Patent Application
20100109915
Since the inception of the computer there has been a constant drive to produce smaller and smaller models. However, miniaturization to the extent of hand-held models has proved problematic despite the successful shrinking of processors and data storage. The screen and the keyboard have been forced to fight for front-side real estate, causing inventors to try combining the two, in the tablet model, or shrinking both to toy-like proportions in the thumb keyboard model. Neither of these methods come close to replicating the typing speed of the full-size QWERTY model and the QWERTY system is so entrenched in the mind of the public that there has never been great success in convincing them to adopt a new system which is designed to shrink, i.e. one with fewer keys. However, as in the case of cell phone text messaging, the public has proved itself to be incredibly adaptive to a new system when there is cause.
So-called chordal keyboards are keyboards which produce characters when combinations, or chords, of keys are struck in tandem as opposed to the traditional ‘one key equals one character’ QWERTY model. Chordal keyboards would appear to be the perfect solution to miniaturization as many less keys are required to produce a desirable complete character set, such as the English alphabet. However chordal systems do not appear to have achieved widespread mainstream success because the learning curve is steep and the idea of striking multiple keys can be visually and conceptually frustrating. However, the fact is that a chordal keyboard system, when committed to muscle-memory, can be even faster than its QWERTY counterpart, which takes some time to learn in its own right.
The problem with the chordal systems is that the initial hurdle of visual and conceptual unfamiliarity and complexity bars most potential operators from ever attempting to familiarize themselves with them. Therefore any chordal keyboard device wishing to cross over into the realm of general public acceptance must take great steps to make itself easy to understand, visually simple, and instantly usable. That is the first goal of the present invention.
There have been devices including inputs on the back, bottom, or sides of a hand-held computer or keyboard replacement device: U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,988, U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,752, U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,066, and U.S. Published Application No. 2007/0216640, among others.
Examples of chordal (a.k.a. chord or chording) keyboards are reflected in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,777, U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,506, U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,416, U.S. Pat. No. 6,542,091, U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,457, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,171 (Universal Input Device or UID) among many others.
Examples of patents employing both chordal systems and inputs on multiple surfaces are: U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,321, U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,621, U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,181, U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,510, U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,305, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,548, U.S. Pat. No. 7,218,313, U.S. Published Application No. 2006/0202865, and U.S. Published Application No. 2004/028681 (Back Side Keyboard or BSK).
Several examples of what could be considered chordal keys that exist on current devices are the “shift”, “control”, and “alt” keys on the QWERTY keyboard and the extended functions on scientific calculators. These have “made it” because they are conceptually and mechanically simple: one button which changes the function of all the others. The present invention uses, at its core, this kind of simplicity and thereby distinguishes itself from all other chordal systems.
Most chordal keyboards can be seen as having primary input keys, which relate to specific characters or functions, and selector input keys, which change the character/function subset denoted by the primary input keys. In all chordal keyboards aside from the present invention, the chordal systems utilize a relatively high number of selector keys to obtain a high number of character/function subsets. For instance, in the hand-held embodiment of the UID, there are four primary input keys. In order to achieve a character set of, say, 32 characters, eight character subsets, and therefore eight selectors inputs, are required (the exact number is variable on the UID). Thus, operators must continually navigate their way through eight character subsets in order to type a paragraph. Even in a relatively less complex system, such as the chordal embodiment of the BSK which utilizes ten primary input keys and four selector keys, the operator is required to navigate through four different subsets, undoubtedly hunting through subset after subset for each subsequent character.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention simplify the navigation process by having only one selector key in any given character set and therefore only two subsets to move back and forth between at any time. This requires at least 13 primary input keys for the English alphabet—one preferred embodiment has 16.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide a system of inputs which allows for rapid typing speed, which is ergonomic, and which lends itself to miniaturization or placement on handheld devices.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention also provide a system of inputs which are capable of delivering every input available on the QWERTY keyboard, including alphabet characters, numeral characters, symbols, control functions, hot-keys, navigational commands, and also could deliver a potentially limitless capacity for other inputs, limited only by the device's memory capabilities.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a system of inputs which delivers the inputs in discreet sets designed for specific purposes.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a system of inputs which could be programmable with regard to the visual guides and the specific content of sets and lay-out of set-menus, allowing an operator to tailor the device to their specific needs and purposes.
In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for placing inputs on any electronic device. This system comprises a plurality of primary inputs placed on the back, bottom, or sides of the device and a single selector input placed elsewhere on the device. The majority of the primary inputs are paired into twos, the pairs aligning with the positions of the tips of the operator's fingers as they reach around to the back, bottom, or sides of the device. In the preferred embodiment, the single selector input is aligned with one of the operator's thumbs and the primary input pairs are achieved by 3-position momentary rocker switches (the central position being neutral or off).
Each primary input, when activated, provides either a character (such as a letter [W], number [7], or symbol [!]), a function (such as a device control [open], navigation [page up] or software command [select all]), or any other element required by the device (mathematical formula, print spooler, flow chart, etc.). These primary input designations are grouped into sets (such as an English alphabet set).
Complete sets of primary input designations are not available to the operator all at one time. Rather, complete sets are divided into two sister subsets that the operator toggles between during normal usage. Therefore, the number of designations available in a complete set is double the number of primary inputs. For example, a complete English alphabet set [A-Z] can be divided into the two subsets [A-M] and [N-Z]. The selector input toggles between the two subsets. This configuration is an example of a ‘dual-subset chordal input system’.
Primary input guides, visual representations of the designations of the primary inputs, can be made to appear on the device's screen or monitor. These guides mirror (exactly or loosely) the positions of the primary inputs on the reverse side and change instantly to reflect the current designations of the primary inputs.
In addition, the input system may also incorporate hot sets and set menus that allow the operator to switch between various complete sets of designations. An operator typing in English, for instance, would likely need to quickly switch between an English alphabet set, a punctuation set, a number set, and a text navigation set at will, as well as other sets relating to their specific project.
Finally, the system is rounded out by the inclusion of character/function manipulation inputs. These are inputs that potentially apply to any and every character or function set, for instance [space bar] or [undo].
a), 8(b), 8(c) and 8(d) depict four different possible arrangements for an English alphabet set.
However, the primary inputs and all of the inputs on the device, in other embodiments, could be implemented as rocker switches, buttons, keys, roller switches, heat or pressure sensitive pads, multi-directional buttons or switches, multi-level buttons, multi-positional switches, toggle switches, touch-screen inputs, or other means.
In the preferred embodiment, there are sixteen primary inputs on the backside of the device divided into eight pairs of inputs. The pairs are achieved by eight 3-position momentary rocker switches 305 that align with the tips of the operator's fingers as they reach around to the back of the device. The selector input 310 is positioned on the front or top of the device, in alignment with the operator's left thumb. In alignment with the right thumb is the primary right-side supplementary input 315 and available to the right thumb are additional right-side supplementary inputs 320. Available to the left thumb are the guide input 325 (a supplementary input) and several additional left-side supplementary inputs 330. Note that in the touch-screen phone version (
The screen 335 takes up almost the entire front side of the device. Rubber grips 340 on the sides of the device help to increase friction against the operator's palms as they hold up the device. All of the fingers also apply light pressure on the rocker switches 305 while in the central off position to assist in holding up the device. The thumbs also apply holding pressure with the eminences of their second joints, well away from the thumb-aligned inputs 310, 315, 320, 325, 330 that are available to be manipulated by their tips.
A trackball 345 and trackball input 350 are placed on the back of the hand-held device and top of the cellular phone. However, with a touch-screen cellular phone, a trackball may be unnecessary.
a)-8(d) and 9 depict examples of typical sets that could be present in the system.
Available sets could include (but are not limited to): native and foreign language alphabet sets, number sets, symbol sets, text navigation sets, book/newspaper navigation sets, map navigation sets, scientific calculation sets, command sets, hot-key sets, programming sets, cellular phone control and call list navigation sets, 2-D, 3-D, or 4-D navigational sets, code programming sets, copy-editing sets, software control sets, game control sets, formula sets, computer navigation sets, machine control sets, artistic use sets, television control sets, camera and video camera control sets, sound system control sets, security system control sets, stock and bond trading and management sets, company management and workflow sets, electric grid (household or company) control sets, etc. In fact any computer, machine, system, or software could theoretically be controlled by this input system.
If the operator required more sets than available in a standard set menu, the bottom two primary inputs 305 of the right hand (or whichever inputs the operator chose) could become set-menu-toggle inputs that would toggle through set menu after set menu, adding another 30 sets with each further menu. If, in some extreme case such as a device which could produce all of the Chinese characters, the operator required even more sets than the set menu toggle inputs could practically provide, the set menu input could produce a ‘meta-set menu’ or a menu of set menus. In this case, each primary input 305 would represent an entire set menu in itself, providing for 1,024 sets with relative ease, or 32,768 characters and/or functions. If, in some incredible circumstance, more sets were required, the meta-set menu could incorporate set menu toggle inputs to increase the number of sets arithmetically, or even a meta-meta-set (and so on) to increase its capabilities exponentially.
Another potential, more realistic, use of the meta-set menu would be for the logical organization of sets. For instance, a scientist or engineer using the device primarily to generate formulae might wish to group the formula sets according to particular problems or projects. Certain formulae might even be redundant in several sets or sets might be redundant in several set menus, and the set menus within the meta-set menu could be labeled according to the project or type of project they relate to.
Finally, a particular set menu might actually contain an assortment of functions, sets, and meta-sets as its set components. For instance, a set designed to navigate a computer's operating system would likely have, in its starting set, functions such as [back], [search], [close], etc., sets such as those mimicking ‘drop-down menus,’ i.e. [file], [tools], etc., and meta-sets, such as the [C: drive], which would include meta-set upon meta-set within itself as the operator navigated through the computer's folders and files. This type of set configuration comes pre-programmed in the most logical and straightforward manner for the novice operator but is also programmable to suit the specific requirements of the experienced operator. Software control sets relating to specific software programs manifest upon entering the corresponding program. All set components are programmable via the programming set.
Guides for the right-side supplementary inputs 315, 320 are also provided. Right-side supplementary inputs 315, 320 provide manipulations that apply to every possible character set, such as [space bar], [return], [delete], [tab], [capitalize], [caps lock], etc. In non-character sets they represent manipulations that apply to most non-character sets, such as [enter], [undo], [re-do], [escape], etc. In the preferred embodiment, these are placed in alignment with or accessible to the right thumb.
The primary input guides 1105 are turned on and off or set to display the right-side supplementary inputs 315, 320 using the guide input 325. The guides 1105 can be moved from their home positions to accommodate the specific needs of the operator or work around the rest of the screen display. The size of the guides 1105 relative to the screen is also programmable. The guides 1105 can have full-length descriptors and also abbreviated versions to save room on the screen.
Optionally, individual guides 1105 can ‘light up’ or reverse colors in response to their input being keyed to further reinforce hand-eye coordination. Finally, the operator can decide whether or not to have a ‘grayed out’ or ‘shadow guides’ representation of the appearing subset's sister subset. This last would assist operators, especially novices, in the constant understanding of the entire scope of any one set. All of these customized settings are available through the programming set.
Alternatively, or in addition to visual guides 1105, auditory guides could be supplied that provide auditory reinforcement such as one or more speakers that announces the character or function designated by a primary input 305 when it is keyed.
When the device is initially turned on, the first and second PIV's are assigned according to the default set stored in the device's memory 1205. The default set is programmable via the programming set. If the display value is set to equal 1, representations of the first PIV's are displayed on-screen to show the operator which PIV's correspond to which primary inputs (if the display value is set to equal 0, the representations are not displayed) 1210. When a primary input is keyed 1215, the corresponding first PIV is sent to the device's main processor in the form of a character or function 1220. When the selector input is depressed 1225, representations of the second PIV's are displayed on-screen if the display value is set to equal 1 1230. Now when the primary input is keyed 1235 (and the selector input is still depressed), the corresponding second PIV is sent to the device's main processor in the form of a character or function 1240. When the selector input is released, representations of the first PIV's return to the screen 1245.
When the guide input is keyed 1250, the display value is toggled from 1 to 0 or from 0 to 1 1255. When the display value equals 1, representations of the PIV's are displayed on-screen in order to assist the operator in understanding the values of the primary inputs. When the display value equals 0, the representations are not displayed in order to make more room on the screen.
When the set menu input is keyed 1260, the primary inputs become a menu of sets: a selectable new set is assigned to each primary input and the set names are displayed on-screen to assist navigation 1265. When a new set is chosen by keying the corresponding primary input 1270, the first and second PIV's are re-assigned according to the new selected set 1275.
When one of the several hot set inputs is keyed 1280, the first and second PIV's are re-assigned according to the hot set selected 1285. Hot sets are sets that work in conjunction with the selected set, such as a punctuation set and number set working in conjunction with an alphabet set.
The present invention may also be implemented in portable computing devices in a wide range of sizes, from very small to tablet size to full laptop size and even larger. This invention eliminates the need for a separate keyboard, which typically doubles the size of any device, and provides an incredible range of potential inputs, expanding the device's potential usefulness many times over. Additionally, implementations of this invention use up very little front-side space on a device, meaning the viewing screen can be nearly as large as the entire height and width of the device itself.
This invention can be applied to any portable computing device, including but not limited to: monitoring equipment, bar code scanners, radios, remote control handsets, scientific calculators, scientific or engineering ‘companions,’ video and sound system controllers, universal household controllers, recording devices—audio and visual, etc., as well as computers in military vehicles, police patrol car computers, airplane onboard computers, etc. With reference to these last three, an application of this invention places the inputs (with a stripped down version of the supplementary inputs) on the controls or steering wheel of the vehicle, so that the pilot or officer need not turn their body or remove their hands from the controls in order to use the computer. This application is depicted in
Finally, the input system outlined by the present invention can be applied to any computer, machine, or device that can utilize inputs, providing an ergonomic and comprehensive control system.
