Apparatus And Method For Generating Data Signals
First Claim
1. ) A method for generating a data signal associated with an alphanumeric character to be produced using an apparatus having a control circuit, at least one controller movable in a plurality of directions such that when the at least one controller is moved in one of the directions the data signal associated with the alphanumeric character is generated, the method comprising:
- moving a first controller in a direction associated with a location on a QWERTY keyboard layout of the alphanumeric character to be produced.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user'"'"'s hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. A keyboard layout may be used with the domes to associate movement of each dome with an alphanumeric layout of characters on a conventional keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard layout. Dome movement may also be associated with the relative location of alphanumeric characters on an associated keyboard and the repsective relative frequency of use of an alphanumeric character to be produced. Hand-held embodiments of the apparatus are provided that may be used with portable or other similar electronic devices.
33 Citations
9 Claims
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1. ) A method for generating a data signal associated with an alphanumeric character to be produced using an apparatus having a control circuit, at least one controller movable in a plurality of directions such that when the at least one controller is moved in one of the directions the data signal associated with the alphanumeric character is generated, the method comprising:
moving a first controller in a direction associated with a location on a QWERTY keyboard layout of the alphanumeric character to be produced. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. ) A method for generating a data signal associated with an alphanumeric character to be produced, the method for use with an apparatus having a control processor, at least one controller movable in a plurality of directions defining respective points of a compass such that when the at least one controller is moved in one of the directions the data signal associated with the alphanumeric character is generated, the method comprising:
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moving a first controller in at least one direction selected from the group of;
a direction associated with a location on a QWERTY keyboard layout of the alphanumeric character to be produced;
a direction associated with a relative frequency of use of the alphanumeric character to be produced; and
at least one of a north direction, a south direction, a west direction and an east direction. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. ) A method for generating a data signal indicative of an alphanumeric character selected from a set of characters to be input into a computing device, the method for use with an apparatus having a processing means and at least one controller movable in a plurality of directions for causing the data signal to be generated and wherein the set of characters are arranged in a layout, the method comprising:
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moving at least one controller in a direction selected from the group of;
a direction associated with a location on the layout of the alphanumeric character to be produced; and
a direction associated with a relative frequency of use of the alphanumeric character.
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Specification