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AssigneeNokia Corporation
InventorsAndrew Strawn, Andrew Raymond Bick, Crispian Tompkin, Daren Leith, Simon Bradford, Luke Miles, Brian Davidson
Estimating the term…
A keypad includes discrete keys formed by touch sensors or virtual keys on a touch sensitive area. The discrete or virtual keys are mechanically linked to a biased switch. The key that has been touched during a keystroke is identified through a signal from the touch sensors whilst a keystroke is recorded upon a signal from the biased switch. The combination of the touch sensors with a biased switch provides tactile feedback. The use of touch sensors or a touch sensitive area allows the keypad to be constructed with a substantially flush surface without parting lines.
A keypad for use with an electronic device, said keypad comprising a plurality of discrete keys formed by touch sensors or a plurality of virtual keys in a touch sensitive area, said plurality of discrete or virtual keys being mechanically coupled to a biased switch that is activated by pressing any of said discrete or virtual keys.
A keypad according to claim 7, wherein said key graphics are coupled to a lighting system, and the key graphics are substantially invisible when said lighting system is not active.
A method for registering keystrokes on a keypad or keyboard with a plurality of discrete or virtual keys, comprising identifying which of the keys has been struck with touch sensors, and determining that a keystroke has been made with a biased switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.