Data entry system
First Claim
1. A data entry system operated with one hand, comprising:
- a plurality of primary keys;
each of said plurality of primary keys capable of being depressed and released;
each of said plurality of primary keys generating a distinct primary code upon depression;
at least one secondary key;
each of said at least one secondary key capable of being depressed and released;
each of said at least one secondary key generating a distinct secondary code upon depression;
wherein the sum of each of said primary codes and each of said secondary codes is distinct from each such other sum and from each of said primary codes and each of said secondary codes;
wherein the sum of any two of said secondary codes is distinct from each such other sum and from each of said primary codes and each of said secondary codes;
a controller;
said controller in electrical communication with said keys;
said controller generating output codes;
said output codes generated by said controller depending on which of said primary and secondary codes are generated by the depression of said keys;
said controller transmitting characters or functions;
each of said output codes corresponding to one of said characters or functions so that the generation of one of said output codes results in the transmission of said corresponding character or function;
said controller generating said output codes and transmitting said characters or functions under four sets of circumstances;
said first set of circumstances occurring upon the release of a prior to depressed key, if no other of said keys is concurrently depressed;
wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to said primary or secondary code generated by the depression of said released key;
said second set of circumstances occurring upon the concurrent depression of one of said plurality of primary keys and one of said at least one secondary key, regardless of which of said keys is depressed first in time;
wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to the sum of said primary and secondary codes generated by said depressed primary and secondary keys;
said third set of circumstances occurring upon the concurrent depression of two of said plurality of primary keys;
wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to said primary code generated by said primary key depressed first in time; and
said fourth set of circumstances occurring upon the concurrent depression of two of said at least one secondary keys;
wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to the sum of said secondary codes generated by said depressed secondary codes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A data entry system for use with one hand that includes nine primary keys and four secondary keys. The nine primary keys are arranged in three symmetrical rows of three keys each and, thereby, form three symmetrical columns of three keys each. These primary keys are positioned and constructed for operation by the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger of a user. Two secondary keys are positioned proximal the primary keys so that when the user'"'"'s hand is properly positioned on the keypad, the user'"'"'s thumb is naturally proximal the thumb keys (for right hand use). Likewise, two secondary keys are positioned proximal the primary keys such that when the user'"'"'s hand is properly positioned on the keypad, the user'"'"'s pinky finger is naturally proximal the secondary key (for right hand use). For left handed users, the data entry system is also provided with a selector switch which inverts the characteristics of the two sets of secondary keys. Depending on whether a primary or a secondary key has been depressed and on whether two keys are concurrently depressed, the data entry system permits entry of a pre-programmed character or function at the release of one key, at the concurrent and non-sequential depression of one primary and one secondary key, or at the concurrent sequential depression of two primary or two secondary keys. Thereby, the thirteen key layout described provides for efficient, comprehensive data entry using one hand.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A data entry system operated with one hand, comprising:
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a plurality of primary keys; each of said plurality of primary keys capable of being depressed and released; each of said plurality of primary keys generating a distinct primary code upon depression; at least one secondary key; each of said at least one secondary key capable of being depressed and released; each of said at least one secondary key generating a distinct secondary code upon depression; wherein the sum of each of said primary codes and each of said secondary codes is distinct from each such other sum and from each of said primary codes and each of said secondary codes; wherein the sum of any two of said secondary codes is distinct from each such other sum and from each of said primary codes and each of said secondary codes; a controller; said controller in electrical communication with said keys; said controller generating output codes; said output codes generated by said controller depending on which of said primary and secondary codes are generated by the depression of said keys; said controller transmitting characters or functions; each of said output codes corresponding to one of said characters or functions so that the generation of one of said output codes results in the transmission of said corresponding character or function; said controller generating said output codes and transmitting said characters or functions under four sets of circumstances; said first set of circumstances occurring upon the release of a prior to depressed key, if no other of said keys is concurrently depressed; wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to said primary or secondary code generated by the depression of said released key; said second set of circumstances occurring upon the concurrent depression of one of said plurality of primary keys and one of said at least one secondary key, regardless of which of said keys is depressed first in time; wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to the sum of said primary and secondary codes generated by said depressed primary and secondary keys; said third set of circumstances occurring upon the concurrent depression of two of said plurality of primary keys; wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to said primary code generated by said primary key depressed first in time; and said fourth set of circumstances occurring upon the concurrent depression of two of said at least one secondary keys; wherein said output code generated by said controller is equivalent to the sum of said secondary codes generated by said depressed secondary codes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification