Abstract: A keypad in which output keystrokes are determined both from individual switch activation and from the combined activation of adjacent switches. The keypad has a substrate carrying an array of sense elements arranged to change state in response to keypad operation, a flexible cover disposed above the substrate and having an exposed surface defining an array of independent key regions, with combination key regions defined in interstices between adjacent independent key regions. Snap elements provide tactile feedback. Some versions have a touch-sensitive grid rather than a switch matrix.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive input device has an exposed, continuous surface defining a planar area, and a grid of sense elements coextensive with the area of the exposed surface and responsive to engagement of the exposed surface by an operator to establish a position of said engagement of the exposed surface. The exposed surface varies in elevation across its planar area to form a series of tactile features. The exposed, continuous surface is affixed to the grid of sense elements. An electronic circuit is configured to interpret large-scale capacitance variations of the grid as an intended input small-scale capacitance variations of the grid as a position of engagement of the exposed surface by the operator.

Abstract: A method of interpreting keypad input includes identifying a first letter of a target word from activation of an initial key, identifying a set of possible intermediate letters of the target word in response to non-activating traversal of associated keys of the keypad following activation of the initial key, identifying a last letter of the target word from activation of a final key following the non-activating traversal, and then determining the target word based upon the identified first, intermediate and last letters. The method is particularly useful in key input devices sensitive to non-activating finger position above the keys.

Abstract: A keypad has keys (12) protruding through a housing (18) with at least one at-a-distance sensor (20) located approximately equidistant between each adjacent set of keys (12). Each key (12) has a tactile feedback element (32) located below and a primary graphic (10) displayed above. Graphics identifying additional functionality (14) are disposed off-center to primary graphic (10). Locator nubs (16) are located approximately equidistant between each adjacent set of keys (12).

Abstract: An IACK keypad with independent key regions arranged in an array of multiple rows and columns, and combination key regions defined between rows and columns of the array of independent key regions. A trace matrix underlying the keymat either includes, in addition to normally isolated column traces and row traces underlying the independent key regions, trace extensions extending from the row and column traces to underlie the combination key regions, or additional row and column traces underlying the combination key regions and tied to other row and column traces. The trace extensions extend to within a contact region of an opposed electrical contact, such as on a snap dome, beneath the combination key region. Independent and combination key snap domes are constructed to insure singular tactile feedback during combination key operation.

Abstract: Methods of providing input feedback in a device having a keyboard with a matrix of independent keys having associated switches arranged in rows and columns, wherein combinations of diagonally adjacent keys are associated with combination key outputs, and devices performing such methods. One method includes scanning for activated keys, providing provisional output to a user indicating that the activated key has been registered; continuing to scan the matrix; and, in response to activation of an adjacent key prior to release of the first activated key, providing final output to the user indicating that a combination of the first and adjacent keys has been registered, to the exclusion of the provisional output. Another features driving the rows in adjacent pairs while examining the columns for switch activation; and, in response to detecting switch activation in two adjacent columns while driving the rows in adjacent pairs, determining a combination key output.

Abstract: A keypad with both elevated and non-elevated key regions, and key switches disposed beneath both types of key regions. The non-elevated key regions each provide corresponding character output based on an operation algorithm that considers activation of at least one adjacent elevated key region as well as activation of the switch below the non-elevated key region. The keypad includes a keymat that is rigidly held at its perimeter in a stretched condition across a switch substrate. The key switches include metal snap domes that have an elevated central region forming a downwardly facing cavity defined at its edge by a ridge disposed above the switch contacts that electrically engages multiple switch contacts in an annular contact zone.

Abstract: Keycaps of a keypad or regions of a digitizer contain an electrophoretic ink. An electric field is passed through selected regions of the ink to form a desired graphic label visible at the exposed surface of the keycap or region. In some cases, conductors within the keypad or digitizer alter the ink. In other cases, the keycaps or regions are placed proximate a printer that alters the ink, such as to initialize a generic keypad for a given function. A keypad contains a MOD key to cycle between language-specific variants of a last-entered character. In some cases, the keys are altered remotely to change their displays, such as to update subscriber service information or advertising.

Abstract: An IACK keypad with independent key regions arranged in an array of multiple rows and columns, and combination key regions defined between rows and columns of the array of independent key regions. A trace matrix underlying the keymat either includes, in addition to normally isolated column traces and row traces underlying the independent key regions, trace extensions extending from the row and column traces to underlie the combination key regions, or additional row and column traces underlying the combination key regions and tied to other row and column traces. The trace extensions extend to within a contact region of an opposed electrical contact, such as on a snap dome, beneath the combination key region. Independent and combination key snap domes are constructed to insure singular tactile feedback during combination key operation.