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Description  |
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TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to keyboards and more particularly it relates to
touch type keyboards operable by one hand offering a large number of key
selection choices such as required for alphanumeric computer applications.
BACKGROUND ART for Contoured Touch Type Data Processing Keyboard.
At this advanced stage of the development of the computer art commercially
available chips provide systems capable of many types of functional
operations and full alphameric data processing capabilities.
The keyboard computer input art has been developed to interface with
computer systems. Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,958 - C. C. Tung
provides a multiple key keyboard with means for changing the mode of
computer operation to adapt the keyboard to three different sets of
functions, all illustrated on keyboard indicia and with the three modes
and corresponding key functions differentiated by indicia of three
different colors, such as black, orange and blue.
Also other techniques are known in the prior art for producing more
functions per key in a keyboard assembly in an attempt to interface with
more of the computer functions by a keyboard of modest size. Exemplary
are: U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,777 - F. C. Bequaert et al., Aug. 16, 1977 which
permits chords of several simultaneously actuated keys to supplement
individual keystrokes and thus expand the communication interface
capabilities of a keyboard with a computer. German Publication No. DE
2924515 - S. Pretzsch published Jan. 15, 1981 provides for selection of
more than one of several adjacent keys simultaneously by a single
fingerstroke to increase the number of selections on a keyboard; and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,344,069 - E. S. Prame, Aug. 10, 1982 provides a single handed
keyboard with alphanumeric capabilities by selecting a sequence of
keystrokes for alpha characters.
However, none of these keyboards are operable to enter comprehensive data
and instructions in a computer in the touch mode similar to that of touch
typewriters, where data may be entered quickly and accurately by a typist
with little effort or explicit choice decisions after becoming acquainted
with the keyboard layout. In particular, it is not feasible in the prior
art to use a keyboard of so few keys that it can be operated by a single
hand to enter a comprehensive set of different data and instructions, for
example a hundred and fifty different selectable choices that provides
full alphanumeric data operation as well as full computer control and
access. Furthermore, there have not been significant developments in the
art, other than the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,777, that relate
to the interface of a one hand operated keyboard and a computer in such a
way that touch typing can proceed. There have been no known such keyboard
systems developed with the particular objects of one-handed computer entry
with rapidity and elimination of the source of errors from such manual
actions as hitting a wrong key, hitting extra keys, resting the fingers on
a wrong set position or counting a sequence of numbered key actuations for
an entry. No particular attention has been given to operator finger
fatigue or avoidance of unnatural finger positions and reach.
It is therefore an objective of this invention to improve the state of the
art by resolving some of these problems and providing improved keyboard
systems not heretofore available in the art. Other objects, features and
advantages of the invention will be found throughout the following
description, the drawings and the claims.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A keyboard for use by one hand and adapted for entry of a large number of
selections including those for alphanumeric data processing and a large
range of computer operation commands has ten keys providing direct entry
of numerical digits plus a decimal key and at least one auxiliary command
key. A preferable arrangement uses twelve keys in a layout pattern
particularly adapted for one hand selection by the fingers on either hand.
The system, by means of "virtual" keys selectable by simultaneous
actuation of two or more individual keys, provides typically at least one
hundred and fifty selections with full alphanumeric data processing
capability, wherein each entry requires a single fingerstroke. The
keyboard is particularly adapted to the touch typing mode and provides an
interaction of keys, layout, functional selection, system, etc. which
avoids those mental requirements of choice on the part of an operator that
lead to errors. Also, the system includes features which prevent errors
due to physical fatigue or motion, particularly of the sort where
unnatural motion, reach or position is required.
Thus, the keyboard has five columns coinciding with the natural position of
the five fingers on a hand. The keys in adjacent columns are offset to
permit the hand to use the board with the fingers in natural position.
That is the middle finger is longer than the ring finger and index finger,
and the thumb and little finger are the shortest. With this keyboard
therefore the keys are offset to coincide with this natural finger length
condition.
To produce the many selection choices of entry such as more than one
hundred and fifty, the keyboard operates in at least three modes, for
example, each providing direct entry with a single fingerstroke of fifty
or more selections. Thus, a single finger selects either a single key or a
plurality of keys appearing adjacent each other and sharing common sides
on the keyboard layout. The offset keys further provide a wider range of
keystroke choices than would otherwise be available.
To facilitate the touch system of key selection, groups of keys are
provided with a single finger selection position not interfering with any
other finger selection position by means of groups of associated discrete
raised ridge portions vertically projected from the keyboard surface at
the lines of separation of the adjacent keys. To extend the number of
groupings possible several of the outermost keys are shaped to span more
than one of the other keys in both the key columns and across a plurality
of the columns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a twelve key keyboard assembly embodying a
preferred embodiment of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1 showing the
elevational differences of the key surfaces configured for selection of a
plurality of side-by-side keys for concurrent actuation by the stroke of a
single finger;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3--3 of FIG. 1 showing the
raised portions 18 and 19 for concurrent actuation by the stroke of a
single finger to provide the shift function;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 4--4 of FIG. 1 showing the
elevational differences of the key surfaces configured for selection of a
plurality of upper-by-lower keys for concurrent actuation by the stroke of
a single finger as illustrated;
FIG. 4a is a sketch of the right hand identifying the finger nomenclature
used throughout this patent application;
FIG. 5 is a block system diagram of a computer system embodying the
invention;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are examples of how the keyboard can be incorporated into
computing instruments and show the approximate real scale of the keyboard
in relation to well known components of the instruments;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are provided to show that the raised portions can have
various shapes as dictated by ergonomic considerations;
FIG. 10 is provided to show a 9 key embodiment of the invention providing
35 single finger stroke positions;
FIG. 11 is a 4-key embodiment of the invention providing 14 single
fingerstroke positions and is the minimum desirable configuration of the
invention;
FIG. 12 is a schematic system diagram of a four-key, fourteen selection
keyboard configuration operable with a 2.times.2 four wire switching
matrix;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a telephone incorporating the advances of
this invention for telephone system applications; and
FIG. 14. is a plan view layout of a sixteen key keyboard embodiment.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As may be seen in the plan view of FIG. 1, a twelve key keyboard layout is
afforded that provides a plurality in the order of fifty or more data or
function selections as noted by the indicia. Thus, the twelve basic keys
15, 16, 17, etc. provide for the numeric digit entries as well as a pair
of command keys for executing functions selected (15) or entering data
into the computer (16). The latter key 16 may also be a decimal point key
on a first stroke and a data entry key on the second stroke.
All the other entries are made from "virtual" keys by the concurrent
selection of two or more of the twelve keys. This is made feasible in the
touch mode for operation with a single hand, either right or left, using a
single finger for stroking each entry in a well defined fingerstroke
position easily accessible for the touch system. Thus groups of ridged key
portions or bars 18, 19 or 20, 21 etc. are found throughout the keyboard,
as are profiled in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
To some extent the shape and size of the raised portions are controlled to
permit the labeling of the characters used. Touch tests using dummy models
among a limited number of people indicate a divergence in preference as to
the shape, height, length and touch area of the raised portions extending
from the key-switch surfaces. Therefore I do not limit myself to any
particular embodiment. Any changes that aid the user in actuating the keys
singly or in multiples with a single fingerstroke is believed to be within
the scope of the invention. To illustrate that changes can be made while
maintaining workability of the invention the ridge shapes of FIGS. 8 and 9
may be observed. Special shapes may be required for persons with long
fingernails.
It is seen that for every indicia position, noting the function of the key
stroke made at that location, is a finger selection spot where only one
entry can be made. The single keys are actuated at the circles 22 or
oblongs 23. The "virtual" keys comprising multiple key groups are actuated
at the bar groupings such as the asterisk (*) at 20, 21 or the shift at
18, 19. The fingers thus in the touch mode can engage only one entry
position at a time. The digit 6 for example is recessed within the raised
portions 24, 25, 26 which all move together and confine the finger to spot
6 to actuate only key 27. Conversely the finger at the asterisk 20, 21
engages the two raised bars only and actuate both keys 16 and 28, etc. The
notation X between the 6 and 3 locates a fingerstroke position for
operating the two keys 27 and 28 concurrently. The bars are not necessary
(but may prove useful) at all such intersections, particularly since the
finger touch senses a crack between two upper-by-lower keys.
The notation ? is located between two bar pairs 20, 21 and 25, 30 and
identifies a fingerstroke position for actuating three keys 16, 27, 28
simultaneously by means of four bars 20, 21, 25, 30. Note that elongated
columnar key 16 spans several (3, 6, 9) columnar keys to give a variety of
combinations selectable at three bar pair locations 20, 21 and 25, 30 and
31, 32. Similarly elongated cross spanning key 15 spans the five columns
to provide five two key combinations. Note also that by the vertical row
offset of the keys in the three center columns of keys a choice of two
different keys in an adjacent column can be made in two key pairings such
as the "M" and "K" and a set of three keys will result with a four bar
selection as at V or Y.
It is seen therefore that enough selections (more than 50) can easily be
made with twelve keys to give about the same capacity as a standard
typewriter keyboard. This is noteworthy since it can replace a standard
telephone switch panel (which normally uses 12 keys) and provide
alphanumeric capability, requiring only one hand access.
The tactile identification of different single finger selection spots by
bars, keys centers, line junctions, etc. herein considerably enhances the
ability to touch type without errors because tactile feedback through the
fingers indicates the selection being made. Furthermore errors are caused
by fatigue, unnatural and extensive reach and other such factors. Many of
these error sources are overcome herein by the keyboard configuration and
layout.
Consider the shape of a human hand, for example. The middle finger is long,
the ring and index finger of intermediate length and the thumb and little
fingers are the shortest. As seen clearly in FIG. 4a, the offset key
layout thus fits the human hand to rest it naturally, reducing fatigue or
unnatural reach, etc. With only twelve keys the hand rest position is
always evident and is more easily identified by tactile feedback.
Operational advantage and accuracy of this keyboard is also evidenced by
the single fingerstroke, single finger selection of every entry. Thus, the
operator need not think about chording or sequencing and is only required
to do the simplest possible thing, select a finger spot and stroke it.
Thus, a simple, comprehensive keyboard system is afforded enabling lower
error touch type input into electronic data processing or computer systems
40 as set forth in FIG. 5.
In order to better match the keyboard to the multiple functions available
in modern computers 40, the mode of operation can be changed, again by a
single fingerstroke, to produce a different set of fifty or more functions
to the keys. Thus as seen by the small X and S notation in the 8 key (22)
three sets of indicia are located on the keyboard. X indicia may be orange
and S blue for example to simply show the mode set in color coded form.
Thus, on the bar pairs 20 and 21 (FIG. 1) color coded indicia will denote
the selection of functions and data available and indicate by color code
which mode selection key is required. For example if an "&" is required
the shift key bar pair 18 and 19 (S - denoted for some keys as .circle.S
) must be stroked prior to the stroking of bar pair 20 and 21. If the
special characters or functions such as * denoted by .circle.X are
required, the stroking of bar pair 20 and 21 must be preceded by the XEQ
key. This shifting operation is a conventional one being practiced every
day by typists and therefore has proven to be for many years a quite
acceptable ergonomic procedure.
The twelve keys may be wired conventionally as shown in FIG. 5 in a four by
three matrix pattern 42 designated on block keyboard 41 to provide 55
output code choices in each mode, ample to convey the unique codes for
each of the designated choices available. By conventional clocked code
conversion 43, the data entry and functional command processing can be
directed upon send signal 44 to computer 40 via 46. The computer output 45
may be directed to suitable devices such as alphanumeric displays, CRT
tubes, printers, plotters, etc.
The nine keys for digits 1 to 9 in the three centermost columns, as shown
in FIG. 1, are of substantially the same size and shape to adapt to finger
selection to operate the separate keys and concurrently operated keys
without interference. Also the spacing of the keys is substantially the
same as that used as industry "standard" on most typewriters and adding
machines which to some extent will reduce the time required for an
operator to become proficient in the touch operation of the system. Even
those users who do not become proficient with the touch system, such as
many executives today, will find the hunt and peck method far easier to
use since the keyboard field over which they must hunt is so much smaller
than the hunting area presented by the modern computer keyboard which can
often have more than 100 keys. Also, the advantages of symmetry are
provided for either right or left hand operation, and an improved keyboard
system is made available for accurate and rapid touch type operation. Note
the spacing of finger touch bars in FIG. 4, wherein the finger can bridge
two vertically separated bar groups that can be selected individually when
desired. Also note that the finger can feel whether it is in a proper key
position at various positions on the keyboard, further contributing to
error free selections.
Note in consideration of FIGS. 1 and 4 together that raised finger contact
structure defining fingerstroke position have portions common to the sides
of two adjacent keys, such as . and : or =and .degree.. This permits
individual finger selection of the two adjacent keys 1, XEQ or 1, 2, etc.
to permit a single finger to bridge a pair of the raised finger contact
positions.
Accordingly, either one pair or both pairs of the key ridges straddling the
common intersection of three and only three keys can be actuated by a
single fingerstroke, thereby increasing the number of available unique
fingerstroke selections. That is, either keys 1, 2 or keys 1, XEQ or keys
1, 2, XEQ can be selectively actuated by a single fingerstroke, and
similarly this can occur at all the sixteen junctions of 3 and only 3 keys
provided in this embodiment.
Because this 12 key keyboard occupies so much less space than a
conventional keyboard and because of its symmetry of design, it would be
possible to have two such keyboards feeding a single computer whereby the
speed of entry into the computer could still further be enhanced since the
operator could make use of both hands instead of only one. Also this
keyboard is fully compatible with a telephone to provide complete
communication capabilities.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the keyboard with the keyboard coupled with a
printer as utility means and adapted to work with a data processing system
in various modes, such as typing, adding, plotting, teletype
communication, arithmetic and programming modes. This is readily
attainable at the present state of the art by combining the computer
operations of FIG. 5 with display panel 50, printer 51 and switch
selection 52, 53 options.
Note also the series of hinged charts 54 tabbed for identification, wherein
a sequence of two keystrokes 10, 11, etc. are assigned corresponding
functions such as program steps when the switches select the program steps
in the program mode. This increases the capacity of the keyboard to use
the full capability of modern computer chips with hundreds of possible
functions with only twelve keys. Thus, a hybrid mode of operation is
employed using the single stroke selections for the errorless typing input
feature and expanding capabilities for a simplified programming catalog of
a diverse computer language that is self-explanatory and fully
self-complete without reference to an instruction manual. Reference is
made to copending application Ser. No. 459,998 filed Jan. 21, 1983 for
"Computer Keyboards With Few Keys Designating Hundreds of Functions", for
a more comprehensive discussion of the advantages of a multiple key stroke
mode of operation and the corresponding catalog charts. This application
to the extent necessary is included herein by reference.
As seen from the two decimal digit numbers in columns 56 of charts 54, the
internally programmed subroutines of a computer such as addition, square
root, or various built-in program subroutines identified conventionally by
a program language word of variable length is identified by a fixed number
X (in this case 2) of numerical or other digits identifying the sequence
of key strokes necessary in a two and only two step function selection
step. If the mode is program entry (PGM) as selected by switch 53 then a
considerable saving of programming time and strokes are saved over
conventional variable digit English program words. Clearly the Fortran
Statements INTEGER, RETURN, PRINT, CONTINUE, etc. each could be entered by
two strokes each at a considerable saving of time and with less chance for
error.
This feature unexpectedly therefore can save a considerable amount of
programming time over today's conventional program languages such as
Fortran and Basic, because for every program step only, two keys need be
operated. Yet the corresponding familiar English language or computer
language steps may be written into the spaces 55 if desired for the
convenience of those familiar with a particular language. Because of the
plurality of hinged cards 54, several different modes of operation may be
provided and cataloged. Thus, both Fortran and Basic terminology could be
related to the two-key sequence selection on different card sets 54. If
three keys are selected in sequence, more unique entries are selectable
(1000 with numeric numbers alone). If all the (55) keys including virtual
are used with two strokes almost three thousand unique selections are
available.
Thus by employment of a routine operational step such as limiting the
significant decimal digits to two, the functional entries are made by a
sequence limited to two (or more) key strokes identified in columns 56 for
achieving the displayed functions to be written into blank spaces 55 for
immediate access as a catalog of the available functions. It is estimated
that a program may be entered in the program mode in this manner with less
than one-third the number of key strokes, with a corresponding time
saving.
In FIG. 7, the multi-purpose printer-keyboard system is smaller in size and
provides a very efficient pocket size typewriter-computer-communication
medium with all the foregoing advantages of the novel keyboard system.
FIG. 10 is a simpler keyboard layout with only nine keys, thus affording
the advantage of operation with a 3.times.3 wire matrix selection network.
Note that there are 35 separate fingerstroke positions so that full
alphanumeric capability similar to typewriter keyboards is afforded with
all the other keyboard advantages hereinbefore discussed. Note that a
field of substantially square keys as in FIG. 1 is arranged in in three
adjacent columns with the center column keys offset from the keys in the
outer two columns to provide a plurality of nine three and only three key
intersection positions.
A minimal number of keys for attaining numeric instructions to calculators,
computers and the like is four as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11. The
finger rest feature and offset key-columnar arrangement here offers the
advantages of the prior versions as seen by the phantom hand superimposed
over the keyboard to permit touch operation by a single hand in
comfortable position. With the four keys and ten virtual keys, fourteen
selections are provided in a single mode with a live keyboard. In the
three modes hereinbefore described (one preceded by X, one preceded by S
and one direct) 52 selections are feasible. This embodiment also has the
program chart feature so that for example XEQ 21 will program or select
the sine function, etc. With 14 direct selections at the corresponding
stations A, B, C, etc., (FIG. 12) as many as 183 separate functions can be
programmed with a two-key sequence. Thus, the hybrid system of using a
single fingerstroke per entry on typing and data input and using a two
(multiple) fingerstroke per selection function in a programming mode
significantly extends the power of the keyboard. It is certainly even more
unexpected than that only four keys could produce 14 selections that a
simple two-step stroke will permit the four keys to select 183+52=235
unique entries in the three mode live T .circle.X + .circle.S keyboard
operation.
As may be seen by reference to FIG. 12, this surprising expanded keyboard
power is in part achieved by the teaching of this invention that the
keyboard pattern hereinbefore discussed in common with this embodiment has
groups of at least four keys 71, 72, 73, 74 sharing adjacent sides
arranged in a geometrical pattern with at least two common intersections
75, 76, 77 of sets of three adjacent keys having all three keys meeting at
a common intersection or junction of only three keys in a position
accessible to a single finger overlapping the intersection to actuate all
three keys simultaneously with a single fingerstroke (A, M, F, H). This
provides along with the accompanying single keys (I, E, C, K) and dual
side-by-side (B, D, G, J, L, N) with corresponding finger access positions
the fourteen direct selections available for a single fingerstroke. In the
conventional four corner intersection of non-offset keys, far fewer
selections could be made with a given number of keys. Also in a two by two
matrix, only three combinations of three keys are available uniquely even
if a finger could seek out only three keys together. Thus, only 9
combinations are possible in that mode. For example, Pretzschs, German No.
924515, gets nine selections from four keys conventionally arranged.
Furthermore, it is surprising that a four wire matrix and communication
channel (1, 2, A, B) will carry uniquely the full range capacity (253 as
above shown) of unique entries available from the four keys. The chart 78
lays out the truth chart codes for the four lines 1, 2, A and B. Note that
the matrix to key pattern is also non-conventional and contributes
unexpectedly to a reduction in the number of channel | | |
