Data input device and correlative encoding technique

• US 5,682,151 A
• Filed: 11/09/1995
• Issued: 10/28/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ernesto Vidal Oliveros
• Original Assignee: Ernesto Vidal Oliveros
• Inventors: Oliveros, Ernesto Vidal
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US08/555,420
• Time in Patent Office: 719 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/23, 341/22, 340/711, 74/471 XY, 400/485, 400/98, 364/709.12, 364/189, 364/419.08
• US Class Current: 341/23
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0235 using chord techniques G06F3/0234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/05 Digital input using the sampling of an analogue quantity at regular intervals of time , input from a/d converter or output to d/a converter

Abstract

A computer input device, i.e. a keyboard, employs a reduced number of keys for entering words, numbers and commands. A novel and economical data encoding technique is employed which assigns single four bit code words (known as cuytes) to the Arabic numerals 0-9, two cuytes to the letters of the alphabet, and three or more quytes to various "sipher" represented commands. This encoding technique not only decreases memory space requirements, but also increases processing speed. To enable an operator to select virtually any number of sipher represented commands, a plurality of additional function keys is provided, and these can be operated in a sequential manner along with the arrow, period and comma keys to generate a sipher represented command comprised of any number of cuytes. The end of a sipher command is signified by the actuation of a letter or numeral key. Each sipher can be represented by an icon which graphically combines all of the key symbols that are necessary to invoke it. A pair of key stick actuators is also provided on the keyboard, each of which combines the functions of a conventional key and a joy stick.

Claims

1. A data input device comprising:

a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys including a first group of keys assigned to letters of the alphabet and a second group of keys assigned to numerals; and

a code generator for generating a plurality of four bit code words in response to actuation of said keys, one four bit code word for each of second group of keys, and two four bit code words for each of said first group of keys.

2. The data input device of claim 1, further comprising first and second key stick actuating devices, each of said key stick actuating devices including a directional actuator element which can also be pressed to act as a conventional key actuator.

3. The data input device of claim 2, wherein said first key stick actuating device provides a browsing function, and said second key stick actuating device provides a pointing function.

4. The data input device of claim 1, wherein said first group of keys is separated into first and second sections disposed on opposite sides of said second group of keys.

5. The data input device of claim 1, wherein said second group of keys further includes first and second letter keys.

6. The data input device of claim 1, further comprising a third group of keys for entering special functions.

7. The data input device of claim 6, wherein said third group of keys is positioned along a bottom row of said keyboard and consists of nine keys.

8. The data input device of claim 7, wherein said third group of keys correspond to four arrow keys and five command keys.

9. The data input device of claim 8, wherein said code generator generates a four bit code word in response to actuation of one of said four arrow keys, and three four bit code words in response to actuation of one of said command keys.

10. A method for encoding digital data for entry into a computer comprising the steps of:

a) providing a keyboard data entry device, said keyboard including a first group of keys corresponding to numerals, and a second group of keys corresponding to letters of the alphabet;

b) providing a code generator connected to said keyboard for generating binary code words in response to actuation of the keys on said keyboard, said code generator generating a first plurality of four bit binary code words, one for each of said first group of keys, and generating a second plurality of pairs of four bit code words, one pair for each of said second group of keys.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

(c) providing a third group of command keys on said keyboard for invoking computer commands, each of said keys in said third group being assigned to a different group of three four bit code words; and

(d) sequentially actuating a combination of said command keys to generate a variable length key string for invoking a computer command, said key string comprised of a plurality of four bit code words corresponding to said command keys, and terminating said key string by actuating any key in said first or second groups of keys.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of providing a graphical representation of a computer command, said graphical representation illustrating the sequence of keys on the keyboard which must be actuated to generate said command code.

13. A data input device comprising:

a keyboard containing a plurality of keys for entering alphanumeric data, said keyboard including left, center and right sections of keys;

a first key stick actuator positioned adjacent a bottom portion of said keyboard between said left and center sections for actuation by a operator'"'"'s left hand thumb, said first key stick actuator including a directional actuator element which can also be pressed to act as a conventional key actuator; and

a second key stick actuator positioned adjacent a bottom portion of said keyboard between said center and right sections for actuation by an operator'"'"'s right hand thumb, said second key stick actuator including a directional actuator which can also be pressed as a conventional key actuator.

14. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said left and right sections contain letter keys and said center section contains numeral keys.

15. The data input device of claim 14, wherein said center section further includes first and second letter keys.

16. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said first key stick actuator provides a browsing function and said second key stick actuator provides a pointing function.

17. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said plurality of keys further includes a group of keys for entering special functions.

18. The data input device of claim 17, wherein said group of keys is positioned along a bottom row of said keyboard and consists of nine keys.

19. The data input device of claim 18, wherein said group of keys corresponds to four arrow keys and five command keys.