CN1378718A - Miniature keyboard for personal digital assistant and integrated web browsing and data input device - Google Patents

Abstract

A miniature keyboard (10) that operates by utilizing a finger to touch a capacitance sensitive touchpad. A touchpad is divided up into predefined zones (12) that are assigned to be the desired characters on a keyboard. The touchpad is relatively small so that it can be coupled to an information appliance and operated in the manner that is customary for the device.

Description

A small keyboard for personal digital assistants and integrated web browsing and data entry devices

technical field

The present invention relates generally to data entry and Internet navigation devices. More particularly, the present invention proposes a compact, convenient keyboard for entering data into various mobile devices, including personal digital assistants (PDAs), integrated Internet navigation, and mobile phones. Notable features are the audible feedback that gives the user precise information about key presses, and an optional microphone for voice transmission and call purposes.

current technology

The state of the relevant prior art spans several disciplines because the present invention not only brings together a number of different technologies, but also has a wide range of applications. The proliferation of small information devices has created many difficulties for users who wish to enter data into these devices. For example, today there are many different types of personal data assistants (PDAs) that help users store and manage information. Such information includes appointments, calendars, addresses and phone numbers.

Data entry of alphanumeric information has been a problem in PDAs because there is only a relatively small surface area available for data entry. For example, providing a separate key for each letter of the English alphabet and the numbers 0 to 9 requires a large amount of space on a small information device. Nevertheless, the input of alphanumeric data is becoming more and more important due to the Internet.

One solution in the prior art is a foldable keyboard. In other words, the keyboard can be opened to form a large keyboard that can be connected with a small electronic device such as a PDS. Obviously, this type of keyboard should only be used if the user has a surface to rest the keyboard on, and still have a PDS connected to it. This necessarily limits the use of the keyboard.

The importance of the Internet, emerging electronic commerce, and various new forms of communication has created a need for other types of information devices that can do more than just store data and addresses. For example, PDAs such as PALM(TM), PILOT(TM) and HANDSPRING(TM) VISOR(TM) all provide access to the Internet today. Cellular phones and smart phones have also become Internet compatible. As a result, users today can send and receive e-mail or even browse the World Wide Web through devices that were not originally designed for Internet use.

The disadvantage is that how to enter alphanumeric data is a problem for such small devices. One method of entering alphanumeric data is by using shorthand writing symbols. However, this generally requires the user to use a small stylus and to memorize written symbols. Moreover, the stylus can be lost or even dropped during use. Other input methods include the use of small keyboards, but often require a stylus if these fit within the available surface area.

The method of interest is the one employed by cellular telephones because cellular telephones are very limited in surface area. Letters can be entered by using the keypad. The user presses a key that represents a set of letters from which the user must select the letter to enter. However, this method has some limitations. For example, the letters Q and Z are not given on a standard keypad. There are also a limited number of discrete buttons.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes a new system superior to the prior art for entering characters on a small electronic device that offers all the options of a standard keyboard, but is small enough to be mobile and does not require the use of Input pen to operate.

The examples of small devices given above are becoming more and more ubiquitous in the market. However, the invention can also operate on new device types. In particular, the invention makes it possible to integrate web browsing and data entry means. But to understand the need for such devices, it is instructive to consider the nature of the Internet.

One of the mature technologies used on the Internet is the World Wide Web, a type of information format. The World Wide Web (hereinafter referred to as the Web) is a loose collection of multiple web sites composed of multiple visible web pages. A web page is text and graphics formatted according to a specified protocol, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

Web pages are often read through a web browser. Moving from web page to web page, or navigating using a web browser, is commonly referred to as web browsing or web surfing. Typically, web browsing is accomplished by following interconnected links between different web pages. This linking characteristic leads to the emergence of a specific hierarchical structure of web pages. Thus, web browsing is generally an operational process of "forward" and "backward" movement between linked web pages.

The nature of the World Wide Web typically precludes the entry of large amounts of data. In other words, alphanumeric data entry is typically limited to entering short and ambiguous sentences, for example, when entering user names, passwords, and short sentences in a chat room. So while it is important to be able to enter alphanumeric data, it is not necessary to provide a lot of space on a handheld device when the main functions are more often to move between web pages, download and upload data, and send and receive e-mail This behavior for alphanumeric data entry. However, character input on handheld devices is indeed difficult.

Prior art includes attempts to combine keyboard input and touchpad navigation input on handheld devices. Typically, two data entry areas are combined on a single touchpad surface. The user must activate a different operating mode to make the touchpad surface function as a keyboard or as a touchpad. The disadvantage is that the user must constantly switch back and forth between user modes and remember which user mode is currently in use. An advantage of the present invention over the state of the art is that it presents separate keypad and touchpad input areas and surfaces in a small handheld device so that the user is not confused or hindered by tricky surfaces when entering data.

Another problem with the prior art arises when a smaller than normal area is used for the keyboard. However, requiring the user to use a stylus to press the keys is by no means desirable. However, without using a stylus, it can be difficult to know exactly which key was pressed. In other words, each key now contains very little surface area, and since centering a finger on the desired key is somewhat difficult, fat fingertips are more prone to mispressing.

Thus, one advantage of the present invention over the prior art when using fingers on a small keyboard by the "hunt and peck" method (typically using a single fingertip key) is that the user Receive precise feedback so that the user not only knows that a key was pressed, but also exactly which key was pressed.

Another problem with the prior art is that it is difficult to provide voice information capability. As Internet usage has grown, many new communication methods have evolved. For example, the transmission of voice and voice information is becoming a more popular method of communication because speaking is generally a faster method of preparing information than typing. Therefore, what is needed in handheld data entry and web navigation devices is the ability to receive voice input so that the voice can be sent or recorded as a voice message.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for easily entering alphanumeric data into a portable electronic device such as a PDA.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can perform data entry on a full-function keypad connected to a small electronic device without the use of a stylus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a capacitive sensitive touchpad system that functions as a keypad connected to a PDA or mobile phone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for improved internet navigation and data entry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated web navigation device that facilitates movement on and interaction with the World Wide Web.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated web navigation device that is easier to use and smaller than a conventional keyboard.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated network navigation device that can be easily connected to the network by using wired or wireless technology.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated web navigation device having at least one switch enabling the user to select a preset website and providing access to the preset website.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated web navigation device including a method of mass data entry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated network navigation device including a small keypad, a separate touch panel, and a microphone for live transmission or recording of voice information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated web navigation device that includes audible feedback identifying which key was pressed by the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dedicated web navigation device that enables other convenient web navigation options including scrolling and zooming in and out of web pages.

The above objects are all achieved in a concretely described exemplary embodiment of a system and method for operating a small keyboard by touching a capacitive sensitive touchpad with a finger. In a presently preferred embodiment, the touch panel is divided into a plurality of preset areas, and these preset areas are assigned all the various characters on the keyboard. The touchpad keyboard is relatively small to enable it to be connected to the information device and to operate in the usual manner applicable to the device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, audible feedback can be provided to the user to let the user know that a key has been pressed.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the audio feedback is distinct enough to identify the identifier of the pressed key, eg, the name of the key is spoken.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the touch panel keyboard includes a mechanical wheel disposed on one side of the touch panel keyboard to quickly and conveniently perform scrolling type functions.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a touchpad keyboard is used for data entry to the Internet and to simplify network navigation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a touchpad keyboard is disposed in a handheld web navigation and alphanumeric data input device connected to a computer or other web browser terminal. The data input device consists of a finger-enabled touchpad keyboard and a separate touchpad surface for activities including web navigation and cursor control.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the network navigation device preferably includes a microphone to facilitate recording of voice information, or transmission of voice data via the Internet.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the data input means includes at least one dedicated switch which enables the web browser to access and display the data on the desired website.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the data input device includes a touchpad surface for doing things such as web navigation, cursor control, selecting or deselecting objects, scrolling within web pages, and zooming of web pages.

These and other objects, features, advantages and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a top view of a touchpad keyboard made according to the principles of the preferred embodiment shown;

Fig. 2 is the operational flowchart that the touch panel keyboard of preferred embodiment implements;

Figure 3 is a PDA and a touchpad keyboard connected by a communication port so that data can be sent between them;

Fig. 4 is another embodiment that PDA is connected with touch panel keyboard via cable;

Fig. 5 is a touch panel keyboard with a scroll wheel embedded in the touch panel keyboard for easy operation of the data on the display screen of the portable information device;

Fig. 6 is a logic block diagram of the processing procedure in the touchpad keyboard circuit when there is sound feedback;

Figure 7 is a block diagram of another embodiment for using a touchpad keyboard in a web navigation and data entry device.

Detailed ways

Referring now to the drawings, in which the various elements of the invention will be given numerical designations, as well as a discussion of the invention in the drawings to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It should be understood that the following description is only an explanation of the principles of the present invention, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the following claims of the present invention.

The presently preferred embodiment of the invention is a capacitive sensitive touchpad keyboard. The technology used in the touchpad keyboard comes from the touchpad technology of Cirque Company, and is applied to the computer touchpads of various lines of Cirque Company. Touchpad technology is based on methods that can be found in US Patents 5,305,017, 5,861,875, 5,565,658, 5,757,368, and 5,767,457. This technology is also found in co-pending nonprovisional application US Patent Application No. 09/603,417, filed June 22, 2000.

Figure 1 is a top view of a touchpad keyboard 10 utilizing Cirque's capacitive sensitive touchpad technology. A keyboard layout 12 (grid lines) is arranged above the touchpad keyboard. Note that the keyboard overlay 12 is only useful to the user, it does not actually provide information to the touchpad circuitry. The technology behind capacitive sensitive touchpads is only important in enabling the touchpad keyboard 10 to detect and determine the position of a finger on the touchpad surface. Thus, the touchpad can determine the presence of a pointing device, such as a finger, and then align to determine the finger position.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the associated processing that takes place in the touchpad circuitry. This flowchart will illustrate the functionality of the presently preferred embodiment. The first step 100 is to detect the presence of an object on the touchpad keyboard 10 . The next step 102 is then used to locate or align the specific coordinates of the target. The determination of the target position accuracy is done by using different software and hardware of the touch panel circuit. However, it should be understood that the accuracy necessary for the present invention is only sufficient to determine in which area an object is located and not where within that area the object is in contact.

Once the touchpad keyboard 10 has determined where the object is in contact with the touchpad surface, it is necessary in step 104 to determine the area corresponding to the determined location. Therefore, there must be a database to define the boundaries of each area on the touchpad keyboard 10 .

This area corresponds to a specific keyboard key. The next step 106 therefore determines which key on the touchpad keyboard corresponds to the area touched. It is then necessary in step 108 to determine the signal corresponding to the key. Obviously, the signal may be unique to the particular electronic device used. The signal is then sent to the electronic device in step 110 .

Steps 106 and 108 relate to the conversion process. In other words, information from one source is used to identify information in the next step. These transformations are typically done through a database. In the presently preferred embodiment, the database may be a look-up table. Accordingly, the look-up table is programmed to correspond to the desired keyboard overlay 12 display area. Once the corresponding area is determined, the touchpad circuitry generates the appropriate signals.

The appropriate signal may be any signal that the electronic device is designed to receive corresponding to the touched area or key. For example, one signal corresponds to the letter "A" and a different signal corresponds to the letter "B". Therefore, the touchpad circuit includes a signal generator to generate the appropriate signal.

It has already been pointed out that the touchpad keyboard 10 is physically and logically divided into different regions or areas. In other words, the touchpad keyboard 12 includes a keyboard overlay 12 that acts as a physical division on the surface of the touchpad. Each field typically defines a single key. However, the mode key can change the characters generated by other regions.

Software or firmware is utilized to determine where a finger or other pointing device is in contact with the touchpad keyboard. This is a logical division of regions. In other words, the touchpad senses wherever a finger touches on the touchpad surface, but divides the touchpad surface into distinct regions as defined by a lookup table or other database structure. Because regions are defined in software or firmware, they can be easily modified if a different keypad format or overlay is required.

It should be noted that the keyboard overlay 12 in Figure 1 is only an example of any possible layout. For example, keyboard layout 12 may correspond to a full QWERTY keyboard. However, it should be noted that most portable electronic devices cannot recognize all the keys present on the QWERTY keyboard, such as function keys or ALT keys. This is because these keys are redundant to the function of the portable electronic device. Most portable electronic devices are only concerned with the entry of basic alphanumeric data, such as the alphabet and the numbers 0 through 9. It doesn't even need to provide lowercase and uppercase letters. Nevertheless, the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides signals corresponding to all keys on a QWERTY keyboard.

One good reason for limiting the number of areas available on the keyboard layout 12 is the size of the touchpad keyboard 10 . The width and length dimensions of touchpad keyboard 10 can vary, but are typically credit card sized. Due to such dimensions, and due to the fact that it is preferable not to use a stylus, practical applications limit the number of keys that can be arranged on the surface of the touchpad. Therefore, mode keys are useful to change the definition of the corresponding area. It should be noted that a typical touchpad keyboard 10 is relatively thin, eg, 3-5mm. However, the thickness can also be changed if desired.

It has been indicated that a preferred application of the touchpad keyboard 10 of the present invention is its use with an electronic device. For example, consider using a PALMPILOT(TM) or other PDA. The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a keyboard that does not require the PALMPILOT(TM) to be put down during use. Therefore, the keyboard can be used while holding the PDA.

Figure 3 is an illustration of the use of the touchpad keyboard 10 with the PDA 20. The PDA has a communication port 22 arranged on the lower edge. On the upper edge of the touchpad keyboard 10 is a compatible communication port 24 . When the two communication ports are connected together, the touchpad keyboard 10 should be relatively fixed relative to the PDA 20 to make the combination easier to hold in one hand. The other hand is free to press the desired key.

In another embodiment, it may be desirable to keep a certain distance between the placement location of the PDA 20 and the touchpad keyboard 10. Accordingly, FIG. 4 is an illustration of communication ports 22 and 24 being connected by cable 30 . The length of the cable 30 can vary.

In another embodiment, it can be recognized that the keyboard can better perform some other functions of the electronic device. For example, scrolling is a desirable feature, especially when working on a narrow screen. The PDA 20 may even have a key dedicated to this function. However, it is difficult to find a place for these keys and certainly cannot be placed on the touchpad keyboard 10 . Accordingly, FIG. 5 shows a portion of a touchpad keyboard 40 including a scroll wheel 42 . The scroll wheel 42 is disposed within the touchpad keyboard 40, but has an edge protruding from the touchpad keyboard to allow the user to scroll the scroll wheel up and down. Its edges should be grooved to allow good contact with a finger or thumb.

In another embodiment, the size of the touchpad keyboard is so small that some people cannot immediately determine whether they actually touched the desired key, especially if the display screen on the attached PDA is difficult to see. Thus, it is possible to provide an audio feedback to the user. Acoustic feedback may take the form of speaking the name of the key or zone being pressed. The volume can be low but audible. Acoustic feedback requires adding something new to the touchpad circuit, including a speaker and a memory chip that contains the digitized sound to be played for each zone.

Fig. 6 is a logical block diagram of the touchpad circuit elements necessary for audible feedback to occur. The touch panel circuit logic diagram 50 includes a circuit 52 for detecting a target and determining a target position, a table look-up process 54 for determining a key corresponding to the target position, a table look-up process 56 for determining a signal corresponding to a key, and a sending process 58 . However, once a key press has been determined, this information can be fed to process 60 for determining the audible message stored in memory. Afterwards, the voice information is sent to the microphone 62 for sounding.

In another embodiment, it is envisioned that it is possible to have a touchpad keyboard always connected to a PDA or other electronic device. For example, a touchpad keyboard can be placed under a cover that typically folds down over a display screen when the electronic device is not in use. Because the touchpad keyboard is wider than it is long, it is necessary to reorient the touchpad keyboard to fit under the cover.

Figure 7 shows another alternative embodiment of the invention, a data input device 70 connected by a wired or wireless link to a computer or other device operating as a web browser terminal 72. A computer or web browser terminal 72 is in turn connected to the Internet 74 and the World Wide Web (network). It should be noted that the web browser terminal 72 may also be a television connected to the Internet 74 .

Before explaining the data input device 70 in detail, it should be understood that the network provides access to a web site consisting of a plurality of web pages. Internet access also means that users can employ other convenient forms of communication via the Internet 74, such as e-mail, voice e-mail, and live voice and voice communications.

Through the layout and functionality of the disclosed invention, the present invention intends to provide a more convenient method of data entry and web navigation. For example, this arrangement facilitates grasping or holding the device in one hand while using the data entry surface with the other hand by providing gripping surfaces along the edges or bottom. Users can easily surf the Internet 74 while sitting in a chair, away from a standard-sized keyboard. By providing a small touchpad keyboard 76, the user does not need to reach over to enter any alphanumeric data. The full-function keyboard 76 is provided in the form of a touch-sensitive surface, such as a Cirque(TM) touchpad. The touch sensitive surface is preferably a capacitive sensitive surface having an overlay template defining the keys of the keyboard. Overlays can generate better graphics than eg LCD displays.

It should be appreciated that the overlay or touch-sensitive surface can provide tactile feedback to the user. For example, raised portions of the overlay can distinguish between different keys. Additionally, different keys can have different textures. However, all textures and raised surfaces can be left out so that the cover layer can lie flat with the surface of the touchpad to make the touchpad smooth to the touch.

A touch-sensitive surface provides information about the position of a finger or stylus on the surface. This information is translated so that the key corresponding to that location on the touch sensitive surface can be entered into the computer or web browser terminal 72 . For example, a touch-sensitive surface could provide keys with the ASCII codes that the computer or web browser terminal 72 expects to see.

In conjunction with the touchpad keyboard 70 is the ability to generate feedback to the user regarding all key identifiers pressed. This information is beneficial to the user because the size of the touchpad keyboard 70 is reduced. It is not enough for the user to know that a key was pressed because the finger used to precisely press the key may not be aligned with the desired key. Thus, this embodiment of the invention provides a unique verbal audible feedback for each key press.

For example, if the user presses the space bar, the data input device will cause the data input device to send a signal to the speaker, causing the speaker to play the word space ("SPACE") at approximately the same time. The speakers may be located in the computer or web browser terminal 72, or even in the data entry device 70 itself. What is important is that the user hears the digitized voice representations corresponding to the keys pressed on the keyboard. In this way, the user is not confused as to which key was just pressed by the user.

Also, in the case of a small-sized touchpad keyboard, the user may not look up at the display to see what is being typed, but instead look down at the keyboard. Therefore, the user does not need to stop to read what word has just been typed and can immediately know whether a key has been pressed by mistake. The user can step back one space to delete an incorrect character without even stopping to look at the data input device 70, and then re-type the correct character.

Those skilled in the art understand that there are other ways to achieve the desired acoustic feedback. For example, computer 72 may be programmed with software drivers. The driver intercepts the ASCII code representing the key just pressed, and executes a subroutine that outputs the digitized voice representing the pressed key in the speaker.

Combined with the dedicated touchpad keyboard on the touch sensitive surface is a separate touchpad 78 . The touchpad 78 may also be a Cirque(TM) brand touchpad that already provides the required web navigation features. These features include web navigation such as cursor control, forward and backward movement between web pages, selection and deselection of objects, drag and drop of objects, scrolling within web pages, and zooming in and out of web pages.

It should be noted that the features described above are those that are commonly used or desired for web navigation. However, the Internet 74 and networks in particular are dynamic. Therefore, it should be clearly noted that the touchpad 78 is programmable to include other desired navigation features. At present, the touchpad of the present invention includes a scrolling area arranged on the right-hand side of the touchpad for scrolling up and down within a page, a scrolling area at the top of the touchpad for moving forward or backward between web pages, and arranged at the bottom of the touchpad The scroll area on the left is used to scroll left and right within the page, and the scroll area on the left-most side of the touchpad is used to zoom in and out. Tap once or twice on the touchpad 78 to activate a single and double tap respectively. The cursor is moved by simply touching the touchpad 78 and then moving a finger.

In another embodiment, it should be appreciated that the touchpad 78 can function as a recording signature, or even as a digitizing tablet. By providing a single touchpad surface, the present invention avoids user confusion about having both a keyboard and a touchpad on a single touch sensitive surface. In the preferred embodiment, the touch pad keyboard 76 is placed on top of the touch pad 78, but obviously this configuration can be changed in other embodiments.

Because the present invention includes both the keyboard 76 and the separate touchpad 78, the data stream to the computer or web browser terminal 72 needs to include both types of information. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the data in the touchpad keyboard 76 and touchpad 78 can be sent, for example, using a packet scheme. Each packet identifies a data source so that the packet is sent to the appropriate input.

It should also be noted that the preferred embodiment requires only one hand to hold the data input device 70 . Preferably, pressing the keys on the touchpad keyboard 76 and using the touchpad 78 does not cause the data entry device to wobble or cause data entry difficulties. This is because this embodiment includes a handle that is aligned with the vertical axis on the underside of the device. Thus, the data entry device 70 does not require a lap or table top to rest on when in use. Additionally, the handle can also be angled or made horizontal, depending on user preference.

In this embodiment, the data input device 70 also includes at least one switch for quick access to a selected website. In other words, the web browser terminal 72 is caused to display the website according to the activation of the switch.

The switch is also programmable to be able to go to any desired website with a simple touch or press of the switch. Switches may also be marked with temporary overlay templates, or by other more permanent marking methods.

In another embodiment, it is envisioned to capture a signature on pressure sensitive paper to provide a tangible record of the action. It is contemplated that the present invention can function correctly on other networks and using protocols other than those provided by the network or Internet 74 .

It should also be assumed that the touchpad 78 for web navigation is responsive to a finger or stylus and functions like any type of touchpad. The touchpad preferably employs capacitive-based technology, electromagnetic technology, ultrasonic, optical, resistive film, or other finger or stylus responsive means. The switch or switches and keypad are preferably based on mechanical switches, membrane switches, rubber dome switches or any other suitable switch activation technology.

The communication link between data input device 70 and web browser terminal 72 may include wired, wireless, infrared, radio frequency, ultrasonic, or the like. Web browser terminals shall be considered to include computer game consoles, WEBTV(R), televisions with digital set-top boxes, and the like.

The connection between the computer or web browser terminal 72 and the network should include telephone modem, cable modem, DSL, cellular telephone, fiber optic cable, RF satellite modem, T1, T3, Ethernet, twisted pair cable, etc.

Another feature of the preferred embodiment is that the data input device 70 is configurable. The data input device 70 can be configured using configuration settings sent with the device. In addition, users can access pre-configured settings available on the website. Thus, the data input device 70, computer or web browser terminal 72 may store the settings in non-volatile memory, such as flash memory or in a hard disk.

It should be understood that the structure described above is only used to illustrate the application of the principles of the present invention. Many modifications and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The appended claims cover such modifications and arrangements.

Claims (7)

1. touch pad keyboard that is used for to portable electric appts input data, described touch pad keyboard comprises:

One include be used to detect with locating surface on the capacitance sensitive touchpad of circuit of target;

A cover layer that is arranged on the touch pad surface of keyboard, wherein this cover layer provides the visual feedback of the signal that on time will be generated corresponding to some zone when touch pad, and

A communication port that is used to send corresponding to the signal of button on the touch pad keyboard.

2. touch pad keyboard as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that this touch pad keyboard further comprises a sound feedback system that can make recording say the title of the button that is touched on the touch pad keyboard.

3. touch pad keyboard as claimed in claim 2, thus it is characterized in that touch pad comprises that further one is arranged in the scroll wheel in touch pad one side so that the user rotates this data of taking turns to make on display screen energy scroll-up/down.

4. touch pad keyboard as claimed in claim 2, thus it is characterized in that touch pad comprises that further a telecommunication cable that is connected with communication port can be connected at a distance with portable information device.

5. touch pad keyboard as claimed in claim 2, wherein cover layer further comprises the tactile feedback to the user, thereby wherein supratectal each independent button is separated with other zones by the margin of uplift of material supratectal zone is isolated more independently.

6. one kind is used for the navigation of webpage shown on the web browser terminal and the hand-held data input device of input alphabet numerical data therein, and described data input device comprises:

A hand-held housing;

The sensitive surfaces that touches that is arranged in the hand-held housing and is used as keyboard, this keyboard use distributed locations defines the button on it;

The sensitive surfaces that touches that is arranged in the hand-held housing and is used as touch panel device, this touch panel device are used for the cursor control and the navigation of webpage;

One is used for providing sound feedback that thereby the device of the precise information of which button on the user touches key dish is provided to the user; And

Keyboard, touch pad and web browser communication between terminals link, this communication link transmits and receive data between them at least.

7. one kind is used for the navigation of webpage shown on the web browser terminal that is connected with network and the hand-held data input device of input alphabet numerical data therein, and described data input device comprises:

A hand-held housing;

The sensitive surfaces that touches that is arranged in the hand-held housing and is used as keyboard, this keyboard use distributed locations defines the button on it;

The sensitive surfaces that touches that is arranged in the hand-held housing and is used as touch panel device, this touch panel device are used for the cursor control and the navigation of webpage;

A microphone that is used to write down the voice data that will send through network and is used for the voice data that on-the-spot transmission will send through network; And

Keyboard, touch pad and web browser communication between terminals link, this communication link transmits and receive data between them at least.

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