KEYBOARDS WITH BOTH INDIVIDUAL AND COMBINATION KEY OUTPUT

摘要

Input feedback is provided in a device having a keyboard (252) with a matrix of independent keys (254) having associated switches arranged in rows and columns, wherein combinations of diagonally adjacent keys are associated with combination key (256) outputs. One method includes scanning for activated keys, providing provisional output (111) to user indicating that the activated key has been registered; continuing to scan the matrix (114); and, in response to activation of an adjacent key prior to release of the first activated key, providing final output (124) to the user indicating that a combination of the first and adjacent keys has been registered, to the exclusion of the provisional output. Another method features driving the rows in adjacent pairs while examining the columns for switch activation; and, in response to detecting switch activation in two adjacent columns while driving the rows in adjacent pairs, determining a combination key output.