Compact touch-type keyboard
First Claim
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1. A touch-type keyboard comprising:
- a first and second array of physical keys, each physical key mapped to multiple functions wherein the first and the second array together are mapped to an entire alphabet; and
the first array and the second array disposed on first and second lobes respectively, the first and second lobes coupled together and in a deployed configuration defining an angle there between; and
a third lobe coupled to the first and second lobes and providing a spacebar function accessible by either hand during touch-typing wherein the third lobe occupies an area of a work surface that is at least 25% of the area occupied by the either of the first or second lobes.
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Abstract
A floating button that may be used to replace a plurality of distinct buttons and/or a graphical pointing device. The floating button translates in a region defined by a housing. A sensor detects the location of the button in the region. The locations within the region may be mapped to a plurality of virtual buttons. This permits a button of a size appropriate for comfortable operation by a finger, while allowing the selection of a large number of functions in a space that is only somewhat larger than a single button. The location of the button within its translation region also provides an immediate tactile and visual reference as to the function to be selected.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A touch-type keyboard comprising:
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a first and second array of physical keys, each physical key mapped to multiple functions wherein the first and the second array together are mapped to an entire alphabet; and
the first array and the second array disposed on first and second lobes respectively, the first and second lobes coupled together and in a deployed configuration defining an angle there between; anda third lobe coupled to the first and second lobes and providing a spacebar function accessible by either hand during touch-typing wherein the third lobe occupies an area of a work surface that is at least 25% of the area occupied by the either of the first or second lobes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A keyboard comprising:
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a first and second array of physical keys; the arrays having a spatial mapping consistent with a touch-type typewriter keyboard, the keyboard having a deployed orientation and a collapsed orientation, the collapsed orientation resulting in a more compact form; and wherein the keyboard comprises at least three lobes that are angularly disposed with respect to one another, when in the deployed orientation the first two lobes defined by the first and second arrays and a third lobe lobe occupying an area of a work surface that is at least 25% of the area occupied by the either of the first or second lobes and providing a spacebar function accessible by either hand during touch-typing. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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Specification