Keyboard with improved lateral region

• US 20040126171A1
• Filed: 12/16/2003
• Published: 07/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Bathiche, Steven N., Vong, William H., Ledbetter, Carl J., Fry, Kenneth V., McLoone, Hugh E., Hayes, Jonathan A., Cauthorn, James H.
• Granted Patent: US 6,939,067 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 400/472
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards

Abstract

A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key. The application switching device is preferably configured to provide a command, when actuated, to move between open applications. The application switching device may be independently-actuable, and/or dedicated and labeled as an application switching device. Additionally, the application switching device may be movable for actuation in opposing directions. Exemplary embodiments of the application switching device include a toggle switch, a rotatable dial, a laterally slidable member, and one or two keys. The second group of keys, application switching device and the scrolling member make performing “composition” tasks more efficient.

Claims

1. A keyboard comprising a rotatable wheel having an asymmetric outer profile.

2. The keyboard of said claim 1, said rotatable wheel configured to provide a scrolling command when rotated.

3. A keyboard comprising:

a rotatable wheel having a width, first and second sides, and an outer diameter at each said side, said outer diameter being larger at said first side than said second side.

4. A keyboard comprising a rotatable frustum-shaped member.

5. The keyboard of claim 4, further comprising at least one of a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key located within 3 cm of said rotatable frustum-shaped member.

6. The keyboard of claim 4, further comprising a keyboard upper housing having a planar section and raised ridge, said rotatable frustum-shaped member located in said raised ridge.

7. The keyboard of claim 6, wherein said rotatable frustum-shaped member is a scrolling device rotatably movable in opposing directions.

8. The keyboard of claim 4, further comprising an input element that provides a back command when actuated.

9. The keyboard of claim 8, wherein the input element is located 2.5 centimeters or less from the rotatable frustum-shaped member.