Programmable keypad for sized optimized device

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided that facilitate configuration of a keypad by end users of the portable host device, via employing a mapping component that can map individual keys of the keypad to characters and/or functions predefined by a user (e.g., defined for the host unit via a proprietary application/software). The reconfigurable keypad of the present invention can provide for a one touch access to special characters and/or performance of predetermined functions designated by the user, and thus facilitates performances of customized functions that can be unique to the end users.

1 . A portable unit comprising: 
 a keypad assembly; and    a data collection component that scans a bar code which sets a configuration of the keypad assembly to predefined functions based on information from the bar code.    
   
   
       2 . The portable unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a touch screen that interfaces with the user that facilitates reconfiguration of a key on the keypad assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The portable unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a screen that presents a map of a plurality of keys on the keypad assembly and associated functionality.  
   
   
       4 . The portable unit of  claim 3 , further comprising a mapping component coupled with the keypad assembly, the mapping component receives input with respect to the map presented upon the screen and configures at least one key based at least in part upon the received input.  
   
   
       5 . The portable unit of  claim 1 , a key of the keypad assembly performs a plurality of functions, each function based on a mode of the portable unit.  
   
   
       6 . The portable unit of  claim 5 , the mode of the portable unit is predicted and set by empirical inferences.  
   
   
       7 . The portable unit of  claim 5 , further comprising a modulator key that switches among the plurality of functions assigned to the key.  
   
   
       8 . The portable unit of  claim 1 , the keypad assembly further comprises: 
 a printed circuit board positioned beneath a membrane that comprises the plurality of keys;    a top cover placed over the membrane; and    a bottom cover placed under the printed circuit board, the top cover and the bottom cover define a common boundary and encapsulates the printed circuit board and membrane.    
   
   
       9 . The portable unit of  claim 1 , further comprising an artificial intelligence component that adjusts a key to a user-desired function.  
   
   
       10 . The portable unit of  claim 9 , the artificial intelligence component changes a function of a key on the keypad assembly in view of an explicit and implicit training scheme.  
   
   
       11 . A method for keypad customization of a host unit, comprising the following acts: 
 scanning a bar code; and    reconfiguring keys on the keypad based on information read from the scanned bar code.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 displaying a mapping between the keys and functionality of the keys on a graphical user interface;    receiving a reconfiguration scheme of the functionality of the keys by way of the graphical user interface; and    mapping the reconfiguration scheme to the keys.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , the receiving act further comprises receiving input from a user via a touch screen.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising assigning a function to a key based on observations of use of the host unit in a specific context.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising illuminating a surface of the keypad based on a mode of the host unit.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising uploading user proprietary software into the host unit.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising storing user defined functions in a memory of the host unit.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising illuminating the keypad when a predetermined mode of operation for the host unit is selected.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 11 , the information read from the scanned bar code provide general instructions of reconfiguration.  
   
   
       20 . A portable unit comprising: 
 means for receiving information from a bar code; and    means for configuring a key on a keypad based on the information received from the bar code.