Taylor D Woloszynski

US Patent:

20110187647, Aug 4, 2011

Filed:

Feb 4, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/658160

Inventors:

Charles Howard Woloszynski - Vienna VA, US
Taylor Duong Woloszynski - Vienna VA, US
Samantha Duong Woloszynski - Vienna VA, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/041
G06F 3/02

US Classification:

345168, 345173

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for user input on a handheld device with a virtual keyboard using secondary surfaces. On the primary surface of the device (e.g., front), the user interacts via touch sensors and a display element. Secondary surfaces (e.g., back) include additional touch sensors through which the user can also provide input. The display element is used to present information appropriate to the device's function (e.g., email messages) and control elements, including a virtual keyboard. The user interacts with the touch sensors on the first surface to bring up the virtual keyboard. Once displayed, the user can interact with this keyboard using either the primary surface or secondary surfaces. When used on appropriately sized device, the user can hold the device with the palms and thumbs of both hands and use their fingers on the touch sensors on the secondary surfaces to type. The selection of a key on the virtual keyboard is accomplished the combination of contacts made on the touch sensors on the secondary surfaces. The selected key, or region of the keyboard, is visually indicated on the front surface. Input of the keystroke is recorded when the user removes their touch from certain touch sensors on the secondary surfaces.