an ordinary keypad only the logical, left cerebral hemisphere is utilised. Users find this troublesome m situations where the left cerebral hemisphere is already being used, for example m connection with motoring or logical thinking. The object of the invention is to simplify the keymg-m operation m connection with the use of mobile telephones, electronic locks, and the like. This has been achieved by the invention m such a way that the function keys for entering the numerals zero to nine and/or a number of letters are arranged m a group forming a pattern across a surface, where each key differs m its shape and orientation from adjacent keys to such a degree that it becomes possible with a finger, preferably the thumb of one hand, to orientate oneself among the group and to determine which key one is touching without looking at 2 the key. Orientation does not primarily refer to the position of the key, but, for example, to its rotation m relation to other keys of essentially the same shape. When the control device is used m connection with a mobile telephone, for example, it is then only necessary to quickly check the display of the mobile telephone, where the inputted number is displayed, to ensure that the correct number has been keyed m. However, this operation only requires a moment of observation and can be carried out m connection with the transmission of the telephone number.
Since the keypad by virtue of its design links numerals and symbols to a certain geometry and texture, it enables use of the right cerebral hemisphere when input - ting a number to a greater extent than is the case with an ordinary keypad. This makes it much easier to learn a certain number, since one learns the spatial attributes of the numerals, ust like an experienced typist.
An embodiment of the invention arranged on a mobile telephone will be described m more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, m which Fig. 1 is a front view of a mobile telephone provided with function keys according to the invention and Fig. 2 is an enlarged scale perspective view of the complete keypad of the mobile telephone.
As seen m Fig. 1, the mobile telephone has a front face 1 with a keypad 2 for operating the mobile telephone for the purpose of ordinary telecommunications. Various number and letter combinations are shown on a display 3. According to the invention, on the keypad 2, the function keys intended for inputting the numerals zero to nine and/or a number of letters (not shown) are arranged m a group 4 forming a pattern across a surface, where each key differs m its shape and orientation from ad a- cent keys not only visibly but to such a degree that it is possible with a finger to feel the difference between one key and the next without having to look at the keys . 3
Fig. 2 schematically shows m more detail how the keys m the group 4 differ from each other. According to an additional feature of the invention, some of the keys are connected m pairs by bars 5 extending straight across the group . Suitably, the user can place the thumb of one hand across the bars 5 and fairly quickly, i.e. after a relatively short learning period, find the correct sequence of numerals when keying m a number by searching with the thumb across the bars 5 m order to find the keys at the end of the bars 5 and the keys located between the bars 5. By quickly checking the display 3, the user can ensure that he has inputted the correct number.
Accordingly, by virtue of the device according to the invention it is no longer necessary for the user to find his way to the keys m a keypad by looking at the keys. The learning process is relatively short because the user quickly learns to position his thumb m an initial position, from which he then searches for the diffe- rent keys.
The invention is not limited to what has been shown and described above. Naturally, the keys m group 4 may have many different appearances within the scope of the inventive idea. Furthermore, the invention can be applied m many contexts m addition to the described use m connection with a mobile telephone. Examples of applications include button-type electronic locks, pocket calculators, or remote controls for televisions and VCRs .

Claims

1. A control device, comprising a keypad made of an electrically non-conducting material with function keys, which are depressible for bringing together electrical contact means in order to generate electrical information signals, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the function keys for keying in the numerals zero to nine and/or a number of letters are arranged in a group (4) forming a pattern across a surface, where each key differs in its shape and orientation from adjacent keys to such a degree that it is possible with a finger, preferably the thumb of one hand, to orientate oneself among the group (4) and to determine which key one is touching with the finger, without looking at the key.
2. A device according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that some of the keys are connected in pairs by the intermediary of bars (5) extending straight across the group (4) .
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that it is arranged on a mobile telephone .
5
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 14 August 1999 (14.08.99); original claims 2 and 3 cancelled; original claim 1 amended;
(1 page)]
A control device for mobile telephones, electronic locks and the like, comprising a keypad made of an electrically non-conducting material with function keys, which are depressible for bringing together electrical contact means in order to generate electrical information signals, characterized in that the function keys for keying in the numerals zero to nine and/or a number of letters are arranged in a group (4) forming a pattern across a surface, wherein some of the keys are connected in pairs by the intermediary of bars (5) extending straight across the group (4), so that each key differs in its shape and orientation from adjacent keys to such a degree that it is possible with a finger, preferably the thumb of one hand, to orientate oneself among the group (4) and to determine which key one is touching with the finger, without looking at the key.
PCT/SE1999/000442 1998-03-19 1999-03-19 Keypad having keys identifiable by touching WO1999048120A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU29690/99A AU2969099A (en) 1998-03-19 1999-03-19 Keypad having keys identifiable by touching

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9800911A SE9800911L (en) 1998-03-19 1998-03-19 COUPLING
SE9800911-1 1998-03-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999048120A1 true WO1999048120A1 (en) 1999-09-23

Family

ID=20410606

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE1999/000442 WO1999048120A1 (en) 1998-03-19 1999-03-19 Keypad having keys identifiable by touching

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2969099A (en)
SE (1) SE9800911L (en)
WO (1) WO1999048120A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2371019A (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-17 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Mobile telephone with "V"-shaped central keys
GB2371020A (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-17 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Mobile telephone with "V"-shaped keys
EP1231758A3 (en) * 2001-02-12 2003-02-05 Molex Incorporated Telephone key arrangement with tactile indicating means
US7027844B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2006-04-11 Vertu Limited Mobile telephone
US7203309B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2007-04-10 Vertu Limited Mobile telephone
US7444173B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2008-10-28 Vertu Ltd. Mobile telephone

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2240071A (en) * 1990-01-23 1991-07-24 Wu Louis Tsung Cheng Clock-like arrangements of numeral keys on keyboards
DE4201469A1 (en) * 1992-01-21 1993-07-22 Nokia Deutschland Gmbh Keyboard for remote controller - has push-button keys with different features and surface locations for ease of identification
EP0683499A1 (en) * 1994-05-13 1995-11-22 Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Control key device
WO1997007520A2 (en) * 1995-08-14 1997-02-27 Martin Trevor Wheeler Control means

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2240071A (en) * 1990-01-23 1991-07-24 Wu Louis Tsung Cheng Clock-like arrangements of numeral keys on keyboards
DE4201469A1 (en) * 1992-01-21 1993-07-22 Nokia Deutschland Gmbh Keyboard for remote controller - has push-button keys with different features and surface locations for ease of identification
EP0683499A1 (en) * 1994-05-13 1995-11-22 Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Control key device
WO1997007520A2 (en) * 1995-08-14 1997-02-27 Martin Trevor Wheeler Control means

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2371019A (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-17 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Mobile telephone with "V"-shaped central keys
GB2371020A (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-17 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Mobile telephone with "V"-shaped keys
GB2371020B (en) * 2000-12-29 2005-07-27 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd A mobile telephone
GB2371019B (en) * 2000-12-29 2005-07-27 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Mobile telephone
US7027844B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2006-04-11 Vertu Limited Mobile telephone
US7203309B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2007-04-10 Vertu Limited Mobile telephone
US7444173B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2008-10-28 Vertu Ltd. Mobile telephone
EP1231758A3 (en) * 2001-02-12 2003-02-05 Molex Incorporated Telephone key arrangement with tactile indicating means
US6766023B2 (en) 2001-02-12 2004-07-20 Molex Incorporated Telephone key arrangement with tactile indicating means

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2969099A (en) 1999-10-11
SE9800911L (en) 1999-09-20
SE9800911D0 (en) 1998-03-19

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