FR2925186A1 - Data inputting method for e.g. cellular telephone, involves executing instruction corresponding to content of selected case by electronic equipment, and generating action corresponding to symbol in selected case - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves generating signals through a key management interface by activating a key from a set of keys (14-16), where the key selects a case of a symbol matrix (21). The signals are transmitted to a calculation module. The received signals are processed by the calculation module for generating an instruction corresponding to a content of the selected case. The instruction is sent to an electronic equipment. The instruction is executed by the electronic equipment. An action corresponding to a symbol in the selected case is generated. An independent claim is also included for an input device comprising a display unit.

Description

DATA ENTRY METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD

The invention relates to a method for entering any type of data as well as the device for implementing this method.

Since the appearance of the typewriter at the beginning of the 18th century, and still today with electronic equipment, such as computers, the keyboard is one of the most commonly used means for seizure, for example This keyboard relates, commonly, to a surface on which is disposed a set of buttons of rectangular or quasi-rectangular shape called keys and on which are printed or engraved in relief symbols (letters, numbers, words, images, etc.) A keyboard then comprises as many keys as symbols.

Over time, improvements have been made in order to adapt this input means to the needs of users or to technological developments. An ISO 9995 standard has even been created to harmonize these improvements internationally.

However, a recurring problem arises of being able to reduce the size and / or the cost of an input device that is compatible with all types of electronic equipment, while having an optimal input efficiency.

Indeed, the reduction in the size and / or the cost of an input means must not be to the detriment of the use made of this input means by a user, nor to that of the compatibility of this method. input medium with other electronic equipment.

An attempt to reduce the size and / or cost has been to reduce the number of keys or to change the configuration of the keys of this input means. This configuration proposed two main sets of keys. A first set relating to the keys that can generate at least two symbols, and a second set corresponding to keys for selecting one of the symbols of a key that the user wished to choose by simple action on this key category in combination with a touch of the first set. For example, an action on the Shift key with the o o key representing the letter a allows to obtain a letter a in upper case.

Such a change in the configuration of this input means does not significantly reduce the size and / or the cost of the input means. Moreover, such a configuration complicates the entry of symbols for a user, and requires a long learning so that it can arrive at a satisfactory level of input.

Furthermore this input means is not compatible and 20 usable with small electronic equipment such as cell phones or smartphones (acronym that can be translated into French by smartphone).

In the prior art, there is known another input means 25 having the same key configuration described above, and whose dimensions have been reduced and therefore those keys that compose it.

However, reducing the size of the keys of this average makes it difficult to enter symbols because the selection of these keys is less precise. Indeed, the use of such a means of input requires that the user has good visual acuity to distinguish the symbols / printed or engraved on the keys and fingers that are very thin.

To overcome these drawbacks, it is known in the prior art s US2006 / 0265648 patent application document in which a system comprising a computer program is capable of generating the graphic representation of a conventional input means on a touch screen. The user can use a stylus to select the symbols he wants. The disadvantage of such a system lies in the fact that a touch screen and a stylus are not suitable for long symbol input, especially for text string input.

As a result, the use of such a system remains limited to one-off use or to the input of short character strings.

The present invention aims to solve this problem related to the technical difficulties encountered in entering data from an input means compatible with any type of electronic equipment, the cost and / or the size of which are reduced and the performances enhanced data input, through computer processing combined with input devices comprising a key configuration adapted to the morphology of a user's hand. More specifically, the subject of the invention is a method of grasping from a device comprising an input medium comprising a key configuration and a display means,

3o characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: -generation of signals by a key management interface from an activation of at least one key selecting a box of a matrix

of symbols generated by the calculation module and transmitted to the display means, - transmission of the signals generated by the key management interface to a calculation module, - processing by said calculation module of the received signals generating an instruction corresponding to the content of said selected box, - sending said instruction to an electronic equipment, said electronic equipment executes said instruction and generates at least one action corresponding to said symbol included in said selected box.

According to particular embodiments:

the signal generated by said at least one key is calibrated as a function of the duration of activation of said key; a processing step comprises a preliminary step of decoding each received signal according to its order of reception in the following sequence; received signals; the action corresponds to the generation by the display means of said electronic equipment of said selected symbol; the action corresponds to the generation by processing means of said electronic equipment of a switching control; The instruction is used by the calculation module to generate a new content of the cells of the matrix. The symbol matrix is generated by the calculation module from the symbols included in a symbol database. symbols is generated by signals from the calculation module on the display means of the electronic equipment.

The invention also relates to a gripping device 30 comprising a gripping support (37) and a display means (8), characterized in that said gripping support (37) comprises:

a first face comprising a first key configuration (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17), a second face comprising a second key configuration (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30, 31, 32 , 33), and - connection means (11) for connecting an electronic equipment (36), and in that said keys are connected to a key management interface (6), said key management interface (6) ) being able to transmit a signal to a calculation module (4) connected to said connection means (11) for transmitting at least one instruction to said electronic equipment (36).

According to particular embodiments: - the main support can be separated into at least two parts, - said display means is removable, - the device comprises a symbol database, - the main support can be realized in one. flexible material, - The grasped support is a seat armrest or a steering instrument or a handle.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following reading of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings which represent, respectively: FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of the invention; invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the front face of the unfolded device; FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the rear face of the unfolded device; FIG. 4 illustrates another view of the rear face of the folded device; Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the folded device; FIG. 6 illustrates another mode of use of the invention with a PDA (Persona) Digital Assistant which can be translated into a pocket personal computer);

FIG. 7 illustrates a mode of use of the invention with a cellular telephone; - Figure 8 illustrates a mode of use of the invention with a computer.

With reference to FIG. 1, the invention 1 corresponds to a device comprising: a calculation module 4, a communication interface 5, an interface for managing all the keys 6, a display means 8 a database 7, at least one read / write means 9, a battery 35. This calculation module 4 comprises at least one microprocessor 2 and memory means 3. These memory means 3 may be volatile or nonvolatile, or correspond to mass memory. Computer codes are stored in these memory means 3. These memory means 3 associated with at least one microprocessor make it possible to implement the computer codes in order to process the data exchanged with the interface for the management of all the data items. keys 6, the communication interface 5, the display means 8, the database 7 and the read / write means 9. The communication interface 5 relates to: technologies such as Bluetooth modules and Wifi; - Communication ports compatible with electronic equipment 36 such as PDA, smartphone, etc. - to a wired communication module.

The management interface of the set of keys 6 transmits data to the calculation module 4 to each mechanical action exerted by the user on one of the keys. The display means 8 comprises a graphic unit associated with a screen and a data exchange module with the calculation module 4. This screen, in another embodiment, is tactile. The database 7 is connected to the calculation module 4 in order to exchange data. This database 7 comprises a set of symbols that may correspond, for example, to characters i0 relating to an alphabet representing the phonemes of the different living or dead languages, or to lexicons of a programming language or graphic representations. More particularly, the database contains pairs (symbol, instruction). The symbol refers to letters or drawings, and the instructions are of several types: the "internal" instructions executed by the calculation module "locally" . This is notably the navigation instructions in the database such as the visual path in the symbol matrix library, or the changeover to a next matrix or matrix, the instructions sent and processed by the equipment. electronic 36 correspond to actions such as: a character (A, B, C ...), 25-a switching command (Print Screen, Enter, Escape, Deleted, Control, Alt ,, Schift, Alt Gr, F1, F2, F3, ..., all the keys corresponding to a command included on a keyboard), - a data file (drawing, photos, etc ...). This database is comprised in particular on 3o storage media such as: removable memory means such as a USB key or a portable hard disk;

a removable storage memory card; to a CD-type optical disc (acronym for Compact Disc), DVD (acronym for Digital Video Disc), HD-DVD (acronym for High Density Digital Versatile Disc which means in French high density multi-purpose digital disc), BRD (acronym for Blue-Ray Disc which means in French Blue-Ray disc); - All media including flash memory, volatile, non-volatile, or the ROM. The reading / writing means 9 allow the exchange of data with storage means, and relate to: - an optical disk reader / writer, - a PNP computer bus (acronym for plug-and-play 15 which is a procedure to allow recent devices to be recognized quickly and automatically by the operating system) such as: • a USB socket, • a Firewire socket; A multi-memory read / write module; an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) module for exchanging infrared data with another device equipped with this technology; a module for exchanging data over the radio such as a module: • Wi-Fi (abbreviation of wireless fidelity), • Bluetooth.

The battery 35 is a rechargeable battery which is connected to a 3o electrical system comprising in particular a transformer and a charging management module. An electrical connection port 11 makes it possible to connect this system to an electrical source which may come in particular from the electronic equipment 36, such as a cellular telephone which is connected to

the device according to the invention, or to any other type of electrical source from the sector or a USB port.

In FIG. 2, the device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a support 37. This support 37 comprises two parts 12, 13 which will be named later retractable side panels 12, 13, the communication interface. 5 and the display means 8. This support 37 can be made of materials such as: wood, composite materials, metal, - polymer - etc.

The support 37 comprises receiving means to which other equipment 36 is attached. This support 37 comprises means making it possible to slide the retractable lateral panels 12, 13 on the rear face 34 of the gripping support 37. In another embodiment the retractable side panels 12,13 are folded on the rear face 34 of the gripping support 37 by hinge means. The first retractable side panel 12 comprises two keys 14, 15. The shape of this retractable side panel 12 and the provision of keys 14,15 included in this panel 12 are adapted to the right hand of a user. Thus the thumb of this hand can access and operate naturally these two keys 14, 15. The second side panel 13 has the same advantages for the left hand. The keys 14,17 have the largest surface area among the keys of this device.

In the device according to the invention a pointing system composed of the two keys 17, 14 allows a mouse to perform right and / or left clicks. When the retractable panels 12, 13 are deployed the front face 10 of the support then comprises means for receiving an electronic equipment 36 and the keys 13, 16, 17, 12, 15, 14, and the rear face comprises the keys 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25.

The user uses this device by holding it between these two hands with his palms of hands. These fingers remain completely mobile and are not used to hold the device.

The display means 8 is fixed to the support 37 by means enabling it to fold on the support 37 so that the surface of this display means is facing the surface of the front face 10 of the gripping support 37 .

The data displayed on the display means correspond to symbols necessary to reproduce the contents of a text. A first set of symbols 21 is arranged in a table similar to a two-dimensional matrix 21. The first set of symbols may be replaced by other symbols relating to the alphabet or other specific characters of a symbol. other language.

A second and a third set of symbols 20, 18 (and associated actions / information) are also parameterizable in the database but the user can not change it to "normal" use as he does to display the correct matrix. in zone 21. Area 20 is therefore "persistent". Because of their "persistent" natures, the keys of the group 18 and 20 are rather used: - for navigation in the library: 30 • action "Zoom out" or "Home" which allows to go back to the mother matrix and thus to navigate in the matrix library,

• "Previous matrix" action that allows to recall the previously used matrix, • "Next matrix" action that allows to recall the matrix used before the "Previous matrix" action,

- for "repetition" functions that are particularly used: • delete the left-hand character, • delete the right-hand character, • Escape action, • Validate or Enter action, • move to the right, • move to the left, • move upwards. , • moving down, • Etc ...

Figure 3 refers to the rear surface 34 of the input medium 37 which includes a switch for powering the device. It also comprises a joystick-type mini-joystick (meaning a broomstick) for guiding a pointer to the display means of the electronic equipment 36 connected to the device, in addition to the right-click 14 and left-click 17 keys. of the pointing system. In addition, this rear face 34 of the gripping support 37 comprises eight other keys arranged in such a way that the fingers of the right and left hands of an individual can activate them in a natural way, that is to say without any constraint. . In addition, the keys: -33 and 26 are associated with the index respectively of the right and left hand, 30 - 32 and 27 are associated with the major respectively of the right and left hand, 10 15

- 31 and 28 are associated with the annular respectively of the right hand and left - 30 and 29 are associated with the little finger respectively of the right hand and left.

This device fits naturally in the extension of the hands of an individual. The shape of this device, the configuration of the keys and the generation of a matrix of symbols displayed on the display means, reduce the constraints generally encountered when entering symbols corresponding for example to strings of characters relating to the content of the device. a text from a classical keyboard. This removal of constraints allows a person not initiated to input to improve very quickly its competence for optimal use of this device.

Furthermore, the size of this device in this embodiment is reduced by the retractable side panels 13, 12 which slide so that the keys 14,15,16,17 included in these side panels 12,13 are placed opposite the keys included in the rear face 34 of the gripping support 37, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Figures 6, 7, and 8 show, in particular, the compatibility of the device according to the invention with electronic equipment 36 of small sizes such as cell phones, or PDAs and with a desktop computer 36.

After switching on the device, when the user exerts a mechanical action on the switch. From, in particular 3o data included in this database 7, the calculation module generates a matrix of symbols 21 which is transmitted to the display means. It should be noted that the symbol matrix can be customized by the user so that the boxes of this matrix contain elements stored in the memory medium corresponding to characters, words or graphic representations. Each box of this matrix of symbols 21 corresponds to coordinates that allow the calculation module 4 to generate an action that will be called matrix action.

To several mechanical actions on at least one key allows to select a box thus to generate a matrix action. More precisely, this mechanical action is transformed by the interface for the management of the set of keys 6 into at least one signal which is transmitted to the calculation module 4. The set of signals generated forms a combination of signals which are relates to the coordinates of a box of the matrix 21. These data are stored in the volatile memory of the calculation module 4 in order to be processed by the computer code implemented by the microprocessor 2 and the memory means 3 of the module calculation.

After the processing of these data, the calculation module 4 generates at least one instruction corresponding to the matrix action, which is sent to the communication interface 5. The communication interface 5 subsequently transmits this instruction to the user. electronic equipment 36 (PDA, cell phone, etc.) that is connected to the device. 2.5 In addition, the user can perform all the mechanical actions he wants on all the keys of the device as key combinations. The calculation module interprets the combination of keys and generates a matrix action corresponding to the selection 3o made by the user in the symbol matrix 21.

In this embodiment, the matrix comprises a number (n + 1) of columns and a number n of lines, n corresponding to the number of keys.

Two types of mechanical actions can be exerted by the user on the keys.

A mechanical action corresponding to a non-maintained and therefore sequential pressure of a key allows the calculation module 4 to generate a so-called main matrix action t0. The main matrix actions are n2 in number and have coordinates (1 to n, 1 to n).

The instructions are in large majority sent to the electronic equipment. This can be: 15 a character (A, B, C ...), - a command (Print Screen, FI, F2, F3, ...), a data file (drawing, photos, etc ...) .

A mechanical action corresponding to a maintained pressure of a key allows the calculation module 4 to generate a so-called secondary matrix action. The secondary matrix actions are n in number and have coordinates (n + 1, 1 to n).

Two timers, which are customizable by the user, make it possible to determine the operation of the calculation module 4. This calculation module 4 comprises an internal clock able to generate instructions that can trigger processes as a function of time: determines the time beyond which the calculation module 4 considers that a key is held down, 30 - t2 which corresponds to the self-repeat time of information when a key is held down, - t3 which refers to the delay self-cancellation of a first mechanical action.

Each key is used to select a line number and a column number corresponding to a box of the symbol matrix 21.

When a mechanical action is applied to a key in a time less than t1, the calculation module 4 identifies the line number relating to the symbol matrix 21, stores this line number in its memory means and waits for a mechanical action is exerted on a second key.

In the case where no mechanical action is exerted on one of the keys of the device in a time less than t3, the internal clock of the calculation module 4 triggers an instruction so that the line number is erased from the memory means and replace the module in a waiting state of a first portion of coordinates corresponding to a line number.

In the case where a mechanical action is exerted on one of the keys in a delay less than t3, the calculation module 4 identifies the column number relating to the symbol matrix, archives this column number in its memory means. It then has full coordinates of the box in the symbol matrix: row and column number. It generates a matrix action that it executes immediately and that it repeats as long as the second key is maintained with a time delay t2 between each matrix action. When the second key is released, the internal clock of the calculation module 4 triggers an instruction so that the line number is erased from the memory means and returns the calculation module 4 to a waiting state of a first part. coordinates.

On the other hand, when a key is activated and is held down over a time t1, the calculation module 4 stores the number n of the line corresponding to the box of the matrix selected by the user. mechanical action exerted on this key and completes the coordinates of this box by the number 15

of column n + 1. It then has full coordinates of the box in the symbol matrix: row and column number. It generates a matrix action that it executes immediately and that it repeats as long as the key is maintained with a time delay t2 between each matrix action. When the key is released, the internal clock of the calculation module 4 triggers an instruction so that the line number is erased from the memory means and resets the calculation module in a waiting state of a first part of coordinates.

Key combinations can be memorized by the t0 calculation module 4 according to the configuration chosen by the user.

In addition, the key management interface sends in real time a Boolean state, 1 pressed or 0 released, by key. It is the calculation module which, as a function of this signal, of the parameterized delays and of the displayed matrix deduces the instruction to be sent to the electronic equipment 36. In other words, the key management interface transmits a signal. to the calculation unit in "real time" to indicate the pressed key (s). The calculation module designs the result from a combination of received signals taking into account their orders and their durations.

The calculation module does not systematically send an instruction to the electronic equipment. In some cases, it triggers an action that allows you to navigate within the symbol arrays. The invention therefore makes it possible to enter a set of symbols relating, for example, to characters of an alphabet or to switching commands, corresponding to those of the switching keys of a conventional keyboard, such as the entry functions. , Delete, Control or Shift from a device comprising a capture medium 37 and having a key configuration for easy activation of the keys from the fingers of the hand. This support includes

also a display means 8, allowing the user to control his input by seeing the symbols he selects. The main support can be integrated into another element, it can for example correspond to an armrest of a seat, or be integrated in a car steering wheel, or the aircraft control instruments. When the user uses the invention, he activates the keys of the key configuration so that the key management interface 6 generates signals. Each activated key generates a signal. A combination of key activation allows for example to select a box of the symbol matrix generated by the calculation module. The generated signals t0 are subsequently transmitted to the calculation module. The calculation module will generate an instruction from the processing of the received signals. Each signal is decoded by the calculation module according to their order of reception and their size. The signal size is defined according to the duration of a key activation. The instruction is sent to an electronic device 36 corresponding for example to a computer 36 or to a mobile terminal 36. This mobile equipment from these processing means executes the instruction and thus generates at least one action corresponding to the symbol Included in the selected box of the symbol matrix. The generated action corresponds for example to a switching command such as screen printing, arrows, capital letter, Escape etc., or to the letter display on the display means of the equipment, or again to a selection of a set of characters present on the display means of this equipment.

In another embodiment, the calculation module can generate on the display means a visual assistance to indicate to the user when entering associations "key / line" or "key / column", as well as the box in the symbol matrix that is selected.

The data capture device according to the invention has many advantages: a small footprint that allows the use of this device with a PDA, a cell phone, a game console, a tablet PC, a television set, player and / or digital recorder, a laptop or desktop etc ..., a quick adaptation of a user to the use of the device through: • a simplified international standardization, because lo different alphabets are generated from the base data, the calculation unit and the display means to produce a symbol matrix displayed on the screen, • a positioning of the keys relative to the fingers of the hand, • the fact that the user not mask the symbols by these hands because a novice user is systematically obliged to remove his hands from the keyboard to look for the symbol printed on the key to enter. - use by people with disabilities suffering for example paralysis because the keys are positioned to marry the natural configuration of fingers and hands. Moreover these keys can be integrated in the natural extension of their two hands, for example in the armrests of the chairs, in gloves, steering instruments or a handle etc. In another embodiment, the device can generating the symbol matrix 21 and tables 20 and 18 on the display means of the electronic equipment 36 connected to the device.

In another embodiment, the display means 8 can be detachable from the support 37.

In another embodiment, the side panels can be detachable. They comprise the elements 14,25,33,32,31,30 and 16,17,25, 26,27,28,29 respectively.

The display means and the side panels are connected to the support then by the device via a wireless or wired connection. It is understood that the invention is not limited to only the embodiments described above. 25

Claims (14)

1. A method of capturing from a device comprising an input medium (37) having a key pattern and a display means (8), characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: - signal generation by a key management interface (6) from an activation of at least one key selecting a box of a symbol matrix generated by the calculation module and transmitted to the display means (8); transmission of the signals generated By the key management interface (6) to a calculation module (4), processing by said calculation module (4) of the received signals generating an instruction corresponding to the content of said selected box; sending said instruction to an electronic equipment (36), said electronic equipment (36) executes said instruction and generates at least one action corresponding to said symbol included in said selected box. 2. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the signal generated by said at least one key is calibrated according to the duration of activation of said key. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said processing step comprises a preliminary step of decoding each received signal according to its order of reception in the sequence of received signals. 30 10 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said action corresponds to the generation by the display means of said electronic equipment of said selected symbol. 5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said action corresponds to the generation by processing means of said electronic equipment of a switching control. 6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said instruction is used by the calculation module to generate a new content of the cells of the matrix. 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said matrix of symbols is generated by the calculation module from the symbols included in a symbol database. 8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which said symbol matrix is generated by signals from the calculation module on the display means of the electronic equipment. 9. Gripping device for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a gripping support (37) and a display means (8), characterized in that said gripping support (37) comprises: - a first face comprising a first key configuration (12,13,14,15,16,17) - a second face comprising a second key configuration (25,26,27,28,29,30,31 , 32,33), and - connection means (11) for connecting electronic equipment (36), and in that said keys are connected to a key management interface (6), said key management interface (6) being able to transmit a signal to a calculation module (4) connected to said connection means (11) for the transmission of at least one instruction to said electronic equipment (36). 10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said gripping support (37) can be separated into at least two parts. 11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said display means (8) is removable. 15 12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a database (7) of symbols. 13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping support (37) is made of a flexible material. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grasped support (37) is a seat armrest or a steering instrument or a handle. 25