KEYBOARD LAYOUT
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An input device for entering data into a computing device, the input device comprising:
- a supporting structure;
a plurality of primary keys mounted on the supporting structure, andat least one of the primary keys comprising a multi-function input device operable by a single finger of a user and having a plurality of actuation modes each of which is associated with different input data for the computing device,wherein the multi-function input device comprises a pad mounted over a plurality of momentary action switches whereby rocking the pad in each one of a plurality of directions operates a corresponding one of the switches;
wherein the multi-function input device further comprises a further switch which is operated by depressing the pad without rocking it;
wherein the multi-function input device further comprises five switches whereby rocking the pad in each one of four directions on substantially perpendicular axes operates a corresponding one of four switches and depressing the centre of the pad operates the fifth switch.
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Abstract
A unique keyboard configuration and a keyboard form factor are provided. The keyboard configuration is formed from several keys arranged in a substantially handprint configuration on a housing. Each key is assigned more than one letter input. To actuate any one of the letter inputs assigned to a key, only a single actuation of the key is needed. Each key may be momentarily movable to more than one position, from the rest position, each position corresponding to generating a pre-assigned letter input.
16 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An input device for entering data into a computing device, the input device comprising:
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a supporting structure; a plurality of primary keys mounted on the supporting structure, and at least one of the primary keys comprising a multi-function input device operable by a single finger of a user and having a plurality of actuation modes each of which is associated with different input data for the computing device, wherein the multi-function input device comprises a pad mounted over a plurality of momentary action switches whereby rocking the pad in each one of a plurality of directions operates a corresponding one of the switches; wherein the multi-function input device further comprises a further switch which is operated by depressing the pad without rocking it; wherein the multi-function input device further comprises five switches whereby rocking the pad in each one of four directions on substantially perpendicular axes operates a corresponding one of four switches and depressing the centre of the pad operates the fifth switch. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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2-4. -4. (canceled)
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7-8. -8. (canceled)
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10. (canceled)
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20. An input device for entering data into a computing device using a single-hand operation, the input device comprising:
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a supporting structure; and a plurality of keys mounted in the supporting structure, at least a portion of the keys being positioned relative to one another along an approximately arcuate line such that the tips of the four fingers and thumb of a user'"'"'s hand will naturally adopt the positions of the primary keys, wherein each of the keys is assigned a plurality of inputs, each of the inputs is generated by a single actuation of a corresponding key, and wherein the keys are capable of generating inputs corresponding to a full range of English letters.
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Specification