CA1158590A - Keyboard - Google Patents
KeyboardInfo
- Publication number
- CA1158590A CA1158590A CA000375948A CA375948A CA1158590A CA 1158590 A CA1158590 A CA 1158590A CA 000375948 A CA000375948 A CA 000375948A CA 375948 A CA375948 A CA 375948A CA 1158590 A CA1158590 A CA 1158590A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- keys
- keyboard
- intersections
- key
- array
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J5/00—Devices or arrangements for controlling character selection
- B41J5/08—Character or syllable selected by means of keys or keyboards of the typewriter type
- B41J5/10—Arrangements of keyboards, e.g. key button disposition
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06C—DIGITAL COMPUTERS IN WHICH ALL THE COMPUTATION IS EFFECTED MECHANICALLY
- G06C7/00—Input mechanisms
- G06C7/02—Keyboards
- G06C7/08—Keyboards with one set of keys for all denominations, e.g. ten-key board
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
- G06F3/0233—Character input methods
- G06F3/0235—Character input methods using chord techniques
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F40/00—Handling natural language data
- G06F40/10—Text processing
- G06F40/166—Editing, e.g. inserting or deleting
- G06F40/177—Editing, e.g. inserting or deleting of tables; using ruled lines
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computational Linguistics (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
- Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Computing Systems (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Chemical And Physical Treatments For Wood And The Like (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
TITLE: KEYBOARD
INVENTOR: HEINZ MAX WALDBURGER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A keyboard for introducing into an information processing device graphic information representative of the line intersections used in delineating frames or boxes. Keys for L-shaped, T-shaped and cruciform inter-sections are provided. The disposition of each key in the array of keys corresponds to the normal disposition of the intersection associated with such key in the frames or boxes.
INVENTOR: HEINZ MAX WALDBURGER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A keyboard for introducing into an information processing device graphic information representative of the line intersections used in delineating frames or boxes. Keys for L-shaped, T-shaped and cruciform inter-sections are provided. The disposition of each key in the array of keys corresponds to the normal disposition of the intersection associated with such key in the frames or boxes.
Description
~- - 2 - 11 S8590 This invention relates to a keyboard of the type utilized for entering graphic information into an information processing device.
There are numerous types of information processing devices presently in use, ranging from mechanical type-writers to electronic digital computers. These devices are often equipped with keyboards for entering alpha-numeric information. Such information may be output or displayed by the device simultaneously with its entry from the keyboard as in an ordinary typewriter.
Alternatively, the information may be stored in the device after its entry from the keyboard and output or displayed at some later time.
Many modern information processing devices are capable of handling graphic information in addition to alphanumeric information. For example, certain devices are capable of handling information representative of boxes or frames composed of horizontal and vertical lines.
Such boxes or frames may be displayed along with the alphanumeric information. This capability is especially useful in presenting accounting and statistical data in tabular form. The vertical lines of the boxes may indicate the borders of the table or the boundaries between adjacent columns within the table. The horizontal lines may also define borders of the table and may separate various portions of the columns of data for easier reading.
Keyboards have been developed for entering the aforementioned graphic information into information 3~
3~.
~ 3 ~ 1158590 1 processing devices. Such keyboards generally include a horizontal line key and a vertical line key. The operator can "draw" an image of a horizontal line by depressing the horizontal line key. Information representative of a vertical line is entered in a similar manner with the vertical line key. It is difficult to create boxes and frames having a neat appearance using only the horizontal and vertical line keys because it is difficult to create proper representa-tions of certain types of line intersections by the use of such keys. For example, the creation of a neat, L-shaped corner requires,the operator to control both the horizontal and vertical line keys so that the intersecting horizontal and vertical lines both terminate exactly at the point of intersection, lS TQ avoid these difficulties, keyboards for entering graphic information have been provided with other keys for entering signals representative of the desired intersections.
Thus, special keys have been provided for L-shaped, T-shaped and cruciform intersections. By depressing the appropriate key, the operator can signal the device that a particular intersection is desired and the device will automatically generate a perfect intersection. To operate such a keyboard efficiently, the operator must learn the arrangement of the intersection keys on the keyboard and recall such arrangement 2S during operation of the keyboard. However, the graphic keyboards available heretofore have generally been ill-suited to such learning and recall as the intersection keys have generally been disposed on such keyboards in an illogical fashion.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a graphic key-board which is easy to use because the keys for the various intersections are disposed on the keyboard in positions corresponding to the most common positions of the intersections associated with such keys in the boxes or frames to be produced. For example, an L-shaped intersection composed of a vertical line extending upwardly from the point of intersection and a horizontal line segment extending to the right rrom the point of intersection is generally placed at the extreme lower left corner of a box or frame. In a keyboard according to the present invention, the key for this intersection is disposed at the lower left corner of an array of intersection keys.
As used in this disclosure, the term "L-intersection"
refers to an L-shaped intersection between a vertical line and a horizontal line. The terms upper, lower, left-hand and right-hand are used to describe the orienta-tion of L-intersections. In an upper corner, the vertical line extends downwardly from the point of intersection;
in a lower corner, the vertical line extends upwardly from sl~ch point. In a left-hand corner, the horizontal line extends to the right from the point of intersection and in 2S a right-hand corner, the horizontal line extends to the left from such point.
The term "T-intersection" refers to a T-shaped intersection between vertical and horizontal lines in which one of such lines extends in both directions from the - .
~ 5 - 11 ~ ~v 1 point of intersection, thus forming the cross bar of the T, and the other one of such lines extends in only one direction from the point of intersection, thus forming the stem of the T. The terms left, right, top and bottom are utilized to describe the orientation of T-intersections.
In a left T-intersection, the cross bar of the T is disposed at the left and the stem extends to the right from the point of intersection. In a right T-intersection, the stem extends to the left from such point. In a top T-intersection, the cross bar is at the top and the stem extends downwardly from the point of intersection. In a bottom T-intersection, the cross bar is at the bottom and the stem extends upwardly from the point pf intersection.
In a keyboard according to the present invention, one key is provided for each of the aforementioned L- and T-intersections. Such keys are disposed in an array, the keys for the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right L-intersections being disposed, respectively, at the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right corners of the array. The keys for the T-intersections are disposed along the edges of the array between the keys for the L-intersections. The keys for the bottom, top, left and right T-intersections are disposed, `
respectively, at the bottom, top, left and right edges of the array. A key for a cruciform intersection may be provided, such key being disposed adjacent the center of the array.
The array may be in the form of a matrix, having three columns and three rows. Additional keys for horizontal :
1 lines and vertical lines may also be provided, and such additional keys may be disposed adjacent the bottom edge of the array.
The keys for the intersections and lines may also serve as keys for entering numerical information, shift means being provided for selecting between a first mode in which the keys are used to enter graphic informa-tion and a second mode in which the keys are used to enter numerical information. This embodiment is especially useful because numerical in~ormation is often entered in conjunction with graphic information for boxes and frames, as in preparing tables of accounting or statistical data. Moreover, the arrangement used in one embodiment of the present invention for the intersection, horizontal lS
line and vertical line keys is identical with the arrange-ment of keys commonly used for entering numerical information into information processing apparatus. Accordingly, the operator need not learn a whole new arrangement of keys for entering numerical data.
These and other objects, features and advantages will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in con-junction with the accompanying drawings.
~~ ~ 7 ~ ~58590 ,, Fig. 1 depicts a typical frame of the type which may be produced by the use of a keyboard according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan view depicting a keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2~but depicting a keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Fig. 1, a typical frame includes horizontal border lines 12a and 12b and vertical border lines 14a and 14b. Interior vertical line 16 and interior horizontal line 18 subdivide the space within the frame into four discrete areas 2Oa through 2Od. Such a frame may be utilized in conjunction with numerical data, different portions of such data being displayed within each area 20a through 2Od.
There are L-intersections between the border lines at the four corners of the frame. For example, there is a lower left-hand L-intersection between border lines 12a and 14a at the bottom left corner of the frame, and there is an upper right corner intersection between lines 12b and 14b at 2S the upper right co~rner of the frame. There is a cruciform intersection between interior lines 16 and 18 adjacent the center of the frame and there are T-intersections along the edges of the frame. For example, there is a bottom T-intersection between lines 12a and 16 and there is a risht T-intersection between lines 14b and 18.
~ - 8 - 1158~9V
1 The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 2 has keys for the intersections used in the frame described above. As illustrated, each key has marked upon it indicia representa-tive of the intersection associated with such key. Xeys 22a through 22d are associated with L-intersections, keys 24a '-through 24d are associated with T-intersections, and key 26 -' is associated with the cruciform intersection. For example, when key 24a is depressed, a signal representative of a top T-intersection is entered into the information processing device; when key 22d is depressed, a signal representative of a lower right-hand L-intersection is entered.
The keys are disposed in an array in the form of a three column by three row matrix. The dispositions of the various intersection keys correspond to the most common lS dispositions,of the associated intersections in ~rames such as that illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, the L-intersection keys are disposed at the corners of the array, the T-intersection ;
keys along the edges of the array between the L-intersection keys and the cruciform intersection key is disposed in the center of the array. This logical relationship between the , placement of each key in the array and the normal placement of the intersection symbol associated with such key in the frames to be ~enerated makes it easy for the operator to ' learn the positions of the ~arious keys and makes it easy ;' 2S for the operator to strike the right key during operation.
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g 1 The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 2 may also be provided with additional keys (not shown) for entering signals representative of horizontal and vertical lines into the information processing device. Of course, other - 5 keys for entering alphabetic and numerical information and for other purposes may also be provided. The keyboard will have an internal mechanism selected in accordance with the type of information processing device. If the information processing device is a mechanical typewriter, the keyboard would ordinarily have a mechanical internal mechanism arranged so that depression of each key enters a signal into the mechanism of the device by moving some mechanical element. sy contrast, if the information processing device is electronic, the internal mechanism of the keyboard would incorporate appropriate transducers for producing electrical signals upon depression of the keys.
The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 3 has a 3 x 3 array of keys 22' through 26' similar to the keys of the keyboard of Fig. 2. The keyboard of Fig. 3, however, has two additional keys 28 and 30 disposed adjacent the bottom edge of the array and a shift key 32. Each of the keys 22' through 26' has associated with it a numerical digit from 1 through 9 inclusive as well as an intersection.
In a first mode, selected by depressing the shift key, depression of any one of the keys 22'through 26'will cause entry of a signal representative of the intersection associated with such key. In the second mode, selected by releasing the shift key, depression of any one of the keys 22' through 26' will produce entry of a signal representative 1.~58S9~
, -- 10 --1 of the digit associated with such key. For example, when the keyboard is in the first mode and key 26' is depressed, a signal representative of a cruciform intersection will be entered. If this same key is depressed when the device is in the second mode, a signal representative of the digit 5 will be entered. The operation of additional keys 28 and 30 also varies with the mode of operation. Depression of additional key 28 in the first mode will enter a signal representative of a horizontal line, but depression of this key in the second mode will enter a signal representa-tive of the digit zero. Additional key 30 is operative in the first mode to enter a signal representative of a vertical line and in the second mode to enter a signal representative of a decimal point.
The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 3 provides a logical arrangement of the intersection, vertical line and horizontal line keys. These same keys are disposed in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of numerical digit keys on many present keyboards. Accordingly, this keyboard provides ease of operation both in the graphic mode and in the digit mode. Because the same keys are utilized for entering the graphic information and numerical information, the operator need not shift his hand when composing a table having columns of figures enclosed in a frame. The digits associated with the various keys can be altered, if deslred, to correspond with other standard numerical key arrangements. For e~ample, to provide an arrangement of digits similar to that found in standard push-button telephones, the digits 1, 2 and 3 3~
5859~
1 could be associated with the top row of keys 22', 24' and 22' and the digits 7, 8 and 9 could be associated with the bottom row of sùch keys.
A keyboard according to the present invention has been successfully utilized in conjunction with an information processing device of the type sold under the designation 2645A Display Station by Hewlett-Packard Co. of Palo Alto, California. In this application, the keyboard according to the present invention replaces the group of numeric `
keys ordinarily provided in a keyboard supplied with the device.
As will be appreciated, numerous variations and combinations of the features described above can be utilized without departing from the present invention as described in the claims. Merely by way of example, the keys need not be square or rectangular as depicted in the drawings; keys of any shape may be utilized. Also, it is not essential to provide indicia on the keys illustrating the intersections and digits associated therewith. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments should be underscood by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the present invention.
- . ~,, :
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There are numerous types of information processing devices presently in use, ranging from mechanical type-writers to electronic digital computers. These devices are often equipped with keyboards for entering alpha-numeric information. Such information may be output or displayed by the device simultaneously with its entry from the keyboard as in an ordinary typewriter.
Alternatively, the information may be stored in the device after its entry from the keyboard and output or displayed at some later time.
Many modern information processing devices are capable of handling graphic information in addition to alphanumeric information. For example, certain devices are capable of handling information representative of boxes or frames composed of horizontal and vertical lines.
Such boxes or frames may be displayed along with the alphanumeric information. This capability is especially useful in presenting accounting and statistical data in tabular form. The vertical lines of the boxes may indicate the borders of the table or the boundaries between adjacent columns within the table. The horizontal lines may also define borders of the table and may separate various portions of the columns of data for easier reading.
Keyboards have been developed for entering the aforementioned graphic information into information 3~
3~.
~ 3 ~ 1158590 1 processing devices. Such keyboards generally include a horizontal line key and a vertical line key. The operator can "draw" an image of a horizontal line by depressing the horizontal line key. Information representative of a vertical line is entered in a similar manner with the vertical line key. It is difficult to create boxes and frames having a neat appearance using only the horizontal and vertical line keys because it is difficult to create proper representa-tions of certain types of line intersections by the use of such keys. For example, the creation of a neat, L-shaped corner requires,the operator to control both the horizontal and vertical line keys so that the intersecting horizontal and vertical lines both terminate exactly at the point of intersection, lS TQ avoid these difficulties, keyboards for entering graphic information have been provided with other keys for entering signals representative of the desired intersections.
Thus, special keys have been provided for L-shaped, T-shaped and cruciform intersections. By depressing the appropriate key, the operator can signal the device that a particular intersection is desired and the device will automatically generate a perfect intersection. To operate such a keyboard efficiently, the operator must learn the arrangement of the intersection keys on the keyboard and recall such arrangement 2S during operation of the keyboard. However, the graphic keyboards available heretofore have generally been ill-suited to such learning and recall as the intersection keys have generally been disposed on such keyboards in an illogical fashion.
,0 -' .
. .
' -- - 4 - l~S~S~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a graphic key-board which is easy to use because the keys for the various intersections are disposed on the keyboard in positions corresponding to the most common positions of the intersections associated with such keys in the boxes or frames to be produced. For example, an L-shaped intersection composed of a vertical line extending upwardly from the point of intersection and a horizontal line segment extending to the right rrom the point of intersection is generally placed at the extreme lower left corner of a box or frame. In a keyboard according to the present invention, the key for this intersection is disposed at the lower left corner of an array of intersection keys.
As used in this disclosure, the term "L-intersection"
refers to an L-shaped intersection between a vertical line and a horizontal line. The terms upper, lower, left-hand and right-hand are used to describe the orienta-tion of L-intersections. In an upper corner, the vertical line extends downwardly from the point of intersection;
in a lower corner, the vertical line extends upwardly from sl~ch point. In a left-hand corner, the horizontal line extends to the right from the point of intersection and in 2S a right-hand corner, the horizontal line extends to the left from such point.
The term "T-intersection" refers to a T-shaped intersection between vertical and horizontal lines in which one of such lines extends in both directions from the - .
~ 5 - 11 ~ ~v 1 point of intersection, thus forming the cross bar of the T, and the other one of such lines extends in only one direction from the point of intersection, thus forming the stem of the T. The terms left, right, top and bottom are utilized to describe the orientation of T-intersections.
In a left T-intersection, the cross bar of the T is disposed at the left and the stem extends to the right from the point of intersection. In a right T-intersection, the stem extends to the left from such point. In a top T-intersection, the cross bar is at the top and the stem extends downwardly from the point of intersection. In a bottom T-intersection, the cross bar is at the bottom and the stem extends upwardly from the point pf intersection.
In a keyboard according to the present invention, one key is provided for each of the aforementioned L- and T-intersections. Such keys are disposed in an array, the keys for the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right L-intersections being disposed, respectively, at the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right corners of the array. The keys for the T-intersections are disposed along the edges of the array between the keys for the L-intersections. The keys for the bottom, top, left and right T-intersections are disposed, `
respectively, at the bottom, top, left and right edges of the array. A key for a cruciform intersection may be provided, such key being disposed adjacent the center of the array.
The array may be in the form of a matrix, having three columns and three rows. Additional keys for horizontal :
1 lines and vertical lines may also be provided, and such additional keys may be disposed adjacent the bottom edge of the array.
The keys for the intersections and lines may also serve as keys for entering numerical information, shift means being provided for selecting between a first mode in which the keys are used to enter graphic informa-tion and a second mode in which the keys are used to enter numerical information. This embodiment is especially useful because numerical in~ormation is often entered in conjunction with graphic information for boxes and frames, as in preparing tables of accounting or statistical data. Moreover, the arrangement used in one embodiment of the present invention for the intersection, horizontal lS
line and vertical line keys is identical with the arrange-ment of keys commonly used for entering numerical information into information processing apparatus. Accordingly, the operator need not learn a whole new arrangement of keys for entering numerical data.
These and other objects, features and advantages will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in con-junction with the accompanying drawings.
~~ ~ 7 ~ ~58590 ,, Fig. 1 depicts a typical frame of the type which may be produced by the use of a keyboard according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan view depicting a keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2~but depicting a keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Fig. 1, a typical frame includes horizontal border lines 12a and 12b and vertical border lines 14a and 14b. Interior vertical line 16 and interior horizontal line 18 subdivide the space within the frame into four discrete areas 2Oa through 2Od. Such a frame may be utilized in conjunction with numerical data, different portions of such data being displayed within each area 20a through 2Od.
There are L-intersections between the border lines at the four corners of the frame. For example, there is a lower left-hand L-intersection between border lines 12a and 14a at the bottom left corner of the frame, and there is an upper right corner intersection between lines 12b and 14b at 2S the upper right co~rner of the frame. There is a cruciform intersection between interior lines 16 and 18 adjacent the center of the frame and there are T-intersections along the edges of the frame. For example, there is a bottom T-intersection between lines 12a and 16 and there is a risht T-intersection between lines 14b and 18.
~ - 8 - 1158~9V
1 The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 2 has keys for the intersections used in the frame described above. As illustrated, each key has marked upon it indicia representa-tive of the intersection associated with such key. Xeys 22a through 22d are associated with L-intersections, keys 24a '-through 24d are associated with T-intersections, and key 26 -' is associated with the cruciform intersection. For example, when key 24a is depressed, a signal representative of a top T-intersection is entered into the information processing device; when key 22d is depressed, a signal representative of a lower right-hand L-intersection is entered.
The keys are disposed in an array in the form of a three column by three row matrix. The dispositions of the various intersection keys correspond to the most common lS dispositions,of the associated intersections in ~rames such as that illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, the L-intersection keys are disposed at the corners of the array, the T-intersection ;
keys along the edges of the array between the L-intersection keys and the cruciform intersection key is disposed in the center of the array. This logical relationship between the , placement of each key in the array and the normal placement of the intersection symbol associated with such key in the frames to be ~enerated makes it easy for the operator to ' learn the positions of the ~arious keys and makes it easy ;' 2S for the operator to strike the right key during operation.
~0 . ' .
,, , ~8~
g 1 The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 2 may also be provided with additional keys (not shown) for entering signals representative of horizontal and vertical lines into the information processing device. Of course, other - 5 keys for entering alphabetic and numerical information and for other purposes may also be provided. The keyboard will have an internal mechanism selected in accordance with the type of information processing device. If the information processing device is a mechanical typewriter, the keyboard would ordinarily have a mechanical internal mechanism arranged so that depression of each key enters a signal into the mechanism of the device by moving some mechanical element. sy contrast, if the information processing device is electronic, the internal mechanism of the keyboard would incorporate appropriate transducers for producing electrical signals upon depression of the keys.
The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 3 has a 3 x 3 array of keys 22' through 26' similar to the keys of the keyboard of Fig. 2. The keyboard of Fig. 3, however, has two additional keys 28 and 30 disposed adjacent the bottom edge of the array and a shift key 32. Each of the keys 22' through 26' has associated with it a numerical digit from 1 through 9 inclusive as well as an intersection.
In a first mode, selected by depressing the shift key, depression of any one of the keys 22'through 26'will cause entry of a signal representative of the intersection associated with such key. In the second mode, selected by releasing the shift key, depression of any one of the keys 22' through 26' will produce entry of a signal representative 1.~58S9~
, -- 10 --1 of the digit associated with such key. For example, when the keyboard is in the first mode and key 26' is depressed, a signal representative of a cruciform intersection will be entered. If this same key is depressed when the device is in the second mode, a signal representative of the digit 5 will be entered. The operation of additional keys 28 and 30 also varies with the mode of operation. Depression of additional key 28 in the first mode will enter a signal representative of a horizontal line, but depression of this key in the second mode will enter a signal representa-tive of the digit zero. Additional key 30 is operative in the first mode to enter a signal representative of a vertical line and in the second mode to enter a signal representative of a decimal point.
The keyboard illustrated in Fig. 3 provides a logical arrangement of the intersection, vertical line and horizontal line keys. These same keys are disposed in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of numerical digit keys on many present keyboards. Accordingly, this keyboard provides ease of operation both in the graphic mode and in the digit mode. Because the same keys are utilized for entering the graphic information and numerical information, the operator need not shift his hand when composing a table having columns of figures enclosed in a frame. The digits associated with the various keys can be altered, if deslred, to correspond with other standard numerical key arrangements. For e~ample, to provide an arrangement of digits similar to that found in standard push-button telephones, the digits 1, 2 and 3 3~
5859~
1 could be associated with the top row of keys 22', 24' and 22' and the digits 7, 8 and 9 could be associated with the bottom row of sùch keys.
A keyboard according to the present invention has been successfully utilized in conjunction with an information processing device of the type sold under the designation 2645A Display Station by Hewlett-Packard Co. of Palo Alto, California. In this application, the keyboard according to the present invention replaces the group of numeric `
keys ordinarily provided in a keyboard supplied with the device.
As will be appreciated, numerous variations and combinations of the features described above can be utilized without departing from the present invention as described in the claims. Merely by way of example, the keys need not be square or rectangular as depicted in the drawings; keys of any shape may be utilized. Also, it is not essential to provide indicia on the keys illustrating the intersections and digits associated therewith. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments should be underscood by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the present invention.
- . ~,, :
, , : :. : :
, . . ' ' ' '';''' '' ' .. :---'' ~'
Claims (8)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A keyboard for introducing into an information processing device signals representative of upper and lower left-hand L-intersections, upper and lower right-hand L-intersections, left, right, top and bottom T-intersections, and a cruciform intersection, said keyboard comprising:
one key for each of said intersections, said keys being disposed in an array, the keys for the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right L-intersections being disposed, respectively, at the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right corners of the array, the keys for the T-intersections being disposed along the edges of the array between the keys for the L-intersections, the keys for the bottom, top, left and right T-intersections being disposed, respectively, at the bottom, top, left and right of the array, the key for the cruciform intersection being disposed adjacent the center of the array.
one key for each of said intersections, said keys being disposed in an array, the keys for the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right L-intersections being disposed, respectively, at the upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right corners of the array, the keys for the T-intersections being disposed along the edges of the array between the keys for the L-intersections, the keys for the bottom, top, left and right T-intersections being disposed, respectively, at the bottom, top, left and right of the array, the key for the cruciform intersection being disposed adjacent the center of the array.
2. A keyboard as claimed in claim 1 in which said array is in the form of three vertical columns and three horizontal rows.
3. A keyboard as claimed in claim 1 further comprising shift means for selecting either a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation, said keys being operative in said first mode to enter signals representative of said intersections, said keys being operative in second mode to enter signals representative of numerical digits, there being a different digit associated with each of said keys.
4. A keyboard as claimed in claim 3 in which the digits and intersections associated with said keys are as follows:
5. A keyboard as claimed in claim 4 further comprising an additional key for entering, in said first mode, a signal representative of a horizontal line and an additional key for entering, in said first mode, a signal representative of a vertical line, one of said additional keys being operative in said second mode to enter a signal representative of the digit zero, the other one of said additional keys being operative in said second mode to enter a signal representative of a decimal point.
6. A keyboard as claimed in claim 5 in which the additional key associated with the horizontal line is the key associated with the digit zero.
7. A keyboard as claimed in claim 5 in which said additional keys are disposed adjacent the bottom edge of said array.
8. A keyboard as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an additional key for entering a signal representative of a horizontal line and an additional key for entering a signal representative of a vertical line.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH3645/80-0 | 1980-05-09 | ||
| CH364580A CH636715A5 (en) | 1980-05-09 | 1980-05-09 | KEYBOARD. |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1158590A true CA1158590A (en) | 1983-12-13 |
Family
ID=4260434
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000375948A Expired CA1158590A (en) | 1980-05-09 | 1981-04-22 | Keyboard |
Country Status (20)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0039853B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS576929A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE6233T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU541774B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8102888A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1158590A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH636715A5 (en) |
| DD (1) | DD158587A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3117186A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK183981A (en) |
| ES (1) | ES8205471A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI811278L (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2087313B (en) |
| GR (1) | GR74895B (en) |
| HU (1) | HU183423B (en) |
| MY (1) | MY8500589A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO811536L (en) |
| PH (1) | PH20815A (en) |
| SG (1) | SG28784G (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA812954B (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS57185478A (en) * | 1981-05-11 | 1982-11-15 | Hitachi Ltd | Line display system |
| JPS60186967A (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1985-09-24 | Fanuc Ltd | Image display method |
| JPS61665U (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1986-01-06 | 中小企業事業団 | touch keyboard |
| FR2587815B1 (en) * | 1985-09-24 | 1990-06-15 | Bernier Jean Paul | KEYBOARD DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR Typing |
| DE60043387D1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2010-01-07 | Alberto B Sabato | REFERENCE KEY FOR KEYBOARD |
| US6991390B2 (en) | 1999-06-21 | 2006-01-31 | Sabato Alberto B | Locating key for a keyboard or keypad |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2286443A1 (en) * | 1974-09-16 | 1976-04-23 | Anvar | APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUS CODING AND VISUALIZATION OF A GRAPH |
| US3980823A (en) * | 1975-06-09 | 1976-09-14 | Howard Lawrence K | Keyboard for bar matrix code |
| GB1521435A (en) * | 1977-02-24 | 1978-08-16 | Ibm Uk | Keyboard button manufacture |
-
1980
- 1980-05-09 CH CH364580A patent/CH636715A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1981
- 1981-04-22 CA CA000375948A patent/CA1158590A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-04-23 FI FI811278A patent/FI811278L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-04-24 DK DK183981A patent/DK183981A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-04-24 PH PH25543A patent/PH20815A/en unknown
- 1981-04-24 AU AU69825/81A patent/AU541774B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1981-04-29 GB GB8113270A patent/GB2087313B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-04-30 DE DE19813117186 patent/DE3117186A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1981-05-02 EP EP81103316A patent/EP0039853B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-05-02 AT AT81103316T patent/ATE6233T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1981-05-04 ZA ZA00812954A patent/ZA812954B/en unknown
- 1981-05-05 GR GR64855A patent/GR74895B/el unknown
- 1981-05-06 HU HU811191A patent/HU183423B/en unknown
- 1981-05-06 NO NO811536A patent/NO811536L/en unknown
- 1981-05-08 BR BR8102888A patent/BR8102888A/en unknown
- 1981-05-08 JP JP6845581A patent/JPS576929A/en active Pending
- 1981-05-08 ES ES502047A patent/ES8205471A1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-05-08 DD DD81229846A patent/DD158587A5/en unknown
-
1984
- 1984-04-07 SG SG287/84A patent/SG28784G/en unknown
-
1985
- 1985-12-30 MY MY589/85A patent/MY8500589A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2087313A (en) | 1982-05-26 |
| ZA812954B (en) | 1982-05-26 |
| FI811278L (en) | 1981-11-10 |
| PH20815A (en) | 1987-04-24 |
| DE3117186A1 (en) | 1982-04-08 |
| AU541774B2 (en) | 1985-01-17 |
| HU183423B (en) | 1984-05-28 |
| MY8500589A (en) | 1985-12-31 |
| ATE6233T1 (en) | 1984-03-15 |
| ES502047A0 (en) | 1982-06-16 |
| JPS576929A (en) | 1982-01-13 |
| AU6982581A (en) | 1981-11-12 |
| GR74895B (en) | 1984-07-12 |
| EP0039853A3 (en) | 1982-03-17 |
| EP0039853B1 (en) | 1984-02-15 |
| EP0039853A2 (en) | 1981-11-18 |
| GB2087313B (en) | 1984-02-08 |
| SG28784G (en) | 1985-03-15 |
| DK183981A (en) | 1981-11-10 |
| CH636715A5 (en) | 1983-06-15 |
| ES8205471A1 (en) | 1982-06-16 |
| BR8102888A (en) | 1982-02-02 |
| DD158587A5 (en) | 1983-01-19 |
| NO811536L (en) | 1981-11-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |