Classifications

• • 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
  • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
  • G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards

Definitions

• Electronic device comprising an individual control keyboard and for controlling other devices
• the present invention provides a new solution, which is based on the universal character of the Latin alphabet and the secular arrangement of its letters, known to all, even those whose language has a distinct alphabet: Greek, Cyrillic, Hebrew, etc. .
• the subject of the invention is an electronic device incorporating circuitry and components such as memories, microprocessors and the like, at least software for at least one program, possibly a display screen, an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, a receiver, microphone, earpiece, video camera and other functional units, and comprising a control keyboard formed by keys arranged in rows and columns in the manner of a substantially rectangular table, characterized in that the keyboard comprises keys which are alphabetic and form five lines, or columns, and at least six columns, or lines, in order to correspond to the twenty six letters of the Latin alphabet and, possibly to signs of accentuation and / or punctuation, and each of keys that form one of the edges of the table has a vowel in the order A, E.
• the eight keys F, G, H, J, L, P, Q and R of the central group which surround the middle key K each carry a mark representing an arrow of direction, all the arrows diverging from the center in the manner of a compass rose, an arrow which can be either figurative or schematic and reduced to a simple geometric shape suggestive of a direction, such as triangle (s) or chevron (s);
• the mark is applied to a key of indifferent shape, in particular with a circular or quadrangular outline;
• the mark is constituted by the very shape of the button;
• the keys F, P, H and R located in the four angles of the central square group have the shape of a right triangle whose vertex opposite the hypotenuse constitutes a corner of said central central group, thus indicating four oblique directions opposite two by two;
• the keyboard further comprises function keys corresponding to the establishment of different programs controlled from keys of the keyboard to which correspond different actions, these keys having corresponding marks, in addition to the letters of the Latin alphabet;
• the apparatus comprises a transmitter of electromagnetic waves coded differently according to that of the programs which is implemented selectively by at least one key of the keyboard and which controls the transmitter, so that the functions of keys of the keyboard can be transmitted to a receiver of said electromagnetic waves tuned to the transmitter and associated with a functional device such as a computer
• the functions of moving a marker on a screen are subject to the action on the keys of the central group, or browser, the selection functions by click or double click are subject to the action on the middle button of the browser;
• the device includes a touch screen and the keyboard is virtual, its keys appear on the screen, their manipulation being done by pressing on said screen;
• the device includes a connection cable fitted with a plug compatible with a socket on a central unit, intended for connection to a standard keyboard;
• Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an electronic device according to the invention, having the general shape of a rectangle in height, which is that usually chosen for mobile phones and for remote controls.
• Figure 2 is a schematic front view of an electronic device according to the invention, having a general shape of a rectangle in width, which is that usually chosen for calculators, for computers, organizers and electronic agendas.
• Figure 3 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 and illustrating an alternative embodiment according to which all the keys of the keyboard do not have the same shape.
• Figure 4 is a partial schematic view of the keyboard of Figure 3, to explain the different functions of the central group, according to a first embodiment.
• Figure 5 is a partial schematic view of a keyboard according to the invention, according to another embodiment of the central group.
• Figure 6 is a schematic front view of an apparatus according to the invention, of the same type as that of Figure 1, but having more functions.
• Figure 7 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention, in particular that of Figure 6, in situation on the dashboard of a car.
• Figure 8 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention, in particular that of Figures 6 and 7, in situation in an office.
• Figure 9 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention, in particular that of Figures 6, 7 and 8, in situation in a dwelling equipped with a video assembly.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention, in particular that of FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, in situation in a dwelling equipped with a sound assembly, of the kind known under the name of "chain hi-fî ”.
• Figure 11 is a schematic view of the central group of the apparatus of Figure 6, illustrating a possibility of use for playing chess.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention according to which the device has three juxtaposed keyboards, each corresponding to one of three main functions of the keys.
• the invention can be embodied in all electronic devices having a keyboard with alphabetic or alphanumeric keys, devices which are generally also equipped with a display screen.
• a multifunction device having a body or case 1 having the shape of a rectangle in height and with rounded angles, which incorporates a display screen 2, a listener grid 3 (which is designated hereinafter simply by the word “earpiece”), a microphone grid 4 (which hereinafter is simply designated by the word “microphone””), a keyboard 5 of thirty keys, a series 6 of four keys of function and a series 7 of five indicator lights.
• the indicators can be replaced by a display on the screen 2 of the activated function, or the use of lighted buttons, which is within the reach of a person skilled in the art.
• the keyboard 5 is formed of keys which all have the shape of a square with rounded angles and which are arranged in a table having five columns 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 and six lines 21, 22, 23,
• the “head” keys that is to say those which together form the first line 21, carry the vowels in the classic order A, E, I, O, U.
• the first column 11 comprises, below from the A key, from the keys which carry the consonants which follow this vowel in the Latin alphabet, up to the next vowel (E), namely B, C and D.
• the second column 12 comprises, below the key E, keys which carry the consonants which follow this vowel in the Latin alphabet, up to the next vowel (I), namely F, G and H.
• the third column 13 comprises, below the key I, keys which carry the consonants which follow this vowel in the Latin alphabet, up to the next vowel (O), namely J, K, L, M and NOT.
• the fourth column 14 comprises, below the key O, keys which carry the consonants which follow this vowel in the Latin alphabet, up to the next vowel (U), namely P, Q, R, S and T.
• the fifth and last column 15 comprises, below the U key, keys which carry the last consonants located, in the Latin alphabet beyond the vowel U and until the end, namely V, W, X, Y and Z.
• the letter Y is a vowel but it is equivalent to the vowel I and it would not bring anything interesting to the invention if it were added to the series A, E, I, O , U, so that it remains in its normal place, between X and Z, which obviously does not mean that it is mistakenly considered as a consonant.
• This fundamental provision has the consequence that the first two columns 11 and 12 must have only four lines corresponding to a head vowel and three consonants, while the other three columns 13, 14 and 15 must contain six lines corresponding to a vowel of head and five consonants.
• the telephones themselves must have function keys, - at least the # and * keys, or even R and BIS.
• the key 31 carries a circumflex accent, indicating that it is an accentuation key and by pressing several times on this key 31, one scrolls in a loop several accentuation signs which are successively displayed on the screen 2 and which is selected by pressing the OK key located in series 6.
• Key 32 located under key 31, has a dot, indicating that it is a punctuation key and pressing several times in succession on this key 32, several punctuation marks are scrolled in a loop which appear successively on screen 2 and which are selected by pressing the OK key located in series 6.
• the key 33 carries the sign ", _,” which means “space” and therefore has the same function as a space bar on a standard keyboard, that is to say by pressing this key one or more once in a row, one or more spaces are inserted after the last sign drawn and, therefore, before the next one.
• the key 34 carries the letter C which is an international sign, abbreviation of the old verb
• the thirty keys just described constitute a complete rectangular table, the four sides of which are formed respectively by the first column 11, by the last column 15, by the first line 21 and by the last line 26. Their keys do not understand letters and accent and punctuation marks.
• This keyboard allows you to enter current text, without having to change modes or frequently validate different functions, except for accentuation and punctuation marks, which differ greatly from one language. to another, such as the accentuation of the letter A which can be ⁇ , A, A, A, ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ , or -
• the sign "" is quite rare in use and it has been placed on the T key, between "-” and "%", which requires the user to do some research, linked to the need to find an infrequent sign .
• the keys 31 to 34 also have a double meaning which is adopted respectively in text mode, in browser mode or in number-calculation mode.
• the punctuation key 31 carries, in addition to a circumflex accent, the sign "-" which is a dash.
• the key 32 carries, in addition to a point, the sign “@” essential when using the Internet or to refer to an electronic mail address.
• the indicators of line 7 are selectively lit either under the number 5 for the number-calculation mode, or under the sign K for text mode, or under the sign "k for browser mode. It was specified above that this signaling can be performed differently, in particular by display on the screen 2.
• mode 5 is followed in loop, then mode "k, then mode K, then return to mode 5, and so on.
• the numbers and the arithmetic signs make the device a calculator. But the texts are only of interest if they are stored in the device, or if they constitute messages sent outside the device.
• each entry checked on screen 2 must be validated by pressing a key which, depending on the device, is labeled "send”, 15. "enter”, “yes”, “OK”, etc. With the example shown, the latter solution was chosen for a central upper key 36 which is slightly larger than the others so that it is both clearly visible and easily accessible.
• the device can include circuits and components, transmitter - receiver, corresponding to a mobile phone (and must therefore also include the earpiece 3 and the microphone 4).
• a key 37 has been provided in series 6, symbolized by the universally known pictogram "®".
• a key 38 carrying three letters W offset and commonly symbolizing the Internet network (Woûd-Wide-Web), the apparatus being designed to establish a connection with this network.
• a connection requires, precisely screen 2, the alphabetic keys, the numeric keys and at least some of the accentuation, punctuation or symbol keys.
• the eight keys F, J, P, G, Q, H, L and R of the central group bear marks in the shape of right triangles oriented so that the right angles are pointed towards the outside of the central group and that the hypotenuses are located towards the interior of said group.
• the central key K has two vertical lines which is a symbol universally adopted to mean "pause” or "stop” (in particular for tape recorders and video recorders), that is to say ultimately "neutrality", which is indeed the case. from the center of a compass rose, where the one who is sailing and seeking his way is supposed to be.
• the central group thus constitutes a navigator, the details of which will be explained more fully with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and which is implemented by actuating the key 35 until the central indicator, located just below the sign "k, lights up.
• the device can incorporate a remote control structure for video devices:
• box 1 includes the desired elements and well known to those skilled in the art.
• the navigator is essential, at least for the keys J, K, L and G, Q which can correspond to the following functions of the device:
• the apparatus has a width arrangement and no longer a height and comprises a housing comprising a body 50 to which a cover 51 is hinged, this presentation being close to those of many calculators.
• the body 50 comprises a keyboard similar to that of FIG. 1 and the screen 52 is provided on the cover 51, so that in the closed position of the latter, the screen 52 is folded over the keyboard and the protects against impacts or accidental actions on keys, while halving the size of the device.
• a device having this structure lends itself particularly well to its association with a bracelet (not shown) allowing it to be worn on the wrist, like a watch bracelet, since the length L of the case is given a sufficient value without discomfort for the user. since this length is located in the axis of the forearm, while the width 1 is given a value substantially equal to that of a common human arm.
• the rectangular table according to which the keys are arranged can be read from left to right whereas in Figure 1, it can be read from top to bottom.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention according to which the central group is formed of keys whose shape is different from that of the other keys, which makes them more easily identifiable at a glance because they are triangular in shape and each vertex is pointed towards one of the eight directions already described above.
• the browser function is known in itself but it is generally embodied in a system of keys placed in various and random places on the keyboard depending on the devices found in commerce: top left, top middle, top right, bottom, etc., because these keys correspond to functions distinct from other keys on the keyboard. This is particularly typical of remote controls for video devices such as television receivers, radio sets - disc player - so-called cassette player
• “Hi-fi systems” because the navigator keys are arranged exclusively orthogonally and have arrows “-” for moving to the left, “- ⁇ ” for moving to the right, “” to go up and “ ⁇ ” to go down , in particular to move a target in a table appearing on the screen of a television receiver whose boxes are always placed orthogonally.
• the browser constitutes a central group of the keyboard and integrates functions of said keyboard, alphabetic and numeric, at the same time as functions related to an orientation.
• the navigator includes oblique directional keys, bringing the number of possible directions to eight, so that the navigator is not limited to the four orthogonal directions of the plane. • This allows new applications, in particular cartographic, in particular in connection with a system known in the trade under the name of "LOGOPLAN".
• two adjacent keys that is to say an orthogonal key and an oblique key, can be actuated simultaneously to obtain an intermediate direction between them.
• simultaneous action on the J and P keys corresponding to "NORD" and to
• the navigator with eight directional keys in fact provides a possibility of sixteen directions.
• the mouse functions can also be performed by the device itself, namely by moving it on a plane, which is achieved by providing it with a motion detector.
• This detector can be equivalent to that of existing mice or be implemented by other methods, in particular with Doppler effect.
• the movements of the marker on the screen reproduce those of the entire device, and clicks and double clicks are obtained by pressing the K-5 key in the middle of the browser.
• mice have a central wheel to raise or lower an image appearing on the screen, this function can be obtained by pressing the keys J8 to go up and L2 to go down (figure 1).
• this function can be obtained by pressing the keys J8 to go up and L2 to go down (figure 1).
• variable movement speeds more or less automated, in particular by providing an acceleration just after the starting point and a slowing down at the end of the route, to dock. with precision the chosen place.
• the means for obtaining this operation are known to those skilled in the art. Referring to Figure 4, we see the nine keys of the browser as well as the two keys
• the central K-5 key is unique and therefore easy to memorize as corresponding to a neutral function: neither low nor high: here.
• the central K-5 key is unique and therefore easy to memorize as corresponding to a neutrality function: neither right, nor left, neither past nor future: the present.
• the oblique keys F-7 and P-9 are both in the upper FI and therefore have the meaning of "more”, “increase”, but one, P-9, is directed to the right and l 'other, F-7, to the left, what should be interpreted as an amplification of the functions controlled by the "horizontal" keys Q-6 and G-4.
• the oblique keys Hl and R-3 are both in the lower part F2 and therefore have the meaning of "minus”, "of decrease”, but one, R-3, is directed to the right and " the other , Hl, to the left, what should be interpreted as a reduction in the functions controlled by the horizontal keys Q-6 and G-4.
• the Q-6 key would mean "normal advance”
• the W key would mean “fast forward”
• the P-9 key would mean “very fast advance”
• the R-3 key would mean “slow advance”.
• the G-4 key would mean "normal return”
• the C key would mean “fast return”
• the F-7 key would mean "very fast return”
• the Hl key would mean “slow return”.
• the existence of eight, or even sixteen, diverging directions J-8, P-9, Q-6, R-3, L-2, Hl, G-4, and F-7 allows the application of the apparatus for cartography and, more generally, for the concept of space and not only for the concept of time.
• Another function key for example illustrated by a pictogram "• * •” placed above the letter “O” in column 14 (figure 1) or the letter “I” in column 13 (figure 3) could allow you to switch to "cartography” mode to display on screen 2, boards of an atlas of the "LOGOPLAN” type, as said above, a mode which involves the browser making it possible to move a reference point according to one any of the eight (or sixteen) directions, which is much faster and more evocative than very artificial and inaccurate orthogonal displacements when it comes to space.
• FIG. 5 another example of a navigator is shown, the nine keys of which integrate all the desired functions, without using the external keys C and W of FIG. 4.
• the key K-5 always retains its same central and neutral function. -Its two vertical lines signify "pause” but becomes a "STOP" key when pressed twice.
• the other keys have the following functions here to consult a catalog or a slideshow:
• Hl recoil in slow motion
• D-8 increase the sound
• L-2 decrease the sound.
• the apparatus described has its own screen (2 - 52), but an interesting application consists in using the remote transmission of data and information to transfer the images from the screen 2 - 52 to a larger screen of a stationary device such as a computer or television, so that viewing images is more convenient without changing the commands that are always done from the device's keyboard.
• the size of the apparatus of the invention can be reduced by removing the keys from the keyboard, these appearing, all or selectively, on the screen which, then, is of the touch type.
• the keys from the keyboard By adopting a rectangular screen, one can devote one of its halves to the control keyboard and the other half for the reception of external data: Internet, cartography, catalog, etc.
• the invention provides another interesting possibility in the case where the device is used with a screen, in particular that of a computer or a television, and which consists in making all the keys on the keyboard mute, namely that they bear no mark, the keyboard appearing on the screen but of a non-touch type.
• the meaning of the keys appears on the screen, on each of those which are significant in the mode selected.
• the keys are stored in exactly the same way on the keyboard and on the screen, the user knows exactly which key to act on, by reference to the image of the keyboard appearing on the screen.
• the invention therefore makes it possible to produce multifunctional devices which can, for example, group together some or all of the following applications: mobile phone, directory consultation, calculator, Internet access, diary, directory, notepad, clock, calendar, exploration of a catalog, of a slideshow (products and / or services), map browser, • browser for games video and multimedia, remote control for hi-fi systems, remote control for television, including for Internet on TN receiver, remote control for VCRs and DND players, etc.
• This list is obviously not limitative since the invention is by nature capable of generating new applications for electronic devices, very particularly portable and space-saving.
• FIG. 6 shows another example of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, which integrates practically all of the functions which we have mentioned above but which are organized in a more rational manner, that is to say that the '' Looping drop-down menus have been provided for functions such as those of the D key which carries the € symbol meaning "currencies" and by which one can obtain many different currencies, whereas in FIG. 1, there was no expected that the three most important currencies ($, € and ⁇ ) on three separate keys.
• the key marked “ffll” includes a drop-down menu for: “agenda”, “weather”, “horoscope”, “TN programs”, “access to its bank”, “stock market”, “management”, etc. .
• the device of Figure 6 is a personal portable object, which can be carried on all occasions, including "on foot", that is to say by walking or being in a means of transportation such as a train or taxi.
• the same pedestrian user can place it on a support of any known type subject to the dashboard of a car, which allows him to control a number of functions specific to the device or external to it, provided that the transmission characteristics are granted.
• the device thus placed close to the driver, can be put into “mapping” mode, as explained above, to display on the screen atlas pages, coordinates to the situation of the vehicle and to its radio guidance, as explained in French patent application n ° 98 / 16.739 in the name of the applicant, and which notably includes a precise positioning system for the device, whether it is carried by a pedestrian user or by a user located in a vehicle.
• “mapping” mode as explained above, to display on the screen atlas pages, coordinates to the situation of the vehicle and to its radio guidance, as explained in French patent application n ° 98 / 16.739 in the name of the applicant, and which notably includes a precise positioning system for the device, whether it is carried by a pedestrian user or by a user located in a vehicle.
• an exemplary embodiment is shown according to which the apparatus is provided with an electromagnetic wave transmitter tuned to one or more receivers arranged on a central computer unit 101, on a screen 102, on a printer 103, on a fax machine 104 and / or on a modem 105, all in the absence of a specific keyboard and in the absence of a mouse.
• This arrangement removes the usual access routes to the computer and adds to its security by preventing its unauthorized use.
• the same device allows the same user to remotely control a television 201, a decoder 202, a video recorder 203 or a printer 204 (or a fax machine), exactly as it would with a usual remote control , except that it is always a single device with the same keys in the same places while in the configuration of Figure 9, you currently need at least three different remote controls, none of which is really very easy to understand and has no possibility other than ordering the one and only device for which it was designed.
• the user can also, always with the same device, control a hi-fi system composed, with the example of FIG. 10, of an amplifier 301, of a turntable record player 302, of a receiver of radio 303, a cassette deck 304, a compact disc player 305, an equalizer 306 and two left speakers 307 and right 308.
• Figure 11 is a partial view showing only the keyboard , because it is only presented to illustrate that the device can have a "GAMES" mode symbolized by the sign "V" recalling the ace of hearts in card games. The action on this key has the effect of presenting a drop-down menu in a loop comprising several games among which the chess game can be found.
• the user can spend a whole day without using other electronic controls than his one and only portable device: he therefore becomes an individual capable of permanent and almost universal communication, having access to an immeasurable amount of information and contacts , wherever he is, freed that he is in physical contact with most of the objects that the modern world makes him rub shoulders with.
• the device of the invention allows man to use his two most efficient means: his brain and his hand.
• the portable device that has just been described can be coupled to all kinds of electronic devices, of which it becomes a sort of external component, access key, etc.
• the apparatus of the invention can be connected by means of standard cables and not only by transmission of electromagnetic waves, which makes it possible to use the existing devices: central units of computers, monitors, television receivers, etc. .
• Figure 12 there is shown in Figure 12 a particular embodiment of the invention. Unlike the previous embodiments, this device has no screen and has three separate keyboards, corresponding to the three essential modes: text, numbers - calculations and browser.
• the apparatus comprises a housing 400 which constitutes a kind of control desk which can be connected, for example, to a central computer unit by means of a cable 401 provided with a plug 402 of standardized model for the connection of keyboards currents.
• keyboard 403 which includes only the keys corresponding to the text mode: alphabetic, accent, punctuation and symbol keys (specially necessary for using the Internet).
• the browser keys are present but only for their alphabetical meaning.
• keyboard 404 which includes only the keys corresponding to the number-calculation mode: number keys, arithmetic signs and symbols, especially for use in telephone mode
• the browser keys are present but only for their meaning of numbers.
• keyboard 405 comprising the keys of the navigator in its only function of navigator, the keys carrying no letters or numbers.
• This keyboard also includes additional keys: “C” to cancel the previous entry, “DELETE” to cancel a selected text, for example “@” for Internet access, “- $ -” signifying the action in zoom by which enlarges or reduces all or part of an image appearing on the screen.
• the "zoom in” or “zoom out” action is obtained by first pressing the " ⁇ ” key and then the "" or “du” browser key.
• This embodiment provides a device larger than that which has only one keyboard with multifunction keys, but, on the other hand, its use is simpler since it can easily be used with a single finger, one or more two hands, as do the overwhelming majority of computer users who have not been trained as typists.
• FIGS. 1 to 11 are portable and therefore need an autonomous power supply, but they can also include a connection cord to an electrical supply circuit. It is the same for the apparatus 400 of FIG. 12, the vocation of which, although it is portable, is rather that of a fixed station use, on a desk by connecting it to a computer or on a table in connecting it to a television receiver.
• the invention makes it possible to accelerate the tendency which wants that the most used means to reach networks such as Internet will be certainly the television receiver which must certainly evolve towards an increase in its potential to be a computer, contrary to what which is currently proposed, namely to add the television receiver function to a computer.
• Mobile phones should therefore be used as an aid to television receivers rather than direct Internet access devices. For example, it is much more convenient, while being comfortably at home, to place announcements or to consult announcements and catalogs on its television receiver than to carry out these operations on a portable having a screen much smaller.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

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• 2001
  • 2001-06-15 AU AU69176/01A patent/AU6917601A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-06-15 WO PCT/FR2001/001889 patent/WO2001096997A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-06-15 EP EP01947507A patent/EP1290538A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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