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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. An interface apparatus comprising:
a base;
means for supporting a human palm, dimensioned substantially to conform to
the shape of the human palm under low static muscle load and comprising a
dome-shaped member having a lower edge, an upper surface, and a lower
surface;
coupling means, movably connecting the palm support means to the base, a
movement of the palm support means causing a movement of the coupling
means, the coupling means movable between any one of a plurality of
keystroke-defining locations and a home location, the coupling means
comprising a rodlike member having an upper end and a lower end, the upper
end movably connected to the lower surface of the dome-shaped member;
position indicating means coupled to the coupling means for sensing a
movement of the coupling means from the home location to a first of the
keystroke-defining locations and generating a first location signal
indicative of the first keystroke-defining location of the coupling means,
the position indicating means comprising:
a support structure affixed to the base;
a spherical member having a bore dimensioned to permit the rodlike member
to pass therethrough, the spherical member positioned between the upper
end and the lower end of the rodlike member;
a first and a second sway arm, each sway arm having a distal end and a
proximal end, each proximal end movably affixed to the support structure,
the first and the second sway arm positioned in substantially 90 degree
relation to each other, each sway arm having a central curved portion
dimensioned to pass beneath and cradle the spherical member;
a first potentiometer, affixed to the distal end of the first sway arm; and
a second potentiometer, affixed to the distal end of the second sway arm;
wherein:
a movement of the rodlike member moves the spherical member;
a movement of the spherical member causes a movement of the first and the
second sway arm;
a movement of the first sway arm causes the first potentiometer to generate
a first potentiometer signal; and
a movement of the second sway arm causes the second potentiometer to
generate a second potentiometer signal; and
means for limiting the movement of the rodlike member shaped to guide the
rodlike member over a substantial portion of the movement from the home
location to a one of the keystroke-defining locations, the movement
limiting means affixed in spaced relation above the base and positioned
beneath the dome-shaped member and above the spherical member, the
movement limiting means having a star-shaped aperture, the aperture having
a plurality of star points, the rodlike member passing through the
aperture, wherein the position indicating means further comprises means
for determining when the rodlike member has reached a first star point
corresponding to the first keystroke-defining location and means for
translating the first and the second potentiometer signals into the first
location signal when the dome-shaped member is moved sufficiently far to
cause the rodlike member to reach one of the star points; and
means for receiving the first location signal from the position indicating
means and for translating the first location signal into a first keystroke
signal having a unique correspondence with the first location signal.
2. The interface apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the position
indicating means further comprises spring means for biasing the rodlike
member to return from a keystroke-defining location to the home location.
3. The interface apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the keystroke signal
is one of a first set of keystroke signals, the first set comprising a
number determined by the number of star points in the movement limiting
means.
4. The interface apparatus recited in claim 3, further comprising switching
means wherein the switching means enables access to a second set of
keystroke signals, the second set comprising a number determined by the
number of star points in the movement limiting means.
5. The interface apparatus recited in claim 4, wherein the switching means
are activated by a downward depression and subsequent release of the
dome-shaped member.
6. The interface apparatus recited in claim 5, wherein the switching means
further enables access to a cursor control function.
7. The interface apparatus recited in claim 6, wherein access to the cursor
control function is enabled by two successive downward depressions and
releases of the dome-shaped member.
8. The interface apparatus recited in claim 5, wherein a downward
depression and a first movement of the dome-shaped member sufficient to
generate a first location signal followed by a second movement of the
dome-shaped member sufficient to generate a second location signal
generates a sum signal, and wherein the interface apparatus further
comprises means for translating the sum signal into a keystroke signal
having a unique correspondence with the sum signal.
9. The interface apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the base has a
bottom and a wall extending substantially vertically from and surrounding
the bottom, the wall and the bottom creating an interior space dimensioned
to receive the lower edge of the dome-shaped member.
10. The interface apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein:
the bottom of the base has a circular shape; and
the wall of the base comprises:
a first upwardly extending portion integrally connected to the bottom, the
first portion making an interior angle greater than 90 degrees with the
bottom; and
a second upwardly extending portion integrally connected to the first
portion, the second portion being substantially vertical.
11. The interface apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein the base of the
apparatus further comprises an annulus affixed to the wall, the annulus
being positioned above the lower edge of the dome-shaped member, the
annulus containing indicia providing a correspondence between a position
of the dome-shaped member and a keystroke-defining location of the rodlike
member, for determining the corresponding location signal generated by the
position indicating means when the dome-shaped member is moved to that
position.
12. The interface apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the base of the
apparatus further comprises means for tilting the base about at least one
axis.
13. The interface apparatus recited in claim 12, wherein the tilting means
comprises:
a tilting support comprising:
a circular bottom having a periphery; a wall having an inner surface and an
outer surface, the wall connected along the periphery of the bottom, the
wall having a first portion having a first height and a second portion
having a second height, the first height being less than the second
height, the first portion and the second portion being substantially
opposed;
a planar top having a periphery having a first portion and a second
portion, the first portion and the second portion being substantially
opposed;
hinge means connecting the first portion of the planar top with the first
portion of the wall;
a plurality of attachment means affixed to and vertically arrayed on the
inner surface of the wall along the second portion of the wall; and
means for reversibly attaching the second portion of the top with one of
the attachment means; and
means for affixing the base to the planar top of the tilting base.
14. The interface apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the means for
affixing the base to the planar top of the tilting support further
comprises means for moving the base from a first position to a second
position and means for locking the base in second position.
15. The interface apparatus recited in claim 14, wherein:
the coupling means further comprises a second spherical member having a
hole, the second spherical member affixed to the upper end of the rodlike
member, the hole collinear with and on the opposite side of the second
spherical member from the rodlike member;
a hollow receptacle having an aperture is affixed to the lower surface of
the dome-shaped member, substantially in the center of the dome-shaped
member, the aperture of the hollow receptacle being dimensioned to receive
the second spherical member;
the second spherical member is inserted into the receptacle;
the dome-shaped member has a hole substantially in the center, the hole in
the dome-shaped member in communication with the receptacle aperture;
the coupling means further comprises a fastener means having a head
dimensioned larger than the hole in the dome-shaped member and having an
elongated member attached to the head; and
the elongated member of the fastener means is inserted into the hole in the
dome-shaped member, with the head against the upper surface of the
dome-shaped member, the elongated member further being inserted into the
hole in the second spherical member to affix the second spherical member
to the dome-shaped member.
16. An interface apparatus comprising:
a first and a second input device, each input device comprising:
a device base;
means for supporting a human palm, dimensioned substantially to conform to
the shape of the human palm under low static muscle load, the palm support
means comprising a dome-shaped member having a lower edge, an upper
surface, and a lower surface;
coupling means, movably connecting the palm support means to the device
base, a movement of the palm support means causing a movement of the
coupling means, the coupling means movable between any one of a plurality
of keystroke-defining locations and a home location, the coupling means
comprising a rodlike member having an upper end and a lower end, the upper
end movably connected to the lower surface of the dome-shaped member; and
position indicating means coupled to the coupling means for sensing a
movement of the coupling means from the home location to a first
keystroke-defining location and generating a first location signal
indicative of the first keystroke-defining location of the coupling means,
the position indicating means comprising:
a support structure, the support structure affixed to the device base;
a spherical member having a bore dimensioned to permit the rodlike member
to pass therethrough, the spherical member positioned between the upper
end and the lower end of the rodlike member;
a first and a second sway arm, each sway arm having a distal end and a
proximal end, each proximal end movably affixed to the support structure,
the first and the second sway arm positioned in substantially 90 degree
relation to each other, each sway arm having a central curved portion
dimensioned to pass beneath and cradle the spherical member;
a first potentiometer, affixed to the distal end of the first sway arm; and
a second potentiometer, affixed to the distal end of the second sway arm;
wherein:
a movement of the rodlike member moves the spherical member;
a movement of the spherical member causes a movement of the first and the
second sway arm;
a movement of the first sway arm causes the first potentiometer to generate
a first potentiometer signal; and
a movement of the second sway arm causes the second potentiometer to
generate a second potentiometer signal; and
means for limiting the movement of the rodlike member shaped to guide the
rodlike member over a substantial portion of the movement from the home
location to the first keystroke-defining location, the movement limiting
means affixed in spaced relation above the device base and positioned
beneath the dome-shaped member and above the spherical member, the
movement limiting means having a star-shaped aperture, the aperture having
a plurality of star points, the rodlike member passing through the
aperture, wherein the position indicating means further comprises means
for determining when the rodlike member has reached a first star point
corresponding to the first keystroke-defining location and means for
translating the first and the second potentiometer signals into the first
location signal when the dome-shaped member is moved sufficiently far to
cause the rodlike member to reach the first star point; and
means for receiving the first location signals from the position indicating
means of the first and the second input devices and for translating the
first location signals into a first keystroke signal having a unique
correspondence with the first location signals from the first and the
second input device.
17. The interface apparatus recited in claim 16, wherein the position
indicating means further comprises spring means for biasing the rodlike
member to return from a one of the keystroke-defining locations to the
home location.
18. The interface apparatus recited in claim 17, wherein the keystroke
signal is one of a first set of keystroke signals, the first set
comprising a number determined by the number of star points in the
star-shaped apertures of the first and the second input devices.
19. The interface apparatus recited in claim 18, further comprising a first
and a second switching means in communication with the first and the
second input devices, respectively, wherein the first and the second
switching means enable access to a second set of keystroke signals, the
second set comprising a number determined by the number of star points in
the star-shaped apertures of the first and the second input devices.
20. The interface apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein the switching
means are activated by a downward depression and subsequent release of the
dome-shaped member.
21. The interface apparatus recited in claim 20, wherein the switching
means further enables access to a cursor control function.
22. The interface apparatus recited in claim 21, wherein access to the
cursor control function is enabled by two successive downward depressions
and releases of the dome-shaped member. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a human-computer interface for data entry,
and more generally to the field of data processing. In particular, it
relates to a device that is ergonomically designed with reference to the
architecture and functions of the human hand, wrist, and arm.
2. Related Art
The development of ergonomically designed keyboards has resulted from an
increased awareness and identification of physical problems associated
with the use of conventional typewriterlike keyboards. An ergonomically
designed keyboard attempts to create a key layout that reduces finger
travel and fatigue; promotes a more natural hand, wrist, and arm typing
posture through design and support structures; or employs various key
activation schema in order to enhance typing performance.
Due to the proliferation and availability of data entry systems, there has
been a dynamic growth in the use of keyboard devices. Various annoying and
debilitating muscular syndromes have accompanied this expansion, resulting
from the repetitive and fatiguing hand, wrist, and finger motions that are
required in the use of conventional typewriterlike keyboards. There has
been a growing concern over neuromuscular injuries among clerical workers,
journalists, computer programmers, and others who use computers or
typewriters extensively. These injuries, one widely publicized of which is
carpal tunnel syndrome, translate not only into pain and potential
disability for the affected users, but also into significant loss of
money, time, and productivity for businesses. Attention to these problems
is not new in the art, as is evidenced by many serious attempts to
alleviate keyboard-use "injuries" through innovative keyboard layouts and
architectural designs.
Force, repetition, posture, rest, and stress are major factors to be
considered in controlling and eliminating keyboard-related injuries
(KRIs). Analysis of each factor, both independently and in relation to one
another, is necessary in designing a keyboard that eliminates or reduces
KRIs, force and repetition being perhaps the most important in the
development of an ergonomically designed keyboard. Force is related to the
musculature and conformation of the fingers and hands, which place
limitations on their ability to perform a given task.
An abundance of human-computer interaction literature has suggested that
some of the recently developed alphanumeric input devices may be more
efficient, easier to learn, and may cause less physical trauma than
conventional typewriterlike keyboards. Of these recently designed
keyboards, most incorporate one or more design features that enhance
typing performance and reduce or eliminate fatigue or injury. These design
features include: (1) splitting the keyboard to minimize wrist deviations;
(2) key contouring and flexible key mapping to minimize finger travel; (3)
built-in hand and arm support; (4) a ternary capability in which keys rock
back and forth to type; (5) a capability to rotate and tilt the device
into numerous positions; and (6) a chordal capability, in which more than
one key must be depressed for a single character to be output.
In reference to eliminating or reducing force and repetition fatigue
factors, three approaches taken in the prior art are illustrated in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,332,493, issued to Einbinder, U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,732, issued
to Dolenc, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,477, issued to Gambaro.
Einbinder discloses a typewriter keyboard in which the keys are arranged to
conform to the "footprint" of the human hand. This layout of keys is
designed with topographically height- and angle-differentiated actuation
pads that attempt to minimize overall hand and finger motion. However, the
Einbinder device stresses the importance of having "home positions" for
the finger and thumb tips, from which position the fingers, and therefore
the hands, must travel appreciably in order to perform typical typing
operations. Thus, the Einbinder device eliminates only a portion of the
problem in solving the motion difficulties encountered with conventional
keyboards.
Similarly motivated by safety-related concerns, Dolenc teaches a one-hand
key layout that includes a fanlike array of plural keys distributed in
elongated rows and organized for specific actuation by the thumb and four
fingers of the hand. Dolenc's device is concerned with minimizing hand
motion, but not finger motion. In fact, Dolenc speaks in terms of
organizing keys in arrays in such a fashion that they take into account
the "motion and range of the respective fingers of the hand." Thus Dolenc
clearly considers finger tip actuation of each key. While Dolenc seriously
addresses the issue of minimizing hand motion, his system does not
appreciably contribute to minimizing finger motion, nor to related wrist
motion. In addition, this device does not address the angular and
topographical distinctions for individual keys, such as those described in
the Einbinder patent. Dolenc also does not establish a "home position" for
the tips of the fingers and thumb as did Einbinder.
Gambaro discloses an ergonomically designed keyboard that is organized with
an array of keys that are disposed generally "to complement the splayed
underside architecture of the user's hand." A two-handed implementation is
disclosed wherein each array includes, for each finger of the hand, a
cluster of input keys that are placed in such a manner that they enable
key actuation via only "slight, gestural, relatively closing motion of a
portion of a confronting finger, and for the thumb in each hand." In
addition, this design tries to overcome ergonomic problems with a set of
keys disposed within two adjustable "hand-print"-shaped depressions. No
appreciable movement of the fingers from the fingertip down to immediately
below the first finger joint is required, each finger being capable of
accessing four keys for the middle, ring, and little fingers, eight keys
for the first finger, and a multitude of keys for the thumb. Again, even
though drastically reduced, finger movement is still required, and all
fingers are required for full key set actuation.
Other issued patents that address modified keyboard and character
arrangements include U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,659, issued to Malt, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,509,873, issued to Ryan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,470, issued to Casey,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,681, issued to Hodges, U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,621, issued
to Holden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,001, issued to Vulcano, U.S. Pat. No.
5,017,030, issued to Crews, U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,260, issued to Rollason,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,834, issued to Szmanda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,910,
issued to Guyot-Sionnest, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,384, issued to Spencer.
None of these addresses the issues of keyboard use and motion injuries.
Computing devices are regularly used for relatively long periods of time by
people of all ages and abilities, it is becoming increasingly important
that a device also accommodate the physically challenged. Prior art
devices in general demand considerable manual and digital dexterity to
operate, making them difficult for some portion of the population to
utilize efficiently and effectively.
Two types of hand rests, both for partial and full hand support, have been
identified in the prior art. One kind acts as an actuator and is not
intended to support a substantial part of the weight of the hand, but
instead to impart some function. Another type of hand rest known in the
art serves only to space the fingers from the proximity-actuated keys to
avoid accidentally operating the keys.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Dual Input Device Embodiment
Given the growing concern over keyboard-related finger and hand motion
problems, it is an important aspect of the present invention to provide an
ergonomic human-computer interface apparatus that obviates overuse
injuries, with the primary focus on the entire aggregate of hand, wrist,
and finger motions.
The apparatus in one embodiment comprises a pair of input devices, one for
each hand. Each device comprises a base and a palm-engaging support in the
shape of a dome that fits in close complementary relationship with the
palmar architecture of the hand in a relaxed state. The dome is coupled
through movable means to the device base, which is in the shape of a
shallow cylinder having a bottom. The cylinder diameter is dimensioned so
that the lower edge of the dome can be positioned beneath the top edge of
the cylinder.
In one embodiment a rodlike member, or shaft, is connected to the center of
the dome at one end and to the center of the device base at the other end,
maintaining a substantially vertical "home" attitude when not under
stress. When the dome is subjected to a rocking motion, the shaft also
moves, and means are provided to sense the location of the shaft at a
specified degree of rocking from the vertical position.
In the preferred embodiment, a plate is positioned above and affixed to the
device base, the plate having an aperture in the shape of a star, the
star-shaped aperture having a number of points. The coupling shaft passes
through the star-shaped aperture and, when the dome is rocked sufficiently
far, is moved into one of the star points. Means for registering shaft
displacement are provided, which in turn generate a location signal. When
a location signal is generated by each input device simultaneously, the
pair of location signals is translated into a unique "keystroke" signal.
It can be seen that the possible number of unique keystroke signals
available is related to the number of star points in each input device;
namely, it is equal to the number of star points in the right-hand input
device times that in the left-hand input device. This combination of
signals to generate a unique keystroke is called chording. The system of
chording described here can be used to access a set of user-definable
characters, which can then be manipulated into a form suitable for
transmission to a computer or like electronic device. Although chording
has been used in some prior art keyboards, the particular scheme of
chording used in the present invention is unique.
An additional set of keystrokes is accessible by generating location
signals from each input device used alone. The number of possible unique
keystroke signals available in this way equals the number of star points
in the right-hand device plus the number of star points in the left-hand
device.
A conventional keyboard typically contains individual keys, each having the
keystroke it represents imprinted thereon. An equivalent feature is
disclosed here to assist the user in locating the sectors into which the
domes must be rocked to produce a given keystroke. This comprises a
color-coded annulus, one associated with each dome, which contains indicia
that provide a correspondence between dome attitude and keystroke. This
annulus is affixed to the top edge of the cylindrical device base wall,
where it is visible by the user.
The invention described herein requires no appreciable hand or wrist motion
and no finger motion, and since the rocking required is relatively small,
only a slight motion of a user's arms is required to output a desired
keystroke. More specifically, use of the proposed device requires little
shifting of the hand from a rest position, and does not require wrist
rotation for maneuvers that are performed on conventional keyboards by the
four fingers and the thumb. Since the fingers are not required to perform
any maneuvering for typing, instead of focusing on finger-tip activation,
the present device is designed to call for only slight motion of a
person's arm and/or hand for actuation of keystrokes.
A mechanism has been developed to allow users to adjust the tension
associated with rocking the dome, that is, the stiffness associated with
moving the coupling shaft. Users with heavy hands or larger muscles may
prefer to set the dome tension to a higher setting than those with lighter
hands or smaller muscles. No comparable tension control system is known in
the art.
In addition, a switch is provided at the connection point of the shaft with
the base. This switch is activated by applying vertical pressure to the
dome. When the switch has not been depressed, a first set of unique
keystroke signals is available, as described above. A single depression
and release of the dome permits access to a second set of keystroke
signals equal in number to the first set. For instance, the "shift"
function may be accessed by a sequential depressing and release of one
dome. The shift-lock can be activated by depressing each dome
sequentially.
In another aspect of the present invention, special switching means is
provided for selectively altering the location of a cursor. Two sequential
depressions of either of the domes allows that dome to act as a
positioning cursor. Because this activation can be performed on either
dome, cursor positioning is permitted for either left- or right-handed
users. No comparable cursor control system is known in the art. This type
of built-in cursor, or "mouse," activation and control allows for total
hand on-board typing and cursor control.
It should be noted that tension-adjustment means are also provided for the
switching means for shift and cursor activation.
In another embodiment of the disclosed invention, palm and finger pads are
provided on the dome to engage and support the hand. None of the prior art
hand rests purports to support the hand while in motion, all having been
specifically contoured to fit the shape of a static hand.
In order to permit maximum comfort, a mechanism is provided for tilting the
device base about at least one axis. Thus the hands and wrists of the user
can be maintained in their most relaxed position, with the domes tilted
toward the user and away from the user's left-right midplane.
The present invention permits maximum flexibility in defining character
location, activation force, activation displacement, and physical
orientation of the keyboard; it can be used by a physically challenged
individual because it will permit adaptation to his or her unique physical
requirements. In addition, because finger movement has been totally
eliminated, individuals with partial hand or finger paralysis or absence
can still manipulate the device. The flexibility inherent in the
positioning of the hands and arms will thus provide significantly improved
ergonomic character.
Additional flexibility is provided in that variable dome sizes can be made
to accommodate any user. In recognition that a "one-size-fits-all"
approach may not be entirely appropriate to deal with users' hands that
are significantly larger or smaller than a "median" hand size, the
structure of the invention proposed herein permits different dome sizes to
accommodate a range of hand sizes and finger spans. In addition, it can be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that other ergonomically
satisfactory shapes besides domes may be utilized, such as balls or flat
boards.
The symmetry and function of the design allows for further reduction in the
size of the bowl and other components, thereby making it an ideal
candidate for miniaturization. Miniaturization of the keyboard has been up
to this point a difficult task because of the need to accommodate human
fingers. The invention described herein allows for easy miniaturization
because the finger metrics are not considered as part of the design. In
fact, one embodiment requires the use of only one finger, preferably the
thumb, of each hand, to operate the apparatus.
Since the design contains no unitary "keys" requiring independent movement,
it is possible to make the devices completely sealed to be weatherproof so
that they are hostile-environment ready. Their design allows for total
enclosure, and therefore protection, from water, dirt, dust, etc. No
comparable air-tight system is known in the art.
Designing the device entailed an analysis of the functional capabilities of
the hand and in particular how to eliminate finger movement. The
capabilities were based on physical as well as physiological components of
the musculature and dimensions of the hand. Using this information, a key
and control layout was created around these capabilities, taking into
account the hand's form and function, capitalizing on strengths and
designing out weaknesses, especially in the fingers. The resulting design
is uniquely natural and efficient, and is easy to learn and use.
Unitary Input Device Embodiment
It can be appreciated that another possible embodiment of the present
invention comprises a unitary input apparatus as already described for
one-handed operation.
A certain set of keystrokes is accessible by rocking the dome into the
available signal-generating sectors, the number of keystrokes available
being equal to the number of sectors. In addition, chording is possible
with the use of the switching means described above. In this embodiment,
the user rocks the dome into one sector, simultaneously depressing the
dome sufficiently to activate the switching means. While maintaining
vertical pressure on the dome, the dome is returned to the "home"
position, and then rocked into a second sector. The signals generated by
the motion of the dome (and hence the coupling shaft) are then "chorded"
in a similar fashion to that utilized in the dual input device embodiment.
Objects of the Invention
The disclosed invention converts movements of the dome into electrical
signals. Although the use described here is given in terms of keystrokes
input to a computer, it can be electrically interfaced to a typewriter,
word processor, printer, or other like implement so that its electrical
signals can be utilized to control the operation of such devices.
It is an object of this invention to provide an ergonomically designed
input device that does not contribute to overuse injuries of the wrist and
hand. In fact, the disclosed apparatus reduces or eliminates finger and
wrist fatigue factors associated with force and repetition.
It is a further object to disclose a dome-shaped apparatus that conforms to
the shape of the human hand, requires no finger movement, and can be
adapted to the size and strength of an individual's hand. Additional
flexibility is provided in that adjustment in the range of dome movement
needed to achieve keystroke generation is possible.
It is yet another object to present a dome-shaped apparatus that can be
used by the physically challenged.
It is an additional object to disclose a system of chording in association
with either a single or a pair of dome-shaped input devices that can be
used to define up to 144 characters.
It is also an object to provide palm and finger pads on the dome-shaped
device to support the hand both while at rest and in motion.
It is a further object of this invention to disclose a cursor positioning
system that can be activated by sequential depressions of either of a pair
of dome-shaped input devices.
It is yet another object to present an environment-proof character input
system.
It is a final object to describe a dome-shaped system that can be
miniaturized or designed for operation with one hand.
The features that characterize the invention, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
will be better understood from the following description used in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly
understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and
description and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention. These and other objects attained, and advantages offered, by
the present invention will become more fully apparent as the description
that now follows is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the keyboard, constituting a preferred
embodiment of the invention, having two domes shaped to fit the natural
shape of the hands at rest. The right-hand device further illustrates a
palm-shaped depression for engaging the hand.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1, with the domes
removed, illustrating the character definition rings, with FIG. 2a
illustrating the left-hand side and FIG. 2b illustrating the right-hand
side.
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.
1, also illustrating generally how a user's right hand is placed in an
operative position.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the tilt mechanism for adjusting the keyboard to
various angles.
FIG. 5 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the tilt mechanism.
FIG. 6 depicts the character definition ring for the single input device
embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates details of the coupling shaft's attachment to the dome
and tension-changing apparatus.
FIG. 8 indicates the details of the transducer structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described
with reference to FIGS. 1-8.
Description of the Apparatus
Referring to FIG. 1, there is indicated generally by the numeral 10 an
ergonomically designed interface apparatus for entering information by a
human operator to a suitable electronic system (not shown) such as a
computer. The coupling arrangement between apparatus 10 and the computer,
which entails an electronic device coupled with an electronic alphanumeric
device, is well known to those skilled in the art. As it forms no part of
the present invention, this coupling is omitted from the present
discussion.
In accordance with the underlying objects to which the present invention is
directed, device 10 takes on a sculpted form that is intended to
complement closely the typical palmar architecture of the human hand at
rest. Accordingly, apparatus 10 has bilateral symmetry, which can be seen
in FIG. 1, with a left-hand device 102, which conforms to a user's left
hand, and a right-hand device 104, which conforms to the user's right
hand. In one embodiment, a hand-shaped depression 1040, shown on
right-hand device 104, is formed in each device to aid in positioning and
improving comfort.
Devices 102 and 104 are secured to bases 28 and 29, respectively, and the
bases are supported by tilting units 192 and 194, respectively. All of
these structures in the preferred embodiment are formed of molded plastic.
For illustration purposes, right-hand input device 104 will be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 3-5, 7, and 8. Device base 29 in the
preferred embodiment comprises a shallow truncated cylinder with a bottom.
The device base wall includes a cylindrical portion 296, flared portion
299, and bottom 298 to create an interior space dimensioned to permit the
lower flared edge 297 of dome 404 to fit within the space. This dome edge
297 is supported in close proximity to (but not in contact with)
reversible plate 18, which has a flat bottom 184 and a curved top 182. The
function of plate 18 will be described later. Surrounding dome 404 and
affixed to the top edge 295 of wall 296 is an annular-shaped character
definition ring 224 (see also FIG. 2b), the structure of which will be
described below and the use of which will be described in the section on
the method of use.
In an embodiment suitable for hostile environments, input device 104 can be
completely sealed and air-tight. This is accomplished by attaching one
edge of a rubberized expandable gasket 103 around the lower edge 297 of
the dome 404 and the other edge of gasket 103 to plate 18. Gasket 103 is
sufficiently flexible to enable the working of dome 404 (see FIG. 3),
which may be accomplished by using an accordion pleated gasket.
Dome 404 is coupled (see FIG. 7) to device base 29 via a shaft 82 that is
attached at its threaded upper end 820 into ball 23, which has a
corresponding threaded hole 822 drilled therein. Ball 23 fits inside cubic
receptacle 24 on the underside 230 of dome 404. Removable button 20 having
protrusion 824 is placed atop dome 404, the protrusion 824 passing through
a hole 826 in dome 404 and into a hole 825 in ball 23.
Shaft 82, when button 20 is in place, has a movable character so that a
rocking of dome 404 is possible, the rocking causing an angular deflection
of shaft 82, which when not under tension resides in a substantially
vertical "home" position. Rocking motion is permitted by the lower edge
297 of dome 404 protruding over curved surface 182 of plate 18; thus the
lower edge 297 is not limited by plate 18.
It can be seen that removing button 20 from dome 404 will enable ball 23 to
rotate freely within receptacle 24. Therefore, if plate 18 is inverted
from the position shown in FIG. 3, a flat surface 184 is presented to dome
404. In this case, movement of shaft 82 is accomplished by sliding dome
404 across plate 18. In this case rocking would not be possible because
lower edge 297 of dome 404 would strike surface 184 of plate 18.
The tension parameter associated with such a rocking motion can be adjusted
with the use of a mechanism comprising a spring 87, two circular metal
disks 79 and 80, and a threaded lever arm 81. Spring 87 is sandwiched
between two solid disks 79 and 80 having holes 90 and 94, respectively, in
their centers, shaft 82 passing through the center of the spring and
through holes 90 and 94, which are dimensioned to allow for shaft 82
movement. Lower disk 80 is fastened to the top of transducer structure 83.
Spring 87 and upper disk 79 are not affixed to any structure; they are
held in place by shaft 82 running through the holes 90 and 94 in their
centers. Lever arm 81 has a hole 827 threaded on its interior surface,
through which shaft 82 passes. Shaft 82 has a corresponding threaded
portion 830 that retains lever arm 81 in position, which thus retains
upper disk 79 in position. It can be seen that screwing lever arm 81
clockwise will compress spring 87 and thus increase the tension associated
with moving shaft 82, and, hence, with rocking dome 404. Increasing the
tension also leads to an increase in force required to activate switch 85,
the operation of which will be described later.
FIG. 3 shows an operator's hand 444 positioned atop dome 404. Angular
deflection of shaft 82 can be seen to cause a motion of ball-shaped member
73, which is mounted on shaft 82 below disk 80. Ball 73 forms part of
transducer structure 83, which is affixed to device base bottom 298 by
fasteners 832. After passing through ball 73, shaft 82 terminates in a
rounded tip 21, which rests on the top surface of switch plate 85.
Transducer structure 83, resides within support structure 831, as shown in
FIG. 8. Transducer structure 83 has a base 838 and four walls 839, in the
preferred embodiment a unitary molded plastic housing. Ball 73, through
which passes shaft 82, moves laterally when dome 404 is rocked. This
motion is converted into a location signal by the workings of transducer
structure 83, the basics of which are known in the art, being similar in
nature to the mechanism utilized in the human-computer interface device
known as a "joystick."
In this embodiment ball 73 fits into pyramidal depression 851 in aperture
housing 837, to be described in the following. Ball 73 can move freely
within this depression 851. Cradling ball 73 are a first 91 and a second
92 sway arm, each having a distal end and a proximal end relative to ball
73. Sway arms 91 and 92 form a substantially 90 degree angle to each
other. Sway arm 91 comprises a substantially semicircular portion 910 at
the proximal end, this portion being longitudinally split so as to permit
shaft 82 to protrude therethrough; likewise for semicircular portion 920
of sway arm 92. The proximal ends of sway arms 91 and 92, at which the
splits are rejoined, are rotatably affixed to support legs 912 and 922,
respectively, which are an integral part of and protrude upwardly from the
base 838 of support structure 830.
The distal portion of sway arm 91 comprises a substantially straight
section that begins adjacent ball 73, the straight portion being
substantially parallel with support structure base 838. This straight
portion proceeds through holes in support plates 918 and 928,
respectively, where they are rotatably affixed to first and second
potentiometers 914 and 924, respectively, which translate the motion of
sway arms 91 and 92, respectively, into first and second potentiometer
signals. These signals are transmitted via leads 916 and 926,
respectively, to a circuit where they are then translated via software
means into a location signal. This allows a computer or other electronic
device to sense the action of dome 404. Since this transduction method is
software controlled, it can be seen that the amount of shaft 82 motion
needed to output a location signal can be adjusted. In practice this
parameter, which is altered physically by inserting aperture members 860
having different-sized apertures 136 (vide infra), can vary from 0.05 to
2.5 cm.
Support plates 918 and 928 are rectangular, planar members that are affixed
to support structure 831 at roughly 90 degrees to each other, with ball 73
being substantially in the center of this angle. Two legs 913 and 915,
upwardly extending from base 838 and integrally molded with support
structure 831, contain grooves 9130 and 9150 into which support plate 918
is slidingly engaged. Likewise two legs 923 and 925 contain grooves 9230
and 9250 into which support plate 928 is slidingly engaged. Support legs
913,91 | | |
