US 6,876,354 B1 · Keyboard type input device and portable information processor

Abstract

A key-board type input mechanism suitable for inputting large quantity of data is provided to a portable information technology device having a pen-input type display device. A keyboard (33 or 35) of the present invention comprises a key top panel portion (12 or 17) on which a plurality of input key portions (12a or 18) that are pressed down when carrying out a key input are integrally formed, a coordinate position information generating portion (13) and contact portions (16 or 19) for changing loads generated by pressing each input key portion of the key top panel portion down into a vertical load, a load distribution portion (14 or 20) for distributing unnecessary loads other than the vertical load changed by the coordinate position information generating portion and the contact portions, by deformation under a pressure. The key top panel portion, coordinate position information generating portion, contact portion, and load distribution portion are layered.

Claims4

Dependent claims

A key-board type input device comprising:

an input key panel on which a plurality of key tops are integrally formed, wherein each of the key tops can be pressed down to carry out a key input;
a press-down panel for changing loads generated when each key top of the input key panel is pressed down, into a vertical load;
and
a load distribution panel for distributing unnecessary loads other than the vertical load changed by the press-down panel, by deformation under a pressure;
wherein the input key panel, the press-down panel, and the load distribution panel are layered.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/019,404Filed 8 Dec 1999

Priority

JP 11-1964599 Jul 1999

Granted

5 Apr 2005

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification18 codes

G06F 3/038
Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor: control and interface…
G06F 1/1626
For portable computers: with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
G06F 1/1662
Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626:…
G06F 3/0202
Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials: constructional details or processes of manufacture of the…

Keyboard type input device and portable information processor

Life of this patent

Keyboard type input device and portable information processor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims4