IES960083A2

IES960083A2 - Compact ergonomic computer keyboard

Info

Publication number: IES960083A2
Authority: IE
Inventors: Sean Mcnulty; Eugene Skelton; Noreen Mcsweeney; Judy Doyle; Marie Hussey; Paddy O'reilly; Brian O'halloran; Barry Lynch; John Mcdonnell
Original assignee: Alps Electric Ireland Ltd
Priority date: 1996-01-24
Filing date: 1996-01-24
Publication date: 1997-07-30
Also published as: WO1997027529A1; IES75680B2; AU1616097A

Abstract

In a keyboard (1) for a computer having an alphabetic key region (2) and at least one associated control key (5), an array of cursor control or directional keys (7), and a multiplicity of keys (11) for effecting functional operations in use of the keyboard, the keyboard (1) comprises a wrist rest (25) along its front edge region directed toward the user in use of the keyboard, the keyboard (1) is curved so that the front edge region comprising the wrist rest (25) projects outwardly towards the user in use of the keyboard, the keys of at least the alphabetic key reigon (2) are laid out along axes of curvature essentially corresponding to the curvature of the keyboard as a whole, the point device (4) and its associated control key (5) or keys (5,6) are incorporated in the keyboard (1), the pointing device (4) and its associated control key (5) or keys (5,6) and the array of cursor control keys or directional keys (7) are located to one side of the alphabetic key reigon (2), and the multiplicity of function keys (11) is located to the other side of the alphabetic key region (2). <Fig.1>

Description

COMPACT ERGONOMIC COMPUTER KEYBOARD Background of the invention Field of the invention This invention relates to computer keyboards. The invention is particularly directed to an improved computer keyboard of compact physical dimensions and having ergonomic advantages. The invention is especially directed to a keyboard for home use and equally applicable to both conventional business purposes and also to the playing of games.

Description of the prior art A multiplicity of computer keyboard constructions are known. However, a widely used computer keyboard structure is one in which the normal typewriter keyboard portion is located towards the left of the keyboard unit, a numeric keypad is located to the right, a multiplicity of control and cursor direction keys are placed between the alphabetic OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION UNDER SECTION 28 AND RULE 23 JNL No. . / Si .7.......OF T./R ΊIE 960083 - 2 portion of the keyboard and the numeric keypad, and a lengthy line of function keys is placed to extend above the alphabetic and keypad regions.

Keyboards of this kind take up quite a lot of space. While this is not a problem for business use and the layout of the keyboard is one to which users have become readily accustomed, the dimensions of a keyboard of this kind are such as to render it frequently unsuitable for home use, where space may be at a premium. Furthermore, this conventional construction of keyboard is not ideal for playing computer games, which is often a more important purpose for a home computer than actual functional use.

These known keyboards are also not necessarily ideal from the ergonomic point of view, and there have been consistent reports of repetitive strain injury arising in users from longterm use of keyboards of this design.

Brief summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved computer keyboard offering ergonomic advantages to all users and providing a compact structure which will be particularly advantageous in the home user market, where keyboard space may be at a premium and the playing of games represents a significant purpose of use.

According to the invention, there is provided a keyboard for a computer having an alphabetic key region of substantially conventional key layout, a pointing device and at least one associated control key, an array of cursor control or directional keys, and a multiplicity of keys for effecting functional operations in use of the keyboard, wherein: (a) the keyboard comprises a wrist rest along its front edge region directed towards the user in use of the keyboard, IE 960083 - 3 (b) the keyboard is curved so that the front edge region of the keyboard comprising the wrist rest projects outwardly towards a user in use of the keyboard, (c) the keys of at least the alphabetic key region are also laid out along axes of curvature substantially corresponding to the curvature of the keyboard as a whole, (d) the pointing device and its associated control key or keys are incorporated in the keyboard, (e) the pointing device and its associated control key or keys and the array of cursor control or directional keys are located to one side of the alphabetic key region, and (f) the multiplicity of function keys are located to the other side of the alphabetic key region.

The pointing device and its associated control key or keys are preferably integrated into a casing structure of the keyboard, suitably in the form of a touchpad.

Preferably, the wrist rest tapers downwardly at the front of the keyboard unit from a location substantially adjacent to the front edge of the alphabetic key region towards the curved front edge of the wrist rest directed towards the user. The multiplicity of function keys is preferably located to the left of the alphabetic key region and a plurality of mode selection keys are suitably also provided, so that each of the multiplicity of function keys may fulfill a number of different purposes, depending on which mode selection key is also depressed. In order to facilitate game playing, the array of cursor control or directional keys suitably comprises an array of four keys located within a substantially oval region, the keys being shaped accordingly.

The keyboard may also comprise a plurality of game keys located in the region between the front edge of the alphabetic key region and the wrist rest. The game keys may be located towards the lefthand end of said region between the front edge of the alphabetic key region and the wrist rest, or alternatively, they may be located centrally and symmetrically relative to the front to rear axis of the IE 960083 - 4 keyboard. Said plurality of game keys suitably comprises four game keys, the two innermost keys preferably being arranged to project upwardly to a slightly greater extent than the outermost keys of the four game keys.

The curvature of the front edge region of the keyboard may extend about a centre of curvature located to the rear of the rear edge region of the keyboard relative to the user position. The front edge of the wrist rest may be arranged to bulge towards the user by being defined on a radius of curvature shorter than a radius of curvature of a casing structure of the keyboard. The front edge of the alphabetic key region may also be defined along a shorter radius of curvature than a radius of curvature of a casing structure of the keyboard. These further features provide additional ergonomic advantages for convenience of use in operation of the keyboard of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of the keyboard according to the invention, Figure 2 is a side view from the lefthand side of the keyboard of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a diagrammatic pictorial representation of the keyboard according to the invention in use, showing the positions occupied by a user's hands.

As shown in Figure 1, the computer keyboard 1 according to the invention has a plastics body portion in which there is provided an alphabetic keyboard region 2, laid out in the conventional QWERTY manner. The keyboard casing 1 is however shaped so as to provide a curved front edge, which projects centrally towards the user in use of the keyboard. This front edge region is defined by a wrist rest 3, subsequently further described. In order to facilitate a compact and IE 960083 - 5 ergonomic construction, the axial length of the keyboard 1 from left to right is greatly shortened as compared with a conventional keyboard, while its front to rear dimension is also reduced by concentrating the diversity of facilities provided in a longitudinal manner on a conventional keyboard within a substantially smaller area. The layout of the keyboard of the invention is fully compatible with software system requirements, including Windows 1995. The QWERTY core 2 comprises full travel key switches, while all other key switches, including function keys, mode keys and gaming keys, are short travel key switches, the game and cursor keys having however longer travel than the function keys.

To the righthand side of the alphabetic portion 2, there is provided a touch pad 4 and associated button 5, suitably of the G1idepoint type. Forward of the touch pad 4, in the direction towards the user, there are provided left and right G1idepoint control keys 6, each of which is arranged to have a distinct movement in the direction of travel, viz. left or right, to give a mouse-like feel. Cursor control keys 7 for the four directions of movement are arranged in a single array, forward again of the G1idepoint control keys 6. To the left of the alphabetic portion 2, the function keys of a conventional keyboard are substituted by an array of twelve short travel keys 11, the functional activation of which is controlled by the use of three mode keys 12 located forward of the array 11, so that the array of twelve short travel keys provides a total of thirty-six possible functions. Each function key 11 thus has three uses or modes, each mode being accessed by depression of one of the three mode buttons 12 located forward of the function key array 11. The mode buttons 12 are suitably colour-coded short travel switches, each also being provided with a light emitting diode to light up when the keycap in question is depressed.

The unit 1 of the invention is particularly intended for home use, in which games will be at least an important a purpose as more functional operations. To this end, the unit 1 also comprises a IE 960083 - 6 further four game playing keys 14, 15, again in the form of short travel keys, these being located between the front edge of the alphabetic portion 2 of the keyboard and the wrist rest 3, towards the lefthand side, as shown in the drawing. This group 13 of four game keys 14, 15 has the two centre keys 14 arranged to project upwardly somewhat further than the two outermost keys 15, for convenience of use. The location shown is not however necessarily the only position for these keys and they may also be located centrally, in front of the space bar 24 and between the space bar 24 and the wrist rest 3, preferably in a symmetrical manner about the front to rear axis of the unit 1.

All key switches are responsive, so that the user is aware of a tactile feel when the switch is activated. This is achieved by giving the key a slight resistance to movement when pressed, following which it then moves very freely to the bottom of its travel. During return of the switch to its stable position, it puts a slight but noticeable pressure on the finger, until travel of the key has been completed. The cursor keys 7 consist of four separate actuators located in an oval configuration on the righthand side of the keyboard 1. The arrangement is such that the direction of the keys 7 is not only indicated on the keys but is also perceived by the key having a distinct movement in the direction activated, so that the up-key pivots in a direction indicative of up cursor movement, and so on. The feel of each of these switches is thus adapted to be similar to that of a mouse key, in other words a pivoting type movement.

The games keys 13 to the lefthand side of the keyboard as shown in the drawings are structured to have the same feel as the cursor keys 7. The games keys 13 are laid out along a curved path so as to match the natural position of the hand. The function keys 11 are low profile keys of the minimum travel mechanical type.

Further features provided to the rear of the alphabetic portion are an escape key 21, a keyboard logo 22, and three light IE 960083 - 7 emitting diodes 23, indicating the locked condition for numeric operation, capitals or scroll. Other similar features may also be incorporated.

In order to provide the ergonomically advantageous curvature of the keyboard 1 towards the user, the entire alphabetic key area 2, the short travel or function keys 11 to the left of the alphabetic region 2, and the touch pad 14 and control keys 6, 7 to the right of the region 2, are all laid out symmetrically about an axis of curvature extending from the lefthand side of the keyboard casing to the righthand side, substantially centrally of the keyboard 1 in its longitudinal direction, this axis of curvature having a centre located outward of the unit and to its rear. The curve is thus relatively gentle and is drawn about a substantially large radial dimension.

Thus the keys of the alphabetic panel 2 in particular differ from those of a conventional keyboard, in that they are laid out on a gentle curve which bulges towards the user. The front edge of the alphabetic region 2 of the keyboard 1, directed towards the user, may also bulge slightly more at its centre, in the space bar region 24, by virtue its being defined along a slightly shorter radius of curvature, located however on the same front to rear axis as that of the casing 1 as a whole. To accommodate this further degree of curvature, the keys along the front edge, including the space bar 24, are suitably profiled.

As shown in the plan view of Figure 1, the wrist rest 3 has a radius of curvature at its rear edge 26 which matches that of the front edge space bar region 24 of the alphabetic region 2. The wrist rest 3 is however deeper at its centre than it is towards its left and right sides, so that the front edge 25 of the wrist rest region 3 which projects towards the user is therefore defined along a shorter radius again than that of the front edge 24 of the alphabetic region 3. As shown in the side elevation view of Figure 2, the wrist rest 3 also slopes down uniformly towards the front edge 25, therefore providing an advantageous profile for user wrist support in use of the keyboard 1.

IE 960083 - 8 On the righthand side, the touch pad 4 and its associated actuation button 5 and G1idepoint control keys 6 are readily accessible by the user, to move around the screen, while the directional cursor control keys 7 beneath the touch pad 4 are laid out within the curved oval peripheral region and are domed and shaped so as to provide an arrangement similar to that usual in games computers.

The touch pad surround is also provided with a finish to clearly identify the functionality of this portion of the unit to the user.

The gaming keys 13 of the keyboard 1 of the invention are programmable by the user with the aid of a screen display control panel, using software suitably provided with the keyboard. Interconnection of the keyboard 1 to a computer may be effected by cable connection or by an infrared ray transmitter attached to a module slot at the back of the keyboard. A preferred cable connection is permanently fixed to the keyboard 1 and is provided with two connectors at the end attachable to the computer chassis. One connector provides for keyboard data interchange, while the other provides for the touch pad or G1idepoint interface. The unit 1 may also incorporate a touch sensitive strip to assist in use of the function keys and to be located either above the function keys or forward of them on the user's side, or alternatively in the keycaps themselves. In addition to setting the gaming keys, software provided with the unit enables keyboard set-up in general and alterations to settings in a simple and straightforward manner, using a screen displayable control panel.

The advantages achieved by the invention are first of all a very compact keyboard which can readily be used in situations where space is at a premium, as often applies in home use. The keyboard may in fact be used on the user's lap and not necessarily on a formal support surface of any kind. This compactness is achieved by having the screen pointing device in the form of the touch pad integrated into the keyboard. Further features enabling the achievement of compactness are the removal of the usual numeric keypad, and the use of the multimode short travel keys to the left of the keyboard to achieve IE 960083 - 9 the various functional requirements of the system in place of the usual row of function keys above the alphabetic panel. There is a significant saving in axial length in the manner.

Ergonomic advantages are achieved in the keyboard of the invention by its curved layout which, while simple and effective, in that it maintains the conventional alphabetic keyboard layout with which users are familiar, nonetheless enables the user to access keys in a more comfortable and convenient manner. User wrist support is particularly facilitated by the forward extension of the keyboard defining the wrist rest region.

Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of the keyboard according to the invention showing a user's left hand and right hand 31, 32 in ghost outline. The left hand 31 is poised over the keyboard, while the right hand 32 is being moved towards the keyboard, to bring the wrist into the rest position in which is cooperates with the wrist rest 3 of the keyboard 1. The convenience of use of the invention will be immediately apparent from the representation of Figure 3, as also will be the facility for wrist support in use of the keyboard, thereby providing great comfort as compared with many prior arrangements. The pictorial view of Figure 3 also shows the game key group 13 in an alternatively position substantially centrally of the keyboard, as compared with the location shown in Figure 1, towards the lefthand side of the alphabetic region 2 and forward of this region, between the alphabetic panel 2 and the user. This alternative location may be found desirable in certain constructions of the keyboard of the invention.

Further ergonomic advantages may be achieved by the base or underside of the casing of the unit being profiled so as to prevent the keyboard from slipping when the keyboard is placed on a user's lap, by creating friction between the underside of the casing and the user's lap. For use on a flat surface, height adjustable legs may also be provided on the undersurface of the keyboard casing. The upper IE 960083 - 10 surface of the casing has a hard textured surface, with the areas around the short travel or function keys being shaped so as to guide the user's fingers onto each function keycap. The wrist rest section of the housing is preferably provided with a textured surface different in colouration from the remainder of the keyboard casing. The wrist rest region is thereby distinguished from the remainder of the keyboard.

At each lateral side or longitudinal end of the keyboard, a detachable rubber stop 27 is inserted into the casing 1, to provide the keyboard 1 with a smooth and attractive appearance, in the absence of side modules, not shown in the drawing, which are optionally connectible to the keyboard. These rubber stops also protect the mechanical/electrical interface between the keyboard unit itself and any associated side modules from damage, when the modules are not in position. Alternatively, the keyboard of the invention may be a single moulded module, complete and integral in itself, without connectibility to side modules, in which construction, the longitudinal ends of the keyboard casing are themselves moulded and the provision of detachable rubber stops are not required.

In the home scene, use for games of a computer with which the keyboard is associated is also facilitated by the directional or cursor control key array being laid out in the manner of a games machine at the righthand side of the keyboard, while other games functions are facilitated by the group of short travel keys to the front of the alphabetic region which again match known arrangements in purpose-built games machines. The keyboard of the invention further enhances the usefulness of home personal computers by providing a full feature keyboard, compatible in all respects with the wide range of professional and recreational applications on the market. Further advantages of the keyboard of the invention are a construction which is suitably sufficiently robust to withstand the harsh family environment, while yet being elegant and attractive in style so as to match modern home furniture.

Claims

1. A keyboard for a computer having an alphabetic key region of substantially conventional key layout, a pointing device and at least one associated control key, an array of cursor control or directional keys, and a multiplicity of keys for effecting functional operations in use of the keyboard, wherein: (a) the keyboard comprises a wrist rest along its front edge region directed towards the user in use of the keyboard, (b) the keyboard is curved so that the front edge region of the keyboard comprising the wrist rest projects outwardly towards a user in use of the keyboard, (c) the keys of at least the alphabetic key region are also laid out along axes of curvature substantially corresponding to the curvature of the keyboard as a whole, (d) the pointing device and its associated control key or keys are incorporated in the keyboard, (e) the pointing device and its associated control key or keys and the array of cursor control or directional keys are located to one side of the alphabetic key region, and (f) the multiplicity of function keys are located to the other side of the alphabetic key region.

2. A keyboard according to any preceding claim, wherein the multiplicity of function keys is located to the left of the alphabetic key region and a plurality of mode selection keys are also provided, so that each of the multiplicity of function keys may fulfill a number of different purposes, depending on which mode selection key is also depressed.

3. A keyboard according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, comprising a plurality of game keys located in the region between the front edge of the alphabetic key region and the wrist rest.

4. A keyboard according to any preceding claim, wherein the curvature of the front edge region of the keyboard extends about a centre of curvature located to the rear of the rear edge region of the IE 960083 - 12 keyboard relative to the user position, and the front edge of the wrist rest is arranged to bulge towards the user by being defined on a radius of curvature shorter than a radius of curvature of a casing structure of the keyboard.

5. A keyboard for a computer, substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.