Abstract: A keyboard for a handheld electronic device comprises ten keys arranged in four rows in a DTMF keypad format. Three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 1, 2 and 3 arranged in a first row, three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 4, 5 and 6 arranged in a second row, three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 7, 8 and 9 arranged in a third row, and a tenth key bearing a 0 located in a fourth row. The keys of the first second and third rows also bear letter characters which, either alone or in conjunction with additional letter character-bearing keys in the rows, are positioned relative to the letter characters on adjacent keys so as to form a QWERTY or Dvorak layout.

Abstract: An improved keypad having a plurality of keys can have linguistic elements assigned to the keys in any of a variety of arrangements depending upon various considerations.

Abstract: A speed typing method and apparatus having multiple letters associated with each key of a keyboard. By utilizing multiple characters on each key, the number of keys would be fewer than the number of letters in the alphabet using this system. Each key on the keyboard is associated with a numerical code. The system uses the numerical code associated with a typed word to access a dictionary, table of words, or at least a beginning of words stored in memory at a memory location corresponding to the input numerical code. The system may display all of the possible words or beginnings of words available to the user in response to the input code.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys associated with alphanumeric characters including the letters A-Z and at least the numbers 1-9. The keys are split into a left side section and a right side section. The left side section is oriented at least partially above the right side section, or the right side section is oriented at least partially above the left side section. A mobile communication device includes the keyboard. A method for inputting alphanumeric characters into a mobile communication device is also provided.

Abstract: A keyboard for a hand held computer device including an array of keys representing characters of an alphabet of a language, wherein the array includes: (a) keys representing frequently used vowel characters of said alphabet arranged together in series; (b) keys representing frequently used consonant characters of said alphabet arranged adjacent to said keys representing vowel characters; and (c) keys representing infrequently used consonant characters of said alphabet arranged in positions remote from said keys representing vowel characters, wherein the keys representing frequently used consonant characters are arranged in alphabetical order around the keys representing the vowel characters.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and embodied keyboard that does not require the use of the Shift key to produce character output to a computer system. It has the ability to produce a group of characters such as whole words and/or partial words with a single key press. It is an Assistive Technology Device (ATD) for people with physical and/or learning disabilities. The present invention is especially useful when used in situations that do not require high-speed data input.

Abstract: An ambiguous keyboard which is sufficiently typable and similar to conventional keyboards to both expert and novice users. The layout of the key involves reduction in the number of keys (5101-4523) and placing several letters on each of the key (5101-4523) to accommodate reduction in size of the keyboard without overly compromising text-entry capacity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus with a keyboard coupled to a cable, comprises a housing including a wall on which the keyboard is mounted, the wall including an opening, a circuit board which is accommodated inside the housing, and to which the cable is coupled through the opening, a sheet which is arranged between the wall and the keyboard, and which covers the opening, the sheet including a cable insertion portion through which the cable is inserted.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use in two different orientations. In one orientation, the keyboard is exposed to the user. This orientation is named the landscape orientation because the device will be positioned such that its width is larger than its height. The user would opt for the landscape orientation for tasks that require the keyboard, such as inputting data, drafting emails, sending emails, and other functions typically associated with a standard computer. The other orientation is named the portrait orientation because the device will be positioned such that its height is larger than its width. In addition, the keyboard is not used in this orientation and therefore hidden away. The user would opt for the portrait orientation for tasks such as making and receiving telephone calls and for reading documents and emails. The device detects the orientation positioned by the user and modifies the elements shown on the display screen so that they are presented in the correct orientation to the user.

Abstract: A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters that include consonants and vowels. Each key within the plurality of keys is associated with a plurality of consonants and no more than one vowel. The plurality of keys is arranged in a grid pattern having at least five keys. The consonants are arranged in a standard keyboard format. Numbers may also be associated with the keys. A mobile communication device includes the key arrangement, a display, a processor, a housing, and a plurality of toggle switches associated with the keys. A method of using a key arrangement is also described.

Abstract: A staggered keyboard for use with a portable device is provided. The staggered keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged into a plurality of rows of keys. For each row of keys, the labeling of the keys is arranged in either a linear or an arced relationship depending upon the key layout, but the key centers are staggered from key to key along at least two distinct reference lines or arcs so that adjacent keys can be placed in overlapping and/or contiguous configurations thereby minimizing the size of the keyboard layout. By staggering the key centers while maintaining a familiar layout of the key labels, typing efficiency can be maintained while the overall size of the keyboard is reduced.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has two rows of multi-function keys that together bear actuation indicia for the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. The actuation indicia preferably defines four rows of characters, including a first row of characters that include the numerals 0-9, and further including second, third, and fourth rows of characters that together include the letters A-Z. Summarized differently, the keyboard apparatus has rows of multi-function keys bearing actuation indicia for the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. The keys in each row are vertically staggered, from the perspective of a top view in which the rows are horizontal, to define circular arrays of keys within the rows of keys. An independent feature of the keyboard apparatus is a circular array of at least six multi-function keys having triangular peripheral shapes pointing radially inward.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard as shown in FIG. 3A for use with a stationary palm wherein the keys (15) of the keyboard are actuated only by motion of the joints in the digits. The keyboard may have a thumb region (20), a palm rest region (8) and a hypothenar rest region which are discrete parts and are adjustable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis. Some keys may be actuated by the back surface of the digits. The keyboard may be on an upper portion (2) which is mounted on a base (1) such that three dimensional rotational adjustment is possible between the upper portion and base. The position of the keyboard relative to a user may be adjusted. The spacing of the keys on the keyboard may be spaced at different intervals and have different forces for actuation.

Abstract: A typing keyboard is provided for minimizing non-productive hand movements. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys for entering alphanumeric text, the keys being positioned according to a conventional keyboard layout, and at least one modifier key for assigning commonly-used keyboard functions to predetermined ones of the keys positioned near a normal resting position of a user's typing fingers.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A technique for storing displayable computer text comprises a number of steps. Initially, each of a plurality of language characters is assigned to an appropriate sized stick frame, which includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal segments, in order to provide a different graphical representation for each of the language characters. Next, the technique determines which of the vertical and horizontal segments are on and which of the vertical and horizontal segments are off in the stick frame for each of the language characters. Then, a different number is assigned to each of the language characters, based upon the stick frame size and the status of each of the vertical and horizontal segments in the stick frame.

Abstract: A key array for a keyboard is provided having an input key section including a plurality of input keys. Each input key has a left key part, a central key part, and a right key part. A left control key is positioned on a left side of the input key section so as to convert a mode of the keyboard into a right key input mode so that the right key part is operated when a user presses the key input section. A right control key is positioned on a right side of the input key section so as to convert the mode of the keyboard into a left key input mode so that the left key part is operated when the user presses the key input section. A shift key section including two shift keys is aligned on both sides of the keyboard adjacent to the left and right control keys in order to attain additional functions of the keyboard when the shift keys are pressed simultaneously with the input key section.

Abstract: A mobile hand-held data-processing device has a housing that has a front and a back and contains a data-processing unit and whose front contains both an input unit for data input and/or operator control of the hand-held data-processing device and a readout unit, in the form of a display, for outputting picture and/or processing and/or control information, the input unit being in the form of a keyboard having a keyboard layout with customary QWERTZ or QWERTY key columns. To allow rapid text input with as few errors as possible by the user of the device, the customary QWERTZ or QWERTY key columns are intended to be oriented vertically when the mobile hand-held data-processing device is being handled normally, and the orientation of the key labeling on the individual keys is intended to be provided horizontally in line with the horizontally readable display readout on the readout unit.

Abstract: There is a need to develop a more sophisticated educational system of keyboard set ups for not only the disabled population from their worker's compensation injuries but for the entire continuum of keyboard, keypad and mouse users nationally and internationally for the prevention of computer related injuries. Due to the rising medical costs associated with upper extremity sprains and strains and more importantly, carpal tunnel syndrome, design companies are making ergonomic changes in the mouse, keyboard design. However, these changes are being made without regard for the user's dominance. Now a long term solution has been invented based on two simple tests by noted researchers. The dual system of keyboard/keypad, mouse or calculator input device selection based on the computer users human factors of dominance will have a decided impact on the reduction of computer related work force injuries or for other people with disabilities.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A staggered keyboard for use with a portable device is provided. The staggered keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged into a plurality of rows of keys. For each row of keys, the labeling of the keys is arranged in either a linear or an arced relationship depending upon the key layout, but the key centers are staggered from key to key along at least two distinct reference lines or arcs so that adjacent keys can be placed in overlapping and/or contiguous configurations thereby minimizing the size of the keyboard layout. By staggering the key centers while maintaining a familiar layout of the key labels, typing efficiency can be maintained while the overall size of the keyboard is reduced.

Abstract: Methods and materials useful for applying pharmacologic agents to the ear are described. The methods involve delivering a composition that contains at least one viscogenic agent and at least one pharmacologic agent to the epidermal surface of the tympanic membrane via the ear canal. The composition is delivered to the tympanic membrane in a flowable form and, after delivery to the tympanic membrane, becomes sufficiently viscous such that the pharmacologic agent is localized against the tympanic membrane. Such compositions can be used to prophylactically and/or therapeutically treat middle and inner ear conditions, including otitis media.

Abstract: A brief numerical keypad is constructed to include four number keys aligned in X-axis and Y-axis directions and abutted against one another, each expressing one of the numbers from 1˜9, a plurality of double-bridging operation portions respectively bridging the abutted area of each two adjacent number keys, each double-bridging operation portion expressing a number equal to the sum of the numerals of the respective two abutted number keys, and a plurality of triple-bridging operation portions respectively bridging the abutted area of each three adjacent number keys, each triple-bridging operation portion expressing a number equal to the sum of the numerals of the respective three abutted number keys.

Abstract: A soft keyboard includes at least three rows of keys wherein a middle row is located near the center of the keyboard. The middle row includes vowel keys, and an upper row and a lower row include consonant keys. The consonant keys and the vowels keys are arranged in alphabetical order. At least one of the three rows of keys further includes at least one of the space key, the enter key, and the delete key. Another soft keyboard includes a first ring of keys around a central key, and a second ring of keys around the first ring of keys. The central key may be the enter key. The first ring of keys includes vowel keys arranged in alphabetical order. The first ring of keys may include the space key and the delete key. The second ring of keys includes consonant keys arranged in alphabetical order.

Abstract: A modular laptop computer for accommodating selective placement and customization of user interface components. The computer includes a cavity having a connection or interface or coupling region, such as a universal serial bus jack for connecting to or mating with a corresponding interface on each component. The interface connections in the cavity are connected to one or more buses for providing an interface between the attached components and a computer processor. In this manner, the components such as keyboards, trackballs, drives, music players and so forth, can all be rearranged within the cavity in the positions of the user's preference.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A keyboard for computers and data entry devices is disclosed, which increases typing speed, but at the same time eases the transition from the Standard Qwerty keyboard for experienced typists. Two letter sequences called digraphs are typed rapidly when struck by opposite hands. The proposed keyboard places frequently used digraphs on opposite hands and avoids the use of small fingers to increase typing speed. The home row is not emphasized and only three high frequency letters are moved relative to Qwerty positions, making the keyboard easy to learn. The constraints of maximal speed and minimal modification are satisfied concurrently. A second key is dedicated to the letter “E”, the most frequently used letter in the English language, to further enhance typing speed and ease of transition from Qwerty. The result is a faster and highly practical electronic keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The switches utilize contacts located on the bottom of the switches which may be conductive or nonconductive.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device configured for thumb-typing by a user is disclosed. The handheld electronic device comprises a display and a keyboard comprising a first group of keys and a second group of keys. The first and second group of keys are arranged into a plurality of rows. Each of the plurality of rows make an angle generally between 30 and 50 degrees with respect to a longitudinal midline of the device.

Abstract: A system for configuring keyboards using both frequency and alphabetical bases, as well as the resulting keyboards. The Keyboard Configuration System uses alphabetized and frequency-based sets of keys. The relevant alphabet is analyzed for letter use on a frequency basis. For maximum-fingers configurations, the frequency-ranked list is broken into rows. Letters are alphabetized horizontally within each row. For minimum-fingers configurations (Personal Digital Assistant keyboards), the frequency-ranked list is broken into columns. Letters are alphabetized vertically within each column. For dominant-fingers configurations, the frequency-ranked list is first broken into rows across six columns. These letters are alphabetized horizontally within each row. The remainder of the frequency-ranked list is then broken into columns. These letters are alphabetized vertically within each column. The resulting keyboards are then evaluated for alphabetical succession relative to the alphabetical direction.

Abstract: A physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-functional keys with a reduced column QWERTY key arrangement overlaid with a numeric phone key arrangement for use in both text entry and telephony. Another physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-functional keys having an array of alphabetic characters and an overlaid numeric array of numbers. A handheld mobile station has a first user interface having a standard alphabetic key arrangement and a second user interface having a numeric phone key arrangement.

Abstract: A staggered keyboard for use with a portable device is provided. The staggered keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged into a plurality of rows of keys. For each row of keys, the labeling of the keys is arranged in either a linear or an arced relationship depending upon the key layout, but the key centers are staggered from key to key along at least two distinct reference lines or arcs so that adjacent keys can be placed in overlapping and/or contiguous configurations thereby minimizing the size of the keyboard layout. By staggering the key centers while maintaining a familiar layout of the key labels, typing efficiency can be maintained while the overall size of the keyboard is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for inputting special character and a method for the same are proposed. The keyboard using the inventive apparatus and method has hot keys assigned with ASCII codes corresponding to special characters to be input. By holding an ALT key and then pressing the hot key, the scan code corresponding to the ASCII codes is sent to input the special character. The inventive apparatus and method can be applicable to various operation systems.

Abstract: A computer keyboard designed to facilitate and simplify a user's interaction with medical software applications includes color-coded key groups and function specific icons. One key group is associated with medical image display tasks such as, for example, the display of Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and ultrasound scans of various portions of a patient's body. Another key group is associated with medical image navigation tasks such as moving to the next, previous, first or last image in a group of images. Each key in each key group has a function-specific indicator that identifies the key's function for a specified medical software application. For example, a key group associated with medical image acquisition for a radiographic software application may include keys having icons and/or text representing predetermined body regions such as the head, neck, lung, liver, knee, abdomen, bone, spine, mediastium, pelvis and/or whole body.

Abstract: A system for configuring keyboards using both frequency and alphabetical bases and the resulting keyboards. The Keyboard Configuration System uses alphabetized frequency-based sets of keys in rows in order to fulfill the requirement that the keyboard must provide a key for each letter of the alphabet. The relevant alphabet is analyzed for letter use on a frequency basis. The frequency-ranked list is then broken into rows according to the number of rows needed for the keyboard. The resulting keyboards are then evaluated for demerits according to alphabetical succession that is backward relative to the alphabetical direction as well as alphabetical succession that is excess forward of zero or one key columns relative to the alphabetical direction. The system set forth here may be adaptable to any written language, especially those based upon phonetic alphabets. Further embodiments include keyboards for PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: An enhanced data entry keyboard apparatus and method positions a tab key proximate the numeric keyboard section of a computer keyboard, so that a user may depress the tab key with the same hand that is being used to operate the numeric keyboard, without moving that hand from the area of the numeric keyboard. In one embodiment, a toggle key is provided to permit the toggling of a second key, preferably the “enter” key located in the lowest right-hand corner of a typical keyboard, between its default function and a “tab” function. A status indicator light may be provided to indicate that toggling has occurred.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: A keyboard arranged for enhanced typing speed and easy memorization includes a home row provided with a series of simple words which incorporate the most commonly used letters of the alphabet. Arranged in a central zone above the home row are tab and delete keys, to allow for faster and easier utilization. Various word processing function and symbol keys are placed along the top row and down opposing sides of the keyboard. Each symbol and function key can preferably perform multiple functions, when pressed along with one of various shift command keys. Preferably, three different shift command keys are located at a bottom central portion of the keyboard, along with enter and space keys.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing an electrical device. In one arrangement, the system comprises an electrical device having a plurality of button openings that are adapted to receive buttons that control operation of the electrical device, and a plurality of removable buttons that can be interchangeably disposed within the button openings of the electrical device, the buttons being provided with a variety of discrete features so as to be selectable by a user for provision on the electrical device in an arrangement chosen by the user to personalize the device as desired by the user.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement that assigns alphanumeric and special character symbols to keys based upon the shapes of the symbols in order to facilitate learning to type. Attribute classes are defined according to the number, position, direction, or contours of the line segments that comprise the symbols. As an aid to memorization of a keyboard arrangement, symbols are assigned to keys such that a substantial number of keys in a column of keys belong to the same attribute class. To convert any prior art or other kind of electronic keyboard to a keyboard arrangement within the scope of the invention, hardware and/or software components are provided that reassign the keys so that substantially all keys within the same column will correspond to symbols within the same attribute class.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is provided. The handheld device includes a keyboard, a display, and a processor. The keyboard is horizontally positioned symmetrically between a left edge and a right edge of a face of the hand-held messaging device. The keyboard has a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of rows across the face, wherein each row of keys is arranged in a concave pattern. The display is vertically positioned between the keyboard and a top edge of the face and is horizontally positioned symmetrically between the left edge and the right edge of the face. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and the display, and controls the operation of the hand-held messaging device.

Abstract: A keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, for example the keyboard of a personal computer, is disclosed in which the alphabetic characters are disposed in alphabetic sequence to facilitate their location.

Abstract: The design of typable devices, in particular, touch-typable devices embodying ambiguous codes, presents numerous ergonomic problems. Solutions for these problems are herein disclosed. This invention teaches methods for the selection of ambiguous codes from the classes of strongly-touch-typable ambiguous codes and substantially optimal ambiguous codes for touch-typable devices such as computers, telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, smart cards, television set-top devices and other information appliances, given design constraints such as the size, shape, and computational capacity of the device, the typical uses of the device, and conventional constraints such as respect of alphabetic ordering or Qwerty ordering.

Abstract: A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved numeric section and an improved numeric key cluster in the numeric section. The keyboard preferably includes an alphanumeric or QWERTY section and an editing section laterally disposed from the numeric section. A row of function keys is preferably provided above at least the numeric key cluster. The present invention also provides keys frequently used with the numeric section within, or in close proximity to, the key cluster in the numeric section. A Tab key or an Equals “=” key has been provided within the key cluster for improved efficiency. Additionally, a row, preferably including four keys, is provided above and in close proximity to the numeric key cluster. These keys preferably include a Left Parenthesis “(“ key, a Right Parenthesis “)” key, a Backspace key, and a Tab key or an Equals “=” key, whichever is not provided within the numeric key cluster. The keyboard does not include a specifically labeled NumLock key within the numeric key cluster.