WO2000077605A2

WO2000077605A2 - Modular ergonomic keyboard

Info

Publication number: WO2000077605A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/016447
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henry V. Webber, Iii
Original assignee: Webber Henry V Iii
Priority date: 1999-06-14
Filing date: 2000-06-14
Publication date: 2000-12-21
Also published as: AU5490100A; WO2000077605A3

Abstract

A keyboard having an ergonomic design for use with computers and other alphanumeric-input electronic devices is disclosed. Stress on the right hand and fingers is reduced by relocating the ENTER (208) and BACKSPACE (106) keys to below the SPACEBAR (102, 202), and the SHIFT (104, 204) keys are extended up into the home row, thus reducing wrist flexure. Modular designs for a left-hand section (100), right-hand section (200), and a combined editing pad/numeric keypad are disclosed, which may be combined in various configurations to form keyboards suitable for different applications. The editing pad/numeric keypad may be overlain on the right-hand section, producing a very compact keyboard.

Description

MODULAR ERGONOMIC UNIVERSAL KEYBOARD SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This apphcation claims the benefit of copending United States Provisional Patent Apphcation No. 60/139,018, filed 06/14/1999; copending United States Provisional Patent Apphcation No. 60/157,457, filed 10/04/1999; copending United States Provisional Patent Apphcation No. 60/173,241, filed 12/28/1999; copending United States Provisional Patent Apphcation No. 60/196,504, filed 04/12/2000; copending United States Patent Apphcation No. 09/588,099, filed 06/01/2000; and copending United States Provisional Patent Apphcation No. , . filed 06/05/2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to keyboards for use with computers and other al- phanumeric-input electronic devices, and in particular to keyboards having an improved ergonomic layout.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers and related electronic devices have become a part of everyday life to an extent that would have been unimaginable several decades ago. They have become necessities in the workplace and are increasingly important in the home. Yet the most common means of entering information into a computer, the keyboard, is known to have significant design deficiencies.

The standard computer keyboard layout is a carry-over from the days of mechanical typewriters, when mechanical linkages were required to connect the keys to the internal mechanisms of the typewriter. Much of the keyboard layout was dictated by the limitations of the mechanical linkages. The staggering of the rows of keys in the standard keyboard layout, resulting in slanted columns, originally served to allow the linkages of one row to fall between the keys of the rows above. The standard "QWERTY" layout was originally adopted to limit typing speeds and prevent jammed keys. Because of the perception that any changes to the standard keyboard layout would require the costly retraining of typists, the standard layout has survived to the present day. As new functions have been added to office machines and computers, the additional keys to implement these functions have generally been added at the periphery of the standard keyboard. The result is a keyboard layout which is known to be inefficient and which can contribute to debilitating injuries from repetitive motion and awkward positions of the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.

The manner in which the keyboard is used has also changed significantly since the days of the mechanical typewriter. For example, keyboard users no longer hit the <ENTER> key at the end of each line, since most software includes the ability to automatically "wrap" text to the next line. Other keys, such as <BACKSPACE>, are now used much more frequently than they were on typewriters. Keys for such basic operations as "navigating" through a document or accessing common operating-system functions had no counterparts on typewriters. It is also now nearly universal for a computer user to also have a pointing device, most commonly a mouse. Typically the user must continually move one hand back and forth from the keyboard to the mouse. For right-handed keyboard users (the vast majority), the mouse is often placed to the right of the keyboard; the distance from the right hand "home" position of a typical desktop keyboard to the mouse can exceed 20 inches.

Keyboards have also become ubiquitous. Originally found only on typewriters, they are now used in a vast range of apphcations, including notebook computers, personal organizers, e-mail telephone devices, web- TV controllers, game devices, industrial control consoles, and even home appliances. The standard desktop keyboard lay- out is often poorly suited to these "new" apphcations, both because of its irrational layout and its elongated shape. The standard keyboard has often been adapted to new uses by arbitrarily relocating keys around the periphery of the keyboard and by overlaying functions on top of the alphanumeric keys. The result is an increasing number of specialized keyboard layouts, and the lack of a truly universal standard. The standard keyboard layout is also generaUy known to have ergonomic shortcomings which cause fatigue with extended use and which over time can result in debilitating injuries. Much of the stress placed on the shoulders, arms and wrists when using the traditional keyboard is the result of the unnatural hand positions, with the hands placed directly next to one another on the keyboard. This position requires ei- ther that the wrists be bent or that the arms be held against the body. Additional stress is caused by the need to continually rotate the wrist to access commonly used keys, such as <SHIFT> and <BACKSPACE>.

Many companies have attempted unsuccessfully over the years to biomechanically solve the stress-related design issues that are inherent in standard keyboards. Unfortu-

1 nately the so called "ergonomic keyboards" that have been developed thus far disregard the importance of key position and layout, reach and extension of fingers, and size of key surface. Several manufactures claim to produce "split hand" keyboards, but in actuahty the keyboards are nothing more than "fan" boards, in which the hands are an- gled but remain close to one another. This type of design places the shoulders and elbows in non-neutral adducted and internal rotated positions. Some of these designs also have a positive slope that extends the wrists into non-neutral postures. Some have complex shapes which significantly add to their cost of manufacture.

Thus there is a need for new keyboard designs reflecting the manner in which key- boards are now used, and which systematicaUy relax the user's posture and reduce the amount of repetitive movement of the wrists and fingers. There is also a need for universal keyboard modules including left- and right-hand modules and editing pad / numeric keypad modules, which can be apphed to the increasing range of keyboard applications without the need to reconfigure the basic layouts of the modules for each new apphcation. The new keyboard design should ideally be easy for experience keyboard users to master, and inexpensive to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide keyboard designs with improved ergonomic layouts, thereby reducing stress and injury, and increasing typing speed and accuracy.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide standardized keyboard modules, including left- and right-hand modules and editing pad / numeric keypad modules, which may be combined to provide keyboards adapted to specific apphcations, such as notebook and desktop keyboards and special apphcation keyboards, while preserving a basic standard layout for each module. Such standardization would benefit those moving among tasks and equipment, and improve production efficiencies of keyboards.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide keyboard designs which provide significant ergonomic improvements, but which require only relatively short re- learning times for experienced keyboard users.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide keyboard designs that are in- expensive to produce.

Accordingly, to improve typing speeds and reduce lateral finger motions, a feature of the present invention is the vertically straight alignment of the keys of the left- and right-hand modules. Modified <SHIFT> keys having a height of two rows are positioned in-line with both the "home row" of keys and the row below the home row, thus reducing the need to rotate the wrists (ulnar deviation) when activating the <SHIFT> function. The <SHIFT> keys and other keys in the outside columns of the keyboard are optionally made wider than a standard key width, further reducing strain on the little fingers of each hand. A tactile ridge is optionally provided on the outer edge of the <SHIFT> keys, making them easier to identify by feel.

A still further feature of the invention is the relocation of the <ENTER> and <BACKSPACE> keys from their standard positions at the extreme right of the keyboard to directly beneath the <SPACEBAR>, where they may be actuated by the keyboard user's thumbs. Further features of the invention are the positioning of the <DELETE> key in the row of keys below the space bar, where it may be more conveniently accessed, and the relocation of the <CAPS LOCK> key away from its standard location above the left <SHIFT> key, where it is often hit in error, to a more logical position below one of the <SHIFT> keys. To reduce strain on the shoulders, arms, and wrists, the left- and right-hand modules of the keyboard of the invention may be spaced apart, with an editing pad or combined editing pad / numeric keypad placed between them.

To further reduce unnecessary motions, it is a feature of invention that the distance from the normal position of the right hand to right edge of the keyboard may be re- duced by relocating the editing pad / numeric keypad, bringing the user's mouse closer to the right hand.

To improve typing speed and accuracy and reduce unnecessary hand and finger motions, the present invention may incorporate Dvorak key labels in addition to the standard QWERTY labels, and encode both the Dvorak and QWERTY formats within the keyboard. A <DVORAK LOCK> key on the keyboard allows the user to toggle the alphanumeric format.

A still further feature of the invention is a combined editing pad and numeric keypad, in which the functions of both a standard editing pad and a numeric keypad are incorporated. Splitting the standard prior-art double- width <ZERO> [0] key of the numeric keypad into separate <ZERO> [0] and <DOUBLE ZERO> [00] keys allows the editing arrow keys to be placed in the preferred inverted "T" configuration at the base of the numeric keypad.

To facilitate navigation through tables, forms, and spreadsheets, the editing pad of the present invention may incorporate separate left and right <TAB> keys positioned above the left and right arrows of the inverted "T".

To facilitate spreadsheet development, the numeric keypad may incorporate common spreadsheet symbols, such as left and right parentheses and an <EQUALS> [=] key. i A further feature of the invention is the grouping of the LOCK keys, including <NUM LOCK>, <CAPS LOCK>, <SCROLL LOCK>, and <DVORTY LOCK>, to a common location in line with the <F1> through <F12> keys.

A further feature of the invention is that the combined editing pad and numeric keypad may be overlain on the right-hand module without changing the basic layout of either the right-hand module or the editing pad / numeric keypad, thereby allowing extremely compact keyboards to be produced which do not compromise the standard layouts.

DRAWING SUMMARY

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates the prior art "standard" alphanumeric keyboard layout;

Figure 2 illustrates a typical desktop prior art editing and numeric keypad;

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate two examples of how editing and numeric keypads are currently incorporated into notebook computer keyboards (prior art);

Figure 4 shows the left- and right-hand alphanumeric module layouts of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates how the keys located below the <SPACEB AR> row may have reduced-height keytops to prevent mis-hits when hitting the <SPACEBAR>s;

Figure 6 illustrates two additional aspects of the alphanumeric modules, involving the placement of the <DELETE> and <CAPS LOCK> keys; Figure 7 illustrates the basic configuration of the combined editing/numeric keypad of the present invention;

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate the functions activated by each key of the combined editing/numeric keypad when the pad is used as a editing pad (NUM LOCK "off") and numeric keypad (NUM LOCK "on"), respectively; Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the keyboard incorporating separate editing and numeric keypads;

Figure JO illustrates an embodiment incorporating separate editing and numeric keypads, with a center editing pad / numeric keypad;

Figure 11 shows an embodiment, in which the editing/numeric keypad is placed at the right end of the keyboard;

Figure J_2 shows an embodiment in which the editing/numeric keypad is placed in the center of the keyboard;

Figure 13 illustrates a narrow embodiment of the keyboard, suitable for smaller notebook computers and other apphcations where space for a keyboard is limited; Figures 14(a and 14(b) illustrate the left and right portions, respectively, of an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a "split" keyboard with a editing/numeric keypad placed between the left- and right-hand modules;

Figure 1_5 illustrates how the editing pad / numeric keypad may be overlain on the right-hand module, while preserving the standard layouts of both modules;

Figure 16(a) illustrates the functions of the combined right-hand module and number pad when <NUM LOCK> is "OFF";

Figure 16(b) illustrates the functions of the combined right-hand module and number pad when <NUM LOCK> is "ON"; Figure 16(c) illustrates the functions of the combined right-hand module and editing pad when the <FUNCTION> is activated;

Figure 17 illustrates an implementation of the keyboard with the right-hand module and number pad overlain;

Figures 18(a) and 18(b) iUustrate how a very compact but fully functional keyboard may be formed of separate left- and right hand modules, the right hand module having an editing pad / numeric keypad overlay, with the separate left- and right-hand modules sufficiently compact that each fits within an area having the same dimensions as a common compact disk (CD) case. Figure 18(a) shows the left-hand module and Figure 18(b) shows the right-hand module. The modules may be hinged together, forming a portable keyboard that folds to the size of a double CD "jewel box" case;

Figure 19 illustrates how a keyboard may incorporate the significant features of the present invention while retaining essentially all the key placements of a standard prior art keyboard, thus making ideal as a "transitional" keyboard; and

Figures 20(a), 20(b). 20(c), and 20(d) illustrate how a variety of electrically inter- changeable keyboard modules having identical overall form factors may be produced, allowing a user to select a keyboard suitable to their specific needs, or to make the transition to successively more ergonomic keyboards with a minimum of "down time".

PRIOR ART ALPHANUMERIC KEYBOARD LAYOUTS

Figure 1 illustrates the well-known conventional prior art alphanumeric keyboard layout having "staggered" rows, wherein the keys in one row are offset from those in the rows above and below, and a standard QWERTY key arrangement. A <SPACEBAR> 2 is located at the bottom edge of the keyboard. The <SHIFT> keys 4 at either side of the keyboard are one key unit high, and located at the left and right ends of the keyboard in the row below the home row, a location that requires a rotation of the wrist each time <SHIFT> is to be activated. The <ENTER> key 8 is located at the extreme right end of the home row. The <CAPS LOCK> key 16 is located at the left end of the home row, a location originally dictated by the need to mechanically couple the key to the shift mechanism of a typewriter. This prominent position of the <CAPS LOCK> key is perceived by many keyboard users as more of a nuisance than a convenience, since it is much too easily activated by mistake.

The <BACKSPACE> key 6 is generally located at the extreme upper right the keyboard. <BACKSPACE> is typically now used in a fundamentally different manner than when the "standard" alphanumeric layout of Figure 1 was developed for typewriters. <BACKSPACE> was once a hghtly used key, being used only when it was neces- sary to underline text, manually center text on the page, or to correct typing errors, which were laborious tasks on early typewriters. <BACKSPACE> was thus used as seldom as possible by early typists, whereas many modern keyboard users use <BACKSPACE> extensively, editing and correcting errors "on the fly".

The < I > and < \ > key has been variously located on different keyboard layouts. Other ancillary keys are typically added around the periphery of the alphanumeric module for computer-specific needs, as indicated by the phantom outlines in Figure 1. The overall keyboard dimensions dictated by the "standard" layout yield a keyboard that is relatively long and narrow, which makes placing a standard keyboard on smaller devices such as notebook computers problematic.

PRIOR ART EDITNG PAD AND NUMBER PAD LAYOUTS

Figure 2 depicts a common prior art configuration of an editing pad and a numeric keypad. Most commonly on desktop keyboards a separate editing pad 400 and numeric keypad 500 are provided. The editing pad includes a group of keys near the top of the pad for navigating to various sections of a document, including <HOME>, <END>, <PAGE UP> and <PAGE DOWN>, as well as <INSERT> and <DELETE> keys. At the bottom of the editing pad are arrow keys arranged in an inverted "T" configuration, including an <UP ARROW> 421, a <LEFT ARROW> 422, a <DOWN ARROW> 423, and a <RIGHT ARROW> 424. Because of its ease of use, the inverted "T" has become nearly universal on keyboards.

The numeric keypad 500 includes the numerals <0> through <9>, a <DECIMAL POINT> key 532, keys for the mathematical operations <DIVIDE> [/], <MULTIPLY> [*], <SUBTRACT> [-], and <ADD> [+], and an <ENTER> key.

Embedded within the numeric keypad are the remnants of an older configuration of an editing pad, with <HOME>, <END>, <PAGE UP>, and <PAGE DOWN> arranged as the corners of a square, and arrow keys arranged in a cross configuration centered on the numeral 5 key. <INSERT> and <DELETE> keys are placed on the bottom row. n Typically a <NUM LOCK> key occupies the upper left corner of the numeric keypad to select between the numeric keypad functions and editing pad functions.

The small area available for a keyboard on notebook computers has precluded the inclusion of separate editing and numeric keypads. Various attempts have been made to incorporate editing and numeric keypad functions into keyboards for notebook computers, usually with limited success. Figures 3(a) and 3(b) depict the right end portions of two common notebook keyboard layouts. Navigation keys 610 are typically placed either along the right edge of the keyboard, as in Figure 3(a), or grouped above the right end of the keyboard as in Figure 3(b). Smaller sized keys are typically used because of space constraints, which make the keys difficult to find and use. An "inverted T" 620 is usually placed at the lower left of the keyboard.

As shown at 630 in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). a numeric keypad is often embedded into the alphanumeric keyboard, with the numeric keypad functions shown in a contrasting color to the alphanumeric functions (indicated by dashed squares in the figures). <NUM LOCK> (not shown) is used to select either the alphanumeric keyboard functions or the numeric keypad functions. Many keyboard users find this embedded numeric keypad design very awkward, both due to the need to hit the <NUM LOCK> whenever switching between numeric keypad and alphanumeric entry, and because the numeric keypad acquires the slant of the alphanumeric keyboard. The lack of a true "standard" layout for notebook computers, together with the awkwardness of the currently used layouts, adds to the need for a more universal and more ergonomic keyboard layout.

ALPHANUMERIC KEYBOARD LAYOUT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Concept of the Left- and Right-Hand Alphanumeric Modules

As shown in Figure 4, the alphanumeric section of the keyboard comprises a left- hand alphanumeric module 100 and a right-hand alphanumeric module 200. For clarity, only the basic alphanumeric keys are labeled in Figure 4, with ancillary key positions indicated in phantom. The keys comprising each module are arranged in substantially straight horizontal rows and vertical columns. Preferably, each module is substantially rectangular in shape with ancillary keys completing the rectangle, permit- ting a variety of keyboard configurations to be constructed from the same basic modular key layouts, as will be discussed below. It may be observed that the modules have six rows of keys, versus the five rows in the prior art keyboard, resulting in a taller but potentially narrower keyboard.

? Orienting the keys in straight columns and rows, as a "matrix", improves the keyboard in several ways. First, the actual distance between commonly struck keys is reduced, is made more uniform, and is bilaterally symmetric, requiring less work by the keyboard user and therefore less strain on the hands and fingers. Keyboard users who frequently use numeric keypads having straight rows and columns are aware that such an arrangement significantly improves data entry speed and accuracy. Also, much of the initial "learning curve" for new keyboard users is a consequence of having to train the fingers to the staggered rows configuration. A keyboard having straight rows and columns should be easier for the beginner to master, thus reducing initial learning times.

Although the columns of keys are straightened, the layout of the present invention substantially preserves the standard QWERTY layout, minimizing retraining time for experienced keyboard users. The keyboard may also accommodate other alphanumeric layouts, such as the Dvorak layout, as discussed below. An important ergonomic feature of the present invention is the vertical enlargement of the left <SHIFT> key 104 and right <SHIFT> key 204, and their extension into the home row. By providing a larger "target" for the httle finger of each hand and allowing the <SHIFT> keys to be activated with a minimum of wrist flexure; stress is thus reduced and typing speeds are increased. Room for the enlarged <SHIFT> keys is made available by relocating the <ENTER> key on the right and the <CAPS LOCK> on the left, as is discussed below.

The outer column of keys in each module, including the < ~ > and < > key, <TAB> key, and <SHIFT> key on the left-hand module and the < + > and < = >, < } > and < ] > and <SHIFT> key on the right hand module, may also preferably be made horizontahy wider than a standard key, providing an even greater "target" for the httle finger of each hand, and thereby further reducing stress on the keyboard user's wrists, hands, and fingers. Again, providing a larger target for the relatively weak httle fingers also potentially increases typing speeds.

As shown in Figure 4, the left-hand module and right-hand module may have sepa- rate <SPACEBAR>s, 102 and 202. Both <SPACEBAR>s function the same as the single <SPACEBAR> of a conventional prior art keyboard, in that pressing either the left or right <SPACEBAR> generates a "space" character. Unlike some prior art keyboards which dedicate a portion of the <SPACEBAR> to a backspace function (see Klauber. US Pat. Nos. 5,143,462; 5,620,276; and 5,711,624), the present invention preserves the normal function of the <SPACEBAR>. On keyboard versions in which the left- and right-hand modules are adjacent to one another, rather than "split", the two <SPACEBAR>s may alternatively be replaced with a single <SPACEBAR>, as in conventional keyboards. The <BACKSPACE> key 106 is intended to be activated by the left thumb. Locating the backspace key below the <SPACEBAR> makes the key easier to reach and provides a larger target than the standard upper right position. The keyboard user does not need to lift one hand from the home row when correcting, thus reducing the number of mis-hits; there is less ulnar deviation required and less usage of the right httle finger, making the keyboard more comfortable on the hands and wrists.

The <ENTER> key 208 is intended to be activated by the right thumb. Like the backspace key, locating the <ENTER> key below the <SPACEBAR> makes the key easier to reach, and requires less ulnar deviation and less use of the httle finger of the right hand.

The < I > and < \ > key 212, which was essentially an "orphan" on the standard prior art keyboard, is given a permanent and logical home at the right end of the row beneath the home row.

It may be observed that the keys which have been modified or relocated, <SHIFT>, <BACKSPACE>, and <ENTER>, are keys which are relatively frequently used. By modifying or relocating only high-use keys while substantially retaining the standard QWERTY configuration of the remaining keys, relearning times for the new keyboard layout are kept to a minimum. Since <SHIFT>, <BACKSPACE>, and <ENTER> are hit many times during routine use of the keyboard, the fingers are quickly retrained to the new configuration. Users may also adjust to the modified

<SHIFT> keys gradually, as portions of these keys still occupy their former "prior art" locations.

Figure 5 depicts one method of insuring against the inadvertent striking of the keys located in the added row below the left and right <SPACEBAR>s 102 and 202. The <B ACKSPACE> key 106 and <ENTER> key 208, and any other keys in this row, may preferrably have reduced height keytops such that the <SPACEBAR>s may be depressed a distance "d" (sufficient to activate the <SPACEBAR>s) without the thumbs contacting the keytops of the reduced-height keys. The <SPACEBAR>s may also incorporate an arched top surface, as shown, such that the thumbs are further raised above the keys of the added lower row. Alternate embodiments include tactile ridges on the <SPACEBAR>s (not shown), or sloped, rather than arched top surfaces (not shown).

As also show in Figure 5, the <SHIFT> key 104 may incorporate a tactile ridge 105 to aid the httle fingers of each hand in recognizing the key. Figure 6 illustrates a preferred placement of the <DELETE> and <CAPS LOCK> keys. A <DELETE> key is preferably placed in the row below the <SPACEBAR>s, adjacent to the <BACKSPACE> key. This location allows the key to be easily struck by the left thumb without the need to lift the hand from the home row position. This

<DELETE> kev may be in addition to, rather than in place of, other <DELETE> keys

I D on the keyboard. The <CAPS LOCK> key is preferably located in a logical position below the <SHIFT> key, where it may be easily found but is less susceptible to inadvertent activation. A <CAPS LOCK> key located as shown in Figure 6 may serve as the sole <CAPS LOCK> on a keyboard, or it may be auxiliary to a <CAPS LOCK> key grouped with the LOCK keys, as discussed below.

COMBINED EDITING PAD / NUMERIC KEYPAD

Concepts of the Editing Pad / Number Pad Module

Figure 7 shows the basic elements of the combined editing pad / numeric keypad of the present invention. This layout combines the primary functions of the separate prior art editing pad and numeric keypad into a single module in a manner that substantially preserves the ease-of-use of the separate pads. Combining the functions into a single module allows the inclusion of a discrete editing pad / numeric keypad on even relatively narrow keyboards, as discussed below.

A significant feature of this layout is the integration of an inverted "T" grouping of arrow keys 321, 322, 323 and 324 into the lower two rows of a numeric keypad. This is made possible by providing two keys, <0> and <00>, in place of the double-wide

<0> key of the prior art layout. Historically, many mechanical calculators incorporated just such an arrangement of <0> and <00> keys, since such an arrangement can speed the entry of financial data. The <00> key in particular speeds the entry of data where the values are in integral dollars, with no cents. By reintroducing the "00" key, the layout of the present invention allows the use of the much preferred inverted "T" arrow keys, rather than the "cross" arrangement common on prior art numeric keypads. The <0> key may also be made wider than a standard key, as is commonly done in calculators, as indicated by the phantom line at 322.

The layout also preserves the familiar configuration of the navigation functions <HOME>, <END>, <PAGE UP> and <PAGE DOWN> and the functions <INSERT> and <DELETE> within the editing/numeric keypad.

An additional feature of the layout is the inclusion of separate left and right <TAB> keys 327 and 328 directly above the left and right arrow keys. Navigation through tables and spreadsheets is often accomplished using the <TAB> function; the inclusion of the separate left and right <TAB> keys within the editing pad gives the keyboard user an additional and more efficient means of navigation.

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the functions activated by the keys of the editing pad / numeric keypad in the "editing pad" mod and the "number pad" mode, respectively.

Selection of either editing or numeric keypad functions is accomplished by toggling the <NUM LOCK> key; alternatively, holding down one of the <SHIFT> keys will momentarily invert the state of the number lock, allowing, for example, the entry of numerical data while the pad is being used as an editing / navigation pad. The keyboard may alternatively include a momentary action <NUM> key, which activates the number functions only when depressed (not shown). To aid the keyboard user in distinguishing the functions of the keys in the different modes, the labels on the keytops for each mode are preferably in a contrasting color to the labels of the other mode.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative Embodiments

As shown in Figures 9 through 13, many keyboard configurations are possible us- ing the left- and right-hand modules and editing pad / numeric keypad of present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment incorporating separate editing and numeric keypads, such as is common on prior art keyboards. Such an arrangement allows the user to access both the editing pad features and the numeric keypad features without changing <NUMBER LOCK>, but results in a bulkier keyboard.

Figure j_0 illustrates an embodiment similar to Figure 9, but with a combined editing pad / numeric keypad in the center of the keyboard.

Figure H shows an embodiment in which the editing/numeric keypad is placed at the right end of the keyboard, and Figure J_2 shows a similar embodiment, but with the editing pad / numeric keypad placed between the left- and right-hand modules.

Figure 13 illustrates a narrower version of the keyboard of Figure j_2, suitable for smaller notebook computers and other apphcations where space for a keyboard is limited. A three column editing pad / numeric keypad is used in place of the four column pad, and the outer left and outer right columns of the keyboard, including the <SHIFT> keys, are reduced to a single key width.

Keyboards with a Center Editing Pad / Numeric Keypad

Because those versions of the present invention which incorporate a center editing pad / numeric keypad have several notable and novel features not present in versions where the editing pad / numeric keypad is placed at the end of the keyboard, a center editing pad / numeric keypad version is discussed as the "preferred" embodiment. Advantages common to all center keypad embodiments of the present invention are that the keypad is not hand-specific, and may be used with either the right or left hand; also, the distance from either hand module to the edge of the keyboard is minimized, reducing hand movements when using a mouse or other pointing device.

Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show the detailed key assignments of the left and right portions, respectively, of the preferred embodiment (to simplify the discussion that follows, one column of the keyboard, the rightmost column of the editing pad / numeric keypad, is included in both figures). It may be observed that the keys for the letters of the alphabet contain multiple symbols; these represent the QWERTY and Dvorak layouts, as is discussed more fully below. The keys shown with shaded pe- rimeters in the figures may have reduced-height keytops as described with respect to Figure 5, above.

Placing the editing pad / numeric keypad of the present invention adjacent to the left-hand module provides a number of novel benefits. The left thumb, normally on the left <SPACEBAR> 102, may be used to activate the <BACKSPACE> and <DELETE> keys beneath the <SPACEBAR>, as discussed above; it may also be used to access the navigation features of the editing pad. Thus, the left thumb may be used with the <LEFT ARROW> key 322 and the <LEFT TAB> key 327.

The <LEFT ARROW> key 327 provides a useful alternative to <BACKSPACE>, in that in most software apphcations <LEFT ARROW> moves the cursor one space to the left, but does not delete the characters over which the cursor moves. The <LEFT TAB> key 327 performs the same function usually accessed by pressing both the <SHIFT> and <TAB> keys at the extreme left of the keyboard, but does not require moving the left hand from its "home" position.

The left thumb further has access to the other keys of the keypad, such as the other three arrow keys and the <DELETE> key above <LEFT TAB>, which may be used as an alternative to the <DELETE> key below the left <SPACEBAR>.

Further advantages are derived from placing the editing pad / numeric keypad adjacent to the right-hand module, as shown in Figure 14(b). In particular, the <ENTER> function is duphcated in both keys 208 and 308. The right thumb may thus activate <ENTER> either by bending the thumb from <SPACEBAR> 208 to the lower

<ENTER> key 208, or by flexing the thumb outward to <ENTER> key 308. Having the option of using the keypad <ENTER> key allows the keyboard user to adopt the method which is most comfortable, and therefore less likely of causing repetitive stress injuries or fatigue. The right thumb may also be used to reach past the keypad <ENTER> key to access the other editing pad functions, such as the inverted "T" arrow keys, the <RIGHT TAB> key, and <PAGE UP> and <PAGE DOWN>.

Placing the editing pad / numeric keypad of the present invention adjacent to the left-hand module provides a number of novel benefits. The left thumb, normally on the left <SPACEBAR>, may be used to activate the <BACKSPACE> and <DELETE> keys beneath the <SPACEBAR>, as discussed above; it may also be used to access the navigation features of the editing pad. Thus, the left thumb may be used with the <LEFT ARROW> key and the <LEFT TAB> key. The <LEFT ARROW> key provides a useful alternative to <BACKSPACE>, in that in most software apphcations <LEFT ARROW> moves the cursor one space to the left, but does not delete the characters over which the cursor moves. The <LEFT TAB> key performs the same function usually accessed by pressing both the <SHIFT> and <TAB> keys at the extreme left of the keyboard, but does not require moving the left hand from its "home" position.

Further advantages are derived from placing the editing pad / numeric keypad adja- cent to the right-hand module. In particular, the <ENTER> function is duphcated. The right thumb may thus activate <ENTER> either by bending the thumb from <SPACEBAR> to the lower <ENTER> key, or by flexing the thumb outward to the <ENTER> key. Having the option of using the keypad <ENTER> key allows the keyboard user to adopt the method which is most comfortable, and therefore less likely of causing repetitive stress injuries or fatigue.

The right thumb may also be used to reach past the keypad <ENTER> key to access the other editing pad functions, such as the inverted "T" arrow keys, the <RIGHT TAB> key, and <PAGE UP> and <PAGE DOWN>.

Dual QWERTY and Dvorak Key Encoding

The presently preferred implementation of the keyboard may incorporate both the standard QWERTY alphanumeric layout and the ergonomic Dvorak layout, with a <DVORAK LOCK> key allowing the keyboard user to enable the desired encoding scheme. Providing both encoding schemes and both sets of key labels on one keyboard allows both QWERTY and Dvorak typists to use the same keyboard. Including the Dvorak layout as a standard feature of the keyboard serves to promote the adoption of Dvorak by more users, since users no longer need to be concerned that retraining for Dvorak will make it difficult for them to use keyboards other than their own.

/ ^L/ Keyboards with an Editing Pad / Numeric Keypad "Overlay"

Figure 15 illustrates how the editing pad / numeric keypad may be overlain on the right-hand module, while preserving the standard layouts of both modules. The < + > key overlays the right <SHIFT> key, and the <ENTER> key overlays the <CAPS LOCK> key. The result is a fully functional numeric keypad, with straight rows and columns, which may be accessed by activating a <NUM LOCK> key located at some location on the keyboard.

Figure 16(a) illustrates the functions of the combined right-hand module and num- ber pad when <NUM LOCK> is "OFF". It may be observed that the standard alphanumeric layout as illustrated in Figure 4 is preserved, and an inverted "T" group of cursor control keys is placed conveniently at the lower right of the keyboard.

Figure 16(b) illustrates the functions of the combined right-hand module and number pad when <NUM LOCK> is "ON". It may be observed that the right of the key- board now forms a fully functional numeric keypad, arranged in the preferred straight horizontal rows and straight vertical columns. Embodiments are also possible in which the keypad is alternately activated by temporarily depressing a momentary <NUM> key with the left hand, thus allowing for "on the fly" use of the numeric keypad (not shown). Figure 16(c) illustrates those editing pad functions activated by momentarily depressing the <FUNCTION> key.

Figure 17 illustrates an implementation of the keyboard with the right-hand module and number pad overlain. In the embodiment illustrated, both "QWERTY" and Dvorak arrangements are included on the keyboard. The four "LOCK" keys are placed at the left end of the keyboard.

Figures 18(a) and 1 (b) shows how the very compact keyboard that results from overlaying the right-hand module and number pad may be spht into separate left and right-hand segments, while preserving the full functionality of a standard keyboard. Figure 18(a) shows the left-hand module and Figure 18(b) shows the right-hand mod- ule. The two modules may be physically separate units joined by an electrical cable, allowing them to be placed at a comfortable separation distance apart, or they may be joined in some manner, such as by a hinge, allowing the entire keyboard to be folded into a very small unit for transport and storage. The example of Figure 18 shows a keyboard configured such that each module fits within the dimensions a standard com- pact disk (CD) "jewel box" case, with the modules hinged such that when folded for transport or storage the entire keyboard may be no larger than a standard "double" CD case. Again, it will be noted that the standard layouts of the alphanumeric keyboard and number pad a fully preserved, in a keyboard that of minimal physical size.

/X Figure X9 illustrates how a keyboard may incorporate the significant features of the present invention while retaining essentially all the key placements of a standard prior art keyboard, thus serving as a "transitional" keyboard. It may be noted that the keyboard of Figure 39 incorporates two <BACKSPACE> keys and two <ENTER> keys, such that users accustomed to either the prior art standard keyboard or to the keyboard of the present invention my use the keyboard effectively. The keyboard of Figure 39 is also sufficiently narrow that it may be incorporated on laptop computers.

Figures 20(a), 20(b), 20(c) and 20(d) illustrate how a variety of electrically interchangeable keyboard modules having identical overall form factors may be produced, allowing a user to select a keyboard suitable to their specific needs, or to make the transition to successively more ergonomic keyboards with a minimum of "down time". Beginning with a keyboard having many aspects of the present invention but also preserving virtually all the standard prior art key locations [Figure 11 a)], a user may gradually retrain to the key placements of the present invention, and then transition to a more fully ergonomic layout such as the keyboards of Figures 1 Kb), 11(c), or 11 d). Figure 20(d) further illustrates a keyboard having a numeric keypad overlay of the right hand module and separate editing pad at the right of keyboard, such that the editing pad functions are always "active". The keyboard modules may have a standard interface, such as a ribbon cable 1080. The different modules may be presented as op- tions to the user at the time of configuring a new computer, or may be sold as user upgrades.

CONCLUSION

The above is a detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention. It is recognized that departures from the disclosed embodiments may be within the scope of this invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. It is the intent of the applicant that the invention include alternate implementations known in the art that perform the same functions as those disclosed. This specification should not be construed to unduly narrow the full scope of protection to which the invention is entitled.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of ah means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, mate- rial, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

What is Claimed is: it

Claims

1. A universal key layout system for keyboards, the improvement comprising: An alphanumeric section of the keyboard having keys for each letter of the alphabet, the keys arranged in a plurahty of substantially straight horizontal rows and a plurality of substantially straight vertical columns for touch typing, with one straight vertical row forming a touch typing home row; a left hand SHIFT key and a right hand SHIFT key, the SHIFT keys elongated and oriented substantially parallel to the straight vertical columns of the alphanumeric sec- tion, a portion of each SHIFT key in-line with the touch typing home row; a number keypad having keys for the numerals 1 through nine and zero, the keys ar- ranged in a plurahty of substantially straight horizontal rows and a plurahty of sub- stantially straight vertical columns; an elongated PLUS key oriented substantially parallel to the straight vertical columns of the number keypad; and the keys of the number keypad arrayed such that they may be superimposed over keys of the alphanumeric section, with the PLUS key superimposed over the right SHIFT key.

2. The universal key layout system of Claim 1 , wherein the horizontal row of the number keypad which includes the numeral zero further includes a key for "00" (double zero) and a decimal point key, and a row positioned above the zero key includes the keys for the numerals 1, 2, and 3; and wherein document navigation keys for UP, RIGHT, DOWN, and LEFT are superimposed over the 2, zero, double zero, and decimal point keys, the document navigation keys arranged in an inverted T configuration.

/ '/

3. In an alphanumeric keyboard, the improvement comprising: a keyboard top edge, a keyboard bottom edge, a keyboard left end, and a keyboard right end; a plurality of alphanumeric keys including 26 keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet and ten keys corresponding to the numerals 1 through 9 and zero, the alpha- numeric keys arrayed for touch typing between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; a first group of four of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantially in a first row form- ing a left hand home position and a second group of four of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantially in a second row forming a right hand home position; a third group of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantially in a third row, the third row substantially parallel to the first row and adjacent to the first row between the first row and the keyboard bottom edge, and a fourth group of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantially in a fourth row, the fourth row substantially parallel to the second row and adjacent to the second row between the second row and the keyboard bottom edge; an elongated left hand SHIFT key placed between the left home position and the key- board left end, the elongate left hand SHIFT key having an upper end and a lower end, a portion of the upper end substantially co-linear with the first row of alphanumeric keys and a portion of the lower end substantially co-linear with the third row of alpha- numeric keys; and an elongated right hand SHIFT key placed between the right home position and the keyboard right end, the elongate right hand actuated SHIFT key having an upper end and a lower end, a portion of the upper end substantially co-linear with the second row of alphanumeric keys and a portion of the lower end substantially co-linear with the fourth row of alphanumeric keys.

4. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 3, further comprising: a thumb-actuated SPACEBAR located between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; and an ENTER key adjacent to the SPACEBAR.

7

5. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 4, wherein the ENTER key is further placed between the SPACEBAR and the keyboard lower edge.

6. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 3, further comprising: a thumb-actuated SPACEBAR located between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; and a BACKSPACE key adjacent to the SPACEBAR.

7. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 6, wherein the BACKSPACE key is further placed between the SPACEBAR and the keyboard lower edge.

8. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 3, further comprising: a thumb-actuated SPACEBAR located between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; and a DELETE key adjacent to the SPACEBAR.

9. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 8, wherein the DELETE key is further placed between the SPACEBAR and the keyboard lower edge.

10. In an alphanumeric keyboard, the improvement comprising: a plurality of alphanumeric keys including 26 keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet and ten keys corresponding to the numerals 1 through 9 and zero, the alpha- numeric keys arranged in an array for touch typing; a SPACEBAR positioned for thumb actuation when touch typing; and an ENTER key positioned adjacent to the spacebar for thumb actuation when touch typing.

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11. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 10, further comprising a keyboard upper edge and a keyboard lower edge, the alphanumeric keys positioned between the keyboard upper edge and the keyboard lower edge, and wherein the ENTER key is positioned between the SPACEBAR and the keyboard lower edge.

12. In a computer keyboard, the improvement comprising: A combined editing pad and numeric keypad having a plurahty of keys arranged in substantially straight horizontal rows and substantially straight vertical columns; the combined editing pad and numeric keypad having an editing pad mode in which each key is assigned an editing pad function and a numeric keypad mode in which each key is assigned a numeric keypad function; a first row having keys assigned the editing pad functions LEFT ARROW, DOWN ARROW, and RIGHT ARROW in sequence; a second row above and adjacent to the first row, with a key assigned the editing pad function UP ARROW, the UP ARROW key in the same vertical column as the DOWN ARROW key, the four ARROW keys thus forming an inverted T; the key having the editing pad function LEFT ARROW assigned the numeric keypad function of the numeral ZERO; the key having the editing pad function DOWN ARROW assigned numeric keypad function of DOUBLE ZERO; and the key having the editing pad function of RIGHT ARROW assigned the numeric key- pad function of DECIMAL POINT.

13. The combined editing pad and numeric keypad of Claim 12, further comprising: a key assigned the editing pad function of LEFT TAB, the LEFT TAB key in the same vertical column as the LEFT ARROW key, and a key assigned the editing pad function of RIGHT TAB, the RIGHT TAB key in the same vertical column as the RIGHT ARROW key, and in the same horizontal row as the LEFT TAB KEY.

14. The combined editing pad and numeric keypad of Claim 13, wherein the horizontal row containing the LEFT TAB and RIGHT TAB keys is adjacent to and above the horizontal row containing the LEFT ARROW and RIGHT ARROW keys.

15. In a computer keyboard, the improvement comprising: A combined editing pad and numeric keypad having a plurahty of keys arranged in substantially straight horizontal rows and substantially straight vertical columns; the horizontal rows forming a first row, a second row adjacent to and above the first row, a third row adjacent to and above the second row, and a fourth row adjacent to and above the third row; the vertical columns forming a left column, a middle column, and a right column; the combined editing pad and numeric keypad having an editing pad mode in which each key is assigned an editing pad function and a numeric keypad mode in which each key is assigned a numeric keypad function; the first row having keys assigned the numeric keypad functions of ZERO and DECIMAL POINT in the left column and right column, respectively; the second row having keys assigned the numeric keypad functions of ONE, TWO, and THREE in the left column, middle column, and right column, respectively; the third row having keys assigned the numeric keypad functions of FOUR, FIVE, and SIX in the left column, middle column, and right column, respectively; the fourth row having keys assigned the editing pad functions of SEVEN, EIGHT, and NINE in the left column, middle column, and right column, respectively; the first row keys assigned the editing pad functions of LEFT ARROW, DOWN ARROW, and RIGHT ARROW in the left column, middle column, and left column, respectively, and the second row middle column key assigned the editing pad function of UP ARROW.

16. The combined editing pad and numeric keypad of Claim 15, wherein the first row mid- die column key is also assigned the numeric keypad function of ZERO.

17. The combined editing pad and numeric keypad of Claim 15, wherein the first row mid- die column key is assigned the numeric keypad function of DOUBLE ZERO.

1 /

18. In a computer keyboard, the improvement comprising: a left hand module and right hand module, the left and right hand modules each having a plurality of keys arrayed for touch typing; a combined editing pad and numeric keypad between the left hand module and the right hand module, the combined editing pad and numeric keypad having an editing pad mode and a numeric keypad mode; the combined editing pad and numeric keypad having keys assigned the editing pad functions of LEFT TAB and RIGHT TAB.

19. The keyboard of Claim 18, wherein the left and right hand modules further have thumb actuated spacebars, and the LEFT TAB and RIGHT TAB keys are positioned near the spacebars such that they may be thumb actuated.

20. In a computer keyboard, the improvement comprising: a left hand module and right hand module, the left and right hand modules each having a plurality of keys arrayed for touch typing, each module also having a thumb actuated spacebar; a combined editing pad and numeric keypad between the left hand module and the right hand module, the combined editing pad and numeric keypad having an editing pad mode and a numeric keypad mode; the combined editing pad and numeric keypad having an ENTER key, the combined editing pad and numeric keypad positioned such that the ENTER key is adjacent to the thumb activated spacebar of the right hand module.

21. The keyboard of Claim 20, wherein the keyboard further has a lower edge and the right hand module further has a thumb actuated ENTER key adjacent to the spacebar and between the spacebar and the keyboard lower edge, whereby the ENTER function may be actuated using either the right hand module ENTER key or the numeric keypad ENTER key.

I

22. In a computer keyboard, the improvement comprising: a keyboard top edge and a keyboard bottom edge; a plurahty of alphanumeric keys including 26 keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet and ten keys corresponding to the numerals 1 through 9 and zero, the alpha- numeric keys arranged in multiple rows for touch typing between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge; one row forming a home row, and another row forming a top row, the home row and top row each having right ends; a thumb actuated spacebar; a first BACKSPACE key adjacent to the spacebar, between the spacebar and the key- board bottom edge; a second BACKSPACE key at the right end of the top row; a first ENTER key adjacent to the spacebar, between the spacebar and the keyboard bottome edge; and second ENTER key at the right end of the home row.

23. In an alphanumeric keyboard, the improvement comprising: a keyboard top edge, a keyboard bottom edge, a keyboard left end, and a keyboard right end; a plurahty of alphanumeric keys including 26 keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet and ten keys corresponding to the numerals 1 through 9 and zero, the alpha- numeric keys arrayed for touch typing between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; a first group of four of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantiaUy in a first row form- ing a left hand home position and a second group of four of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantially in a second row forming a right hand home position; a third group of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantially in a third row, the third row substantiaUy paraUel to the first row and adjacent to the first row between the first row and the keyboard bottom edge, and a fourth group of the alphanumeric keys ahgned substantiaUy in a fourth row, the fourth row substantiaUy paraUel to the second row and adjacent to the second row between the second row and the keyboard bottom edge; an elongated left hand SHIFT key placed between the left home position and the key- board left end, the elongate left hand SHIFT key having an upper end and a lower end, a portion of the upper end substantiaUy co-linear with the first row of alphanumeric keys and a portion of the lower end substantially co-linear with the third row of alpha- numeric keys; and an elongated right hand SHIFT key placed between the right home position and the keyboard right end, the elongate right hand actuated SHIFT key having an upper end and a lower end, a portion of the upper end substantially co-linear with the second row of alphanumeric keys and a portion of the lower end substantiaUy co-linear with the fourth row of alphanumeric keys.

24. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 23, further comprising: a thumb-actuated SPACEBAR located between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; and an ENTER key adjacent to the SPACEBAR.

/.

25. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 23, further comprising: a thumb-actuated SPACEBAR located between the keyboard top edge and keyboard bottom edge and between the keyboard left end and keyboard right end; and a BACKSPACE key adjacent to the SPACEBAR.

26. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 23, further comprising a numeric keypad having a plurahty of keys arranged in substantiaUy straight horizontal rows and substantiaUy straight vertical columns; and the numeric keypad having keys corresponding to the numerals 1 through 9 and zero, a DECIMAL POINT key, keys corresponding the mathematical functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and an ENTER key.

27. The alphanumeric keyboard of Claim 26, wherein the numeric keypad key for the arithmetic function of addition is the same key as the alphanumeric right SHIFT key, with the function of the key electronicaUy selectable.

X^~