BlackBerry Limited v. Typo Products LLC

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Typo Products LLC ( Filing fee $ 400, receipt number 0971-8267949). DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL. Filed by BlackBerry Limited. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 5 Report to PTO)(Johnson, Kevin) (Filed on 1/3/2014) Modified on 1/3/2014 (farS, COURT STAFF).

EXHIBIT A

US007629964B2

(12) United States Patent

(10) Patent No.:

Grif?n et a].
(54)

(75)

US 7,629,964 B2

(45) Date of Patent:

HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A
KEYBOARD OPTIMIZED FOR USE WITH
THE THUMBS

(58)

Field of Classi?cation Search ....... .. 345/156460,

345/162, 1684173; 400/427, 472, 479, 486,
400/489; 34l/20i23; D14/191*192, 138,
Dl4/334i335, 346
See application ?le for complete search history.

Inventors: Jason T Grif?n, Waterloo (CA); John A

Holmes, Waterloo (CA); Mihal
Lazaridis, Waterloo (CA); Herb A
Little, Waterloo (CA); Harry R Maj or,
Waterloo (CA)

*Dec. 8, 2009

(56)

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

4,029,915 A

(73) Assignee:

(CA)
Notice:

5/1984 Bleuer
4/1985 Scheid

(Continued)

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35

U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

6/1977 Ojima

4,449,839 A
D278,341 S

Research In Motion Limited, Waterloo

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP

This patent is subject to a terminal dis
claimer.

0267801 A2

5/1988

(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS

(21) Appl. No.: 11/740,801
(22) Filed:

Anonymous: “Triangular Toggle Keys for Touch-Tone Phones”;
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 31, No. 1, Jun. 1, 1988, p.
47-49, NeWYork, US.

Apr. 26, 2007

(65)

Prior Publication Data

US 2007/0242047 A1

Oct. 18, 2007

Related US. Application Data

(60)

Continuation of application No. 10/425,121, ?led on
Apr. 28, 2003, noW Pat. No. 7,227,536, Which is a
continuation of application No. 09/634,774, ?led on
Aug. 9, 2000, noW Pat. No. 6,611,254, Which is a
division of application No. 09/106,585, ?led on Jun.
29, 1998, noW Pat. No. 6,278,442, Which is a continu

ation-in-part of application No. 29/089,942, ?led on
Jun. 26, 1998, noW Pat. No. Des. 416,256.

(51)

Int. Cl.

(52)

US. Cl. ..................................... ..

G09G 5/00

(Continued)
Primary ExamineriRichard Hjerpe
Assistant ExamineriMansour M Said

(57)

ABSTRACT

A hand-held electronic device With a keyboard optimized for
use With the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate Within
the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device,

the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of
the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in
shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate
thumb-typing. The angles at Which keys on either side of the
keyboard are placed is complimentary.

(2006.01)
345/169; 345/168

26 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets

US 7,629,964 B2
Page2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

6,047,047 A

4/2000 Aldridge 6161.
4/2000 M61616 6161.
4/2()()() Jarrad

D293,241 S

12/1987 Wan et a1.

6,047,196 A
6,047,197 A

133121628 5

12/1990 Y<>1<<>i e1 91-

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4/2000

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133131401
133131413
5,059,048
5,184,830
5,217,295
5,288,158

1/1991
1/1991
10/1991
2/1993
6/1993
2/1994

6,052,070
6,084,576
6,091,956
6,094,197
6,102,594
6,103,979

4/2000
7/2000
7/2000
7/2000
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Langton
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Matias

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A
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D345,158 S

3/1994 Nambaetal. ............ .. D14/138

6,105,871 A

8/2000 campo etal‘

5,336,001 A

8/1994 Lichtenberg

6,107,988 A

8/2000 P111111pps6161.

5,337,346
5,360,280
5,367,298
133571253
5,410,141
5,410,333

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A
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A
A

5,416,730 A
5,426,449 A
133591920
5,436,954
5,436,960
5,457,454
133671043

5
A
A
A
5

8/1994
11/1994
11/1994
4/1995
4/1995

Uchikura
Camacho et a1.
Axthelm
Wong
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D432,511
D433’017
D433,460
6,148,261
6,157,323

10/2000
10/2000
11/2000
11/2000
12/2000

D436,591 s
6,212,412 B1
D441,733 s

5/1995 Lookofsky
6/1995 Danziger
7/1995
7/1995
7/1995
111/1995
2/1996

s
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s
A
A

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Nishiyamae1a1~
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$989119
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6,304,261

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Grif?n 6161.
015166166611 6161.
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1/2001 Abs16116161.
4/2001 R6g61s6161.
5/2001 D6 6161.

B1
B1
B1
B1
B1

6/2001
8/2001
9/2001
10/2001
10/2001

HaSbllIl 6161.
Grif?n 6161.
K616 6161.
K616 6161.
s11161ds6161.
Kim

5,500,643 A

3/1996 Grant ........................ .. 341/22

6,304,431 B1

10/2001

55431787 A

8/1996 Karidis @191-

6,310,609 B1

10/2001 M61g6111116161
11/2001

5,563,631 A

10/1996 Masunaga ................. .. 345/169

D451’079 S

5,575,576
5,600,790
5,606,712
5,611,031
133811021
5,659,307
5,661,605
D383,756
5,672,108

11/1996
2/1997
2/1997
3/1997
7/1997
8/1997
8/1997
9/1997
9/1997

D454,349
D4S4’849
6,356,258
6,374,277
D456,794
6,385,463
6,396,482
D458’239
D4S9’327

A
A
A
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5
A
A
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Roysden, J1
Barnstijn et a1.
Hidaka
Hertzfeldetal.
“411199189191
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Henderson et a1.
Lam et a1.

s
S
B1
B2
s
B1
B1
S
S

D386,497 S

11/1997 Huslig et a1. ............. .. D14/191

D460’068 S

5,689,253
D390,509
57371394
5,786,776
133971369

11/1997
2/1998
4/1998
7/1998
8/1998

D460’493
D461’803
6,452,588
D464,995
6,459,968

3/2002
3/2002
3/2002
4/2002
5/2002
5/2002
5/2002
6/2002
6/2002

A
S
A
A
5

5,797,089 A

133971728
133991537
5,818,437
5,825,353
5,827,082
134021572
134031362
5,861,821
5,861,823
5,893,798
5,915,228
5,920,308
5,930,703
5,931,873
5,963,197
5,966,098
5,974,238

5
5
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Hargreaves et a1.
AntZinas et a1.
Anderson @191
Kisaichi e131
Rissman

8/1998 Nguyen

9/1998
111/1998
10/1998
111/1998
111/1998
12/1998
12/1998
1/1999
1/1999
4/1999
6/1999
7/1999
7/1999
8/1999
10/1999
111/1999
10/1999

D416,024 S

11/1999 Johansson et a1. ........ .. D14/247

134161256
5,982,520
6,005,496
6,006,351
6,009,333
6,014,429
6,014,573
6,018,651
D420,351
6,023,779
6,046,732

11/1999
11/1999
12/1999
12/1999
12/1999
1/2000
1/2000
1/2000
2/2000
2/2000
4/2000

6,489,950
6,507,336
D472,225
6,535,749
6,538,651
D472,551
D476,985
D478’585
6,611,254
6,611,255
D479’233
D479,714
D480,722
6,630,924
D482353
6,647,367
6,731,227

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6,873,317 B1

2001/0044828
2001/0048589
2002/0054676
2003/0006968

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*

Grif?n et a1‘
Grif?n etal‘
Grif?n 6161.
Grif?n 6161.
K661116

12/2002 TiSChef .................... .. D14/345

12/2002
1/2003
3/2003
3/2003
3/2003
4/2003
7/2003
g/2003
8/2003
8/2003
9/2003
9/2003
10/2003
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5/2004

Grif?n 6161.
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Grif?n
M616 6161.
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Grif?n 6161.
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3/2005 Grif?n et a1‘

11/2001
12/2001
5/2002
1/2003

Kikinis
Bfalldenbefg
Z1166 6161.
SOlOIIlOIl

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP
EP
EP
EP

0278169
0538020
0685801
0732646

A2
A1
A1
A2

8/1988
4/1993
12/1995
9/1996

US 7,629,964 B2
Page 3
EP
EP
JP
JP
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO

0760291
1143327
64-35429
H04-102911
96/04618
98/33111
99/37025
00/30381
00/38041
00/74240
01/50335

A2
A1

A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1

3/1997
10/2001
8/1987
4/1992
2/1996
7/1998
7/1999
5/2000
6/2000
12/2000
7/2001

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

“Programmable Claculators: Hewlett-Packard HP-200LX,”Viktor T.
Toth, copyr. 2001, 2002, from web page at www.rskey.org/hp2001x.
htrn.

Photo of RIM 850/950 Product, product announcement, noted in
Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, product (RIM 950)
said by Motorola to be available on Sep. 1, 1998.
Research In Motion Ltd./RAM Mobile Data Supply Agreement per
taining to RIM 850-950 Product; Jun. 27, 1997.
Photo of Philips Velo 1 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite No.
1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be available in
Aug. 1997.
Photo of NEC Talktime 800 Series Product and product literature,
noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, user guide
said by Motorola to be available in 1996, 1997.
Photo ofAEG 1995 Product, noted in Table 1 ofp. 7 of Cite No. 1;
photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be available in
1995.
Photo of Motorola 1997 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite No.

1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be available in
1997.

Photo of Motorola Page Writer 2000 Product, noted in Table 1 of p.
7 of of Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to
be available in early 1997.

Photo of Husky Field Explorer 21 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of
Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be
available in Mar/Apr. 1999.
Photo of Motorola t990 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite No.
1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be available on
Jan. 6, 2000.
Photo of RIM 857 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite No. 1;

Photo of Motorola Page Writer 250 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7

photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to hanve been

of Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be
available in early 1997.
Photo of RIM INter@ctive Pager 800/900,noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of
Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, product said by Motorola to be

released in Oct. 2000.

Portion (pp. 1-7) of “Motorola Inc.’s First Supplemental Response to
First set of Interrogatories (No. 14)” and Exhibit A appended to the
Response; Jul. 15, 2009.

available in 1996.
Photo of Nokia 9000 Communication Product, noted in Table 1 of p.

Photo of Ether Age ClipKee MiniKeyboard Product, noted in Table 1
of page 7 of Cite No. 1; photo date unknown, advertising related to the
product said by Motorola to be available Jul. 2001.
Photo of Handspring Treo 180 Product, noted in Table 1 of p. 7 of Cite
No. 1; photo of date unknown, product said by Motorola to be

7 of Cite No. 1; photo date unknown’product said by motorola to be

available in 1997.

available in 1996.

* cited by examiner

US. Patent

Dec. 8, 2009

Sheet 2 of4

US 7,629,964 B2

mom

US. Patent

Dec. 8, 2009

Sheet 3 of4

US 7,629,964 B2

US 7,629,964 B2
1

2

HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A
KEYBOARD OPTIMIZED FOR USE WITH
THE THUMBS

otherWise be controlled by a keyboard that included function

keys. To encourage data entry using thumbs and again to
minimize the number of keys on the keyboard, the instant
invention also includes a thumb-Wheel for control of menus

This application is a continuation of US. application Ser.
No. 10/425,121 entitled Hand-Held Electronic Device With

for section selection of forms and functions relevant to data

A Keyboard Optimized For Use With The Thumbs, ?led Apr.

the keyboard to enable the easy transition from thumb -based
typing to thumb control of forms and functions.
In addition to hardWare features that encourage optimal
data entry through the use of thumbs, there are several soft
Ware features that are designed to minimize keystrokes and
aid in entry of data.
The features of this invention, both individually and col

input. The thumb-Wheel is positioned in close proximity to

28, 2003 now US. Pat. No. 7,227,536, Which is a continua

tion of US. application Ser. No. 09/634,774, entitled Hand
Held Electronic Device WithA Keyboard Optimized For Use
With The Thumbs, ?led Aug. 9, 2000, (now US. Pat. No.
6,611,254) Whichis a divisional of US. application Ser. No.
09/106,585, entitled Hand-Held Electronic Device With A
Keyboard Optimized For Use With The Thumbs, ?led Jun.
29, 1998 (now US. Pat. No. 6,278,442), Which is a Continu
ation-in-Part of US. Design application Ser. No. 29/089,942,
entitled Hand-Held Messaging Device With Keyboard, ?led
Jun. 26, 1998 (now US. Pat. No. Des. 416,256), and assigned
to the assignee of the present invention.

lectively, have not, to the knoWledge of the inventors, been
applied to a small hand-held electronic device that requires

user-generated data entry. To permit ef?cient operation of
such devices While keeping the form factor of the device small
enough to be Worn on the body, there is a general need for a
hand-held electronic device that can ?t in the palm of the hand
20

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a further need for a keyboard for a palm-size data

entry device With keys placed at an angle to optimize opera
tion of the keyboard by the use of the thumbs.
There remains another need for a keyboard With keys that

The present invention is directed toWard the ?eld of small,
hand-held electronic devices such as personal data assistants

(PDAs), personal information managers (PIM), tWo-Way
pagers and the like. In particular, the system and method of
the present invention provide the user of the hand-held device
With the ability to input data With a minimal amount of key
strokes and optimized for use substantially With the thumbs.
In a tWo-Way paging system that provides tWo-Way, full

and that can be operated substantially With the thumbs.

25

are shaped and sized to maximize contact With the thumbs

While minimizing the keyboard area required for such keys.
There also remains a need for an auxiliary input device that

30

is to be operated by the thumb for data inputs forms and
function control and that, in conjunction With the keyboard,
encourages and permits data entry and management through

text messaging, there is a need to permit the user to initiate

input performed substantially by the thumbs.

messages and to respond to messages in a timely fashion and
With text entirely created by the user. In order to keep the form

There remains still another need for a software-imple
mented user interface system that is designed, at least in part,
to support and encourage data entry through use of the
thumbs.

factor of the tWo-Way pager small enough to be Worn on the
body of the user, such as With a belt clip, the input device
needs to be small, have a minimal number of keys and opti

35

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

mized for use With a minimal number of key strokes. Prior art

systems have attempted to address these needs by incorporat
ing virtual keyboards or pen-based input systems for user
inputs to the device, but such systems require the user to input

40

data in an unfamiliar manner. Additionally, in a small hand

thumbs. In the preferred embodiment of the present inven
tion, the hand-held electronic device is a tWo-Way paging
device that permits full-text, tWo-Way messaging such as

held messaging device, such as a tWo-Way pager, these sys
tems prove aWkWard to use.

In order to provide a hand-held electronic device that per
mits a user the opportunity to enter data into an address book,
a calendar, a task list, an email message or a similar text ?le

45

email messaging and that includes standard PDA or PIM
features such as an address book, an electronic calendar, a

that requires user-generated data, the instant invention is

task list and other text-based features. These features require
user input of text strings that can be lengthy and that cannot be
reduced to pre-determined or “canned” strings. Thus, for such

directed to an input device that is oriented to be used substan

tially through use of the thumbs. This is accomplished ?rst by
providing a keyboard With a minimal number of keys, but

The present invention overcomes the problems noted
above and satis?es the needs in this ?eld for a hand-held
electronic device With a keyboard optimized for use With the

50

a device, the e?icient entry of data in a device meant to ?t into

With the keys representing the alphabet generally placed in

the palm of one’s hand requires that tWo goals are achieved.

the same order as they Would appear on a standard keyboard,
such as in a standard QWERTY or a DVORAK keyboard

First, the data entry must be relatively easy from a user per
spective. This means that the user must be someWhat familiar
With analogous forms of data entry and not have to be trained
to use the data entry for the hand-held device. Second, the

layout. The use of a keyboard layout that is familiar to the user
enables the user to immediately use the device Without having
to hunt for the keys he or she Wishes to use.

Although the layout is similar to a standard keyboard, the
keys are placed at an orientation and in a particular shape that
attempts to maximize the surface area of the thumb hitting the
key and to provide the user With a comfortable position of the
hands for data input. Also, the orientation encourages input
by the thumbs, Which the inventors of the instant invention

55

form factor does not permit a large number of keys or keys
that are very large. Thus ef?cient use of the keyboard space is

required and functions that might be able to be performed by
60

To accomplish these goals, the invention ?rst optimizes the

have discovered to be faster and more accurate in small hand

placement of the keys on the device keyboard. In order to
Work Within the limited space available for the keyboard, it

held electronic devices than touch-typing or “hunting and

pecking” typing.
An additional feature of the invention is thus use of an

additional input means for control of functions that might

a standard key board are off-loaded to an auxiliary input
device or are performed, through a minimal number of key
strokes that encourage the use of thumb-based data entry.

65

Was determined that it Was preferable to use keys that Were

oval or oblong and that Were placed at angles designed to
facilitate use by thumb typing. An angle for the keys on the

US 7,629,964 B2
3

4

right side of the keyboard and a complementary angle for the

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the control circuitry for the thumb
Wheel.

keys on the left side of the keyboard are chosen based upon
observation of the angle at Which a user Will orient his or her

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

thumbs While thumb-typing.
The invention also minimiZes the number of keys available

Referring noW to the draWings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of

for data input. In the preferred embodiment, only keys for the
26 letters of the English alphabet are available as Well as a

the major subsystems and elements comprising a palm-siZed,

backspace key, a line feed key, an “alt” key, a “cap” key and a
space bar. The alt key enables the user in conjunction With the

rates the invention. In its broadest terms, the messaging

other keys to input numbers and symbols to perform certain
functions. The placement of the keys is designed to enhance
the user experience While typing With the thumbs by meeting

nected to a DSP 200 for digital signal processing of the

mobile, tWo-Way messaging device that preferably incorpo
device includes a transmitter/receiver subsystem 100 con

incoming and outgoing data transmissions, poWer supply and
management subsystem 300, Which supplies and manages

tWo seemingly opposite goalsiminimizing the keyboard

poWer to the overall messaging device components, micro
processor 400, Which is preferably an X86 architecture pro

footprint While maximizing the likelihood that proper keys
Will be struck by the thumb-typing user.
The invention also provides additional incentive for the
user to use thumb input by providing an input device adjacent
to the keyboard, but integral to the overall hand-held device.
Although other devices can be used in an auxiliary fashion,
the preferred device is a thumbWheel that registers movement
of the Wheel by measuring the number of indents traversed
While rolling the Wheel and that also registers as an input the

cessor, that controls the operation of the messaging device,
display 500, Which is preferably a full graphic LCD, FLASH
memory 600, RAM 700, serial output and port 800, keyboard
900, thumbWheel 1000 and thumbWheel control logic 1010.
20

In its intended use, a message comes via a Wireless data

netWork, such as the Mobitex netWork, into subsystem 100,

pressing the Wheel toWard the back of the pager. This clicking

Where it is demodulated via DSP 200 and decoded and pre
sented to microprocessor 300 for display on display 500. To
access the display of the message, the user may choose from

of the Wheel is similar to the clicking of a mouse associated

25 functions listed under a menu presented as a result of user

With a PC or any other input device that registers the depres
sion of a button. The thumbWheel in the preferred embodi
ment is placed vertically on the tWo-Way paging device so that

retrieving data forms, such as an e-mail template or address

interaction With thumbWheel 1000. If the message is an email
message, the user may choose to respond to the email by
selecting “Reply” from a menu presented on the display
through interaction via thumbWheel 1000 or via menu selec
tion from keyboard 900. In typing the reply, the user can use
keyboard 900 to type full text message replies, or insert a

book entry template, for data entry.
Additionally, various softWare techniques can be imple

keystroke pattern or through pulling doWn pre-determined

depression or “clicking” of the Wheel, Which is performed by

the user can easily move his or her thumb from the thumb

Wheel to the keyboard and back for performing functions and

mented to enhance the thumb-typing user’s experience in
using the device of the instant invention. In the preferred
embodiment, for example, the user can change the capitali
Zation of a particular letter simply by keeping a key depressed

30

pre-determined or “canned” response by either a particular

35

message preferably by interaction through thumbWheel 1 000,
or alternatively, With less e?iciency, through a combination of

for a particular length of time Without an intermittent release

keyboard 900 keystrokes. When the microprocessor 300

being detected by the keyboard controller.
The primary advantage of the present invention is that it
enables e?icient and user-friendly data entry into a palm
siZed electronic device by maximiZing the potential for user

40

These are just a feW of the many advantages of the present

cesses the message for transport and, by directing and com

45

to another party. Also, the keyboard 900 and thumbWheel

ments and its several details are capable of modi?cations in

preferred embodiment set forth beloW are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

1000 can be used to permit data entry to an address book
resident on the messaging device, or an electronic calendar or
50

log book, or any other function on the messaging device
requiring data entry. Preferably, the thumbWheel is a thumb
Wheel With a push button SPST With quadrature signal out
puts, such as that manufactured by Matsushita Electronic
Components Co. Ltd. As part number EVQWK2001.

55

FIG. 2 is a front vieW of messaging device 10 that incor
porates the invention. ShoWn in FIG. 2 are a plurality of letter

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention satis?es the needs noted above as

Will become apparent from the folloWing description When
read in conjunction With the accompanying draWings
Wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tWo-Way, full-text, messag

keys 901, and specialiZed keys 902, 903, 904 and 905 and
space bar 906. Also shoWn is thumbWheel 1000 in its vertical
60

ing device incorporating a keyboard and an auxiliary data

entry device;
FIG. 2 is a frontal vieW of the hand-held device shoWing the

shape and placement of the keys on the keyboard and the

auxiliary input device;
FIG. 3 is a diagram shoWing the shape, siZe and placement
of the keys on the keyboard; and

the reply message to be sent via the Wireless communications
data netWork to the intended recipient. Similar interaction
through I/ O devices keyboard 900 and thumbWheel 1000 can
be used to initiate full-text messages or to forWard messages

ciated, the invention is capable of other and different embodi

various respects, all Without departing from the spirit of the
invention. Accordingly, the draWings and description of the

receives an indication that the message is to be sent, it pro

municating With transmitter/receiver subsystem 100, enables

data entry through thumb typing.
invention, as described in more detail beloW. As Will be appre

text strings from a menu of items presented on display 500
through the use of thumbWheel 1000. When the reply to the
message is composed, the user can initiate the sending of the

65

orientation and in association With display 500 and keyboard
900. In the preferred embodiment, 902 is the alt key, 903 is the
cap key, 904 is the line feed key and 905 is the backspace key.
FIG. 3 is a vieW ofa subset ofthe letter keys 901, shoWing
dimensions and relative position of the keys. ShoWn also is
the point 950 that marks the center of keyboard 900, key
dimensions 970, 971, 972, and 973, as Well as angle 960 and
the rho value 965, representing curvature of a letter key 901.

In investigating optimal key placement on the keyboard, it

US 7,629,964 B2
5

6

Was determined that the keys should be placed at an angle 960
relative to vertical that facilitated easy typing using thumbs.

embodiment is presented only by Way of example and is not
meant to limit the scope of the present invention Which is

de?ned by the folloWing claims.

That angle is preferably positive 40 degrees relative to verti
cal for keys on the right side of the keyboard (Where 950 is
center of the keyboard) and negative 40 degrees for the keys
on the left side of the key board, although complementary
angles ranging from 20 degrees to 70 degrees could also be
used to accomplish the goal, albeit less optimally, of facili
tating thumb typing. Also as shoWn in FIGS. 2 and 3, the keys

What is claimed:
1. A handheld messaging device for Wireless email that is

optimally con?gured to facilitate user thumb-typing With

thumbs, comprising:

to are dispersed across keyboard 900 evenly so that there is

a keyboard having a plurality of keys representing the
letters of the alphabet said keyboard integral to the hand

suf?cient space betWeen the keys to decrease the opportunity

held messaging device, the plurality of keys comprising

for multiple keys being depressed While thumb typing. Addi
tionally, the keys are siZed appropriate given the footprint of
the messaging device and the keyboard 900. In its preferred

a left side set of keys and a right side set of keys, With the
left side set of keys positioned left of a keyboard center
and being oriented at an angle in a negative orientation,

embodiment, the messaging device 10 measures across its
face 64 mm by 89 mm, Which does not leave much room for

keyboard center and being oriented at the angle in a

and the right side set of keys positioned right of the

positive orientation; and

keyboard 900 and display 500. In the preferred embodiment,
keyboard 900 occupies over half of the face of the messaging
device 10.

The key shape and dimensions are also key components of

20

the invention. In order to maximize the surface area of the key

that a thumb Would hit, the keys are preferably oval, and have
a rho 965 de?ning the curvature of the key of 0.4 l 4, although
values may range higher or loWer. Other rho values Will lead
to an acceptable, but not as optimal or aesthetically pleasing
shape of keys 901 . As to the key dimensions, the Width 970 of
the key 901 is 4.8 millimeters (971 representing the radius of

half that value, 2.4 mm) and the length (or height) 972 of the
key 901 is 7 millimeters (973 representing the radius of half
that value, 3.5 mm).

a display operatively connected to the keyboard;
Wherein at least one key of the plurality of keys of the
keyboard is placed at an angle that optimiZes use sub
stantially With thumbs pursuant to the user thumb typ
ing.
2. The messaging device of claim 1, Wherein the at least one

key of the plurality of keys is oblong shaped and the angle is
25

30

Turning to one of the software features that aids in the

about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees relative to vertical.

3. A messaging device, further comprising;
a keyboard integrated to the messaging device and having
a plurality of keys representing the letters of the alphabet
board integral to the messaging device, each of said
plurality of keys having a shape that alloWs for angular
orientation of the key and the plurality of keys compris

device 10 being optimally used for thumb typing is a capi

ing a left side set of keys positioned left of a keyboard
center and a right side set of keys positioned right of the

taliZation feature implemented via softWare. If a user

depresses a key 901, the operating system detects a key up
event. If upon a key doWn event, a period of time elapses
before a key up event is detected, the operating system deter
mines that a key repeat event has occurred representing a

keyboard center;
35

indicia associated With each of the plurality of keys,
Wherein the indicia is oriented normal to a longitudinal
axis of the device and each of the plurality of keys are
oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the

situation Where a user has continued to depress a key Without

releasing it. A key repeat event is then treated by application
softWare residing in either FLASH 600 or RAM 700 as an

40

event that requires the capitaliZation of the key previously

device; and
a display operatively coupled to the keyboard Wherein at
least one key of the plurality of keys of the keyboard is

depressed. This feature disables a key repeat feature and

oriented at an angle that optimiZes use substantially With
thumbs pursuant to user thumb typing.

substitutes instead a capitaliZation feature based upon a key

repeat. The timing of the key scanning to determine Whether
a key has been released can be set to permit a sloWer keyboard
response or a faster keyboard response, depending upon user

45

4. A messaging device comprising:
a keyboard integral to the message device and having plu

rality of keys representing the letters of the alphabet

experience or preferences. Although the capitaliZation func

board integral to the messaging device, each of said
plurality of keys having a shape that alloWs for angular
orientation of the key and the plurality of keys compris
ing a left side set of keys positioned left of a keyboard
center and a right side set of keys positioned right of the

tion preferably Works only to change the state of a letter to a

capital, it alternatively could operate to change a capital letter
to a loWer case letter. The actual display is changed by the

50

application program substituting the value of the capital letter
in the register that holds the value of the letter to be displayed.

keyboard center;

As alternatively implemented, the continued depressing With
out release of a letter key could result in a key oscillating
betWeen upper case and loWer case, depending on the length

of time the key is depressed.
FIG. 4 is the logic circuitry 1010 associated With thumb
Wheel 1000. ThumbWheel 1000 outputs quadrature signals
phase A 1021 and phase B 1022, Which are processed by D
?ip-?ops and 1032 to present signals 1041 W_UP and 1042
W_DN to microprocessor 300. Signals and 1042 represent,

55

60

respectively, a user rolling the thumbWheel up and rolling the
thumbWheel doWn.

Having described in detail the preferred embodiments of
the present invention, including the preferred methods of
operation, it is to be understood that this operation could be
carried out With different elements and steps. This preferred

indicia is positioned on each of keys, Wherein the indicia is
oriented normal to a longitudinal axis of the device and
each of the plurality of keys are oriented at an angle
relative to a longitudinal axis of the device; and
a display operatively coupled to the keyboard Wherein at
least one key of the plurality of keys of the keyboard is
oriented at an angle that optimiZes use substantially With
thumbs pursuant to user thumb typing.
5. A handheld electronic communication device, compris

ing:
a device housing having a left edge and a right edge;
65

a display; and

a keyboard having tWenty-six letter keys and at least one

other key,

US 7,629,964 B2
8

7
the letter keys being arranged in an upper roW including 10

16. The handheld device of any one of claims 5, 6 and 7 in
Which each of the letter keys is inclined relative to the hori
Zontal and the vertical.
17. The handheld device of any one of claims 5, 6 and 7 in
Which each of the letter keys on the left of the vertical line is
inclined at a negative angle relative to the vertical and each of
the letter keys on the right of vertical line is inclined at a

letter keys, a middle roW including 9 letter keys and a

loWer roW including 7 letter keys,
the letter keys in the upper roW being distributed from

adjacent the left edge to adjacent the right edge;
each letter key in the loWer roW being in substantial vertical
alignment With a letter key in the middle roW,
each letter key in the middle roW being in substantial ver
tical alignment With a letter key in the upper roW,
the keys in each of the roWs being disposed on the opposite
sides of a vertical reference line substantially midWay

positive angle relative to the vertical, each of the angles being
in the range of 20 to 70 degrees.
18. The handheld device of claim 5 including an auxiliary

betWeen the left edge and the right edge, the keys in each

input, and Wherein a displacement of the auxiliary input in

of the upper and middle roWs disposed such that half of

one direction provides a selecting signal and a displacement
in a different direction provides an executing signal.

the keys in each of the middle and upper roWs are on each

side of the vertical reference line, ?ve letter keys in the

19. A keyboard for use With a mobile communication

upper roW being disposed on each side of the vertical

device, the keyboard con?gured in a device housing having a
top surfaces the top surface having a left edge and a right edge
and being bisected by a vertical reference substantially mid
Way betWeen the left edge and the right edge,
the keyboard having tWenty-six letter keys and at least one

line, ?ve letter keys in the middle roW being disposed on
one side of the vertical reference line and four letter keys
in the middle roW being disposed on the other side of the
vertical reference line, and the keys in the loWer roW

20

being disposed such that four letter keys are disposed on
the one side of the vertical reference line and three letter
keys in the loWer roW are disposed on the other side of
the vertical reference line.
6. The device of claim 5 Wherein at least tWo of the roWs

have the same total number of keys, and the keys in each of
said tWo roWs are distributed from adjacent the left edge
across the top surface to adjacent the right edge.
7. The device of claim 5 Wherein in each of the upper,
middle and loWer roWs each letter key on the other side of the
vertical reference line is symmetrical relative to a respective

other key:
the tWenty six letter keys and the at least one other key
25

the letter keys in of the upper roW being distributed across

the top surface from adjacent the left edge to adjacent the

right edge,
30

letter key on the one side of the vertical line.
8. The device of any one of claims 5, 6 and 7 in Which the

9. The handheld device of claim 5 Wherein the housing has
a top surface and the display and keyboard are positioned on
the top surface.
10. The handheld device of any one of claims 5, 6 and 7 in

Which each of the letter keys is oblong.

35

each of the respective roWs roW are positioned to the
40

edge to the center of the key most closely adjacent the right

posed on one side of the vertical reference and four letter

keys in the middle roW being disposed on the other side
of the vertical reference, and four letter keys in the loWer
45

50

upper and middle roWs.

and middle roWs has the same total number of keys.
55

and Wherein in the middle roW four letter keys and an at least
one other key are positioned on the other side of the vertical
reference line.

22. The keyboard of claim 19 Wherein each of the letter

keys is oblong.
60

input device in one direction provides a selecting signal and a
displacement in a different direction provides an executing

23. The keyboard of claim 19 Wherein, in each of the upper,
middle and loWer roWs, the centers of all the keys in the roW

other than the key most closely adjacent the left edge of the
device and the key most closely adjacent the right edge of the

signal.

responsive to depressing of the thumbWheel.

21. The keyboard of claim 19 Wherein each of the letter
keys is longer on one direction than in a direction orthogonal
to the one direction.

14. The handheld device of claim 5 including an auxiliary

15. The handheld device of claim 14 Wherein the auxiliary
input device is a thumbWheel that produces a ?rst signal
responsive to rolling of the thumbWheel and a second signal

each letter key in the loWer roW being substantially verti
cally aligned With a respective letter key in each of the
20. The keyboard of claim 19 Wherein each of the upper

13. The handheld device of any of claims 5, 6 and 7 Wherein
the keys in the middle roW are arranged across the Width of the

input device, and Wherein a displacement of the auxiliary

roW being disposed on the one side of the vertical refer
ence line and three letter keys in the loWer roW being

disposed on the other side of the vertical reference line;
and

edge.
device from adjacent the left edge to adjacent the right edge,

upper roW being disposed on each side of the vertical

reference, ?ve letter keys in the middle roW being dis

the key most adjacent the right edge are displaced from, and
lie on the same side, of a straight line extending from the
center of the key of the roW most closely adjacent to the left

the keys in each of the upper, middle and loWer roWs being
arranged so that approximately half of the keys in each
of the respective roWs are positioned to the left of the
vertical reference and approximately half of the keys in

right of the vertical reference, ?ve letter keys in the

11. The handheld device of any one of claims 5, 6 and 7 in

Which each of the letter keys has a height greater than its
Width.
12. The handheld device of claim 5 Wherein, in each of the
upper, middle and loWer roWs, the centers of all the keys in the
roW other than the keys most closely adjacent the left edge and

a letter key in the middle roW being adjacent the left edge of
the housing and the keys in the middle roW being dis
tributed across the top surface of the housing from adja

cent the left edge to adjacent the right edge,

upper roW and the middle roW have the same total number of

keys.

being arranged in an upper roW, a middle roW, and a
loWer roW,

device are displaced from, and lie on the same side, of a
65

straight line extending from the center of the key of the roW
most closely adjacent to the left edge to the center of the key

most closely adjacent the right edge.

US 7,629,964 B2
9
24. The keyboard of claim 19 in Which at least tWo of the
roWs have the same number of total keys.
25. The keyboard of claim 19 Wherein in each of the upper,
middle and loWer roWs each letter key on a ?rst side of the
Vertical line is symmetrical relative to a letter key on an other

side of the Vertical line.

10
26. The keyboard of claim 19 Wherein the letter keys in
each of the upper, middle and loWer roWs are arranged in
respective arcs.