[0001] The disclosure described herein relates generally to a key system providing an input
device in an electronic device, such as a handheld electronic device. In particular,
the disclosure relates to a key in a key pad which may be programmable and provides
tactile feedback for the key.
[0002] A conventional handheld electronic device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
and a wireless telephone, includes a keyboard/keypad, a display and a system printed
circuit board (PCB) disposed within a common housing. The display is typically provided
as a reflective, transmissive or transreflective LCD display panel.
[0003] Existing fixed-key keypads (such as those in a computer, cellular phone or typewriter),
aural and tactile feedback is provided to the user as he presses onto a key in the
keypad, usually as an audible "click" and a positive (inward, downward) movement of
the depressed key. Programmable keypads allow assignments for a key to change according
to programmed parameters. As such, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have been used as
a substrate for virtual keypads. Typically a touch-sensitive device is incorporated
into part of the LCD to provide a "switch" to register activation of the key. However,
a touch screen does not provide substantial tactile feedback to the user upon activation
of a key. For example, an existing haptic displays typically have a hard clear substrate
covering the display area, thereby inhibiting deflection of a key in that area.
[0004] There is a need for keys and key systems which addresses at least some issues in
the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0006] Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an electronic device having a key in a keypad according
to an embodiment described herein;
[0007] Fig. 2 is a schematic view depicting functional details of the handheld electronic
device of Fig. 1, including a display keypad and a microprocessor;
[0008] Fig. 3 is a top profile view of an embodiment of a display incorporating a keypad
in the device of Fig. 1;
[0009] Fig. 4A is a top cross-sectional exploded view of the display incorporating the keypad
of Fig. 3;
[0010] Fig 4B is a side cross-sectional view of one key in the keypad of Fig. 4A in a first
unactivated position;
[0011] Fig. 4C is a side cross-sectional view of the key in the keypad of Fig. 4B in a second
activated and depressed position;
[0012] Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment for the key in
the keypad of Fig. 1 in an unactivated position; and
[0013] Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment for the key
in the keypad of Fig. 1 in an activated and depressed position.
GENERAL
[0014] The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided
by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the
principles of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes
of explanation, and not limitation, of those principles and of the embodiments. In
the description, which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification
and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
[0015] In a first aspect, a key in a keypad of an electronic device may be provided. The
key may comprise: a programmable display to generate a character associated with the
key; and a switch assembly associated with the key to register activation of the key.
In the key, part of the display may deflect inwardly into the device when external
pressure is applied to the key, and the display transmits the external pressure to
the switch assembly.
[0016] The key may further comprise an elastomer located between the display and the switch
assembly. The elastomer may have a plunger extending into the device to transmit the
external pressure to the switch assembly.
[0017] The key may further comprise a feedback system associated with switch assembly providing
a tactile sense when the activation mechanism has registered that key has been activated.
[0018] In the key, the feedback system may comprise a collapsible dome.
[0019] In the key, the display may comprise a cholesteric liquid crystal display.
[0020] The key may further comprise a key cap located on top of the display over the switch
assembly.
[0021] The key may further comprise a stem attached to key cap located on top of the display
over the switch assembly, where the stem has a footprint that is smaller than the
key cap.
[0022] In the key, the display may have a first rigid region about the switch assembly to
transmit the external pressure to the switch assembly. In the key, the display may
further have a second flexible rigid region outside of the first region to isolate
the external pressure from an adjacent region in the keypad.
[0023] In the key, the display may comprise a separation region to isolate deflection of
the key from the adjacent region.
[0024] In a second aspect, a system providing a programmable key in a keypad of an electronic
device may be provided. The system may comprise: a microprocessor; a keypad module
providing instructions to the microprocessor to set values for the programmable key;
a display to generate a character associated with the programmable key responsive
to instructions from the keypad module; a switch assembly associated with the key
to register activation of the key; and data providing a plurality of values for the
programmable key. In the system, the keypad module may selectively assign a value
of the plurality of values for the key and instructs the display to generate an image
of the value; part of the display deflects inwardly into the device when external
pressure is applied to the key. The display may transmit the external pressure to
the switch assembly. Upon activation of the switch assembly from deflection of the
display, the system initiates additional instructions responsive to the activation.
[0025] The system may further comprise an elastomer located between the display and the
switch assembly. The elastomer may have a plunger extending into the device to transmit
the external pressure applied to the key to the switch assembly.
[0026] The system may further comprise a feedback system associated with switch assembly
providing a tactile sense when the activation mechanism has registered that key has
been activated.
[0027] In the system, the feedback system may comprise a collapsible dome.
[0028] In the system, the display may comprise a cholesteric liquid crystal display.
[0029] The system may further comprise a key cap located on top of the display over the
switch assembly.
[0030] The system may further comprise a stem attached to key cap located on top of the
display over the switch assembly, where the stem has a footprint that is smaller than
the key cap.
[0031] In the system, the display may have a first rigid region about the switch assembly
to transmit the external pressure to the switch assembly.
[0032] In the system, the display may have a second flexible rigid region outside of the
first region to isolate the external pressure from an adjacent region in the keypad.
[0033] In the system, the display may further comprise a separation region to isolate deflection
of the key from the adjacent region.
[0034] In other aspects various combinations of sets and subsets of the above aspects are
provided.
[0035] Generally an embodiment may provide a keypad (key, keyboard, switch key or the like)
that has an identification labels or designation that can be dynamically changed and
provides tactile feedback to the user upon sufficient activation of the key. In one
embodiment, the keypad may be implemented in part with a liquid crystal display (LCD)
that can be programmed to generate an image of a keypad, thereby allowing identification
images to be generated in areas where keys for the keypad have been designated. Tactile
feedback may also be provided during and upon activation of a key. The feedback can
be provided by a combination of one or more of a deflection of a key area in the display
as the user presses on the image of the key and compression of a collapsible dome
underneath the key. The dome may be part of a switch key for the keypad. The switch
key may be provided by an electrical contact that is closed by the compression of
the dome or the closing of a switch caused by movement of a plunger (or similar mechanical
component) that is moved from a first position to a second position as the key is
deflected. In other embodiments, other feedback mechanisms and other key activation
systems may be provided with the programmable key. Various features of exemplary embodiments
are discussed herein.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Fig. 1 provides a snapshot of typical elements associated with an embodiment. Therein,
general features of a portable, electronic device are shown generally at 10. Device
10 is based on a computing platform having functionality of an enhanced personal digital
assistant with a cell phone and can receive and transmit wireless communications,
including as email, SMS and voice communications. Electronic device 10 can be based
on construction design and functionality of other electronic devices, such as smart
telephones, desktop computers, pagers or laptops having telephony equipment. In an
embodiment, electronic device 10 includes a housing 12, an LCD 14, speaker 16, an
light emitting diode (LED) 18, a trackball 20, an ESC ("escape") key 22, keypad 24
(which is incorporated as part of LCD 14 in display area 14B), a wired telephone headset
30 comprised of an ear bud 26 and a microphone 28. Part of keypad 24 may be implemented
as traditional fixed keys (such as the spacebar and options keys beside the spacebar
as shown). Trackball 20 and ESC key 22 can be inwardly depressed along the path of
arrow "A" as a means to provide additional input to device 10. It will be understood
that housing 12 can be made from any suitable material as will occur to those of skill
in the art and may be suitably formed to house and hold all components of device 10.
Further detail on components of device 10 are provided below.
[0037] Device 10 is operable to conduct wireless telephone calls, using any known wireless
phone system such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, CDMA 2000 system, Cellular Digital Packet
Data (CDPD) system and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system. Other wireless
phone systems can include Bluetooth and the many forms of 802.11 wireless broadband,
like 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc. that support voice. Other embodiments include
Voice over IP (VoIP) type streaming data communications that can simulate circuit-switched
phone calls. Ear bud 26 can be used to listen to phone calls and other sound messages
and microphone 28 can be used to speak into and input sound messages to device 10.
Device 10 may communicate with additional remote devices or accessories, such as wireless
headset (not shown).
[0038] Referring to Fig. 2, functional components of device 10 are provided in schematic
200. The functional components are generally electronic, structural or electro-mechanical
devices. In particular, microprocessor 202 is provided to control and receive almost
all data, transmissions, inputs and outputs related to device 10. Microprocessor 202
is shown schematically as coupled to keypad 24 and other internal devices. Microprocessor
202 preferably controls the overall operation of the device 10 and its components.
Exemplary microprocessors for microprocessor 202 include Data 950 (trade-mark) series
microprocessors, the 6200 series microprocessors and the PXA900 series baseband processors,
all available at one time from Intel Corporation. Microprocessor 202 is connected
to other elements in device 10 through a series of electrical connections to its various
input and output pins. Microprocessor 202 has an IRQ input line which allows it to
receive signals from various devices. Appropriate interrupt firmware is provided which
receives and reacts to the signals detected on the IRQ line.
[0039] In addition to the microprocessor 202, other internal devices of the device 10 are
shown schematically in Fig. 2. These include: display 14; speaker 16; keypad 24; backlight
system 242 for keypad 24; communication sub-system 206; short-range communication
sub-system 208; auxiliary I/O devices 210; (serial) port 212; microphone port 214
for microphone 28; flash memory 216 (which provides persistent storage of data); random
access memory (RAM) 218; clock 220 and other device sub-systems (not shown). Device
10 is preferably a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication device having voice
and data communication capabilities. In addition, device 10 preferably as the capability
to communicate with other computer systems via the Internet.
[0040] Operating system software executed by the microprocessor 202 is preferably stored
in a computer-readable medium, such as flash memory 216, but may be stored in other
types of memory devices, such as read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element.
In addition, system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may
be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as RAM 218. Communication signals
received by the mobile device may also be stored to RAM 218.
[0041] Microprocessor 202, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution
of software applications on device 10. A set of software (or firmware) applications,
generally identified as applications 222, that control basic device operations, such
as voice communication application 222A and data communication application 222B, may
be installed on the device 10 during manufacture or downloaded thereafter. As well,
software applications, such as calendar application 222C, address book 222D and location
application 222E. Keypad application 222N can generate a plurality of keyboard "maps"
as two-dimensional images of keypad layouts. Additional applications such as personal
information manager (PIM) application may be provided. Any application may be installed
during manufacture or downloaded thereafter into device 10. Data associated with each
application can be stored in flash memory 216.
[0042] Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through
the communication sub-system 206 and the short-range communication sub-system 208.
Collectively, sub-systems 206 and 208 provide the signal-level interface for all communication
technologies processed by device 10. Various applications 222 provide the operational
controls to further process and log the communications. Communication sub-system 206
includes receiver 224, transmitter 226 and one or more antennas, illustrated as receive
antenna 228 and transmit antenna 230. In addition, communication sub-system 206 also
includes processing modules, such as local oscillators (LOs) 234. The specific design
and implementation of communication sub-system 206 is dependent upon the communication
network in which device 10 is intended to operate. For example, communication sub-system
206 of device 10 may operate with the Mobitex (trade-mark), DataTAC (trade-mark) or
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also operate
with any of a variety of voice communication networks, such as Advanced Mobile Phone
Service (AMPS), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access
(CDMA), CDMA 2000, Personal Communication Service (PCS), Global System for Mobile
Communication (GSM), etc. Other types of data and voice (telephonic) networks, both
separate and integrated, may also be utilized with device 10. In any event, communication
sub-system 206 provides device 10 with the capability of communicating with other
devices using various communication technologies, including instant messaging (IM)
systems, text messaging (TM) systems and short message service (SMS) systems.
[0043] Digital signed processor (DSP) 232 may be provided to assist in processing raw digital
signals and commands from microprocessor 202 to sub-system 206. In addition to processing
communication signals, DSP 232 provides control of receiver 224 and transmitter 226.
For example, gains applied to communication signals in receiver 224 and transmitter
226 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain-control algorithms implemented
in DSP 232.
[0044] In a data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message, Web page
download or command from headset 40, is processed by the communication sub-system
206 and is provided as an input to microprocessor 202. The received signal is then
further processed by microprocessor 202 which can then generate an output to display
14 or to an auxiliary I/O device 210. A device user may also compose data items, such
as e-mail messages, using keypad 24, trackball 20 and/or some other auxiliary I/O
device 210, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a trackball or some other input device.
The composed data items may then be transmitted over communication network 140 via
communication sub-system 206. Sub-system 206 may also detect when it is out of communication
range for its remote systems.
[0045] In a voice communication mode, overall operation of device 10 is substantially similar
to the data communication mode, except that received signals are output to speaker
16, and signals for transmission are generated by microphone 28. Alternative voice
or audio I/O sub-systems, such as a voice message recording sub-system, may also be
implemented on device 10. In addition, display 14 may also be utilized in voice communication
mode, for example, to display the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice
call, or other voice call-related information.
[0046] Short-range communication sub-system 208 enables communication between device 10
and other proximate systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices.
For example, the short-range communication sub-system may include an infrared device
and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth (trade-mark) communication
module to provide for communication with similarly enabled systems and devices. Short
range communication system 208 may be used as the signal communication interface for
device 10 and other devices. DSP 232 may process some of the commands and signals
destined for the other devices.
[0047] Powering the entire electronics of the mobile handheld communication device is power
source 236. In one embodiment, power source 236 includes one or more batteries. In
another embodiment, power source 236 is a single battery pack, especially a rechargeable
battery pack. A power switch (not shown) provides an "on/off" switch for device 10.
A power source interface (not shown) may be provided in hardware, firmware, software
or a combination of such elements to selectively control access of components in device
10 to power source 236. Upon activation of the power switch an application 222 is
initiated to turn on device 10. Upon deactivation of the power switch, an application
222 is initiated to turn off device 10. Power to device 10 may also be controlled
by other devices and by software applications 222.
[0048] Device 10 may also have global positioning system 238 to assist in identifying a
present location of device 10 and may also have light sensor 240 to provide data on
the ambient light conditions for device 10. If the detected ambient light levels are
sufficiently low, a backlight system may be activated. These elements may be controlled
by software operating on device 10 as described earlier.
[0049] Referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 4A, LCD 14 comprises sections 14A and 14B. It will be
appreciated that the display region 14B in LCD 14 can be used as a keypad 24 which
is divided into a set of virtual keys. Each key is covered by a key cap 302. As such,
display 14B presents a virtual keyboard layout on device 10. As LCD 14B is a display,
keypad control module 222N can be provided with a series of templates to allow one
or more of keys in keypad 24 to have different assignments depending on a context
of the operating environment of device 10. For example, one layout for keypad 24 is
a standard QWERTY keyboard layout. One variant of a QWERTY layout is to present a
layout of keys in lower case, as "qwerty" characters. An alternative QWERTY layout
is to present a layout of keys in uppercase, as "QWERTY" characters. Other layouts
include a layout for numeric keys, a layout for non-English language character sets
(e.g. Japanese, French, Korean, Danish, and others). For the particular instance,
the key is the "A" key, as shown with a border. The area with the border is covered
by cap 302. In other embodiments the border may not be generated. A backlight system
may be provided for display 14B to assist with viewing elements in keypad 24 in low
light conditions, which may be controlled in part by keypad control module 222N.
[0050] In one embodiment display 14B within the keyboard region is a cholesteric LCD. A
cholesteric LCD is bi-stable and can be programmed to have its display to be set and
then the power may be disengaged from display 14B. As such, no power or very little
power is required to maintain an image of the key for display 14B. Also, LCD 14B is
a cholesteric reflective display. A feature of a cholesteric display is that it is
a reflective bi-stable technology, as such allowing a passive matrix to produce a
relatively high-resolution image. A cholesteric keypad does not necessarily require
a coloured filter to display a colour image. Further, a cholesteric substrate is pliable
and may be deflected, thereby allowing a key are shown on display 14B to be depressed
when key cap 302 is pressed by a user.
[0051] Referring to Figs. 4A to 4C further details are shown on selected elements of key
assembly 300. While these figures show one key, it will be appreciated that the embodiment
may be for a single key, a group of keys or all keys in keypad 24. In an embodiment,
key 24 in keypad 24 is shown. For a given key 24, key assembly 300 is provided, which
includes the following elements: key cap 302, switch assembly 324 and elastomer 304
providing key plunger 306. Elastomer 304 transmits the external (downward, inward)
pressure applied to the exterior key 24 to switch assembly 324. Switch assembly 324
registers "closing" of the key when it is sufficiently activated by elastomer 324.
In other embodiments a key assembly may not have certain elements, such as an elastomer
or a biasing mechanism. In other embodiments, a key assembly may have additional components.
[0052] In Fig. 4A, cap 302 is shown as fitting over a region in display 14B that has been
designated as a key. Key cap 302 is generally a flat, thin, rigid and transparent
section of polycarbonate that is shaped to fit to be the size of a regular key in
keypad 24. One function of cap 302 is to transmit the inward, downward external force
applied by the user when activating the key to the key activation mechanism 300. As
such, cap 302 in Fig. 4A assists in stiffening the exposed exterior area around virtual
key in display 14B. Cap 302 may be glued or welded individually to the key region
above its local key area for display 14B. Alternatively, cap 302 may be mounted on
or moulded with a substrate with other caps 302 for the keypad and the substrate may
be laid on top of display 14B.
[0053] Cap 302 is shown as a separate component for a specific key. In other embodiments,
a connected or continuous substrate in which cap 302 is an element may be provided
that is laid over display 14B and a region of keypad 24. In such a substrate, individual
keys may be connected to each other by a web or other material. Such a web may be
thinner in thickness than cap 302 and / or may be made from a (more) flexible material,
in order to isolate movement of cap 302 from adjacent caps 302.
[0054] Referring to Figs. 4A and 4B, further detail is provided on the key assembly 300
underneath display 14B. Elastomer 304 provides a flexible sheet that engages with
dome sheet 310 is located underneath display 14B and provides a physical interface
for concentrating activation pressure of the deflection of cap 302 and display 14B.
Elastomer 304 may be made from a silicon based material. For a particular key, elastomer
304 provides walled region 308 to define a physical boundary for the key within elastomer
304. In other embodiments, walled region 308 may not be needed. Switch assembly 324
comprises dome sheet 310 and an electrical circuit in PCB 314.
[0055] As shown in Fig. 4A, within walled region 308, plunger 306 descends from the bottom
of elastomer 304 towards the interior of device 10. As shown, when key and cap 302
is in a first, resting position, plunger 306 is located above or on top of contact
dome 312 of dome sheet 310. The material of elastomer 304 is sufficiently rigid to
cause dome 312 as plunger 306 imparts a downward force on it. Underneath dome 312,
printed circuit board 314 has an electrical circuit between exterior ring 316 and
interior node 318.
[0056] Referring to Fig. 4C, features of a key in keypad 22 are shown as a user activates
the key by exerting a (downward, inward) external pressure on it, as per a typical
key activation motion. As key cap 302 is depressed by a user, display 14B and elastomer
304 are deflected towards the interior of device 10. Display 14B buckles inwardly
at regions 320 as shown. The ability for display 14B to buckle at region 320 is determined
at least in part by the composition of display 14B. As such, the thickness of the
layers in the substrate of LCD 14B with a specific materials used therein affect the
flexibility of such areas. It will be appreciated that the area of display 14B that
is directly underneath cap 302 may be sufficiently rigid to transmit the downward
force to other components in key assembly 300.
[0057] As key cap 302 is moved downward, plunger 306 presses on dome 312 in switch assembly
324 and dome 312 begins to collapse. When dome 312 fully collapses, it bridges an
electrical connection between exterior ring 316 and interior node 318 on PCB 314.
Completion of this connection can be used to signify the closing of the switch for
the "A" key. As such, keypad control module 222N recognizes this signal condition
and can then react accordingly. The reaction may be one or more of generating the
related character on display 14A and / or providing a suitable response per the underlying
application currently operating on device 10. When dome 312 collapses as shown, it
generates a familiar "clicking" sound upon its compression. The collapse provides
another tactile feedback system to the user of the activation of the key. Upon release
of cap 302, a clicking sound is also generated with the springing back of dome 312
to its original shape, as shown in Fig. 4B. It will be appreciated that a switch assembly
can comprise other contact recognition or state change recognition devices, such as
proximity sensors, strain gauges, heat sensors and the like which have at least two
states (e.g. open circuit and closed circuit), which may be used to indicate the closing
an electrical circuit upon the sufficient deflection of a key.
[0058] It will be appreciated that key cap 302 has a function of dispersing the pressure
applied by the user for the particular key and evening out the applied pressure throughout
that area of the key cap 302. As such, key cap 302 allows engagement of the representative
key, even if key cap 302 is depressed with pressure applied to an area along its edge.
[0059] When a particular region for a key in display 14B is depressed, a feature of an embodiment
attempts to isolate the depression, such that the depression does not become recognized
as an activation of an adjacent virtual key. In an embodiment, sufficient isolation
among adjacent keys may be provided by a combination of one or more of the following
factors: i) providing a sufficient distance between keys; ii) selecting the composition
and physical design of the key area of display 14B such that when one key area is
depressed, the deflection of the target area in display 14B is localized to that area.
For example for factor ii), the substrate of display 14B may be rigid enough in a
first region about key assembly 300 and switch assembly 324 to transmit the deflection
to key assembly 300 and flexible enough to allow the deflection and still flexible
enough in a second region about the first region to isolate the deflection movement
to adjacent regions (including regions with other keys). The composition of materials
and structures in the first and second regions may be the same or different to achieve
both characteristics. In such an instance, key cap 302 may not be required. Additionally
or alternatively, to assist in same, referring to Fig. 4A, separation region 322 may
be provided along and between adjacent regions (which may include selected keys in
keypad 24). Separation region 322 may comprise one or more of a web, ridge, fold,
notch and or bevel and may have a thinner thickness than dimension changes physical
designs in the display substrate therein to assist in providing further physical separation
between adjacent keys. There may or may not be part of an active display component
(e.g. LCD component) in separation region 322.
[0060] It is noted that display 14B provides a single substrate which does not expose elements
of key assembly 300 to the elements, thereby providing water resistant capabilities
for covered key elements 300 in an embodiment.
[0061] It will be appreciated that other keys and switch assemblies may be provided to generate
an activation signal for a particular key using other technologies in combination
with display 14B. One alternative switch assemblies is shown in Fig. 5. One alternate
cap is shown in Fig. 6.
[0062] Referring to Fig. 5, key assembly 300B is shown incorporating switch assembly 324B
is shown. Therein, display 14B, cap 302 and elastomer 304 are as provided in Fig.
4A. However, switch mechanism 500 provides a cylindrical barrel 502 having switch
contacts thereon; it is moveable from a first vertical position to a second vertical
position by plunger 306 and electrical contact area 504 on a side of its barrel. Biasing
spring 506 is located between PCB 314 and the bottom of barrel 502. Biasing spring
506 provides a compressible element which biases barrel 502 upward. As switch assembly
324B is depressed, biasing spring 506 imparts an incrementally increasing upward force
to resist the downward force being imparted. Upon release of the key cap 302, biasing
spring 506 forces key cap 302 upward to its resting position. Although biasing spring
506 is shown as a coiled spring, in other embodiments it may be implemented as a leaf
spring, a resilient puck (e.g. made from rubber or foam) or any other compressible,
resilient mechanical arrangement which imparts an upward bias onto barrel 502. Housing
508 provides structural support to elements of switch assembly 324B, without unduly
restricting movement of its elements described herein.
[0063] In use, as downward pressure is imparted on key cap 302 and display 14B deflects
downward, barrel 502 moves downward towards the interior of device 10. As barrel 502
moves downward, contact 504 moves downward as well and passes by contact 504, noted
as reference 508. This contact point completes an electrical signal between contact
504 and contact areas 504, thereby allowing an appropriate signal may to be generated
by device 10. As cap 302 is further depressed, barrel 502 passes through contact 508.
Then, barrel 502 move further downward and eventually passes contact 510. At contact
510, another circuit can be closed, which can initiate a second activation signal
to device 10. When the user lifts his finger from key cap 302, biasing spring 506
forces barrel 502 and plunger 306 upward, thereby assisting in returning the deflected
part of display 14B to its original, flat form. In other embodiments a suitable biasing
mechanism may be implemented as a leaf spring, a resilient puck (e.g. made from rubber
or foam) or any other compressible, resilient mechanical arrangement which imparts
an upward bias onto plunger 306.
[0064] Referring to Fig. 6, it will further be appreciated that in other embodiments, cap
302 may be shaped in difficult sizes and the spacing of key and key caps may be shaped
to have a smaller contact area localized to around the dome or contact pad. Shown
in Fig. 6, cap 302B may be mounted on top of stem 600, which has a footprint area
that is smaller than the footprint of cap 302B on display 14B. Stem 600 may be positioned
to be above the center of dome 312 or above switch mechanism 500, if it is implemented.
As such, the deflected region 320B of display 14B is more localized around dome 312
than deflection region 320 in Fig. 4C. The specific size and shape of stem 600 may
taper to localize the force being applied towards elastomer 306.
[0065] In other embodiments, cap 302 may not be provided at all to one or more keys in keypad
24, the size thereof may not be needed, depending on the size of the key that is defined
and the flexibility characteristic of display 14B on that particular region.
[0066] It will be appreciated in other embodiments, separate displays may be provided for
each key and such that each display for each key (of related set of keys) is capable
of being deflected independently or with reduced interaction if adjacent keys. Additionally
or alternatively sets of individual displays may be connected by webs. Additionally
or alternatively further still, a single display 14B may be physically segmented into
separate keys, with each key being separated by a separation zone 322.
[0067] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the keys within keypad 24 may have
an activation system that is embodied through one of a heat, touch or other electrical
contact technology. For example, a switch mechanism may be provided where a barrel
has a plurality of contacts thereon.
[0068] It will be appreciated that modules 222 operating on microprocessor 202 in the embodiments
can be implemented using known programming techniques, languages and algorithms. The
titles of the modules are provided as a convenience to provide labels and assign functions
to certain modules. It is not required that each module perform only its functions
as described above. As such, specific functionalities for each application may be
moved between applications or separated into different applications. Modules may be
contained within other modules. Different signalling techniques may be used to communicate
information between applications using known programming techniques. Known data storage,
access and update algorithms allow data to be shared between applications. It will
further be appreciated that other applications and systems on device 10 may be executing
concurrently with any module 222. As such, one or more aspects of keypad activation
module 222N may be structured to operate in as a "background" application on device
10, using programming techniques known in the art.
[0069] The present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto, with the foregoing
description being merely illustrative of embodiments. Those of ordinary skill may
envisage certain modifications to the foregoing embodiments which, although not explicitly
discussed herein, do not depart from the scope of the embodiments, as defined by the
appended claims.
1. A keypad for an electronic device, comprising:
a programmable display to generate a character associated with a key; and
a switch assembly associated with said key to register activation of said key,
wherein part of said display is arranged to deflect inwardly into said device when
external pressure is applied to said key, and said display is arranged to transmit
said external pressure to said switch assembly.
2. The keypad as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an elastomer located between said display and said switch assembly, said elastomer
having a plunger extending into said device to transmit said external pressure applied
to said key to said switch assembly.
3. The keypad as claimed in claim 2, further comprising
a feedback system associated with said switch assembly for providing a tactile sense
when said activation mechanism has registered that key has been activated.
4. The keypad as claimed in claim 3, wherein said feedback system comprises a collapsible
dome.
5. The keypad as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said display comprises
a cholesteric liquid crystal display.
6. The keypad as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a key cap located on top of said
display over said switch assembly.
7. The keypad as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a stem attached to said key cap
located on top of said display over said switch assembly, said stem having a smaller
footprint than said key cap.
8. The keypad as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said display has a first
rigid region about said switch assembly to transmit said external pressure to said
switch assembly.
9. The keypad as claimed in claim 8, wherein said display has a second flexible rigid
region outside of said first region to isolate said external downward pressure from
an adjacent region in said keypad.
10. The keypad as claimed in claim 9, wherein said display comprises a separation region
to isolate deflection of said key from said adjacent region.
11. A system providing a programmable key in a keypad of an electronic device, comprising:
a microprocessor;
a keypad module for providing instructions to said microprocessor to set values for
said programmable key;
a display to generate a character associated with said programmable key responsive
to instructions from said keypad module;
a switch assembly associated with said key to register activation of said key; and
data providing a plurality of values for said programmable key,
wherein
said keypad module is arranged to selectively assign a value of said plurality of
values for said key and to instruct said display to generate an image of said value;
part of said display is arranged to deflect into said device when external pressure
is applied to said key, to transmit said external pressure to said switch assembly;
and
said system is arranged to initiate additional instructions responsive to said activation
upon activation of said switch assembly from deflection of said display.
12. The system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
an elastomer located between said display and said switch assembly, said elastomer
having a plunger extending into said device to transmit said external pressure applied
to said key to said switch assembly.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12, further comprising
a feedback system associated with switch assembly for providing a tactile sense when
said activation mechanism has registered that key has been activated.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said feedback system comprises a collapsible
dome.
15. The system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said display comprises
a cholesteric liquid crystal display.
16. The system as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a key cap located on top of
said display over said switch assembly.
17. The system as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a stem attached to said key
cap located on top of said display over said switch assembly, said stem having a smaller
footprint than said key cap.
18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said display comprises a separation region
to isolate deflection of said key from an adjacent region in said keypad.
19. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said display has a first
rigid region about said switch assembly to transmit said external downward pressure
to said switch assembly.
20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said display has a second flexible rigid
region outside of said first region to isolate said external downward pressure from
an adjacent region in said keypad.
21. An electronic device having a system according to any one of claims 11 to 20.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A keypad (24) for an electronic device (10), comprising:
a liquid crystal display (14);
a plurality of key caps (302) arranged on and protruding above a surface of said display
(14), said liquid crystal display (14) being arranged in response to signals from
a control module (222N) to generate and display characters in portions of said display
below said key caps (302); and
a plurality of switch assemblies (324) provided on the opposite surface of said display
(14) to said key caps (302), each of said switch assemblies (324) being associated
with a respective key cap (302), wherein said display (14) is arranged to deflect
inwardly into said device (10) when external pressure is applied to a key cap (302),
and transmit said external pressure to the switch assembly (324) associated with that
key cap (302).
2. The keypad (24) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an elastomer (304) located
between said display (14) and said plurality of switch assemblies (324), said elastomer
(304) having a plurality of plungers (306) extending into said device (10), each said
plunder (306) being associated with a respective switch assembly (324) and arranged
to transmit said external pressure applied to a key cap (302) to the switch assembly
(324) associated with the key cap (302).
3. The keypad (24) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said switch assemblies (324)
further comprises: a feedback system (310,312) for providing a tactile sense when
the switch assembly (324) has registered that its associated key cap (302) has been
activated.
4. The keypad (24) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said feedback system (310,312) comprises
a collapsible dome (312).
5. The keypad (24) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said display (14)
comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal display.
6. The keypad (24) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of said key caps
(302) is attached to the surface of said display via a stem (600) having a smaller
footprint than its associated key cap (302).
7. The keypad (24) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said display (14) includes
rigid regions in the vicinity of each of said key caps (302) for transmitting said
external pressure to the switch assemblies (324) beneath said keycaps (302).
8. The keypad (24) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said display includes a flexible rigid
region outside each of said rigid regions which acts to isolate the external pressure
applied to a key cap (302) from portions of said display (14) adjacent other keycaps
(302).
9. The keypad (24) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said plurality of keycaps
(302) are arranged on the surface of said display (14) wherein each keycap (302) is
separated from the other keycaps by a separation region which acts to isolate deflection
of a portion of the display (14) adjacent a keycap (302) from portions of said display
(14) adjacent other keycaps (302).
10. An electronic device (10), comprising:
a keypad (24) in accordance with any preceding claim;
a microprocessor (202) ;
a control module (222N) for providing instructions to said microprocessor (202) to
set values for generating and displaying characters in portions of said display
below said key caps (302);
wherein
said device (10) is arranged to initiate additional instructions upon activation of
a switch assembly (324) from deflection of said display (14).