Pocket data input board
First Claim
1. A keyboard for an electronic device, having a working surface harboring a number of keys and markings to denote the function(s) and character(s) each key represents, each key with a sensitive part on its surface called a node, placing a finger on which node will activate said key, where:
- at least part of said working surface rests onto a monitor of said device at least while typing;
said part over the monitor is transparent;
said markings are translucent at least across said on monitor areas;
said markings are formed by a physical layer over and distinct from said monitor;
said markings are visible both when said monitor is turned on and off;
said keyboard is a component distinct from said monitor; and
said markings are formed independently of the monitor'"'"'s operation.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is a transparent keyboard with translucent markings to show the functions of each key. It can rest over the screen of a computer, hand held device, smart phone or the like, without obstructing the screen or using it for marking the keys or reducing the size of the screen area that is used as a screen or monitor as against a keyboard. It can be made by translucent markings on existing touchscreen keyboards or a transparent layer over the touchscreen with translucent markings. It can be a transparent screen with programmable markings. It can be touch sensitive, yet use key layouts and sizes to prevent unintended key activation and ease multi finger typing.
3 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A keyboard for an electronic device, having a working surface harboring a number of keys and markings to denote the function(s) and character(s) each key represents, each key with a sensitive part on its surface called a node, placing a finger on which node will activate said key, where:
- at least part of said working surface rests onto a monitor of said device at least while typing;
said part over the monitor is transparent;
said markings are translucent at least across said on monitor areas;
said markings are formed by a physical layer over and distinct from said monitor;
said markings are visible both when said monitor is turned on and off;
said keyboard is a component distinct from said monitor; and
said markings are formed independently of the monitor'"'"'s operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- at least part of said working surface rests onto a monitor of said device at least while typing;
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13. A keyboard for an electronic device, having a working surface harboring a number of keys and markings to denote the function(s) and character(s) each key represents, each key with a sensitive part on its surface called a node, placing a finger on which node will activate said key, at least part of said working surface rests onto a monitor of said device at least while typing, said working surface is transparent at least across said on monitor areas, where for at least a number of:
- at least one wall on said board, separates such node from a number of adjacent nodes;
each wall is tall enough to limit a finger from concurrently activating two keys whose nodes are separated by said wall;
each wall is rigid enough to maintain said necessary height under typical typing pressure;
each wall has physical volume, distinct from a virtual image of volume;
each wall is sensible by user'"'"'s finger, even when not viewing the keyboard;
each wall covers at least part of the perimeter of at least one node; and
each wall is chosen from the types which includes segmented and continuous. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
- at least one wall on said board, separates such node from a number of adjacent nodes;
- 16. A keyboard for an electronic device, having a working surface harboring a number of keys and markings to denote the function(s) and character(s) each key represents, each key with a sensitive part on its surface called a node, placing a finger on which node will activate said key, at least part of said working surface rests onto a monitor of said device at least while typing, said working surface is transparent at least across said on monitor areas, where said working surface is augmented by one or more key pads, each pad having a working surfaces which is off the monitor at least when operating the device, each pad is coupled with said keyboard'"'"'s working surface in one of (a) directly along a joint linear side and (b) indirectly via said device ways.
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18. A keyboard for an electronic device, having a working surface harboring a number of keys and markings to denote the function(s) and character(s) each key represents, each key with a sensitive part on its surface called a node, placing a finger on which node will activate said key, at least part of said working surface rests onto a monitor of said device at least while typing, said working surface is transparent at least across said on monitor areas, the inner zone of the working surface defined by the line connecting centers of those adjacent nodes which are adjacent to the working surface perimeter, where parts of perimeter of almost every node which falls within said inner zone:
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is substantially one of (a) circular and (b) hexagonal shapes; narrowest gap between perimeters of adjacent nodes is minimal; span between centers of adjacent nodes is minimal; and nodes are arranged substantially compactly arranged. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification