GB2133745A - Increasing keyboard functions by depressing a plurality of keys simultaneously - Google Patents

Abstract

A key board has a geometric arrangement having intersections of three keys achieved by offsetting or staggering adjacent keys. This provides a greater number of choices from a given number of keys actuable manually one, two or three at a time. The key layout permits touch typing with one hand where twelve keys provides full alphanumeric capabilities. Finger positions conform with human hand structure and include raised ridges for identifying some of the fingerstroke key selection locations. Thus, accurate high speed typing with either hand is feasible in a telephone dial space frame. The keyboard communicates by an X by Y communication channel matri or telephone system compatible tone signals with computers, telephones, teletypes and like utility devices. Program steps and function selection is afforded by a self cataloged two (or more) keystroke sequence to reduce programming time and increase the number of selections possible per key. Thus, as few as four keys and four wires can afford fourteen manual selections by a single finger stroke in a single live key mode. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Touch type computer keyboards This invention relates to keyboards and more particularly it relates to touch type keyboards operable by one hand offering a large number of key selection choices such as required for alphanumeric computer applications.

Atthis advanced stage of the development of the computerart commercially available chips provide systems capable of many types of functional operations and full alphameric data processing capabilities.

The keyboard computer input art has been developed to interface with computer systems. Thus, for example, U.S. Patent 3892958C. C. Tung provides a multiple key keyboard with means for changing the mode of computer operation to adapt the keyboard to three different sets offunctions, all illustrated on keyboard indicia and with thethree modes and corresponding key functions differentiated by indicia ofthree different colors, such a black, orange and blue.

Also other techniques are known in the prior artfor producing more functions per key in a keyboard assembly in an attemptto interface with more of the computerfunctions by a keyboard of modest size.

Exemplary are: U.S. Patent 4042777 -- F. C. Bequaert et al., Aug. 16, 1977 which permits chords of several simultaneously actuated keys to the supplement individual keystrokes and thus expand the communication interface capabilites of a keyboard with a computer. German Publication DE2924515-S.

Pretzsch published Jan. 15, 1981 provides for selection of more than one of several adjacent keys simultaneously by a single fingerstroke to increase the number of selections on a keyboard; and U.S. Patent 4344069-ES. Prame, Aug. 10,1982 provides a single handed keyboard with alphanumeric capabili ties by selecting a sequence of keystrokesforalpha characters.

However, none of these keyboards are operable to enter comprehensive data and instructions in a computer in the touch mode similar to that of touch typewriters, where data may be entered quickly and accurately by a typist with little effort or explicit choice decisions after become acquainted with the keyboard layout.In particular, it is not feasible in the prior art to use a keyboard of so few keys that it can be operated by a single hand to enter a comprehensive set of different data and instructions, for example a hundred and fifty different selectable choices that provides full alphanumericdata operation as well as full computer control and access. Furthermore,there have not been significant developments in the art, other than the above-mentioned patent4042777,that relate to the interface of a one hand operated keyboard and a computer in such a way that touch typing can proceed.

There have been no known such keyboard system developed with the particular objects of one-handed computerentrywith rapidity and elimination of the source of errors from such manual actions as hitting a wrong key, hitting extra keys, resting the fingers on a wrong set position or counting a sequence of numbered key actuationsfor an entry. No particular attention has been given to operatorfingerfatigue or avoidance of unnatural finger positions and reach.

It is therefore an objective of this invention to improve the state ofthe art by resolving some of these problems and providing improved keyboard systems not heretofore available in the art. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be found throughoutthefollowing description, the drawings and the claims.

A keyboard for use by one hand and adapted for entry of a large number of selections including those for alphanumeric data processing and a large range of computer operation commands has ten keys providing direct entry of numerical digits plus a decimal key and at least one auxiliary command key. A preferable arrangement uses twelve keys in a layout pattern particularly adapted for one hand selection by the fingers on either hand. The system, by means of "virtual" keys selectable by simultaneous actuation of two or more individual keys, provides typically at least one hundred and fifty selections with full alphanumeric data processing capability, wherein each entry requires a single fingerstroke.The keyboard is particularly adapted to the touch typing mode and provides an interaction of keys, layout, functional selection, system, etc. which avoids those mental requirements of choice on the part of an operatorthat lead to errors. Also, the system includes features which prevent errors dueto physical fatigue or motion, particularlyofthesortwhere unnatural motion, reach or position is required.

Thus, the keyboard has five columns coinciding with the natural position ofthefive fingers on a hand.

The keys in adjacent columns are offset to permitthe hand to use the board with the fingers in natural position. That is the middle finger is longer than the ring finger and index finger, and the thumb and little fingerarethe shortest. With this keyboard therefore the keys are offset to coincide with this natural finger length condition.

To producethe many selection choices of entry such as more than one hundred and fifty, the keyboard operates in at leastthree modes,forexample, each providing direct entry with a single fingerstroke of fifty or more selections. Thus, a single finger selects either a single key or a plurality of keys appearing adjacent each other and sharing common sides on the keyboard layout. The offset keys further provides a wider range of keystroke choices than would otherwise be available.

To facilitate the touch system of key selection, groups of keys are provided with a single finger selection position not interfering with any other finger selection position by means of groups of associated discrete raised ridgeportionsverticallyprojectedfrom the keyboard surface at the lines of separation of the adjacent keys. To extend the number groupings possible several of the outermost keys are shaped to span more than one of the other keys in both the key columns and across a plurality ofthe columns.

Inthedrawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a twelve key keyboard assembly embodying a preferred embodiment of this invention; Figure 2 is a sectional viewtaken along the lines 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the elevational differences of the key surfaces configured for selection of a plurality of side-by-side keys for concurrent actuation by the stroke of a single finger; Figure3 is a sectional viewtaken along the lines 3-3 of Figure 1 showing the raised portions 18 and 19 for concurrentactuation by the stroke of a single fingerto provide the shift function; Figure 4 is a sectional viewtaken along the lines 4-4 of Figure 1 showing the elevational differences of the key surfaces configured for selection of a plurality of upper-by-lower keys for concurrent actuation by the stroke of a single finger as illustrated;; Figure 4a is a sketch of the right hand identifying the finger nomenclature used throughoutthis patent application; Figure 5 is a block system diaphram of a computer system embodying the invention; Figures 6 and7 are examples of howthe keyboard can be incorporated into computing instruments and show the approximate real scale ofthe keyboard in relationtowell knowncomponentsoftheinstru- ments; Figures 8 and 9 are provided to show that the raised portions can have various shapes as dictated by ergonomic considerations; Figure 10 is provided to show a 9 key embodiment of the invention providing 35 single finger stroke positions; Figure 11 is a 4-key embodiment ofthe invention providing 14 single fingerstroke positions and is the minimum desirable configuration of the invention;; Figure 12 is a schematic system diagram of a four-key, fourteen selection keyboard configuration operable with a 2 x 2 fou r wire switching matrix; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a telephone incorporating the advances of this invention for telephone system applications; and Figure 14 is a plan view layout of a sixteen key keyboard embodiment As may be seen in the plan view of Figure 1, a twelve key keyboard layout is afforded that provides a plurality in the order offifty or more data orfunction selections as noted bythe indicia. Thus, the twelve basic keys 15,16, 17, etc. provide for the numeric digit entries as well as a pair of command keys for executing functions selected (15) or entering data into the computer (16).The latter key 16 may also be a decimal point key on a first stroke and a data entry key on the second stroke.

All the other entries are made from "virtual" keys by the concurrent selection of two or more of the twelve keys. This is made feasible in the touch mode for operation with a single hand, either right or left, using a singlefingerfor stroking each entry in a well defined fingerstroke position easily accessible forthe touch system. Thus groups of ridged key portions or bars 18, 19Or20,21 etc. are found throughoutthe keyboard, as are profiled in Figures 2,3 and 4.

To some extentthe shape and size of the raised portions are controlled to permitthe labeling of the characters used. Touch tests using dummy models among a limited number of people indicate a divergencein preference as to the shape, height, length and touch area ofthe raised portions extending from the key-switch surfaces. Therefore I do not limit myself to any particular embodiment. Any changes that aid the user in actuating the keys singly or in multiples with single fingerstroke is believed to be within the scope ofthe invention. To illustrate that changes can be made while maintaining workability of the invention the ridge shapes of Figures 8 and 9 may be observed.

Special shapes may be required for persons with long fingernails.

It is seen thatfor every indicia position, noting the function of the key stroke made atthat location, is a finger selection spot where only one entry can be made. The single keys are actuated atthe circles 22 or oblongs 23. the "virtual" keys comprising multiple key groups are actuated atthe bar groupings such as the asterisk (*) at 20,21 orthe shift at 18,19. The fingers thus in the touch mode can engage only one entry position at a time. The digit 6 for example is recessed within the raised portions 24,25,26 which all move together and confinethefingerto spot 6 to actuate only key 27. Converselythefinger at the asterisk 20,21 engagesthetwo raised bars only and actuate both keys 16 and 28, etc.The notation X between the 6 and 3 locates a fingerstroke position for operating the two keys 27 and 28 concurrently. The bars are not necessary (but may prove useful) at all such intersections, particularly since the finger touch senses a crack between two keys.

The notation 7 is located between two bar pairs 20, 21 and 25,30 and identifies a fingerstroke position for actuating three keys 16,27,28 simultaneously by means offour bars 20,21,25,30. Note that elongated columnar key 16 spans several (3,6,9) columnar keys to give a variety of combinations selectable atthree bar pair locations 20,21 and 25,30 and 31,32.

Similarly elongated cross spanning key 15 spans the five columns to provide five two key combinations.

Note also that bythevertical row offset ofthe keys in thethree center columns of keys a choice of two different keys in an adjacent column can be made in two key pairings such asthe"M"and "K" and a set of three keys will result with a four bar selection as at V or Y.

It is seen therefore that enough selections (more than 50) can easily be made with twelve keys to give aboutthe same capacity as a standard typewriter keyboard. This is noteworthy since it can replace a standard telephone switch panel (which normally uses 12 keys) and provide alphanumeric capability, requiring only one hand access.

The tactile identification of different single finger selection spots by bars, keys centers, line junctions, etc. herein considerably enhances the abilitytotouch typewithourerrors because tactile feedbackthrough the fingers indicates the selection being made.

Furthermore errors are caused by fatigue, unnatural and extensive reach and other such factors. Many of these error sources are overcome herein by the keyboard configuration and layout.

Considertheshape of a human hand,for example.

The middle finger is long, the ring and index finger of intermediate length and the thumb and little fingers are the shortest. As seen clearly in Figure 4a, the offset key layout thus fits the human hand to rest it naturally, reducing fatigue or unnatural reach, etc. With only twelve keys the hand rest position is always evident and is more easily identified by tactile feedback.

Operational advantage and accuracy of this keyboard is also evidenced by the single fingerstroke, single finger selection of every entry. Thus, the opeator need not think about chording or sequencing and is only required to do the simplest possible thing, select a finger spot and stroke it. Thus, a simple, comprehensive keyboard system is afforded enabling lower errortouch type input into electronic data processing or computersystems 40 as set forth in Figure 5.

In orderto better match the keyboard to the multiple functions available in modern computers 40, the mode of operation can be changed, again by a single fingerstroke,to produce a different set of fifty or more functions to the keys. Thus as seen by the small and notation in the 8 key (22) three sets of indicia are located on the keyboard. indicia may be orange and blueforexampletosimplyshowthemodesetin color coded form. Thus, on the bar pairs 20 and 21 (Figure 1) color coded indicia will denote the selection offunctions and data available and indicate by color code which mode selection key is required. For example if an " & is required the shift key bar pair 18 and 19(S-denoted for some keys as Qs must be stroked priorto the stroking of bar pair 20 and 21.If the special characters orfunctions such as * denoted by are required, the stroking of bar pair 20 and 21 must be preceded bythe XEQ key. This shifting operation is a conventional one being practiced every day by typists and therefore has proven to be for many years a quite acceptable ergonomic procedure.

The twelve keys may be wired conventionally as shown in Figure Sin a four bythree matrix pattern 42 designated on block keyboard 41, ample to convey the uniquecodesforeach of the designated choices available. By conventional clocked code conversion 43, the data entry and functional command processing can be directed upon send signal 44to computer 40 via 46. The computer output 45 may be directed to suitable devices such as alphanumeric displays, CRT tubes, printers, plotters, etc.

The nine keys for digits 1 to 9 in the three centermost columns, as shown in Figure 1, are ofsubstantiallythe same size and shape to adapt to finger selection to operate the separate keys and concurrently operated keys without interference. Also the spacing of the keys is substantiallythe same as that used as industry "standard" on most typewriters and adding machines which to some extent will reduce the time required for an operatorto become proficient in the touch operation of the system.Even those users who do not become proficientwiththetouch system, such as many executives today, will find the hunt and peck method far easierto use since the keyboard field over which they must hunt is so much smallerthan the hunting area presented by the modern computer keyboard which can often have more than 100 keys.

Also, the advantage of symmetry are provided for either right or left hand operation, and an improved keyboard system is made available for accurate and rapid touch type operation. Note the spacing offinger touch bars in Figure 4, wherein the finger can bridge two vertically separated bar groups that can be selected individually when desired. Also note that the finger can feel whether it is in a proper key position at various positions on the keyboard,furthercontribut- ing to error free selections.

Note in consideration of Figures 1 and 4together that raised finger contact structure defining fingerstroke position have portions common to the sides of two adjacent keys, such as. and : or = and . This permits individual finger selection of the two adjacent keys 1, XEQ or 1,2, etc. to permit a single finger to bridge a pair of the raised finger contact positions.

Accordingly, either one pair or both pairs of the key ridges straddling the common intersection ofthree and only three keys can be actuated by a single fingerstroke, thereby increasing the number of available uniquefingerstroke selections. That is, either keysl,2orkeysl,XEQorkeysl,2,XEQcanbe selectively actuated by a single fingerstroke, and similarly this can occur at all the sixteen junctions of 3 and only 3 keys provided in this embodiment.

Because this 12 key keyboard occupies so much less space than a conventional keyboard and because of it symmetry of design, it would be possible to have two such keyboards feeding a single computer whereby the speed of entry into the computer could still further be enhanced since the operator could make use of both hands instead of only one. Also this keyboard is fully compatible with a telephone to provide complete communication capabilities.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment ofthe keyboard with the keyboard coupled with a printer as utility means and adapted to workwith a data processing system in various modes, such as typing, adding, plotting, teletype communication, arithmetic and programming modes. This is readily attainable atthe present state ofthe art by combining the computer operations of Figure 5 with display panel 50, printer 51 and switch selection 52,53 options.

Note also the series of hinged charts 54tabbed for identification, wherein a sequence of two keystrokes 10,11, etc. are assigned corresponding functions such as program stepswhentheswitchesselectthe program steps in the program mode. This increases the capacity of the keyboard to use the full capability of modern computer chips with hundreds of possible functions with only twelve keys. Thus, a hybrid mode of operation is employed using the single stroke selections forthe errorless typing inputfeature and expanding capabilities for a simplified programming catalog of a diverse computer language that is self-explanatory and fullyself-complete without refer encetoan instruction manual.

As seen from the two decimal digit numbers in columns 56 of charts 54, the internally programmed subroutines of a computer such as addition, square root, orvarious built-in program subroutines identi fied conventionally by a program language word of variable length is identified by a fixed numberX (in this case 2) of numerical or other digits identifying the sequence of key strokes necessary in a two and only two step function selection step. If the mode is program entry (PGM) as selected by switch 53 then a considerable saving of programming time and strokes are saved overconventional variable digit English program words.Clearly the Fortran Statements INTE GER, RETURN, PRINT, CONTINUE, etc. each could be entered bytwo strokes each at a considerable saving oftime and with less chance for error.

This feature unexpectedly therefore can save a considerable amount of programming time over today's conventional program languages such as Fortran and Basic, because for every program step only two keys need be operated. Yet the corresponding familiar English language or computer language steps may be written into the spaces 55 if desired for the convenience of those familiarwith a particular language. Because ofthe plurality of hinged cards 54, several different modes of operaton may be provided and cataloged. Thus, both Fortran and Basic terminology could be related to the two-key sequence selection on different card sets 54. If three keys are selected in sequence, more unique entries are selectable (1000 with numeric numbers alone). fall the (55) keys including virtual are used with two strokes almost three thousand unique selections are available.

Thus by employment of a routine operational step such as limiting the significant decimal digits to two, the functional entries are made by a sequence limited to two (or more) key strokes identified in columns 56 for achieving the displayed functions to be written into blank spaces 55 for immediate access as a catalog of the available functions. It is estimated that a program may be entered in the program mode in this manner with less than one4hird the number of key strokes, with a corresponding time saving.

In Figure 7, the multi-purpose printer-keyboard system is smaller in size and provides a very efficient pocket size typewriter - computer - communication medium with all the foregoing advantages of the novel keyboard system.

Figure 10 is a simpler keyboard layoutwith only nine keys, thus affording the advantage of operation with a 3 x 3 wire matrix selection network. Note that there are 35 separate fingerstroke positions so that full alphanumeric capability similarto typewriter keyboards is afforded with all the other keyboard advantages hereinbefore discussed. Note that a field of substantially square keys as in Figure 1 is arranged in in three adjacent columns with the center column keys offsetfrom the keys in the outer two columns to provide a plurality of nine three and onlythree key intersection positions.

A minimal number of keys for attaining numeric instructions to calculators, computers and the like is fouras shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 The finger rest feature and offset key-columnar arrange menthereofferstheadvantagesofthe priorversions as seen by the phantom hand superimposed overthe keyboard to permit touch operation by a single hand in comfortable position. With the four keys andten virtual keys, fourteen selections are provided in a single mode with a live keyboard. In the three modes hereinbefore described (one preceded byX, one preceded by S and one direct) 52 selections are feasible. This embodiment also has the program chart feature so thatfor example XEQ 21 will program or selectthe sinefunction, etc.With 14 direct selections atthe corresponding stations A, B, C, etc., (Figure 12) as many as 183 sepa rate functions can be program med with a two-key sequence. thus, the hybrid system of using a singlefingerstroke per entry on typing and data input and using atwo (multiple)fingerstroke per selection function in a programming modesignifi cantly extends the power of the keyboard. It is certainly even more unexpected than that onlyfour keys could produce 14 selections that a simple two-step stroke will permitthe four keys to select 183 + 52 = 235 unique entries in the three mode live + (23+ keyboard operation.

As may be seen by reference to Figure 12, this surprising expanded keyboard power is in part achieved bythe teaching ofthis invention that the keyboard pattern hereinbefore discussed in common with this embodiment has groups of at least four keys 71,72,73,74 sharing adjacent sides arranged in a geometrical pattern with at leasttwo common intersections 75,76,77 of sets ofthree adjacent keys having all three keys meeting at a common intersection or junction of onlythree keys in a position accessible to a single finger overlapping the intersec- tion to actuate all three keys simultaneouslywith a single fingerstroke (A, M, F, H).This provides along with the accompanying single keys (I, E, C, K) and dual side-by-side (B, D, G, J, L, N) with corresponding finger access positions the fourteen direct selections available for a single fingerstroke. In the conventional four corner intersection of non-offset keys, farfewer selections could be made with a give number of keys.

Also in atwo bytwo matrix, onlythree combinations ofthree keys are available uniquely even if a finger could seek out only three keys together. Thus, only 9 combinations are possible in that mode. For example, Pretzschs, German 924515, gets nine selections from four keys conventionally arranged.

Furthermore, it is surprising that a fourwire communication channel (1,2, A, B) will carry uniquely the full range capacity (253 as above shown) of unique entries availablefrom thefour keys. The chart78 lays out the truth chart codesforthefour lines 1,2, A and B.

Notethatthe key pattern is also non-conventional and contributes unexpectedlyto a reduction in the number of channels required for communication in thatthe combinations ofthrees are used (A, F, H, M). This powerful expansion of key power afforded by this invention is correspondingly amplified with the greater number of keys in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1. The four key embodiment is preferred for such applications as numerical or industrial control systems, coded electronic locks and the like, particularly if wiring is required and fewerwires are advantageous.

Keys 73 an 74 are connected to matrix line 1, keys 71 and 72to matrix line 2, keys 72 and 73to matrix line A and keys 71 and 74to matrix line B to give the fourteen unique combinations shown on truth table 78. Thus fourcommunication channels A, B, 1,2 can handle all the combinations and entries ofthis minimal four key version ofthe invention.

A 2x 2 matrix matrix of wires connects the keyboard keys as a communication channel to means responsiveto key actuation such as computer 40 Each key intercouples two of the matrix wires by actuation of the key, by such means as mechanical switches or equivalents thereof to produce byasinglefinger- stroke in a single live key operation mode fourteen unique manual selections.

The versatility and applicability ofthe keyboard system afforded by this invention is exemplified by the embodiment seen in Figure 13. Thus, a desk cradle type telephone 80 of conventional shape has a telephone line connection 81 and the keyboard 82 afforded by this invention. If desired other devices may be acoustically coupled into handset 83 through modem unit 84 from a communicator coupled to cable 85. Also as provided by this invention, the panel 86 outlines a two step switching selection sequence in a program mode which may be established by the execute key (XEQ) with a typical array of functions.

Line lights 87 may be provided, and any operating data and messages may show on electronic display 88. Thus a most simple "PBX" type switchboard with full communications and intercomputer connecton capabilities is provided and is adaptable for use over the telephone system using conventional tone and/or digital communication techniques. The local switchboard selections are of the coded type hereinbefore discussed in more detail.

Note that the same keyboard can in this way unexpectedly eliminate the extra keys in conventional telephone switching systems provided for the switchboard selections. That is the keyboard does both the dialing function and the switching function and furthermore expandscommunicationsfrom numeric to alphanumeric plus.

In Figure 14 a field of sixteen keys is shown maximizing the three key junctions to provide twenty- two such combinations. A sixteen key field is convenient for use of a 4x4 wire matrix. In the illustrated embodiment the keys are shaped to produce seventy- five switching combinations of the single fingerstroke choices of one, two or three concurrently operated keys respectively outlined by the designated coded indicia.

For calculating all possible selections form 16 keys (X) taken 3(N) at a time in different combinations, the formula X (X-1)N-1 + 1 may be used, taking into account that one key (XQ) is used as a common key similarto a shift key. As seen from the table which follows therefore in this embodiment 3601 extra selections of computerfunctions, addresses, catalog items, etc. could be indexed by the basic sixteen keys operable in a successive key selection mode (ofthree) such as illustrated in the switching charts of Figures 6, 11 and 13.

While certain preferred embodiments are explicitly shown herein other combinations of keys and key layout geometry are possible. Thus, the following table charts the number of functions (F) selectable from keyboard arrays of the numbers of keys (X) between four and fifty-five for sequences (N) of two, three and four successive strokes.

F=X#(X-1)n-1+1 x=4 x=17 x=30 x=43 n=2 F=13 n=2 F=273 n=2 F=871 n=2 F=1,887 n=3 F=37 n=3 F=4,353 n=3 F=25,231 n=3 F=75,853 n=4 F=189 n=4 F=69,633 n=4 F=731,671 n=4 F=3,185,785 x=5 x=18 x=31 x=44 n=2 F=21 n=2 F=387 n=2 F=931 n=2 F=1,893 n=3 F=81 n=3 F=5,283 n=3 F=27,981 n=3 F=81,357 n=4 F=321 n=4 F=88,435 n=4 F=837,881 n=4 F=3,498,389 x=6 x=19 x=32 x=45 n=2 F=31 n=2 F=343 n=2 F=993 n=2 F=1,981 n=3 F=151 n=3 F=6,157 n=3 F=38,753 n=3 F=87,121 n=4 F=751 n=4 F=118,889 n=4 F=953,313 n=4 F=3,833,281 x=7 x=20 x=33 x=46 n=2 F=43 n=2 F=381 n=2 F=1,857 n=2 F=2,871 n=3 F=253 n=3 F=7,221 n=3 F=33,793 n=3 F=93,151 n=4 F=1,513 n=4 F=137,181 n=4 F=1,881,345 n=4 F=4,191,751 x=8 x=21 x=34 x=47 n=2 F=57 n=2 F=421 n=2 F=1,123 n=2 F=2,163 n=3 F=393 n=3 F=8,481 n=3 F=37,827 n=3 F=99,453 n=4 F=2,745 n=4 F=168,881 n=4 F=1,221,859 n=4 F=4,574,793 x=9 x=22 x=35 x=48 n=2 F=73 n=2 F=463 n=2 F=1,191 n=2 F=2,257 n=3 F=577 n=3 F=9,783 n=3 F=48,461 n=3 F=106,833 n=4 F=4,689 n=4 F=283,743 n=4 F=1,375,641 n=4 F=4,983,585 x=10 x=23 x=36 x=49 n=2 F=91 n=2 F=587 n=2 F=1,261 n=2 F=2,353 n=3 F=811 n=3 F=11,133 n=3 F=44,181 n=3 F=112,897 n=4 F=7,291 n=4 F=244,985 n=4 F=1,534,581 n=4 F=5,419,889 x=11 x=24 x=37 x=50 n=2 F=111 n=2 F=553 n=2 F=1,333 n=2 F=2,451 n=3 F=1,181 n=3 F=12,697 n=3 F=47,953 n=3 F=128,851 n=4 F=11,881 n=4 F=292,889 n=4 F=1,726,273 n=4 F=5,882,451 x=12 x=25 x=38 x=51 n=2 F=133 n=2 F=681 n=2 F=1,487 n=2 F=2,551 n=3 F=1,453 n=3 F=14,481 n=3 F=52,823 n=3 F=127,581 n=4 F=15,973 n=4 F=345,681 n=4 F=1,924,815 n=4 F=6,375,881 x=13 x=26 x=39 x=52 n=2 F=157 n=2 F=651 n=2 F=1,483 n=2 F=2,653 n=3 F=1,873 n=3 F=16,251 n=3 F=56,317 n=3 F=135,253 n=4 F=22,465 n=4 F=486,251 n=4 F=2,148,889 n=4 F=6,897,853 x=14 x=27 x=40 x=53 n=2 F=183 n=2 F=783 n=2 F=1,561 n=2 F=2,757 n=3 F=2,367 n=3 F=18,253 n=3 F=60,841 n=3 F=143,313 n=4 F=38,759 n=4 F=474,553 n=4 F=2,372,761 n=4 F=7,452,225 x=15 x=28 x=41 x=54 n=2 F=211 n=2 F=757 n=2 F=1,641 n=2 F=2,863 n=3 F=2,941 n=3 F=28,413 n=3 F=65,681 n=3 F=151,687 n=4 F=41,161 n=4 F=551,125 n=4 F=2,624,881 n=4 F=8,839,359 x=16 x=29 x=42 x=55 n=2 F=241 n=2 F=813 n=2 F=1,723 n=2 F=2,971 n=3 F=3,601 n=3 F=22,737 n=3 F=78,683 n=3 F=168,381 n=4 F=54,001 n=4 F=636,689 n=4 F=2,894,683 n=4 F=8,668,521 It is therefore clearthatthis invention provides a novel keyboard input interface operable as a manual input device to a data processing system with various advantages including (1) more entries per key, (2) fewer communication channels per entry, (3) natural fitfor a typist's hand, (4) sing le-finger single-stroke single-hand entryselection affording fast error free entry of alphanumeric information with typically twelve keys, (5)tactical feel for rightfinger positions at each entry, (6) full compatibility with computer, typewriting, telephone and communication link operations, (6) visible catalog of data and functions entered by the keys, (7) faster program entry with fewer strokes, (8) optimum size for pocket instruments and telephones, etc. The state of the art has been unexpectedly improved by a simplification that produces greater versatility and key power saving time and equipment. Therefore, thosefeatures of novelty believed descriptive ofthe spirit and nature of the invention are defined with particularity in the

Claims (19)

claims. CLAIMS

1. A keyboard system characterized by a set of at leastfourkeysofa geometric shape sharing adjacent sides and arranged in an array with at least two common junctions where three keys meet at a common intersection of only three keys in a position accessible to a single finger overlapping the three keys at said intersections to actuate all three keys concurrentlywith asinglefingerstroke.

2. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 coupled as manual input means to operate a data processing system for input of data and instructions, wherein the keyboard iscoupledto select different modes of operation in response to a sequence of at least two successive keystrokes which uniquely define each available mode of operation.

3. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 2 wherein the sequence of successive keystrokes to define said different modes of operation consist of a fixed numberX of keystrokes.

4. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 3 wherein said data processing system is a programmable computer system adapted to receive instructions by means of program steps defined by program words constituted by code words entered by said fixed numberX of keystrokes.

5. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 2 wherein the keyboard is in a housing containing therealongside a chart with graphic indicia thereon designating a plurality ofthe entries available with different keystroke sequence selections.

6. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 provided with raised finger contact ridges disposed on adjacent keys to definefingerstroke positions for concurrent actuation of predetermined sets each having a plurality of keys with a single fingerstroke.

7. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 having at least nine keys arranged in an array ofthree vertical parallel adjacentcolumnsofatleastthreekeys, wherein the keys in the centermostcolumn are offset verticallyfrom the keys in the outer two columns to form a plurality of said intersections and to conform the key locations to the natural offset position of the three middle fingers of the human hand.

8. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 7 including a set ofthreefurther keys each overlapping at leasttwo keys and confronting three sides ofthe nine keyarraytoform atwelve key keyboard providing a plurality of more than fifty unique combinations of keys with single fingerstrokes.

9. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 having four keys in a side-by-side array geometrically shaped to provide at least thirteen fingerstroke positions for actuating unique combinations of sets of one to three of the keys with asinglefingerstroke.

10. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 having a keyboard surface structured to produce at least three different kinds of finger selection zones distinguishable by tactical feel identify predetermined keystroke positions.

11. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 coupled to utility means by a multiplicity of communication channels coupling the keys to actuate the utility means as a function of unique combinations of said channels concurrently selectable by actuation of corresponding sets of keys with singlefingerstrokes.

12. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 11 wherein the utility means comprises a telephone system, and twelve said keys are provided to enter numerical digits by single fingerstroke selection of individual bnesofthetwelvekeys.

13. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 12 including means for alphabetic communication by entry of alphabetic characters with singlefingerstroke combinations of two orthree concurrently actuated keys.

14. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 12 including mode selection means for designating different operating modes in response to a sequence of at least two successive keystrokes of unique keyboard key set combinations selectable by said single fingerstrokes.

15. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 having at least eight keys providing enough unique key set selections from said singlefingerstrokesfor defining a set of alphanumeric characters connected to a printer.

16. A keyboard as defined in Claim 1 with visual indicia markings on the keyboard graphically identifying a set of markings numbering more than three timesthe numberofkeysidentifyingtherebydiffe- rent ones of the unique key combination selections actuated by single fingerstrokes.

17. A keyboard system as defined in Claim 1 coupled to a system operable in a selectable mixed hybrid mode from said keyboard with means establishing one mode in response to the concurrent actuations of said sets of combinations of keys with a singlefingerstroke and another mode in response to the successive actuation of at least two single fingerstroke entries.

18. A keyboard system characterized by a keyboard providing a plurality of key selections available for manual entry of information by means of a seriesofsinglefingerstrokes, a computer system coupled with said keyboard for receiving manually entered data and instructions, meansforestablishing a program mode of operation for manually entering instructions into the computer system, and instruc tion entry means operable in the program mode to enter specific instructions in a set of instructions individually in response to a constant number n of sequential keystrokes each, a graphic chart identifying said set of instructions visually together with the sequential keystrokes necessaryfor each individual entry at the keyboard location:

19. A keyboard system substantially as herein be fore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.