Data input system using a split keyboard

• US 4,378,553 A
• Filed: 03/13/1981
• Issued: 03/29/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William C. Mccall
• Original Assignee: William C. Mccall
• Inventors: McCall, William C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robinson, Thomas A.
• Application Number:
  US06/243,294
• Time in Patent Office: 746 Days
• Field of Search: 340/365 R, 340/365 S, 178/17 C, 178/30, 400/82, 400/87, 400/472, 400/473, 235/145 R, 235/145 A, 235/146
• US Class Current: 341/21
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 5/105 Constructional details of keyboard frames, e.g. adjusting or fixation means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0216 Arrangements for ergonomically adjusting the disposition of keys of a keyboard for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1664

Abstract

An electromechanical interactive terminal system is disclosed, utilizing a split keyboard to accommodate convenient use, even by disabled or infirm persons. The elements of a conventional typewriter (or console) keyboard are provided in two separate and distinct keyboard units, one of which includes the keys normally activated by the right hand while the other has the keys conventionally assigned for use by the left hand. Control and coding keys are similarly assigned. The two separate keyboard units can be used in various positions as by being affixed to a support member so as to be held in spaced-apart relationship, contiguous to the hands of an operator with his arms apart and supported at rest. The keyboard units each incorporate electrical apparatus for providing electrical signals representative of data symbols associated with the keys. Additionally, certain keys are coded to provide control signals used in association with display means, a data processor, and a printer. The data processor may include computer memory capabilities as in the form of a floppy disc and is operated to process data as well as driving the display means and the printer.

Claims

1. An electromechanical interactive terminal system comprising:

a first keyboard means including a first partial set of standard keys for activation by one hand of an operator, said first partial set of standard keys to formulate electrical signals representative of first associated standard symbols;

a second keyboard means including a second partial set of standard keys complementary to said first set of standard keys, for activation by another hand of said operator, said second partial set of standard keys to formulate electrical signals representative of second associated standard symbols;

a support stand for holding said first and said second keyboard means at spaced-apart locations; and

means for processing said electrical signals.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said first keyboard means includes the keys of a standard typewriter which are conventionally assigned for operation by the left hand and said second keyboard means includes the keys of a standard typewriter which are conventionally assigned for operation by the right hand.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said support stand includes a clamp means, as for affixing said keyboard means in locations contiguous to an operator'"'"'s hands.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for processing includes a memory means for providing records of composed data.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for processing includes a printer means for printing said standard symbols represented by said electrical signals.

6. A system according to claim 2 wherein said means for processing includes a printer means for printing said standard symbols represented by said electrical signals.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein said support stand includes a clamp means, as for affixing said keyboard means in locations contiguous to an operator'"'"'s hands.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said means for processing includes a memory means for providing records of composed data.

9. A system according to claim 5 wherein said first and second keyboard means include means for simultaneous actuation to control said printer means.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said processing means includes a display screen and said keyboard means include means for displacing a cursor on said screen.

11. An electromechanical interactive terminal system comprising:

a first keyboard means including a first partial set of keys for activation by one hand of an operator, said first partial set of keys to formulate electrical signals representative of first associated symbols;

a second keyboard means including a second partial set of keys complementary to said first set of keys, for activation by another hand of said operator, said second partial set of keys to formulate electrical signals representative of second associated symbols; and

means for receiving and processing said electrical signals to accomplish composite data.