Keyboard - Patent Review 6520699

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A user interface device comprising: a plurality of geometrically-shaped keys slidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions, the plurality of keys further joined together to slide substantially in unison; a force detector configured to detect force applied to one or more of the plurality of keys; a lateral movement sensor configured to sense direction of motion of the plurality of keys; and a selection component for selecting at least one of a character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

2. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the lateral movement sensor comprises a direction sensor and a distance sensor, wherein the direction of motion is sensed based on a lateral movement sensed by the lateral movement sensor and a distance value sensed by the distance sensor.

3. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the lateral movement sensor comprises a plurality of key mounted activators and housing-mounted sensors, wherein the housing-mounted sensors sense when a key mounted activator is within a threshold distance and wherein the direction of motion is sensed based on the housing-mounted sensor that sensed an activator within the threshold distance.

4. The user interface device of claim 1, further comprising an output device for presenting the selected character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

5. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component is associated with the key where the force was detected.

6. The user interface device of claim 5, wherein each character and function associated with each key is further associated with a direction of motion of the plurality of keys.

7. The user interface device of claim 6, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component is the character or function associated with a direction on the key closest to the sensed direction of motion.

8. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the selection component selects from a first set of characters or functions regardless of whether a sensed direction of motion or a detected force is first in a series of sensor detections provided that if a detected force is first, the following sensed direction of motion above a threshold amount comes within a threshold period of time from the detected force, and if a sensed direction of motion that follows a detected force in a series of sensor detections does not come within a threshold period of time from the detected force, the selection component selects from a second set of characters or functions.

9. The user interface device of claim 1, further comprising: a thumb control pad moveable within the housing.

10. The user interface device of claim 9, wherein the direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control pad.

11. The user interface device of claim 10, wherein thumb control pad movement moves the plurality of keys in the same direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

12. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys are circular.

13. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the keys are hexagon shaped.

14. The user interface device of claim 1, further comprising: a second set of a plurality of keys slidably retained within the housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions, the plurality of keys further joined together to slide substantially in unison, wherein the force detector is configured to detect force applied to one or more of the second set of the plurality of keys, the direction sensor is configured to detect direction of motion of the second set of the plurality of keys, and the selection component selects at least one of the plurality of characters or functions associated with the second set of the plurality of keys based on the detected force and sensed direction of motion applied to the second set of the plurality of keys.

15. The user interface device of claim 14, further comprising: a pair of thumb control pads moveable within the housing, each thumb control pad being associated with one of the sets of a plurality of keys.

16. The user interface device of claim 15, wherein the direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control pads.

17. The user interface device of claim 16, wherein movement of each thumb control pad moves the corresponding set of plurality of keys in the same direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

18. The user interface device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of keys of the first and second set of plurality of keys are circular.

19. The user interface device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of keys of the first and second set of plurality of keys are hexagon shaped.

20. The user interface device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of characters comprise letters of the English alphabet and the plurality of letters associated with the first and second set of a plurality of keys are arranged in at least one of a substantially QWERTY, alphabetic, or Dvorak relationship.

21. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the force detector comprises a key identifying component for identifying the key where the greatest force was detected.

22. A user interface method using a plurality of geometrically-shaped keys each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions, comprising: detecting force applied to one or more of the plurality of keys; detecting direction of motion of one or more of the plurality of keys; and selecting at least one of a character or function based on the detected force and sensed direction of motion.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein detecting direction of motion comprises sensing lateral movement and a distance value and wherein the detected direction of motion is based on the sensed lateral movement and distance value.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising: presenting the selected at least one character or function based on the detected force and sensed direction of motion.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component is associated with the key where the force was detected.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein each character and function associated with each key is further associated with a direction of motion of the plurality of keys.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component is associated with a direction on the key closest to the sensed direction of motion.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein selecting comprises: determining whether a sensed direction of motion in a series of sensor detections is detected before a detected force; selecting from a first set of a plurality of characters or functions, if a sensed direction of motion in a series of sensor detections is sensed before a detected force; and selecting from a second set of a plurality of characters or functions, if a detected force in a series of sensor detections is sensed before a sensed direction of motion.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein selecting comprises: selecting from a first set of a plurality of characters or functions regardless of whether a sensed direction of motion or a detected force is first in a series of sensor detections, provided that if a detected force is first, the following sensed direction of motion comes within a threshold period of time from the detected force, and if a sensed direction of motion that follows a detected force in a series of sensor detections does not come within a threshold period of time from the detected force, selecting from a second set of a plurality of characters or functions.

30. The method of claim 22, wherein detecting force comprises identifying the key where the greatest force was detected.

31. A user interface device comprising: a plurality of geometrically-shaped keys slidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions, the plurality of keys further joined together to slide substantially in unison; a force detector means for detecting force applied to one or more of the plurality of keys; a lateral movement sensor means for sensing direction of motion of the plurality of keys; and a selection component means for selecting at least one of a character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

32. The user interface device of claim 31, wherein the lateral movement sensor comprises: a direction sensor means for sensing lateral movement; and a distance sensor means for sensing a distance value, wherein the direction of motion is sensed based on the sensed lateral movement and the sensed distance value.

33. The user interface device of claim 31, wherein the lateral movement sensor comprises a plurality of key mounted activator means; and a plurality of housing-mounted sensor means for sensing when a key mounted activator is within a threshold distance, wherein the direction of motion is sensed based on the housing-mounted sensor means that sensed an activator within the threshold distance.

34. The user interface device of claim 31, further comprising an output means for presenting the selected character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

35. The user interface device of claim 31, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component means is associated with the key where the force was detected.

36. The user interface device of claim 35, wherein each character and function associated with each key is further associated with a direction of motion of the plurality of keys.

37. The user interface device of claim 36, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component means is the character or function associated with a direction on the key closest to the sensed direction of motion.

38. The user interface device of claim 37, wherein the selection component means selects from a first set of characters or functions regardless of whether a sensed direction of motion or a detected force is first in a series of sensor detections provided that if a detected force is first, the following sensed direction of motion above a threshold amount comes within a threshold period of time from the detected force, and if a sensed direction of motion that follows a detected force in a series of sensor detections does not come within a threshold period of time from the detected force, the selection component selects from a second set of characters or functions.

39. The user interface device of claim 31, further comprising: a thumb control means moveable within the housing.

40. The user interface device of claim 39, wherein the direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control means.

41. The user interface device of claim 40, wherein thumb control means movement moves the plurality of keys in the same direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

42. The user interface device of claim 31, wherein the plurality of keys are circular.

43. The user interface device of claim 31, wherein the keys are hexagon shaped.

44. The user interface device of claim 31, further comprising: a second set of a plurality of keys slidably retained within the housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions, the plurality of keys further joined together to slide substantially in unison, wherein the force detector means is configured to detect force applied to one or more of the second set of the plurality of keys, the direction sensor is configured to detect direction of motion of the second set of the plurality of keys, and the selection component selects at least one of the plurality of characters or functions associated with the second set of the plurality of keys based on the detected force and sensed direction of motion applied to the second set of the plurality of keys.

45. The user interface device of claim 44, further comprising: a pair of thumb control pads moveable within the housing, each thumb control pad being associated with one of the sets of a plurality of keys.

46. The user interface device of claim 45, wherein the direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control pads.

47. The user interface device of claim 46, wherein movement of each thumb control pad moves the corresponding set of plurality of keys in the same direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

48. The user interface device of claim 44, wherein the plurality of keys of the first and second set of plurality of keys are circular.

49. The user interface device of claim 44, wherein the plurality of keys of the first and second set of plurality of keys are hexagon shaped.

50. The user interface device of claim 44, wherein the plurality of characters comprise letters of the English alphabet and the plurality of letters associated with the first and second set of a plurality of keys are arranged in at least one of a substantially QWERTY, alphabetic, or Dvorak relationship.

51. The user interface device of claim 31, wherein the force detector means comprises a key identifying component for identifying the key where the greatest force was detected.

52. A user interface device comprising: a plurality of buttons displayed on a touch sensitive screen, each button being associated with a plurality of characters or functions; a force detector for detecting force applied to one or more of the plurality of buttons; a lateral movement sensor for sensing direction of motion of a stroke performed on the touch sensitive screen; and a selection component for selecting at least one of a character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

53. The user interface device of claim 52, wherein the lateral movement sensor comprises a direction sensor and a distance sensor, wherein the direction of motion is sensed based on a lateral movement sensed by the lateral movement sensor and a distance value sensed by the distance sensor.

54. The user interface device of claim 52, further comprising an output device for presenting the selected character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

55. The user interface device of claim 52, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component is associated with the button where the force was detected.

56. The user interface device of claim 55, wherein each character and function associated with each button is further associated with a direction of motion.

57. The user interface device of claim 56, wherein the character or function selected by the selection component is the character or function associated with a direction on the button closest to the sensed direction of motion.

58. The user interface device of claim 52, wherein the selection component selects from a first set of characters or functions regardless of whether a sensed direction of motion or a detected force is first in a series of sensor detections provided that if a detected force is first, the following sensed direction of motion above a threshold amount comes within a threshold period of time from the detected force, and if a sensed direction of motion that follows a detected force in a series of sensor detections does not come within a threshold period of time from the detected force, the selection component selects from a second set of characters or functions.

59. The user interface device of claim 52, further comprising: a thumb control pad moveable within the housing.

60. The user interface device of claim 59, wherein the direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control pad.

61. The user interface device of claim 60, wherein thumb control pad movement moves the plurality of buttons in the same direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

62. The user interface device of claim 52, wherein the buttons are circular.

63. The user interface device of claim 52, wherein the buttons are hexagon shaped.

64. A user interface device comprising: a plurality of geometrically-shaped keys slidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions, the plurality of keys being separately slidable; a force detector configured to detect force applied to one or more of the plurality of keys; a lateral movement sensor configured to sense direction of motion of the plurality of keys; and a selection component for selecting at least one of a character or function based on the detected force and the sensed direction of motion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to keyboards and more particularly the invention relates to keyboards for one or two hand implementation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many keyboards have been developed to interface with computer systems of various sizes. Devices smaller than a standard desktop or workstation computer are being developed with alphanumeric entry requirements. These smaller devices require an alternative design from traditional keyboards in order to fit on the smaller devices. For example, a cell phone has a number keypad (0-9) with multiple letters assigned to each number key. Depressing a single key one, two, or three times will be interpreted as the entry of a distinct character. Those same keys may perform other operational functions when a different mode of operation is activated. These implementations are ineffective for quickly entering large text messages or quickly selecting device functions.

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. For example, in some keyboards simultaneously actuated keys produce functions or alphanumeric selections not assigned to any one of the actuated keys, but assigned to the combined selection of keys.

However, these keyboards have extremely limited functionality and therefore do not allow the entry of comprehensive data and instructions in a computer. These keyboards also do not allow quick and accurate entry. Accordingly, present input devices are essentially one of two types: full-size keyboards with complete functionality and a large number of keys or small keypads with awkward input schemes and limited functionality. Furthermore, there have not been significant developments in the art 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. 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 resolve some of these problems and provide improved keyboard systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a user interface device. The user interface device includes a plurality of keys slidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or functions. The user interface device also includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure applied to one or more of the plurality of keys, a direction sensor configured to detect direction of motion of the plurality of keys, a selection component for selecting at least one of a character or function based on the sensed pressure and sensed direction of motion, and an output device for presenting the selected at least one character or function based on the sensed pressure and sensed direction of motion. The selected character or function is associated with the key where the pressure was sensed and with an associated direction closest to the sensed direction of motion. Each character and function associated with each key is further associated with a direction of motion of the plurality of keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the keys are joined together to slide substantially in unison.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the selection component determines whether a sensed direction of motion in a series of sensor detections is detected before a sensed pressure, and selects from a first set of a plurality of characters or functions, if a sensed direction of motion in a series of sensor detections is sensed before a sensed pressure. If a sensed pressure in a series of sensor detections is sensed before a sensed direction of motion, the selection component selects from a second set of a plurality of characters or functions.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the selection component selects from a first set of a plurality of characters or functions regardless of whether a sensed direction of motion or a sensed pressure is first in a series of sensor detections provided that if a sensed pressure is first, the following sensed direction of motion comes within a threshold period of time from the sensed pressure. If a sensed direction of motion that follows a sensed pressure in a series of sensor detections does not occur within a threshold period of time from the sensed pressure, the selection component selects from a second set of a plurality of characters or functions.

In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, the user interface device includes a thumb control pad moveable within the housing. The direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control pad. Thumb control pad movement moves the plurality of keys in the same lateral direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

In accordance with yet other aspects of the invention, the plurality of keys are circular, hexagon or shaped in another geometric form.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the user interface device includes a second set of keys arranged similar to the first set of plurality of keys.

In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, the characters are letters of the English alphabet and the letters associated with the first and second set of a plurality of keys are arranged in a substantially QWERTY, alphabetic, Dvorak, or other relationships. One or more thumb control pads moveable within the housing, are associated with one of the sets of a plurality of keys. The direction sensor is further configured to detect direction of motion of the thumb control pads. Movement of each thumb control pad moves the corresponding set of plurality of keys in the same lateral direction of motion that the thumb control pad is being moved.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the pressure sensor includes a key-identifying component for identifying the key where the greatest pressure was sensed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-C are flow diagrams performed by the components of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a single-handed embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are top views of a two-handed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an x-ray top view of a single keypad formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and B are cross-sectional views of the keypad shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a Japanese version of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate selectable Japanese alphabetic characters according to multiple key selections;

FIGS. 10A-B illustrate a top view of a two-handed keyboard with thumb controllers;

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate the present implemented in various devices; and

FIGS. 16A-F illustrate various functions assigned to different key motions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates components of a keyboard system 20 formed in accordance with the present invention. The keyboard system 20 includes a keyboard 21 connected to a processor 22. The processor 22 is connected to an output 23. The output 23 is preferably a display device. The keyboard 21 includes a plurality of keys 24, individual key sensors 26 and a set of lateral sensors 28. When a user depresses a key, the individual key sensors 26 generate a key select signal that indicates which key has been selected. When the keys 24 are moved laterally, the lateral sensors 28 generate a lateral signal that indicates the direction of motion. The generated signals are sent to the processor 22 for analysis. The processor 22 generates an output signal for directing operation of the output 23 based upon the analysis.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a process performed by the keyboard system shown in FIG. 1. First, at block 50, detection of one or more of key motions begins. At block 52, a first key motion in a series of key motions is detected. Next, at decision block 54, the process determines characteristics of the motion based on the signals generated and sent from the sensors 26, 28. The characteristics of motions that are detected are either an X-Y motion (a lateral motion or a motion approximately parallel to the keyboard plane), or a Z motion (a key depression motion or a motion in a direction generally perpendicular to the keyboard plane). As will be discussed further below, the "motion" detected need not literally comprise key movement, but could alternatively amount to the detection of forces that do not actually move the keys. In such an embodiment, the method evaluates the force imparted on the keys to ascertain force vectors in lateral and vertical planes. Though the following discussion describes motion, all motions could alternatively be detected forces. If the first detected motion (or force) in a series of motions is an X-Y motion, the processor determines the direction of the detected X-Y motion according to the received lateral sensor signal, see block 56. Next, at decision block 58, the process determines if the next detected motion is a Z motion. If the next detected motion is not a Z motion but is another X-Y motion, the process concludes that an error has occurred and returns to block 50 for analyzing a new series of key motions. If, at decision block 58, the detected motion is a Z motion, the process determines the location of the motion and therefore which key is associated with the detected Z motion, see block 60. Next, at block 62, the process generates a display signal for displaying the character or symbol that is associated with the determined key and the determined X-Y motion direction. Next, at decision block 64, the process determines if an additional X-Y motion has been applied while the Z motion is still activated or within a threshold period of time since the Z motion. If no additional X-Y motions have been detected, the process returns to block 50 for processing of a next series of key motions. If an additional X-Y motion has been applied, the process determines if a function is associated with the additional X-Y motion, see decision block 66. If a function is associated with the additional X-Y motion, the process performs the function or action associated with the additional motion, see block 68, and the process returns to decision block 64 for determining if any further X-Y motions have occurred or are occurring. If no function is associated with additional X-Y motion, the process returns to block 50.

In some embodiments, individual keys serve as function keys in addition to representing characters. While characters are typically selected by a motion (or force) in the X-Y and Z planes, functions can be selected by a downward motion alone. Thus, if the defected motion is a downward one, the invention determines, whether a function has been selected. Returning to decision block 54 in FIG. 2A, if the initial detected motion is a Z motion (or force), the process continues to D at the top of FIG. 2C. If the detected motion is a Z motion, the process determines the key(s) associated with the detected Z motion, see block 72. Then, at decision block 74, the process determines whether there is a function associated with the determined key(s). In this sense, a "function" may include, for example, if there is no function associated with the determined key(s), the process returns to block 50 for processing of a next series of key motions. However, if a function is associated with the determined key(s), the process determines if the associated function requires the X-Y motion to perform a component of the associated function, see decision block 76. If no X-Y motion is determined to be required