RIM Files Patent for an Angular Keyboard for Mobile Devices

Research in Motion (RIM) is reportedly developing a new type of keyboard for its BlackBerry handsets. The new keyboard will apparently make texting a simpler task for people.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently discovered a patent application filed on behalf of RIM. The application described an “angular keyboard” where the keys are placed at a 45-degree angle to the base of the unit.

According to RIM, the latest keyboard will not only lessen pull on the hands and thumbs for extended typing sessions, but will also incorporate more easily struck keys rather than the conventionally right-angled keyboards on most larger smartphones.

The description of the concept from the document filed by RIM is as below:

Wireless handheld mobile communication device including a housing with a display above a keyboard exposed for user actuation. A length of the device is greater than the width. Each key of a right-hand keyfield has a longitudinal axis oriented at a left-to-right inclined angle while each key of a left-hand keyfield has a longitudinal axis oriented at a right-to-left inclined angle from the vertical centerline. A left boundary of the keyboard is located adjacent the left lateral side edge of the device and the right boundary of the keyboard is located adjacent the right lateral side edge of the device so that the keyboard spans a substantial entirety of the width of the device.

Though RIM has not yet employed the patent in a finalized product, it has created version for a number of international keyboards, such as QWERTY, AZERTY, and also Dvorak layouts.

Now it’s important to note that though the application does not mention any reference to the BlackBerry, the top image from BlackBerry Forums, resembles practically no other device than the BlackBerry.

Last year, there were quite a few cases of people who suffered from a thumb pain, termed as “BlackBerry Thumb”, essentially a stress-related injury is caused by the repetitive over-use of the thumbs with a PDA or smartphone. The new type of keyboard could perhaps be a breather for many such people. But the big question is how early, as the keyboard is yet only a mystery!