Single hand keyboard arrays providing alphanumeric capabilities from twelve keys
First Claim
1. A keyboard system comprising in combination, a plurality of manually actuable keys utilizable for manual entry of designated unique data selections such as numerical digits by strokes of a single finger of single keys, utility means comprising an electronic computer for initiating a multiplicity of different data processing operations uniquely selectable as entries by manual actuation with said single finger of said keys, communication means linking the keys to the utility means to effect said data processing operations from unique sets of keys actuated in sequence, means for establishing different ones of said operations in response to a sequence of a fixed number (X) of sequential manual actuations of said keys by said single finger, X being at least two, whereby X and only X sequential key strokes serves to select the different ones of said operations, and means for establishing a program entry mode of computer operation providing selected ones of said data processing operations as program steps in response to manual actuation of said keys thereby to actuate individual ones of said program steps in said program entry mode, thereby providing for entry of a program from the keyboard by a set of defined selection codes each consisting of a sequence of X sequential finger strokes.
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Abstract
A keyboard system has a keyboard geometric arrangement enriched in intersections of three keys achieved by offsetting or staggering adjacent keys. This provides a greater number of choices from a given number of keys actuable manually one, two or three at a time. The key layout permits touch typing with one hand where twelve keys provides fill alphanumeric capabilities. Finger positions conform with human hand structure and include raised ridges for identifying some of the fingerstroke key selection locations. Thus, accurate high speed typing with either hand is feasible in a telephone dial space frame. The keyboard communicates by an X by Y communication channel matrix or telephone system compatible tone signals with computers, telephones, teletypes and like utility devices. Program steps and function selection is afforded by a self-cataloged two (or more) keystroke sequence to reduce programming time and increase the number of selections possible per key. Thus, as few as four keys and four wires can afford fourteen manual selections by a single fingerstroke in a single live key mode.
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 06/528,975 filed Sept. 2, 1983, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 493,613 filed May 11, 1983, now abandoned, for Contoured Touch Type Data Processing Keyboard.
151 Citations
25 Claims
- 1. A keyboard system comprising in combination, a plurality of manually actuable keys utilizable for manual entry of designated unique data selections such as numerical digits by strokes of a single finger of single keys, utility means comprising an electronic computer for initiating a multiplicity of different data processing operations uniquely selectable as entries by manual actuation with said single finger of said keys, communication means linking the keys to the utility means to effect said data processing operations from unique sets of keys actuated in sequence, means for establishing different ones of said operations in response to a sequence of a fixed number (X) of sequential manual actuations of said keys by said single finger, X being at least two, whereby X and only X sequential key strokes serves to select the different ones of said operations, and means for establishing a program entry mode of computer operation providing selected ones of said data processing operations as program steps in response to manual actuation of said keys thereby to actuate individual ones of said program steps in said program entry mode, thereby providing for entry of a program from the keyboard by a set of defined selection codes each consisting of a sequence of X sequential finger strokes.
- 8. A keyboard system having keys operable by the fingers of a single hand on a keyboard having a plurality of keys thereby to manually enter data into a data processing system, comprising in combination, said keyboard consisting of a single group of keys on the keyboard arranged within reach of said fingers with the hand in a homing position on the keys, circuit means including a data processing system responsive to produce a plurality of individual data system signal entries from the keyboard keys selectively to form entry words only from a sequence of individually selected strokes of the keys by predetermined single ones of the fingers, a geometric arrangement of said keys side-by-side providing a plurality of finger positions significantly exceeding the number of keys for selecting the entries from finger strokes of both the individual keys and a further set of virtual keys comprising side-by-side ones of two and three keys in a position for concurrent stroking by a single finger, said data processing means being coupled to the keyboard keys to receive and process signal entries entered from the keyboard keys and virtual keys by the sequence of finger strokes.
Specification