WO2012038775A1

WO2012038775A1 - Space efficient text entry method

Info

Publication number: WO2012038775A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/002985
Authority: WO
Inventors: Itsuro Yoshimoto
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-20
Filing date: 2010-09-20
Publication date: 2012-03-29
Anticipated expiration: 2013-03-20

Abstract

New QWERTY key layout text entry method, which is designed to allow users to achieve high-speed text entry for alphabets, numbers and symbols, on relatively small-sized devices such as cellular phones, smart phones. IP phones, landline phones, PDAs, watches, remote controllers, game controllers, Karaoke controllers, car navigation controllers, single-hand use assistive PC keyboard and other electronics devices. A single character is assigned to each key, comprising of a manually operated single actuator element beneath each key. One extra character is assigned to the space inbetween two keys, and double key press operation at the position of middle space area between two neighboring keys generate additional unique state, when both actuator elements are simultaneously activated. Six keys in a same row can generate total 11 unique states by single action of key press operation such as 1 st row[QWERTYUIOP@], 2nd row[ASDFGHJKL;'],3rd row[ZXCV8NM,./?],4th row[SHIFT, SPACE, ENTER], and also supports a SHIFT plus key operation to cover numbers and all standard symbols available on a standard PC QWERTY keyboard. A 10-key device such as cellular phone, that has keys (1, 2,3,4,5,8 J, 8,9,0, *,#) in three columns by four rows, can achieve standard QWERTY keyboard functionality without changing the device's width, with six columns by four rows instead of 10 columns by four rows as we see in the market such as blackberry. This is achieved by making the number key size in half, and assigning two keys to a single number key, keeping the actual width of number key as same as the standard cellular phone keypad. Furthermore, by adopting this invention, the existing multi-tap [2abc] key layout keypad is also adaptable to achieve single key press operation for each single character entry of an alphabet, a symbol or a number.

Description

SPACE EFFICIENT TEXT ENTRY METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application CLaims the benefit of Provisional Application PCT/US2008/059033 (Pub.No. WO/2009/123625) filed April 1 st 2008 and No. 60/629,546, filed November 19, 2004 and is a continuation in part of PCT Application No, PCT/US05/12009, US11/283,510, US60/718,107, each of which contains related claims by reference.

References Cited

U.S PATENT DOCUMENTS

5,528,235 A Edward Lin, Wallace Lin 6,043,761 A Gregory N. Smallwood

6,731 ,227 A Kenichi Horie 6,911 ,970 A Tai Chun Wen

7,091 ,885 A Vadim Fux, etc 7,096,036 A Jason Griffin, etc

Inventors: Yoshimoto; Itsuro (FIG Technology inc., CA, USA)

Assignee: FIO Technology inc.

Appl. No.;

Filed: April/01/2008

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the development and incorporation of a textual data input device. More specifically, the system includes a specific arrangement of alphanumeric keys on a handheld electrical device such as a cellular phone. Additionally, the key arrangement can be applied not only to a 10-key cellular phone, but can also be applied to smart phones, IP phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), game console controllers, remote controllers for home entertainment devices such as iPTV or cable TV. , smart watches, karaoke controllers, car navigation controllers, external PC keyboards or numeric keyboards, single-hand operated assistive keyboards, any combination of the above, and any other 10-key device that may appear on the market. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Using cellular phones for data services, such as e-mail, instant messaging, SMS

(Short Messaging System) or SNS (Social Network Service) is becoming more and more popular. Users are accustomed to the conventional cellular phone key arrangement with 10-keys in three columns by four rows. As shown in FiG-01 , alphabets are assigned to numeric keys 2 through 9 as 2(ABC), 3(DEF), 4(GHI), 5(JK), 6(MO), 7(PQRS), 8(TUV), 9(WXYZ) consistently between different phones and systems. Each key is used primarily to input a single number (0-9) or a function (* or #) or a letter (A-Z) or a symbol, often requiring multiple presses of the same key. This has been called the multi-tap method. Given the size of the keypad, easy quick and accurate key input of the letters and symbols using the multi-tap method for data services is a critical issue. Secondly, as illustrated in Fig.02, Blackberry type devices which support alphabet keys in ten columns by four rows, as a QWERTY keyboard has become a standard text entry method in the Smart Phone market. Recently this trend has expanded into the touch panel based smart phone as well as some of the clam-shell cellu!ar phones, where its market size is 10 times larger than the smart phone. U.S. Patent No. 7,091 ,885 discloses a QWERTY key arrangement with 20 keys in five columns by four rows named SureType input method. As shown in Fig.03, two alphabets are assigned to single key, and each fetter is selected intelligently with a predictive method by referring an internal dictionary. However, the predictive input method cannot achieve accurate fetter selection due to the limited size of internal dictionary, a problem common to the popular XT9 input technology. Increasing the dictionary size, has shown to increase ambiguity and unable to support uncommon entries. There is a dilemma which cannot achieve input without supporting additional key strokes, slowing down the overall input speed. U.S. Patent 7,096,038 disclose dual-mode keypad include a plurality of dual switches that each include an associated character to solve said U.S. Patent No. 7,091,885 problem. However, 20 keys in five columns by four rows reduce the size of number key and increase the number of switches such as 10 switches in a single row which standard WERTY keyboard achieves with wider devices such as smart phone. U.S. Patent 6,911 ,970 and 8,931 , 125 disclose plura!ity of contacts on the rear face of a keypad key that each mate with an individual contact pad from a plurality of contact pads placed below the upwardly biased and tiltable keys. Pushing a key on the right, middle or left side mates different pairs of contacts which generate three different characters from single key. Keypad in three columns by four rows generates maximum 36 different characters by a single key press. However, this method does not adopt a QWERTY key layout. U.S. Patent 6,731 ,227 disclose QWERTY keypad in three columns by four rows include an inclination sensor or an angular velocity sensor for allocating the same arrangement of the QWERTY type keyboard, divided into a left, a center and a right section like said U.S. Patent No. 6,911 ,970. However, top row, 1 [QWE] 2[RTY] 3[UIO], requires 10 letters and [P] does not fit in and allocated to 9[M P], Tilting a device itself white texting requires extra hand movement and slows down a speed of text entry. The methods documented in the patents mentioned above have significant drawbacks and therefore, it would be desirable to develop the ultimate character input device providing standard QWERTY keyboard in a small form factor with quick and accurate key input of alphabets, numbers and symbols with single key press. PCT filed PCT/US2008/Q59033 is a 12-key QWERTY text-entry device and text-entry method, by utilizing gap space between keys, to allocate user friendly standard QWERTY key layout in three columns by four rows, and achieve quick and accurate character entry of alphabets, numbers and symbols with a single key press operation .

BRIEF SUMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, the present invention brings additional claims to the PCT filed PCT/US2008/059033 document. Small size QWERTY text entry device and text-entry method, by utilizing the space between the keys, to create a user friendly standard QWERTY keypad layout in six columns by four rows, and achieve quick and accurate character entry of alphabets, numbers and symbols with single key press operation by keeping a small device width form factor. Merely by way of example, this key arrangement can be applied to a cellular phone product, but can also be applied to smart phones, IP phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), game console controllers, remote controllers for home entertainment devices such as IPTV or cable TV, smart watches, karaoke controllers, car navigation controllers, external PC keyboards or numeric keyboards, any combination of the above, and any other 10-key device that may appear on the market. in accordance with the above and other objects, the invention provides a data entry device having at least a first symbol, a second symbol and a third symbol are printed on a key-top or on a main panel, and at least a first switch and a second switch are provided corresponding to the said first and second symbols. The first switch is activated when the corresponding first symbol position is pressed, the second switch is activated when the corresponding second symbol position is pressed, and the said two switches are activated simultaneously when the corresponding third symbol position is pressed. Additionai!y, both the left key and right key are activated when the symbol between two keys is pressed, This invention provides a method to control the data entry device. Signal ports of the data entry device are scanned to determine whether the state of the data entry device has changed, if yes, the position of switches being pressed is determined, and then possible outputs are determined according to the number of switches being pressed and its location. In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a telecommunication device. The telecommunication device comprises a housing member. The telecommunication device can be a cellular phone, or other wireless devices. The telecommunication device ailo comprises a keypad which includes a plurality of keys representative of a set of numbers including, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, # and *. The keypad is coupled to the housing member. Many or all of the said number keys consist of two separate keys, and represent as a first and a second character, and there is extra third character portion in between two keys adjoin each other. The telecommunication device also comprises a first switch where the first switch is activated when the first key is pressed, and the second switch is activated when the second key is pressed. The conversion device has a first input coupled to the first switch and a second input coupled to the second switch. The first input is capable of transferring first output indicative of the first character and the second input is capable of transferring a second output indicative of the second character. The conversion device is aiso adapted to produce a third character upon receiving an input from both the first switch and the second switch when the first switch and the second switch are activated simultaneously. The telecommunication device also includes a conversion device coupled to the first switch located on left side key and the second switch located on the right side key. The conversion device is also adapted to produce a third character upon receiving a simultaneous key press. The telecommunication device also includes standard QWERTY keypad layout such as, number [1] as "Q" and "E", [2] as "T" and "U", [3] as "O" and "@" a character "W" is located between "Q" key and "E" key, "R" is located between "E" key and "T" key a character "Y" is located between "T" key and "U" key "I" is located between "U" key and "O" key , a character "P" is located between "O" key and "@" key, and accommodates more letters within a small sized device without minimize the number key size.

BRIEF DESCRITION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numbers being used to indicate functionally similar elements. FIG-01 shows a conventional cellular phone key arrangement. FIG-02 shows a commercially available QWERTY keyboard for smart phone such as Blackberry. FIG-03 shows a commercially available QWERTY keyboard with 20 keys in five columns by four rows for smart phone such as SureType by RIM which too alphabet letters are assigned to one key, FIG-04 shows a key of a cellular phone according to one embodiment of the

PCT/US2008/059033 filed invention. FIG-05 shows a switch layout of a cellular phone according to one embodiment of the PCT/US2008/059033 filed invention. FIG-06 shows a switch layout of a cellular phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG-07 shows a key switch circuit matrix according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG-08 shows a key of a cellular phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG-09 shows a key process sequence flowchart of a cellular phone according to the present invention. FIG-10 shows a key of a cellular phone according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG-11 shows a conversion table of a cellular phone according to the present invention which refer to FIG-06, FIG-07, FIG-08 and flowchart FIG-09 FIG-12 shows a QWERTY to number conversion table of a cellular phone according to another embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIDION OF THE INVENTION Objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. The following description of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the invention discloses specific configurations and components. However, the embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and thus the specific features described below are merely used to describe such embodiments to provide an overall understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art readily recognizes that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below. Furthermore, certain descriptions of various configurations and components of the present invention that are known to one skied in the art are omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity. FIG-05 shows 1st row of QWERTY keypad according to one embodiment of the

PCT filed PCT/US2QQ8/059033 invention. 501 is top view of 1st row, 502 is a side view of keypad, 503 is a side view of surface of main panel of the device, 504 are side view of switches to connect or disconnect outer ring and inner ring of 508, 505 is a side view of circuit board surface, and 506 are top view of actual circuit pattern where 504 contacts, FIG-06 shows 1st row of QWERTY key layout according to one embodiment of the current invention. 601 is top view of 1st row, 602 is a side view of keypad, 603 is a side view of surface of main panel of the device, 604 are side view of switches to connect or disconnect outer ring and inner ring of 806, 605 is a side view of circuit board surface, and 606 are top view of actual circuit pattern of 60S where 604 contacts. Each switch 604 is located beneath the corresponding each key 602. By pressing the left key of number "1 " keys of 601 , only the left switch of the number "1 " key of 604 become activated at 606, by pressing the right key of number "1 " keys of 601 , only the right switch of the number "T" key of 604 become activated at 606, by pressing both number "1" keys of 601 , both side of the switches of the number "1 " keys of 604 become activated at 606, and by pressing both the right side of the number "1" keys and left side of the number "2" keys of 601 , both the right side of the switch of the number "1" keys and the left side of the switch of the number "2" keys of 604 become activated at 606. Uniqueness of this invention is that gap of key space area is also efficiently used as an additional unique character. By pressing the gap area between two keys as shown in said FIG-06, new character such as "W", "R", "Y", T or "P" are assignable, FIG-08 shows 10-keys in six columns by four rows of a cellular phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each number key consists of one set of two keys. Normal phone keypad silk such as (1-9, *, 0, #) are silk printed on middle of two adjoined keys. Addition to the above, special character sets are silk printed on top of number keys and on a main panel. These extra character sets are alphabets and symbols which cover most of the character set of the standard PC keyboard. "Q", "W" and "E" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "1" keys.

"Τ", "Y" and "U" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "2" keys.

Ό", "P" and "@" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "3" keys,

"A", "S" and "D" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "4" keys.

"G", "H" and "J" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "5" keys.

"L", " ; " and " ' " are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "6" keys.

"Z", "X" and "C" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "7" keys,

"B", "N" and "M" are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "8" keys.

" . ", " / " and " ? " are silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "9" keys. "R" is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "1" and number "2" key.

"I" is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "2" and number "3" key,

"F" is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "4" and number "5" key.

"K" is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "5" and number "6" key.

"V" is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "7" and number "8" key.

" , " is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "8" and number "9" key. "SHIFT" is silk printed on a main panel near the set of number " * " keys.

"SPACE" is siik printed on a main panel near the set of number "0" keys.

"ENTER" is silk printed on a main panel near the set of number "#" keys,

"Cnt/+" is siik printed on a main panel near the gap area between number " * " and number "0" key.

"Alt+" is silk printed on a main panel near the gap area between number "0" and number " # " key. As shown in said FIG-08, special function such as SHIFT, SPACE or ENTER are assigned to the 4th row of keypad according to one embodiment of the present invention. Both left and right side of "*" keys are assigned as "SHIFT" plus function key .

Both left and right side of the number "0" keys are assigned as "SPACE" key.

Both left and right side of keys are assigned as "ENTER" key. SHIFT plus operation by pressing the left side or both of SHIFT keys " * " where

" Aa " mark is silk printed as shown in said FIG-08, then only the following single key entry becomes the other case in alphabet entry mode. Lower case or upper case sensitivity is determined by a pre-selected CAPS lock status. During the alphabet input mode, either iower case or upper case alphabet code is output. Another SHIFT plus operation by pressing the right side of SHIFT keys " * " where

"SYM" mark is silk printed, then only the following single key entry becomes symbol mode where number or symbol character is selectable. During the symbol input mode, symbol code is output toy pressing either left side or right side of the number keys or gap between different number keys, and number code is output by pressing both the same number keys simultaneously at the position of center gap area of the same number keys. SHIFT plus operation enables the similar function as vve see in the normal PC keyboard with a simultaneous key press operation with a SHIFT key, and supports both the upper case and the lower case alphabet, symbols and numbers. During the normal phone number input mode, key press at the position of either left, right or both side of the same number keys output the same number code. This enables the actual number key width as double size to enable easier operation by comparing blackberry style keypad as shown in said F!G-02. SPACE function is assigned for either left, both or right side of number "0" keys' activation for this embodiment. ENTER function is assigned for either left side, both or right side of " # " keys' activation for this embodiment. Normally, "Delete", "Back Space" or "Insert" function is assigned as the independent key for standard devices and not described in this embodiment, however It is assignable by changing the meaning of SPACE and ENTER function depends on the position of key press to support said "Clear", "Back Space" or "DEL" function if it is necessity. FIG-07 shows key scan matrix according to one embodiment of the present invention. 701 is a controller to send key scan output signal from 708-711 to said key scan matrix circuit and scan the key press status and capture status as key scan input signals 702-707 back to controller 701. 712 shows a concept of switch, and 702-707 are connected to key input ports of controller 701 and pulled up "High" through resister. 708-711 are connected to key scan output signal ports of controller 701 and kept "high impedance" except key scanning timing of the specific row fine. For example, when output the scan signal 708 as "Low", and 709-711 keep "High impedance", switch on/off status reflect only the 1st row key press status through 702-707 and captured by controller 701. When some part of key-top is pressed, associated switch or switches are activated. If one of switches is pressed, corresponding input port becomes "low" at the specific scanning timing of 708-711. For example, when a user pressed the gap area of the number "1 " and number "2" keys, 703 and 704 inputs becomes "Low" and 702, 705-707 are kept "High" at the timing of 708 scanning signal as "Low". Controller 701 keep scanning all switches^' on/off status continually, and perform further data conversion to display appropriate character. FIG- 11 shows a conversion table how the key press position is converted into output characters based on said FiG-08 key layout. For example by pressing either single key or two keys adjoin each other for number "1 " keys, "q", "e" or "W" is selected. FIG-09 shows a brief key process sequence flow chart of said FIG-07 key scan and said FIG-11 data conversion table according to one embodiment of the present application. Key process sequence start at 901 by performing key scan ail key switch status at said FiG-07 explanation, and saves all 702-707 status for each row {1st -4th} data into internal memory of controller 701. Then, compare the value with formerly scanned data at 902 after removing key chattering or electronics noise. If there is no key data change, it ends its key process, !f there is any key data change at 902, identify the row of the changes at 903. As shown in FIG-11 , if any of switches are "OI" position at 904, then identify its specific position at 90S, allocate appropriate character output by referring conversion FiG-11 at 908, then display applicable character at 907. Said displayed character is tentative until the key status become "key off" at 904. By releasing a finger completely from the key pressed position, the displayed character become fixed entry at 909: and move a cursor pointer to next character entry position on the display device. DETAILED DESCRITION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG-10 shows full keyboard by featuring standard [2abc] cellular phone key assignment according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG- 11 can be assigned completely different key conversion table simply by changing assigned output in the table. The benefit for this invention achieves a single key press to generate a single alphabet code instead of pressing the same key several times as shown in said FIG-01 [2abc] style multi key press keypad. Since the basic number and alphabet allocation are the same as the said standard [2abc] key layout, user can switch input method between the standard multiple key press mode or single key press mode of this invention depends on a user's preference. For example at 3rd row, user simply press the left side of number [7] keys for "F", press both of number |7| keys for "G", press right of number [7| keys for "R", and press right side of number [7] keys and left side of number[8] keys simultaneously for "S". Furthermore, press left side of number [8] keys for "T", press both number [8] keys for "U", press right side of number [8] keys for "V", press right side of number [8] keys and left side of number[9] keys simultaneously for "W", press left side of number [9] keys for "X", press both number [9] keys for and press right side of number [9] keys for "Z", Symbol allocation in FIG-10 is slightly different from FiG~G8, For example, to select apostrophe + s " "s ", simply press left side of SHIFT key, then press right side of number [7] keys and left side of number[8] keys simultaneously twice in a row. Symbols allocations are carefully decided to minimize the extra effort in actual text entry, Another embodiment of this invention utilizes main surface area between different rows. As shown in FIG-07, key scan process can also retrieves simultaneous key press status between different rows. For example, by pressing middle of "Q" and "A", switches under left side of number "1 " and left side of number "4" are ON. Additional key functions such as pictograph, hieroglyphic, emoticon can be assignable on FIG-08 or FIG-10. Another embodiment of this invention adds an effective rea! time feedback method to a user to minimize a human error , by either the different sound effects such as pitch, timber, harmony codes or rhythm, different colors of LED, different type of vibrations, and / or displays (he temporally selected character on a display device during (he key press operation, to notify either a single switch is pressed or neighboring two switches are pressed before a user release a key. Another embodiment of this invention expands the usability of other npplications such as a game application. For example, user can shoot down the flying objects by changing the angle of cannon while moving left or right. When number [4] is assigned to move "LEFT", moving speed can be changed depends on the position to press either left, middle or right side of the number "4" keys. While shooting the cannon, user can change the angle of the cannon simultaneously to rotate anticlockwise direction by pressing left side of the number "0" keys, and rotate to clockwise by pressing right side of the number "0" keys, and simply shoot the cannon without changing the direction by pressing both number "0^s keys. Another embodiment of this invention improves password security. By pressing multiple alphabets simultaneously in password input mode, memorize the key press status change as the strings of data of "ON" or "OFF" status of switches of the FIG-07 instead of convert to alphabets. For example, the password "SECRET" is pressed "SE", "CR" and "EΤ" combination sequentially. The (101111001111111111 ), {100111111111101111 ) and (100111111111111111 ) codes are generated as a raw data of key scan at the figure-09, then save the said raw data codes as the new pass codes instead of strings of ASCII codes, and improve robustness from wireless access to the device. Only the human's key press action "SECRET" enables to match the pass codes. Another embodiment of this invention combines a word prediction method. The prior art technologies such as XT9 for FIG-01 keypad or SureType for FIG-03 keypad allows user to select a word from multiple candidate words during text entry by referring internal dictionary database to search available existing words. The said prior arts requires additional input method such as multi-tap to support unique name which is not included in the internal dictionary, thus drastically slows down total text input speed. This embodiment enables to displays exact input letters addition to predicted words simultaneously without additional input method such as multi-tap and improves total text input speed. Another embodiment of this invention is combined with word correction technology to reduce cost by removing ail diodes 712 from key scan circuit as shown in FIG-07. Diodes are necessary to supports accurate key code output of the key press positions when user pressed more than three switches at the same time. By typing a letter "D" after "WOR" without releasing a finger from "R" position where (703-708) and (704-708) are on, scanned raw data recognized as "F" where (703-709) and (704-709) are on instead of "D" where only (703-709) is on if there is no Diode supported at the 701 switch circuit. This embodiment refer to the said table FIG-11 and pick up the 2nd candidate "D" and 3!rf candidate "G" addition to the 1st candidate "F", and displays candidates such as "WORF", "WORD", "WORG" to allow user to select the expected word. Another embodiment of this invention is to have an independent key function to select either the number entry mode or the QWERTY alphabet entry mode while dialing a phone number. Existing smart phone with keyboards as shown in FIG-02 and FIG-03 has a difficulty to select appropriate number key entry such as "1800callnow" or extension entry by name due to the mismatch with FIG-01 , and user need to refer to the FIG-01 [2Abc] number - alphabet conversion in mind. By having an independent key function to switch between the phone number and QWERTY alphabet during dialing a phone number or extension, user can switch number to alphabet by pressing the said independent key and enables to type in QWERTY input mode as shown in FIG-08. Controller 701 in FIG-07 would convert QWERTY alphabet key entry into appropriate conversion number as shown in FIG-12 conversion table. Although the invention is described above with reference to a key arrangement of a cellular phone, the invention can be used in other electrical devices, such as smart phones, IP phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), game console controllers, remote controllers, smart watches, car navigation controllers, external PC keyboards or numeric keyboards, any combination of the above, and any other 10-key device that may appear on the market. Remote controllers can be of a type used to control any type of electronic device, including audio and video equipment, PCs including presentation controller, VOD (Video on Demand), Cable TV receiver, set top box such as AppleTV or GoogleTV, TIVO devices, karaoke machines, or game consoles. There can also be other alternatives that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. The previous description of embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Moreover, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles and specific examples defied herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty. For example, some or all of the features of the different embodiments discussed above may be deleted from the embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope defined only by the claims below and equivalents thereof.

Claims

WHAT is CLAIMED is:

1. A keyboard having an improved efficiency, comprising:

A plurality of keys including a first key and a second key separated by a gap space, the first key and the second key each having a first key-top portion for pressing;

The first key-top portion of the first key independently activates a first switch of an electronic device when pressed independently to produce a first character;

The first key-top portion of the second key independently activates a second switch of an electronic device when pressed independently to produce a second character;

The first key-top portion of the first key and the second key-top portion of the second key are neighboring portions and separated by the gap space; wherein, pressing the gap space area covers to press simultaneously activates the first switch and the second switch, the simultaneous activation providing an input to the conversion device to produce a third character; and

The efficiency of the keyboard is improved over a second keyboard that does not utilize a gap space between keys in the second keyboard,

2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the improved efficiency includes producing the same number of characters with fewer keys, the same number of characters with a smaller-sized keyboard, or a combination thereof, when compared to the second keyboard that does not use the gap space between the pair of keys to generate a character.

3. The keyboard of claim 1 , further consisting of number (0, 1 ,2, ...9} keys.

4. The keyboard of claim 1 further comprising a QWERTY keyboard layout.

5. The keyboard of claim 1 further comprising a [2Abc] keyboard layout,

6. The keyboard of claim 1 consisting of 24 keys in a 6 key x 4 key matrix.

7. The keyboard of claim 3, wherein the same number is assigned for two keys instead of one,

8. The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the neighboring keys are located both horizontally and vertically and expands supported characters by pressing both upper row key and lower row key simultaneously.

9. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the switches are snap dome switches.

10. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the switches are silicon rubber switches with conductive pills.

11. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the switches are allocated as the different positions of touch sensitive panel device.

12. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the effective real time feedback scheme is added to minimize a human error with a confirmation method, by either the different sound effects such as pitch, timber, harmony codes or rhythm, different colors of LED, different type of vibrations, and / or displays the temporally selected character on a display device during the key press operation, to notify either a single switch is pressed or neighboring two switches are pressed before a user release a key.

13. The keyboard of claim 7, wherein the first, second and a third character is converted as a simultaneous plural actions which is beneficial for such as a game application.

14. The keyboard of claim 4-5. wherein the simultaneous alphabet key press position status converts as a string of bit data, and not as an existing ASCII code, to save as a password code for robust security system.

15. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein a method to aiiow user to select predicted word by referring the existing internal dictionary database addition to the originally typed unique letters such as a name.

16. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the word correction is combined to support accurate text input under more than three switches of simultaneous key press, and enables to remove all diodes to reduce cost from key scan matrix switch circuit,

17. The keyboard of claim 4. wherein a function to switch between a phone number and an alphabet during dialing an alphabetical phone number such as "1800callnow" or dialing extension number by selecting a unique name, and automatically convert QWERTY alphabet input to appropriate [2Αbc] numbers by referring internal conversion table.

18. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the keyboard is adapted for use with an electronic device.

10. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the keyboard is adapted for use with a cellular phone, smart phone, or PDA.

20. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the keyboard is adapted for use with a remote controller or game console controller device.

21. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the keyboard is adapted for use with a watch.

22. The keyboard of claim 1-8, wherein the keyboard is adapted for use with a car navigation device.