Importance

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Abstract

A hand-held thumb-actuated ergonomic keyboard input device for use with a coupled electronic system such as a selector on a portable telephone. The device includes a housing which incorporates a hand-grippable portion that permits the device to be held in one hand with the thumb free to move at least temporarily to a predetermined key-actuation position. In other words, the grippable portion allows the device to be securely held with the fingers and with the thumb-free. A keyboard cluster is provided on the device in a concavity in the housing. The keyboard is located at the predetermined thumb-accessible key-actuation position and includes a key arrangement which allows the thumb to selectively actuate individual keys. Only slight gestural movements of the thumb are required to actuate individual keys on the keyboard. The gestural movements include mixed lateral and endo translation of the thumb within the keyboard concavity. The keyboard is particularly useful on devices such as portable telephones where two-hand actuation is sometimes difficult.

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First Claim