Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-10-23
Liang, Regina (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S169000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307537
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multifunction key for use with a portable device, such as a mobile telephone, a portable CD or MD player, or a portable game machine, which prevents simultaneous pressing of keys, to thereby improve operability.
In order to improve the operability of a portable device, such as a portable telephone, a cordless telephone, a portable CD or MD player, or portable game, or a like, a single key is employed so as to enable the user to issue a plurality of operation instructions by actuation of a single key. Such a single key is called a multifunction key, and examples of a conventional multifunction key are shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18
.
A multifunction key “a” shown in
FIG. 17
enables entry of six different operation instructions; i.e., an up instruction, a down instruction, a left instruction, a right instruction, a call instruction, and a function (F) instruction, by actuation of a single multifunction key.
The call instruction and the function (F) instruction are performed by pressing the multifunction key “a” for a relatively longer period of time.
A multifunction key “b” shown in
FIG. 18
is arranged so as to be enable the user to input four different operation instructions; i.e., an up instruction, a down instruction, a left instruction, and a right instruction, by actuation of a single multifunction key.
Each of the multifunction keys “a” and “b” shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18
enables entry of a plurality of different operation instructions. A plurality of operation instructions can be issued by actuation of only a single multifunction key, thus improving operability of a portable device.
However, the multifunction keys “a” and “b” shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18
suffer the following problems.
In order to execute the operation instruction entered by means of the multifunction key “a” or “b”; for example, a call origination instruction or a re-dialing instruction, another key spaced apart from the multifunction key “a” or “b” must be actuated by use of a finger. Thus, a key other than the multifunction key “a” or “b” must be actuated every time an operation instruction is to be issued, thus deteriorating the operability of the portable device.
In association with a reduction in the size and weight of the portable devices, the multifunction keys “a” and “b” themselves have become smaller. When the small-sized multifunction key “a” or “b” is actuated so as to select one from the operation instructions assigned to the multifunction key, an undesired operation instruction may also be selected and actuated in addition to a predetermined operation instruction by two-stage pressing action.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been conceived in view of the foregoing problem, and the object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction key for use with a portable device which enables the user to select an operation instruction and execute (i.e., determine) the thus-selected operation instruction without involvement of release of a finger from a single multifunction key and which prevents a faulty operation, which would otherwise be caused by selection of an unintended operation instruction through two-stage pressing action, thus ensuring superior operability.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a multifunction key for use with a portable device comprising: a case having a hole formed therein; a multifunction key actuation section which is fitted into the hole and can be pivotally moved in a thicknesswise direction of the case, to thereby input a plurality of different operation instructions; another hole formed so as to penetrate through the multifunction key actuation section in the thicknesswise direction of the case; and an execution key actuation section which is fitted into the latter hole and determines the operation instruction entered by way of the multifunction key actuation section when being pressed in the thicknesswise direction of the case.
Preferably, projecting faulty-operation prevention members are formed at respective areas where support pins for pivotally supporting the multifunction key actuation section are provided, and when the execution key actuation section is pressed in the thicknesswise direction of the case, the faulty-operation prevention members prevent the multifunction key actuation section from being pressed in the thicknesswise direction of the case.
Preferably, a tapered section is formed in the multifunction key actuation section into which the execution key actuation section is fitted, to thereby prevent the user's finger from touching the multifunction key actuation section during the course of actuation of the execution key actuation section.
Preferably, pressing force required for actuation of a metal dome by way of a rubber key when the execution key actuation section is pressed in the thicknesswise direction of the case is set so as to be greater than pressing force required for actuation of metal domes by way of the rubber key when the multifunction key actuation section is pressed in the thicknesswise direction of the case.
Therefore, the multifunction key for use with a portable device according to the present invention eliminates a necessity for actuating another key spaced apart from the multifunction key in order to execute an operation instruction and can prevent a faulty operation, thus yielding an advantage of improved operability of the portable device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5252952 (1993-10-01), Frank et al.
patent: 5404152 (1995-04-01), Nagai
patent: 5504502 (1996-04-01), Arita et al.
patent: 5543592 (1996-08-01), Gaultier et al.
patent: 0540147 (1993-05-01), None
patent: 4-21035 (1992-02-01), None
patent: 6-9024 (1994-02-01), None
patent: 6-331873 (1994-12-01), None
patent: 7-245042 (1995-09-01), None
patent: 8-6714 (1996-01-01), None
Angotti Donna
Kyocera Corporation
Liang Regina
Lutzker Joel E.
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
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