U.S. patent application number 11/465960 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for programmable keypad for sized optimized device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Sudhir Bhatia, Thomas Conticello, Alistair Hamilton, Shane MacGregor, Vanessa Rimando.
Application Number | 20060278715 11/465960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35063383 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060278715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamilton; Alistair ; et
al. |
December 14, 2006 |
PROGRAMMABLE KEYPAD FOR SIZED OPTIMIZED DEVICE
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate configuration
of a keypad by end users of the portable host device, via employing
a mapping component that can map individual keys of the keypad to
characters and/or functions predefined by a user (e.g., defined for
the host unit via a proprietary application/software). The
reconfigurable keypad of the present invention can provide for a
one touch access to special characters and/or performance of
predetermined functions designated by the user, and thus
facilitates performances of customized functions that can be unique
to the end users.
Inventors: |
Hamilton; Alistair; (Stony
Brook, NY) ; Rimando; Vanessa; (Forest Hills, NY)
; Bhatia; Sudhir; (Brooklyn, NY) ; Conticello;
Thomas; (St. James, NY) ; MacGregor; Shane;
(Forest Hills, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMIN, TUROCY & CALVIN, LLP
1900 EAST 9TH STREET, NATIONAL CITY CENTER
24TH FLOOR,
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville
NY
|
Family ID: |
35063383 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465960 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10903760 |
Jul 30, 2004 |
7124951 |
|
|
11465960 |
Aug 21, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/472.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0238
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/472.01 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
1. A portable unit comprising: a keypad assembly; and a data
collection component that scans a bar code which sets a
configuration of the keypad assembly to predefined functions based
on information from the bar code.
2. The portable unit of claim 1, further comprising a touch screen
that interfaces with the user that facilitates reconfiguration of a
key on the keypad assembly.
3. The portable unit of claim 1, further comprising a screen that
presents a map of a plurality of keys on the keypad assembly and
associated functionality.
4. The portable unit of claim 3, further comprising a mapping
component coupled with the keypad assembly, the mapping component
receives input with respect to the map presented upon the screen
and configures at least one key based at least in part upon the
received input.
5. The portable unit of claim 1, a key of the keypad assembly
performs a plurality of functions, each function based on a mode of
the portable unit.
6. The portable unit of claim 5, the mode of the portable unit is
predicted and set by empirical inferences.
7. The portable unit of claim 5, further comprising a modulator key
that switches among the plurality of functions assigned to the
key.
8. The portable unit of claim 1, the keypad assembly further
comprises: a printed circuit board positioned beneath a membrane
that comprises the plurality of keys; a top cover placed over the
membrane; and a bottom cover placed under the printed circuit
board, the top cover and the bottom cover define a common boundary
and encapsulates the printed circuit board and membrane.
9. The portable unit of claim 1, further comprising an artificial
intelligence component that adjusts a key to a user-desired
function.
10. The portable unit of claim 9, the artificial intelligence
component changes a function of a key on the keypad assembly in
view of an explicit and implicit training scheme.
11. A method for keypad customization of a host unit, comprising
the following acts: scanning a bar code; and reconfiguring keys on
the keypad based on information read from the scanned bar code.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displaying a
mapping between the keys and functionality of the keys on a
graphical user interface; receiving a reconfiguration scheme of the
functionality of the keys by way of the graphical user interface;
and mapping the reconfiguration scheme to the keys.
13. The method of claim 12, the receiving act further comprises
receiving input from a user via a touch screen.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising assigning a function
to a key based on observations of use of the host unit in a
specific context.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising illuminating a
surface of the keypad based on a mode of the host unit.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising uploading user
proprietary software into the host unit.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising storing user defined
functions in a memory of the host unit.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising illuminating the
keypad when a predetermined mode of operation for the host unit is
selected.
19. The method of claim 11, the information read from the scanned
bar code provide general instructions of reconfiguration.
20. A portable unit comprising: means for receiving information
from a bar code; and means for configuring a key on a keypad based
on the information received from the bar code.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/903,760, filed Jul. 30, 2004,
entitled "PROGRAMMABLE KEYPAD FOR SIZED OPTIMIZED DEVICE." The
entirety of which application is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods of
providing an ergonomic keypad for a portable device, and more
particularly to a keypad having keys that are configurable by an
end user for accommodation of specific character symbols and/or
user predefined functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Increasing advances in computer technology (e.g.,
microprocessor speed, memory capacity, data transfer bandwidth,
software functionality . . . ) have generally contributed to
increased computer application in various industries. Today,
portable hand held terminals users produce and manage large amounts
of data or information, as compared to their respective work load
in prior years. As such, portable hand held terminals are employed
in many different industries, and are typically assembled by
enclosing internal electrical components; such as keypads, a
central processing unit (CPU) board, display, and internal wiring,
within a housing made of plastic or another structural
material.
[0004] Generally, a desirable characteristic of such terminals is
that they can readily function, while a respective user performs
other more demanding tasks. For example, a user may find it
necessary to operate a data terminal with one hand, while leaving
the other hand free. In particular, the user may find it desirable
to lift or otherwise shift small items of inventory with one hand,
while simultaneously inputting data or scanning them with the
portable scanner held in the other hand.
[0005] Moreover, when employing the keypad for data input, the user
typically should be able to manipulate keys on the keypad with ease
and accuracy. Otherwise, the ensuing incompatibility can cause the
hand, finger and wrist movements of the user operator to be
somewhat strained, slowed, and even sometimes misdirected,
resulting in not only unwanted and undesired physical stress on the
operator, but also in undesired fatigue with resulting entry
errors. The results of such repetitive stress and errors while
manipulating the keypad on a portable terminal can cause unwanted
loss in time for correcting the errors, as well as a loss in
productivity through stress related injuries suffered by the
keyboard operator. Such injuries may be severe enough to render the
individual unemployable. For example, repetitive stroking of an
incompatible keypad can typically stress the wrists, elbows and
shoulders of an operator. As stated earlier, when continued over
long periods of time, this can lead to repetitive stress injuries,
such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a painful and oftentimes a
crippling ailment affecting the tendons and nerves in the person's
wrist area. Moreover, carpal tunnel syndrome is only one of several
musculoskeletal injuries, frequently being identified variously as
cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive strain injury, as well as
repetitive motion disorder.
[0006] At the same time there is a continuing desire to reduce size
of portable units. Such reduction in size can reduce the space
available to the keypad and the associated individual key members.
This can further hinder rapid and accurate data manipulation on a
keypad interface. In particular, the user/operator should be able
to enter information rapidly and accurately, and typically should
not be required to undergo extensive and time consuming training in
order to use the keypad arrangement for rapid data entry.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned
deficiencies associated with conventional devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention
in order to provide a basic understanding of one or more aspects of
the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical
elements of the invention, nor to delineate the scope of the
present invention. Rather, the sole purpose of this summary is to
present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a
prelude to the more detailed description that is presented
hereinafter.
[0009] The present invention provides for an ergonomic keypad that
can be customized according to a user's need, by employing a
mapping component that can map individual operation for keys of the
keypad, to correspond to functions and/or character display desired
by a user (e.g., user functions predefined via a proprietary
application/software). Such customized characters/functions can be
inputted by a user into a memory component of the portable device
hosting the keypad, and accessed (e.g., via an associated
processor) when so is required. For example a dedicated key on the
keypad provides a user access to a keypad mode, wherein a map of
the existing programmed characters/functions being linked to
various keys appear on a touch screen interface. The user can then
employ such touch screen interface to reconfigure functions of
individual keys of the keypad to desired character and/or
customized applications. The reconfigurable keypad of the present
invention can provide for a one touch access to special characters
and/or performance of predetermined functions designated by the
user, and thus facilitates performances of customized functions
that can be unique to the end users.
[0010] In a related aspect of the present invention, a function of
a key can be context sensitive and depend upon a mode that the
portable device is assigned. For example, should the portable
device be placed in a data collection mode (e.g., scanning)
pressing a key can provide for a different character/function, as
when the portable device is placed in a different mode, for example
for sending and receiving messages, such as an e-mail mode.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
number of alpha numerical keys on the keypad can be reduced, by
employing a modulator key that can switch characters assigned to a
key between two or more alternatives. In particular, when a user
holds a terminal with one hand, for example the left hand, the left
thumb can control the use of the modulator key, so as typing
occurs, a large surface area can be availed for fewer keys,
providing for a more accurate key manipulation. For example, the
number of alphabet characters appearing on the keypad can be
reduced (e.g., halved) by employing such modulator key. In
addition, the modulator key can be positioned on both sides of the
terminal for ambidextrous use. In a related aspect of the present
invention, in connection with identifying the required function
desired by the user, for example in a particular context, the
subject invention can employ various artificial intelligence based
schemes for carrying out various aspects thereof.
[0012] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully
described. The following description and the annexed drawings set
forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention.
However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various
ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the
invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings. To
facilitate the reading of the drawings, some of the drawings may
not have been drawn to scale from one figure to another or within a
given figure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of selected
components of a configurable keypad in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a keypad block diagram that employs an
artificial intelligence component in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 3(a) thru 3(c) illustrate exemplary handheld terminals
and/or keypads in accordance with various exemplary aspects of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary stack of keypad components
employed for fabricating a reconfigurable keypad of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary hand held scanner that can
host a reconfigurable keypad of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary methodology according to one
aspect of the present invention, for reconfiguring the keypad to
meet the unique requirements of the end user.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic exemplary representation of a
portable terminal according to one aspect of the present
invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may
be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing the present invention.
[0021] The present invention provides for systems and methods that
enable customizing an ergonomic keypad according to a user's need,
by employing a mapping component, which can map individual
operation for keys of the keypad, to correspond to functions and/or
character display desired by a user. Accordingly, as used in this
application, the terms "component" and "system" are intended to
also refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a
combination of hardware and software, software, or software in
execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to
being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an
executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration, both an application running on a server and
the server can be a component. One or more components can reside
within a process and/or thread of execution and a component can be
localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more
computers. It is to be appreciated that filters, subfilters, filter
managers, classifiers, models, order groups and other various items
are components.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 100 of
selected components employed as part of a hand held terminal with a
configurable keypad in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention. The hand held terminal(s) (described in detail infra)
can includes an operating system, an access log recorder, an access
log recording file and an access or application process, which
starts its operation after user's certification process. Such hand
held terminal can further includes data capture mechanism(s) (not
shown) such as bar code scanning, image capture camera, radio
frequency identification (RFID), bar code decoding imager, manual
input feature and the like. The block diagram 100 can include a
keypad mapping component 120 that can map a predetermined character
(and/or function) 140 to an individual key (not shown) of the
keypad 110. The mapping component 120 can interface with a user via
a touch screen (not shown), and can be part of the keypad assembly,
or part of the hand held terminal host device itself. Also, the
processor 130 can be programmed to control and operate the various
components within the arrangement 100 in order to carry out the
various functions desired by the user to be mapped to the keypad
110. As such, various user defined characteristics that can be
unique to operation of the end user can be incorporated into the
keypad, via reconfiguration of individual keys.
[0023] For example, the portable device can be employed in Europe,
wherein the individual key representing the character for the
dollar currency symbol ($), can be reconfigured such that pressing
its key will now represent the symbol for the Euro currency.
Similarly, the portable device hosting such keypad can be
customized to local languages that the portable device is employed
therein. As such, need for custom designs/products can be mitigated
as the ability to customize the product is inherent in the portable
device's functionality.
[0024] In a related aspect of the present invention, such
programming and/or reconfiguration of the keys associated with the
keypad 110, can also correspond to predetermined functions
specified by a user within a predefined context. For example, a
predefined context can be a data collection mode (e.g., scanning).
In such scanning mode, pressing a specific key, for example the
pound key "#" can trigger a laser scan, or scanning at a
predetermined scanning angle. At the same time, when the portable
device is placed in a communication mode, pressing the pound key
"#" can correspond to another function, for example sending an
e-mail. Such context dependency of key functions can increase
versatility when employing the portable device hosting a keypad
according to the present invention.
[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, context
dependency can also be a function of the environment that the
portable device is being used therein. For example, the portable
device can be employed in a local area network (LAN) or within a
wide area network (WAN). Also, the connection between various
components of the system (e.g. terminals, network computers,
servers, and the like) can be wireless and/or hard wired.
Accordingly, the environment wherein the portable device is
operating can also affect functions associated with individual keys
on the keypad, as predetermined by a user.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a related aspect of the present
invention is illustrated wherein, in connection with identifying a
required function desired by the user, for example in a particular
context, the subject invention can employ various artificial
intelligence component(s) 200 based schemes for carrying out
various aspects thereof. For example, a process for learning
explicitly or implicitly when a specific character should be
assigned to a particular key in a specific context, can be
facilitated via an automatic classification system and process.
Classification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-based
analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to
prognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automatically
performed. For example, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier
can be employed. Other exemplary classification approaches that can
also be employed include; Bayesian networks, decision trees, and
probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of
independence. Classification as used herein also is inclusive of
statistical regression that is utilized to develop models of
priority. Accordingly, the subject invention can employ classifiers
that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generic training data) as
well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing user behavior,
receiving extrinsic information). Thus, the classifier can
automatically return an answer to a question based on predetermined
criteria. For example, with respect to SVM's, the SVM's can be
configured via a learning or training phase within a classifier
constructor and feature selection module. A classifier is a
function that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4,
xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class--that is,
f(x)=confidence (class).
[0027] In addition, the mapping component of the present invention
can assign multiple functions to a particular key, wherein the
key's function can be defined depending on the context of activity
or action to be performed by the end user. Also, in a related
aspect based on an inference of the AI component 200, the system
can determine the upcoming context(s) of the activities of the end
user, to assign the suitable functionality for each key. As used
herein, the term "inference" refers generally to the process of
reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment,
and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events
and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific
context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over
states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic--that is,
the computation of a probability distribution over states of
interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can
also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events
from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the
construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events
and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated
in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come
from one or several event and data sources. The keypad assembly can
then switch to the suitable mode, to perform function desired by
the end user.
[0028] In a related aspect the present invention, a mapping of each
key member to a particular function and/or character can be
performed via scanning an identification bar code by the scanner of
the portable unit hosting the keypad of the present invention.
Accordingly, keys on the keypad of the host unit can be set
according to a predefined configuration, and to correspond to
various functions/characters simply by scanning a predetermined bar
code, which identifies particular functions/character for the
mapping component.
[0029] FIG. 3(a) illustrates an example of a handheld terminal 300
in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The handheld
terminal 300 includes a housing 310 which can be constructed from a
high strength plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. The
handheld terminal 300 includes a display 315. The handheld terminal
300 further includes user input keypad 330 for allowing a user to
input information and/or operational commands. The user input
keypad 330 can include a modulator key 370 that when actuated can
switch between characters assigned to an individual key. For
example, if after pressing the modulator key 370, the key 375 is
pressed the character "B" can appear. Alternatively, if key 375 is
pressed without having pressed modulator key 370 immediately prior
thereto, then the character "A" can appear. In a related aspect, to
create the character "B", the modulator key 370 can be held in a
pressed position, while at the same time key 375 is pressed. As
such, the number of alpha numerical keys on the keypad 330 can be
reduced, by employing the modulator key 370 that can switch
characters assigned to a key between two or more alternatives. In
particular, when a user holds the portable terminal 300 with one
hand, for example the right hand, the right thumb can control the
use of the modulator key, so that while typing occurs a large
surface area can be availed for fewer keys, providing for a more
accurate key manipulation. In addition, the modulator key 370 can
be positioned on both sides of the portable terminal 300 for
ambidextrous use. Various repeat key functions can also be
employed.
[0030] The portable terminal 300 can also include a display 315
functions to display data or other information relating to ordinary
operation of the handheld terminal 300 and/or mobile companion. For
example, software operating on the handheld terminal 300 and/or
mobile companion may provide for the display of various functions
requested by the user to be mapped by a mapping component (not
shown) to desired keys on the keypad 330. Additionally, the display
315 may display a variety of functions that are executable by the
handheld terminal 300 and/or one or more mobile companion(s) 350.
The display 315 can provide for a touch screen interface for
customization of specific graphics and/or language selection, to be
mapped to individual keys on the keypad 330. Such touch screen
interface can employ capacitive, resistive touch, infrared, surface
acoustic wave, or grounded acoustic wave technology.
[0031] The handheld terminal 300 can also include a magnetic strip
reader 340 or other data capture mechanism (not shown). The
magnetic strip reader 340 can receive magnetic tags associated with
specific functions that a user requires to be uploaded in to the
memory of the portable unit, and that can correspond a specific
function/character to a particular key on the keypad 330.
[0032] The handheld terminal 300 can also include a window (not
shown) in which a bar code reader/bar coding imager is able to read
a bar code label, or the like, presented to the handheld terminal
300. The handheld terminal 300 can include a LED (not shown) that
is illuminated to reflect whether the bar code has been properly or
improperly read. Alternatively, or additionally, a sound may be
emitted from a speaker (not shown) to alert the user that the bar
code has been successfully imaged and decoded. The handheld
terminal 300 also includes an antenna (not shown) for wireless
communication with an RF access point; and an IR transceiver (not
shown) for communication with an IR access point.
[0033] The keypad 330 can include a top cover and a bottom cover
that can be over molded around a common boundary. In one aspect of
the present invention, the top cover and the bottom cover can
sandwich a plurality of associated keypad components (e.g., flex
members, electro luminous panel, a silicone membrane with a
plurality of keys thereupon printed circuit boards, LEDs, and the
like). The common boundary can be formed by a surface area and/or
line perimeter common to the top cover and the bottom cover, (e.g.
a contact surface between top and bottom cover, a surface
encapsulating the keypad components, edges of the stacked
components and the like.) Typically, materials employed for
fabricating the keypad's 330 top cover and bottom cover can include
various types of polycarbonates, thermoset plastics, thermoformed
plastic, and typically material that are capable of over molding to
provide a suitable bondage between the top cover and the bottom
cover. Such suitable bondage can for example be capable of
supplying a sealed keypad assembly that mitigates presence of
external contaminants in the device. Moreover, the top cover can be
fabricated with a transparent quality to provide for visual
notification by illuminating a certain color or brightness on the
keypad surface, when for example the modulator key 370 has been
actuated.
[0034] Moreover, if during operation the user initiates a mode that
assigns predetermined functions to specific keys, or changes a
normal operation mode for the unit by pressing a predetermined key,
then a portion of the keypad can illuminate via LED(s), as to alert
a user of the selected mode of operation. By observing the
illuminating color or brightness on the keypad surface, a user can
readily ascertain the mode selected for the unit and prepare
accordingly. In particular, when actuation of the key changes a
keypad's standard alphanumerical designations that keypads are
conventionally programmed for operation therewith. Accordingly, a
user may be dumbfounded if not alerted to such alterations in the
function of the keypad. To mitigate such ambiguity, the keypad 330
of the present invention can provide a visual notification by
illuminating a certain color or brightness on the keypad surface.
Moreover, various audio heralds, alone or in combination with the
visual alerts can be employed for alerting a user that a particular
key has been actuated. Likewise, FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c) depict other
exemplary illustrations of keypad(s) with modulator keys 393, 395
that can incorporate the above described features, in accordance
with the present invention. It is to be appreciated that other
configurations for the keypad and key designations for the
modulator key are possible, and are within the realm of the present
invention. Moreover, any suitable device (e.g., personal data
assistant (PDA), miniature portable communications and/or scanning
device, regular portable communications and/or scanning device,
etc.) for carrying out the invention as described herein can be
employed.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary stack of keypad components
employed for fabricating a re-configurable stand alone keypad 400
of the present invention. Such stack can be packed or sandwiched
between a top cover 410 and a bottom cover 480 that are over molded
alongside a common boundary (445, 435) to create a sealed keypad
assembly unit 400. The packed stack can include a silicone membrane
440 placed on top of an electro luminous panel 430, which in turn
overlies a printed circuit board 447 with a flex member 460 hanging
over sides thereof. The silicone membrane 440 can contain the
individual keys 415 positioned thereupon, which protrude out of the
top cover 410 via orifices therein. Each key 415 can have a curved
upper surface for optimum thumb tangency, and the individual keys
are sufficiently spaced apart so as not to interfere with actuating
any one key. Entering variable data via the keypad to a host unit
is similar to operating a calculator.
[0036] In addition dome shaped switch projections (not shown) are
positioned at the bottom portion of each key, and are displaced
between individual keys and the printed circuit board 447. When
assembled, the contact projection of a corresponding dome switch at
the bottom of each key aligns with a designated contact point (not
shown) on the printed circuit board 447. When a key is pressed, its
corresponding dome switch actually touches the designated contact
point on the printed circuit board 447 to complete an electrical
circuit, and generate an input signal. When the user releases a
pressure on the key, the dome switch and key restore to their
original positions. The dome switches are selected from a material
having a predetermined degree of elasticity such that the dome
switches can return to their original shape after the user
withdraws from pressing on the keys. The electro luminous panel 430
can be a thin plastic component that can glow when a current is
applied thereto, and is positioned beneath the silicone membrane
440.
[0037] As illustrated, the top cover 410 and bottom cover 480 can
define a common perimeter extending around the keypad assembly,
which can be subsequently over molded (445, 435) to create a sealed
keypad assembly unit 400. The packed stack between the top cover
410 and the bottom cover 480 can include: a printed circuit board
447 with a flex member 460 that can be an extension thereof, an
electro luminous panel 430, and a silicone membrane with a
plurality of keys thereupon. The top cover 410 can include a
plurality of orifices wherein the keys 415 poke there through. The
printed circuit board 447 can be connected to an inner surface of
the bottom plastic cover 480 via an adhesive, or can also be insert
molded therein. The projecting flex member 460 can bend and attach
to an outer surface (facing the host unit) of the bottom cover 480,
to provide connection to the mapping component that can be
positioned in the host unit.
[0038] It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that a
variety of different wire patterns and metal strips can be selected
in order to achieve the desired connections with the host device.
Also, conducting metal lines on such flex member 460 can be formed
by printing, etching, or any other suitable method.
[0039] The reconfigurable keypad of the present invention can be
employed in a variety of electrical or electronic device that can
require entry of a user's input via pressing alpha, alphanumerical
designations or keys thereon. Examples of such devices can include,
palm pilots, mobile phones, telephones, faxes, computers, mini
computers, scanners, terminals, and the like. One particular device
that can incorporate such keypad is illustrated in FIG. 5.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary hand held scanner is
illustrated that can host a reconfigurable keypad of the present
invention. The host terminal 505 includes a display 506 for
displaying information. The display 506 can be a touch screen and
may employ capacitive, resistive touch, infrared, surface acoustic
wave, or grounded acoustic wave technology. Furthermore, the
display 506 can be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube (CRT),
field emission device (FED, also called flat panel CRT) or any
other display device suitable for creating graphic images and
alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. The host terminal
505 further includes an over molded keypad 507, which is placed as
a stand alone unit to enter information concerning modes of
operation of the mobile terminal and can be configured by the end
user to provide for unique applications predetermined by the end
user, via employing a mapping component, as described in detail
supra.
[0040] As shown, the portable bar code scanner 505 is configured to
be held with the palm of a user's hand, and various keys on its
self contained keypad 507 can be engaged by thumb or fingers of the
hand holding the housing. The user aims the window 508 at a desired
indicia to be read and presses the trigger 509 that activates the
reader unit. Display unit 506 can be employed to display
information relating to a mode of operation of the electronic unit,
or display check information relating to an item being read by an
optical scanner (not shown) located in the electronic unit. The bar
code scanner 505 can be employed in a wireless communication
network for tracking inventory, storing data, etc. Typically, no
cables can be required to connect the scanner apparatus to a
computer device, thereby further reducing its weight and consequent
fatigue, and eliminating the inefficiencies caused by entanglement
with such cables. Moreover, its size allows easy access to
difficult scanning locations. The scanner 505 provides rapid key
entry and reading of displayed information, providing the operator
with real time data so that decisions and actions can be quickly
implemented. A user can input and/or process data via keypad,
scanner element, etc. independent of the hand-held terminal 505
being connected to a communication network, for example a LAN or a
WAN. When hand-held terminal 505 does not include a transceiver to
provide for real time communications, the data can be stored in
memory within the hand-held terminal 505. Accordingly, should the
hand-held terminal 505 subsequently be connected to a network,
stored data can be downloaded to a host computer (not shown).
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology 600 according to one aspect
of the present invention, for reconfiguring the keypad to meet the
unique requirements of the end user, in accordance with an aspect
of the present invention. Initially, and at 610 a re-configuration
mode is initiated for the keypad. Such initiation can for example
be in the form of actuating a particular key, such as the "Star"
key on the keypad. Next, and at 620 the user is provided with an
interface for interacting with the mapping component of the host
unit. For example, the user can interface with the mapping
component via a touch screen, as described in detail supra. The
user can also upload various proprietary software, function
designations and the like, to facilitate unique activities of the
user. Such can define the reconfiguration scheme for the host unit
at 630, to be employed by the mapping component for a mapping
scheme to individual keys at 640. Thereafter, the host device
employing the keypad of the present invention can be used to
activate specific functions and/or keys at 650 to obtain user
defined outcomes at 660.
[0042] While the exemplary method is illustrated and described
herein as a series of blocks representative of various events
and/or acts, the present invention is not limited by the
illustrated ordering of such blocks. For instance, some acts or
events may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
acts or events, apart from the ordering illustrated herein, in
accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated
blocks, events or acts, may be required to implement a methodology
in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, it will be
appreciated that the exemplary method and other methods according
to the invention may be implemented in association with the method
illustrated and described herein, as well as in association with
other systems and apparatus not illustrated or described.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 7, a schematic representation according
to one aspect of the present invention is shown in which a
processor 705 is responsible for controlling the general and/or
reconfiguration operation of a handheld terminal and/or mobile
companion 700. The processor 705 is programmed to control and
operate the various components within the handheld terminal and/or
mobile companion 700 in order to carry out the various functions
described herein. The processor or CPU 705 can be any of a
plurality of suitable processors. The manner in which the processor
705 can be programmed to carry out the functions relating to the
present invention will be readily apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art based on the description provided herein.
[0044] A memory 710 tied to the processor 705 is also included in
the handheld terminal and/or mobile companion 700 and serves to
store program code executed by the processor 705 for carrying out
operating functions of the handheld terminal and/or mobile
companion 700 as described herein. The memory 710 also serves as a
storage medium for temporarily storing information such as user
defined functions and the like. The memory 710 is adapted to store
a complete set of the information to be displayed. According to one
aspect, the memory 710 has sufficient capacity to store multiple
sets of information, and the processor 705 could include a program
for alternating or cycling between various sets of display
information.
[0045] A display 715 is coupled to the processor 705 via a display
driver system 718. The display 715 can be a liquid crystal display
(LCD) or the like. The display 715 functions to display data or
other information relating to ordinary operation of the handheld
terminal and/or mobile companion 700. For example, the display 715
may display suggested configurations for the keypad in a particular
context, which is displayed to the operator and may be transmitted
over a system backbone (not shown).
[0046] Additionally, the display 715 may display a variety of
functions that control the execution of the handheld terminal
and/or mobile companion 700. The display 715 is capable of
displaying both alphanumeric and graphical characters. Power is
provided to the processor 705 and other components forming the
handheld terminal and/or mobile companion 700 by at least one
battery 720. In the event that the battery(s) 720 fails or becomes
disconnected from handheld terminal and/or mobile companion 700, a
supplemental power source 727 can be employed to provide power to
the processor 705. The handheld terminal and/or mobile companion
700 may enter a minimum current draw of sleep mode upon detection
of a battery failure.
[0047] The handheld terminal and/or mobile companion 700 includes a
communication subsystem 725 that includes a data communication port
728, which is employed to interface the processor 705 with the
network via the host computer. The handheld terminal and/or mobile
companion 700 also optionally includes an RF section 770 connected
to the processor 705. The RF section 770 includes an RF receiver
775, which receives RF transmissions from the network for example
via an antenna 771 and demodulates the signal to obtain digital
information modulated therein. The RF section 770 also includes an
RF transmitter 775 for transmitting information to a computer on
the network, for example, in response to an operator input at a
operator input device 750 (e.g., keypad, touch screen) or the
completion of a transaction. Peripheral devices, such as a printer
755, signature pad 760, magnetic strip reader 765, and data capture
device 772 can also be coupled to the handheld terminal and/or
mobile companion 700 through the processor 705. The handheld
terminal and/or mobile companion 700 can also include a tamper
resistant grid 775 to provide for secure payment transactions. If
the handheld terminal and/or mobile companion 700 is employed as
payment terminal, it can be loaded with a special operating system.
Moreover, if the handheld terminal and/or mobile companion 700 is
employed as a general purpose terminal, it can be loaded with a
general purpose operating system.
[0048] Although the invention has been shown and described with
respect to certain illustrated aspects, it will be appreciated that
equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others
skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this
specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the
various functions performed by the above described components
(assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms
(including a reference to a "means") used to describe such
components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated,
to any component which performs the specified function of the
described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even
though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure,
which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary
aspects of the invention. In this regard, it will also be
recognized that the invention includes a system as well as a
computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions
for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods of the
invention.
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