Compact touch-type keyboard
US8194040B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/233
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A floating button that may be used to replace a plurality of distinct buttons and/or a graphical pointing device. The floating button translates in a region defined by a housing. A sensor detects the location of the button in the region. The locations within the region may be mapped to a plurality of virtual buttons. This permits a button of a size appropriate for comfortable operation by a finger, while allowing the selection of a large number of functions in a space that is only somewhat larger than a single button. The location of the button within its translation region also provides an immediate tactile and visual reference as to the function to be selected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.