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Added in API level 1

KeyCharacterMap

public class KeyCharacterMap
extends Object implements Parcelable

java.lang.Object
   ↳ android.view.KeyCharacterMap


Describes the keys provided by a keyboard device and their associated labels.

Summary

Nested classes

class KeyCharacterMap.KeyData

This class was deprecated in API level 11. instead use getDisplayLabel(int), getNumber(int) and get(int, int).  

class KeyCharacterMap.UnavailableException

Thrown by load(int) when a key character map could not be loaded. 

Constants

int ALPHA

A keyboard with all the letters, and maybe some numbers.

int BUILT_IN_KEYBOARD

This constant was deprecated in API level 11. This constant should no longer be used because there is no guarantee that a device has a built-in keyboard that can be used for typing text. There might not be a built-in keyboard, the built-in keyboard might be a NUMERIC or SPECIAL_FUNCTION keyboard, or there might be multiple keyboards installed including external keyboards. When interpreting key presses received from the framework, applications should use the device id specified in the KeyEvent received. When synthesizing key presses for delivery elsewhere or when translating key presses from unknown keyboards, applications should use the special VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD device id.

int COMBINING_ACCENT

int COMBINING_ACCENT_MASK

Mask the return value from get(int, int) with this value to get a printable representation of the accent character of a "dead key."

int FULL

A full PC-style keyboard.

char HEX_INPUT

This private-use character is used to trigger Unicode character input by hex digits.

int MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED

Modifier keys may be chorded with character keys.

int MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED_OR_TOGGLED

Modifier keys may be chorded with character keys or they may toggle into latched or locked states when pressed independently.

int NUMERIC

A numeric (12-key) keyboard.

char PICKER_DIALOG_INPUT

This private-use character is used to bring up a character picker for miscellaneous symbols.

int PREDICTIVE

A keyboard with all the letters, but with more than one letter per key.

int SPECIAL_FUNCTION

A keyboard that is only used to control special functions rather than for typing.

int VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD

The id of a generic virtual keyboard with a full layout that can be used to synthesize key events.

Inherited constants

From interface android.os.Parcelable

Fields

public static final Creator<KeyCharacterMap> CREATOR

Public methods

int describeContents()

Describe the kinds of special objects contained in this Parcelable instance's marshaled representation.

static boolean deviceHasKey(int keyCode)

Queries the framework about whether any physical keys exist on the any keyboard attached to the device that are capable of producing the given key code.

static boolean[] deviceHasKeys(int[] keyCodes)

Queries the framework about whether any physical keys exist on the any keyboard attached to the device that are capable of producing the given array of key codes.

int get(int keyCode, int metaState)

Gets the Unicode character generated by the specified key and meta key state combination.

static int getDeadChar(int accent, int c)

Get the character that is produced by combining the dead key producing accent with the key producing character c.

char getDisplayLabel(int keyCode)

Gets the primary character for this key.

KeyEvent[] getEvents(char[] chars)

Get an array of KeyEvent objects that if put into the input stream could plausibly generate the provided sequence of characters.

boolean getKeyData(int keyCode, KeyCharacterMap.KeyData results)

This method was deprecated in API level 11. instead use getDisplayLabel(int), getNumber(int) or get(int, int).

int getKeyboardType()

Gets the keyboard type.

char getMatch(int keyCode, char[] chars, int metaState)

Gets the first character in the character array that can be generated by the specified key code.

char getMatch(int keyCode, char[] chars)

Gets the first character in the character array that can be generated by the specified key code.

int getModifierBehavior()

Gets a constant that describes the behavior of this keyboard's modifier keys such as KEYCODE_SHIFT_LEFT.

char getNumber(int keyCode)

Gets the number or symbol associated with the key.

boolean isPrintingKey(int keyCode)

Returns true if the specified key produces a glyph.

static KeyCharacterMap load(int deviceId)

Loads the key character maps for the keyboard with the specified device id.

void writeToParcel(Parcel out, int flags)

Flatten this object in to a Parcel.

Protected methods

void finalize()

Called by the garbage collector on an object when garbage collection determines that there are no more references to the object.

Inherited methods

From class java.lang.Object
From interface android.os.Parcelable

Constants

ALPHA

Added in API level 1
int ALPHA

A keyboard with all the letters, and maybe some numbers.

An alphabetic keyboard supports text entry directly but may have a condensed layout with a small form factor. In contrast to a full keyboard, some symbols may only be accessible using special on-screen character pickers. In addition, to improve typing speed and accuracy, the framework provides special affordances for alphabetic keyboards such as auto-capitalization and toggled / locked shift and alt keys.

This type of keyboard is generally designed for thumb typing.

Constant Value: 3 (0x00000003)

BUILT_IN_KEYBOARD

Added in API level 1
int BUILT_IN_KEYBOARD

This constant was deprecated in API level 11.
This constant should no longer be used because there is no guarantee that a device has a built-in keyboard that can be used for typing text. There might not be a built-in keyboard, the built-in keyboard might be a NUMERIC or SPECIAL_FUNCTION keyboard, or there might be multiple keyboards installed including external keyboards. When interpreting key presses received from the framework, applications should use the device id specified in the KeyEvent received. When synthesizing key presses for delivery elsewhere or when translating key presses from unknown keyboards, applications should use the special VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD device id.

The id of the device's primary built in keyboard is always 0.

Constant Value: 0 (0x00000000)

COMBINING_ACCENT

Added in API level 1
int COMBINING_ACCENT

Constant Value: -2147483648 (0x80000000)

COMBINING_ACCENT_MASK

Added in API level 1
int COMBINING_ACCENT_MASK

Mask the return value from get(int, int) with this value to get a printable representation of the accent character of a "dead key."

Constant Value: 2147483647 (0x7fffffff)

FULL

Added in API level 11
int FULL

A full PC-style keyboard.

A full keyboard behaves like a PC keyboard. All symbols are accessed directly by pressing keys on the keyboard without on-screen support or affordances such as auto-capitalization.

This type of keyboard is generally designed for full two hand typing.

Constant Value: 4 (0x00000004)

HEX_INPUT

Added in API level 1
char HEX_INPUT

This private-use character is used to trigger Unicode character input by hex digits.

Constant Value: 61184 (0x0000ef00)

MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED

Added in API level 11
int MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED

Modifier keys may be chorded with character keys.

See also:

Constant Value: 0 (0x00000000)

MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED_OR_TOGGLED

Added in API level 11
int MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED_OR_TOGGLED

Modifier keys may be chorded with character keys or they may toggle into latched or locked states when pressed independently.

See also:

Constant Value: 1 (0x00000001)

NUMERIC

Added in API level 1
int NUMERIC

A numeric (12-key) keyboard.

A numeric keyboard supports text entry using a multi-tap approach. It may be necessary to tap a key multiple times to generate the desired letter or symbol.

This type of keyboard is generally designed for thumb typing.

Constant Value: 1 (0x00000001)

PICKER_DIALOG_INPUT

Added in API level 1
char PICKER_DIALOG_INPUT

This private-use character is used to bring up a character picker for miscellaneous symbols.

Constant Value: 61185 (0x0000ef01)

PREDICTIVE

Added in API level 1
int PREDICTIVE

A keyboard with all the letters, but with more than one letter per key.

This type of keyboard is generally designed for thumb typing.

Constant Value: 2 (0x00000002)

SPECIAL_FUNCTION

Added in API level 11
int SPECIAL_FUNCTION

A keyboard that is only used to control special functions rather than for typing.

A special function keyboard consists only of non-printing keys such as HOME and POWER that are not actually used for typing.

Constant Value: 5 (0x00000005)

VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD

Added in API level 11
int VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD

The id of a generic virtual keyboard with a full layout that can be used to synthesize key events. Typically used with getEvents(char[]).

Constant Value: -1 (0xffffffff)

Fields

CREATOR

Added in API level 16
Creator<KeyCharacterMap> CREATOR

Public methods

describeContents

Added in API level 16
int describeContents ()

Describe the kinds of special objects contained in this Parcelable instance's marshaled representation. For example, if the object will include a file descriptor in the output of writeToParcel(Parcel, int), the return value of this method must include the CONTENTS_FILE_DESCRIPTOR bit.

Returns
int a bitmask indicating the set of special object types marshaled by this Parcelable object instance.

deviceHasKey

Added in API level 3
boolean deviceHasKey (int keyCode)

Queries the framework about whether any physical keys exist on the any keyboard attached to the device that are capable of producing the given key code.

Parameters
keyCode int: The key code to query.
Returns
boolean True if at least one attached keyboard supports the specified key code.

deviceHasKeys

Added in API level 3
boolean[] deviceHasKeys (int[] keyCodes)

Queries the framework about whether any physical keys exist on the any keyboard attached to the device that are capable of producing the given array of key codes.

Parameters
keyCodes int: The array of key codes to query.
Returns
boolean[] A new array of the same size as the key codes array whose elements are set to true if at least one attached keyboard supports the corresponding key code at the same index in the key codes array.

get

Added in API level 1
int get (int keyCode, 
                int metaState)

Gets the Unicode character generated by the specified key and meta key state combination.

Returns the Unicode character that the specified key would produce when the specified meta bits (see MetaKeyKeyListener) were active.

Returns 0 if the key is not one that is used to type Unicode characters.

If the return value has bit COMBINING_ACCENT set, the key is a "dead key" that should be combined with another to actually produce a character -- see getDeadChar(int, int) -- after masking with COMBINING_ACCENT_MASK.

Parameters
keyCode int: The key code.
metaState int: The meta key modifier state.
Returns
int The associated character or combining accent, or 0 if none.

getDeadChar

Added in API level 1
int getDeadChar (int accent, 
                int c)

Get the character that is produced by combining the dead key producing accent with the key producing character c. For example, getDeadChar('`', 'e') returns è. getDeadChar('^', ' ') returns '^' and getDeadChar('^', '^') returns '^'.

Parameters
accent int: The accent character. eg. '`'
c int: The basic character.
Returns
int The combined character, or 0 if the characters cannot be combined.

getDisplayLabel

Added in API level 1
char getDisplayLabel (int keyCode)

Gets the primary character for this key. In other words, the label that is physically printed on it.

Parameters
keyCode int: The key code.
Returns
char The display label character, or 0 if none (eg. for non-printing keys).

getEvents

Added in API level 1
KeyEvent[] getEvents (char[] chars)

Get an array of KeyEvent objects that if put into the input stream could plausibly generate the provided sequence of characters. It is not guaranteed that the sequence is the only way to generate these events or that it is optimal.

This function is primarily offered for instrumentation and testing purposes. It may fail to map characters to key codes. In particular, the key character map for the built-in keyboard device id may be empty. Consider using the key character map associated with the virtual keyboard device id instead.

For robust text entry, do not use this function. Instead construct a KeyEvent with action code ACTION_MULTIPLE that contains the desired string using KeyEvent(long, String, int, int).

Parameters
chars char: The sequence of characters to generate.
Returns
KeyEvent[] An array of KeyEvent objects, or null if the given char array can not be generated using the current key character map.

getKeyData

Added in API level 1
boolean getKeyData (int keyCode, 
                KeyCharacterMap.KeyData results)

This method was deprecated in API level 11.
instead use getDisplayLabel(int), getNumber(int) or get(int, int).

Get the character conversion data for a given key code.

Parameters
keyCode int: The keyCode to query.
results KeyCharacterMap.KeyData: A KeyCharacterMap.KeyData instance that will be filled with the results.
Returns
boolean True if the key was mapped. If the key was not mapped, results is not modified.

getKeyboardType

Added in API level 1
int getKeyboardType ()

Gets the keyboard type. Returns NUMERIC, PREDICTIVE, ALPHA, FULL or SPECIAL_FUNCTION.

Different keyboard types have different semantics. Refer to the documentation associated with the keyboard type constants for details.

Returns
int The keyboard type.

getMatch

Added in API level 1
char getMatch (int keyCode, 
                char[] chars, 
                int metaState)

Gets the first character in the character array that can be generated by the specified key code. If there are multiple choices, prefers the one that would be generated with the specified meta key modifier state.

Parameters
keyCode int: The key code.
chars char: The array of matching characters to consider.
metaState int: The preferred meta key modifier state.
Returns
char The matching associated character, or 0 if none.

getMatch

Added in API level 1
char getMatch (int keyCode, 
                char[] chars)

Gets the first character in the character array that can be generated by the specified key code.

This is a convenience function that returns the same value as getMatch(keyCode, chars, 0).

Parameters
keyCode int: The keycode.
chars char: The array of matching characters to consider.
Returns
char The matching associated character, or 0 if none.

getModifierBehavior

Added in API level 11
int getModifierBehavior ()

Gets a constant that describes the behavior of this keyboard's modifier keys such as KEYCODE_SHIFT_LEFT.

Currently there are two behaviors that may be combined:

  • Chorded behavior: When the modifier key is pressed together with one or more character keys, the keyboard inserts the modified keys and then resets the modifier state when the modifier key is released.
  • Toggled behavior: When the modifier key is pressed and released on its own it first toggles into a latched state. When latched, the modifier will apply to next character key that is pressed and will then reset itself to the initial state. If the modifier is already latched and the modifier key is pressed and release on its own again, then it toggles into a locked state. When locked, the modifier will apply to all subsequent character keys that are pressed until unlocked by pressing the modifier key on its own one more time to reset it to the initial state. Toggled behavior is useful for small profile keyboards designed for thumb typing.

This function currently returns MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED when the keyboard type is FULL or SPECIAL_FUNCTION and MODIFIER_BEHAVIOR_CHORDED_OR_TOGGLED otherwise. In the future, the function may also take into account global keyboard accessibility settings, other user preferences, or new device capabilities.

Returns
int The modifier behavior for this keyboard.

See also:

getNumber

Added in API level 1
char getNumber (int keyCode)

Gets the number or symbol associated with the key.

The character value is returned, not the numeric value. If the key is not a number, but is a symbol, the symbol is retuned.

This method is intended to to support dial pads and other numeric or symbolic entry on keyboards where certain keys serve dual function as alphabetic and symbolic keys. This method returns the number or symbol associated with the key independent of whether the user has pressed the required modifier.

For example, on one particular keyboard the keys on the top QWERTY row generate numbers when ALT is pressed such that ALT-Q maps to '1'. So for that keyboard when getNumber(int) is called with KEYCODE_Q it returns '1' so that the user can type numbers without pressing ALT when it makes sense.

Parameters
keyCode int: The key code.
Returns
char The associated numeric or symbolic character, or 0 if none.

isPrintingKey

Added in API level 1
boolean isPrintingKey (int keyCode)

Returns true if the specified key produces a glyph.

Parameters
keyCode int: The key code.
Returns
boolean True if the key is a printing key.

load

Added in API level 1
KeyCharacterMap load (int deviceId)

Loads the key character maps for the keyboard with the specified device id.

Parameters
deviceId int: The device id of the keyboard.
Returns
KeyCharacterMap The associated key character map.
Throws
UnavailableException} if the key character map could not be loaded because it was malformed or the default key character map is missing from the system.

writeToParcel

Added in API level 16
void writeToParcel (Parcel out, 
                int flags)

Flatten this object in to a Parcel.

Parameters
out Parcel: The Parcel in which the object should be written.
flags int: Additional flags about how the object should be written. May be 0 or PARCELABLE_WRITE_RETURN_VALUE.

Protected methods

finalize

Added in API level 1
void finalize ()

Called by the garbage collector on an object when garbage collection determines that there are no more references to the object. A subclass overrides the finalize method to dispose of system resources or to perform other cleanup.

The general contract of finalize is that it is invoked if and when the JavaTM virtual machine has determined that there is no longer any means by which this object can be accessed by any thread that has not yet died, except as a result of an action taken by the finalization of some other object or class which is ready to be finalized. The finalize method may take any action, including making this object available again to other threads; the usual purpose of finalize, however, is to perform cleanup actions before the object is irrevocably discarded. For example, the finalize method for an object that represents an input/output connection might perform explicit I/O transactions to break the connection before the object is permanently discarded.

The finalize method of class Object performs no special action; it simply returns normally. Subclasses of Object may override this definition.

The Java programming language does not guarantee which thread will invoke the finalize method for any given object. It is guaranteed, however, that the thread that invokes finalize will not be holding any user-visible synchronization locks when finalize is invoked. If an uncaught exception is thrown by the finalize method, the exception is ignored and finalization of that object terminates.

After the finalize method has been invoked for an object, no further action is taken until the Java virtual machine has again determined that there is no longer any means by which this object can be accessed by any thread that has not yet died, including possible actions by other objects or classes which are ready to be finalized, at which point the object may be discarded.

The finalize method is never invoked more than once by a Java virtual machine for any given object.

Any exception thrown by the finalize method causes the finalization of this object to be halted, but is otherwise ignored.

Throws
Throwable

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