Cluster key arrangement

Abstract

A cluster key arrangement may be mechanically configured or electronically configured. The cluster key arrangement may include twelve cluster keys configured in an arrangement of three columns by four rows, such as conventionally found on standard telephones. The cluster key arrangement may also be configured for use or cellular/mobile telephones, television remote controls, other handheld data entry devices, automotive controls, desktop/wall-mounted/cordless telephones, combination telephone recorders, Personal Digital Assistants, and other electronic devices. The mechanically or electronically configured cluster, keys provide a user with the ability to select one of a plurality of key elements representing numbers, letters, symbols, functions, etc., in a mutually exclusive manner.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A cluster key arrangement comprising: 
 a cluster key means including a primary key means and at least one secondary key means; and,    switching means enabling a user to select said primary key means or said at least one secondary key means in a mutually exclusive manner.    
     
     
         2 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein said cluster key arrangement is mechanically configured.  
     
     
         3 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said primary key means and said at least one secondary key means are constructed from material having a large range of hardness to provide positive tactile feedback to a user.  
     
     
         4 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said primary key means includes a dome shaped or convex button profile.  
     
     
         5 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said primary key means includes a trough or concave profile.  
     
     
         6 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said primary key means is labelled with a number, an asterisk symbol, or a pound sign.  
     
     
         7 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said primary key means has a top view which is shaped circularly, ellipsoidally, pentagonally, hexagonally, heptagonally, or octagonally.  
     
     
         8 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , further comprising twelve cluster key means configured in an arrangement of three columns by four rows.  
     
     
         9 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one secondary key means has a rectangular, trapezoidal, or semi-circular shape with a concave arcuate profile.  
     
     
         10 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one secondary key means is labelled with a function designation, a letter, or a character symbol.  
     
     
         11 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 2 , in combination with a remote telephone comprising a housing, a speaker, a microphone, and an antenna.  
     
     
         12 . A combination according to  claim 11 , wherein said housing includes a liquid crystal display.  
     
     
         13 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein said cluster key arrangement is electronically configured.  
     
     
         14 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 13 , further comprising an integrated pressure sensing element.  
     
     
         15 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 13  further, comprising a p-i-n junction amorphous silicon solar cell with two conductive transparent coatings.  
     
     
         16 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 13 , further comprising a conductive grid.  
     
     
         17 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 13 , wherein said cluster key arrangement is electronically configured in the, form of a touch screen liquid crystal display.  
     
     
         18 . A combination according to  claim 17 , wherein said primary key means have a circular, ellipsoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal image and said at least one secondary key means have a rectangular, trapezoidal, or semi-circular image.  
     
     
         19 . A combination according to  claim 17 , wherein said liquid crystal display is further mildly textured to facilitate tactile feedback.  
     
     
         20 . A combination according to  claim 17 , wherein said touch screen liquid crystal display includes an upper glass sheet, a lower glass sheet, and a thin layer of liquid crystal material sandwiched between the upper glass sheet and the lower glass sheet.  
     
     
         21 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 17 , wherein said touch screen liquid crystal display is an active matrix thin film transistor display.  
     
     
         22 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 17 , in combination with a palmtop computer based personal digital assistant having a color touch screen liquid crystal display with built-in functions of a cellular telephone resulting in a combination personal digital assistant and cellular telephone that has a display area which provides for a long talk/useage time per battery charge.  
     
     
         23 . A combination according to  claim 22 , further comprising a mechanical cluster key configuration.  
     
     
         24 . A cluster key arrangement according to  claim 17 , in combination with a remote telephone comprising a housing, a speaker, a microphone, and an antenna.  
     
     
         25 . A combination according to  claim 24 , wherein said housing includes a power switch and a mode switch.  
     
     
         26 . A combination according to  claim 24 , wherein said touch screen liquid crystal display further comprises an active matrix thin film transistor display  
     
     
         27 . A combination according to  claim 26 , further comprising a layer of i-type semiconductor disposed between a layer of p-type semiconductor and a layer of n-type semiconductor.  
     
     
         28 . A combination according to  claim 27 , further comprising two conductive transparent coatings of tin oxide or indium tin oxide to provide two layers, wherein said layers are capable of being combined in series to provide a trickle charge.