GB2274187A

GB2274187A - Reduced sized data processor keyboard

Info

Publication number: GB2274187A
Application number: GB9400294A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harold Birkett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-01-08
Filing date: 1994-01-08
Publication date: 1994-07-13
Also published as: GB9400294D0

Abstract

A more compact data processor, in particular the keyboard. The keypads are deliberately positioned close to each other in order that the keypads immediately adjacent to that being pressed are enclosed within the operator's finger print area and are also pressed. All of these transmit their signals to an integrated control circuit assembly where the required signal from the keypad located central to the fingerprint area only is transmitted to its required destination. <IMAGE>

Description

Reduced Sized Data Processor.

This invention relates to data processors in particular the keyboard which can be operated effectively and yet occupies a smaller space than that of existing assemblies containing the same number of keypads including computers together with a display monitor or monitors to suit the size and functions of the unit. See Figs 1 and 2.

The spacing of keypads on existing control assemblies is such that there has to be sufficient space between each in order that when a keypad is pressed adjacent keypads are not also pressed, the spacing being governed to a certain extent by the area covered by the operators fingerprint and its alignment.

With the proposed method the keypads are deliberately positioned sufficiently close to each other so that keypads immediately adjacent to the keypad pressed and covered by the operators fingerprint are also pressed ( the number of adjacent pads being dependant upon the keypads position on the keyboard ) resulting in the electrical signals from the switch operating pads pressed going to an integrated circuit assembly.

These signals are processed via an appropriate logic gate switch assembly complete with required associated equipment in such a manner that only the signal ( or signals ) from the required keypad ( or keypads ) is conducted through to the required destination.

This method would enable the size of an assembly to be considerably reduced and in sane circumstances may even enable the keyboard to be operated more efficiently. The required integrated circuit design would be based on the appropriate truth table derived from the required logic where the output from the activated logic gates circuit is designed ( together with other components as required ) to perform the keyboard functions required by a pocket sized computer or other piece of data processing equipment.

Fig 3A Shows an example of a computer keyboard with 102 keypads.

When keypad Es is pressed one signal would be transmitted.

Fl ,, F1 ,, ,, two signals ,, ,, II , ,, F7 ,, ,, three ,, ,, ,, ,, , ,, - ,, ,, four ,, ,, ,, ,, , ,, Tab ,, ,, five ,, ,, ,, ,, , ,, V ,, ,, six ,, ,, ,, ,, , ,, J ,, ,, seven ,, ,, ,, ,, These signals are conducted to a logic gate circuit as shown in Fig 4.

which shows signals Es, F1, F7, - and J.

The combination of signals used from the total number of signals transmitted when a keypad together with adjacent keypads are pressed is such that only the gate switch for the keypad located central to the operators finger print is operated the signals received from the adjacent keypads being insufficient to operate other gate switches.

A larger size keyboard is shown in Figs 3B together with two additional contd..

keypads adjacent to keypad Es, the additional circuit required being shown dotted in Fig 4.

A keyboard without visible ( or less visible ) enclosing boundaries around the keys is shown in Fig 3C in order that larger sized symbols may more easily be used for the same sized keypads and keyboard area.

The number and disposition of adjacent keypads relative to the operated keypad connected to its gate switch in order to operate and transmit the keypads signal is empirical and subject to tests when the control circuit would be made to suit.

It may be that when operating symbol 'J' for instance that 'H' and 'K' would be used to operate the 'J' operating gate switch ( as opposed to using 'U' and 'M' as shown in Fig 4 ) for instance.

It may be that some or all of the adjacent keypads around the one being operated could be used to complete the electric circuit required to operate its logic gate switch assembly, the operated keypad itself being or not being used to complete the circuit required to operate the logic gate switch.

The logic gate circuits shown are examples only, there being other types of logic gate, combination and different circuit designs which would perform the required functions based on the principles described.

The keypads can be touch or pressure operated, circuit connectors, breakers and associated equipment solid state, or by any other method or combination to suit the particular requirements of any of the switch and or control assemblies described.

The size and shape of keypads, keyboard, modification of key location and identification markings would be empirical and subject to tests.

The screen monitor, the size of which could be a single screen as shown in Fig 1, or two screens hinged together as shown in Fig 2, so that when open they form a single screen whose dimensions could be in proportion to a standard desk top computer screen or two separate screens as required.

Either of these would fold up to a compact size when not in use.

FIG NUMBERS AND DESCRIPTIONS.

Fig No.l. Pocket size computer with single fold away screen.

Plan and Side View.

2. Pocket size computer with fold away two screens hinged together which forms a single screen when fully open proportional in size to a standard computer screen.

Plan and Side View.

3A. Example of computer keyboard having 102 keypads.

3B. Example of computer keyboard having two additional keypads ( for functions as required ) located adjacent to keypad Es.

4. Example of part of a typical logic gate circuit suitable for use with Figs 3A & 3B showing five of the keypad operating circuits.

Fig No.2 screen is not restricted in number of sections to two, nor restricted to function as one screen, each section can be a separate screen in its own right if required. Nor is it restricted to hinged screen sections. Telescopic pull out, separate plug in or any combination of screen sections could be used.

All the usual computer or processor connections and peripherals would be included to suit.

It may be that due to the different size of fingerprints, men on average would be a bigger size than women for instance, keypads together with keyboards would be made to different sizes to 'fit' the size of fingerprint in order that the required adjacent keypads only are pressed after allowing for a tolerance of accuracy relative to the centre of each keypad which is pressed.

The shape of keypads are not restricted to those shown and may be triangular, hexagon, elliptical or any other shape or combination of regular or irregular shapes including there being no or only slightly visible boundary line around each symbol thus enabling these symbols to be bigger and more visible. A coloured dot located at the centre of each symbol may result in greater speed and accuracy.

The number of signals required to operate each gate switch can be to suit as can be the logic table(s) and resulting gate switch requirements the logic gate circuits shown being examples only there being others using different types and combinations of gate switches.

The area covered by the fingerprint area must be sufficiently small so as not to go outside an area (which for all intents and purposes acts as a keypad) and accidentally pressing another keypad area and yet be big enough to cover the required number of keypads inside of this area required to operate the gate switch.

All of the above could be manufactured using known state of the art technology and c:Tponents The keyboard layout and its operation has to be such that it is possible for a unique combination of inputs to be transmitted by each keypad when activated to open its respective logic gate and allow the signal through to its destination.

When NOT gates are used in conjunction with AND gates ( see Basic Boolean Logic Equations pages 6 to 9 ) a standard keyboard layout as shown in Fig 3A, can be used with modifications to the cursor control keys area.

This modification could be by adding a further keypad between cursor control keys and the special keys above (line 4 with mouse installation symbol) as shown in Fig 3A, or by moving and/or increasing the size of the cursor control keys so that this assembly is adjacent to the special keys assembly above.

As can be seen in Fig 3A1 the rows of keypads are numbered from the top with line numbers 1 to 6, these numbers are used in conjunction with the keypad symbols in the Basic Boolean Logic Equations.

It can be seen from these equations that each activated keypad transmits its own unique logic signal (consisting of a selection of signals from within the fingerprint area together with signals which are not allowed from outside this area A Part Logic Network derived from these results is shown in Fig 51 where the activated keypad 1, which is enclosed centrally within fingerprint area 2, transmits its signal together with any other signals required from within this fingerprint area to its appropriate AND logic gate 5.

Provided keypad(s) 3, which is adjacent to but outside the fingerprint area is not activated and cannot therefore activate NOT gate 4, then the required signal is allowed through AND gate 5, to its destination 6.

Fig 3A shows five typical fingerprint areas over keypads to be activated.

Taking the first keypad 'Es' it can be seen from the Part Logic Network Fig 5, that this signal, when activated, goes straight to its destination.

The fifth keypad 'J' however is one of seven keypads activated inside the enclosed fingerprint area.

It can be seen from the Basic Boolean Logic Equations however that none of the other six keypads which are also activated are able to transmit there signals due to the fact that the inputs to each of there respective gates are incomplete.

Similarly when any of the keypads adjacent to 'J' are activated the fingerprint area in each instance will be central to the keypad being activated and extend outside of the 'J' fingerprint area, therefore the input signals to 'J' gate and all other gates in its vicinity will be such that they will not open.

It is possible to simplify some of the equations thereby reducing the input data required to obtain the output results. Examples of this are shown in Basic Boolean Logic Equations pages 8 and 9.

The resulting Part Logic Networks derived from these results are shown in Fig 6, which shows five examples of activated keypads, as before, as shown in Fig 3A.

NOR gates may be used instead of NOT gates where applicable for instance.

it may be that NAND gates, OR gates or other combination and/or permutations of gates may be used to perform the logic functions needed to be performed.

In order that a logic gate circuit which uses AND gates only functions correctly for all of the activated keypads on the keyboard as shown in Part Logic Network Fig 4, will require extra keypads as shown in Fig 3C.

In this layout there are twelve additional keypads P1 to P12 which are positioned in such a manner so as to enable each input keypad to have its own unique logic function whilst still retaining the standard computer keyboard layout. These additional keypad areas would not be required to be visible as they are not required by the operator to input data.

The resulting Part Logic Network is shown in Fig 7.

If a standard computer keyboard layout is not essential then the number of additional keypad areas could be reduced by rearranging and bringing the groups of keypads sufficiently close to each other so that all input keypads have sufficient keypads adjacent to enable each one to have a unique logic output, the size and/or shape of some keypads being changed to facilitate this.

A reduced size mouse ( with smaller keypads positioned closer together as previously described ) may be required.

A mouse pad or menu screen could be pivoted and attached to ( close to the bottom edge ) the system module assembly and would fold over the top of the folded display screen(s) to form an outer covering when the computer or processor is not in use.

The system module which contains the magnetic peripherals and/or other required components is shown located under the keyboard but is not restricted to this configuration.

CELLULM ONE.

Page 10. BASIC BOOLEAN LOGIC EÇUkTIONS.

Equations which will satisfy the function requirements of the keyboard there being many more solutions which will also satisfy these requirements.

Fig 8. LOGIC GATE CIRCUIT.

Based on the above.

Figs 9, 10 & 11. EXAMPLES OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES.

These show examples of the reduction in the size of a cellular telephone together with suggested titles: Fig 9. 'COMPACELL.' reduced in size to 105mn x 31mum when closed.

Fig 10. 'MINI-CELL.' ,, ,, ,, ,, 90rum\ x 27mn. ,, II Fig 11. MICROCELL.' II ,, ,, ,, 75mum x 22mm. ,, II The examples shown slide to an open position but could be applied to fold up, other shapes and sizes, or any other state of the art cellular phone in order to reduce the size.

The above are two examples only, this invention could be applied to most electronic products where a reduction in size, weight and possibly cost is desirable including videos, television, camcorders, radios, all types of hand held and mounted controls, games and multiple control switches for an example.

LINE 1. LINE 2. LINE 3.

Es = Es # = #.11.#.Caps Tab = Tab.#.Caps.W.# F1 = F1.F2.F3 1| = #.2".3#.Caps Q = Q.W.A.E.# F2 = F1.F2.F3 2" = 2".3#.4$.A W = W.E.S.R.Z F3 = F2.F3.F4 3# = 3#.4$.5%.S E = E.R.D.T.X F4 = F2.F3.F4 4$ = 4$.4%.6^.D R = R.T.F.X.C F5 = F5.F6.F7 5% = 5%.6^.7 & F T = T.Y.G.U.V F6 = F5.F6.F7 6^ = 6^.7 & 8*.G Y = Y.U.H.I.B F7 = F6.F7.F8 7 & = 7 & 8*.9(.H U = U.I.J.O.N F8 = F6.f7.f8 8* = 8*.9(.0).J I = I.O.K.P.M F9 = F9.F10.F11 9( = 9(.0).-.K O = O.P.L.([. < , F10 = F9.F10.F11 0) = 0).-.=+.L P = P.([.:;.)]. > .

F11 = F10.F11.F12 -. = -.=+.#.:; ([ = ([.).&commat;'.#1.?/ PS = PS.SL.P =+ = =+.#.=.&commat;' )] = (].#.&num;~.Shift SL = PS.SL.P # = #.-.~&num;.INS # = #.&num;~.+~.&commat;'.Ctr P = PS.SL.P INS = INS.HO.UP.# DE = DE.EN.DO. # HO = INS.HO.UP.# EN = EN.DE.DO. # UP = INS.HO.UP.# DO = DO.DE.EN. # NU = NU./.*.4# 7Ho = 7Ho.8#.gUp.1End.4# / = NU./.*.5 8# = 8#.7Ho.gUp.5.2# * = /.*.-.6# gUp = gUp.8#.6#.7Ho.3Dn - = /.*.-.6# + = +.gUp.6#.8#.5 BASIC BOOLEAN LOGIC EQUATIONS.

LINE 4. LINE 5. LINE 6.

Caps= Cap.#.Ctr.S.Z # = #.Caps.Tab.Z Ctr = Ctr.Caps.Z.

A = A.S.2#.D.Alt # = #.Z.Q.X Alt = Alt.A.D.V S = S.D.3#.F.Alt Z = Z.X.A.W.C Space= Space.X.F.H.K.?/ D = D.F.4$.G.Alt X = X.S.E.V.# Alt = Alt. < ,.:;.~&num;.Ctr F = F.G.5%.H.Space C = C.D.R.B.Z Ctr = Ctr.#.?/.# G = G.H.6^.J.Space V = V.F.T.N.X # = #.#.#.# H = H.J.7 & K.Space B = B.G.Y.M.C # = #.#.#.# J = J.K.8*.L.Space N = N.H.U. < ,.V # = #.#.#.# K = K.L.9(.;:.Space M = M.J.I.> ..B Oins== Oins.4#.5.ENT L = L.;:.0).&commat;'.Space < = < ,.K.O.?/.N Del. = Del..Oins.1End.6# #: = ;:.&commat;.-.~&num;.Alt > .= > ..L.P.Shift.M &commat;=&commat;.~&num;.+=.#.Alt ?/ = ?/.:;.([.Cr. < , ~&num; = ~&num;#.#.Ctr.:: Shift= Shift.#.Crl.

# = #.EN.#.HO.# # = #.#.#.EN.1End 4# = 4#.5.6#.NU.Oins 1End= 1End.2#.4#.7Ho.3Dn 5 = 5.4#.6#./.Oins 2# = 2#.3Dn.5.8#.ENT 6# = 6#.5.4#.#.Del 3Dn = 3Dn.2#.6#.9Up.1End ENT = ENT.Del..Oins.5 BASIC BOOLEAN LOGIC EQUATIONS.

LINE 1. LINE 2. LINE 3.

Es = Es # = #.1|.2".Caps Tab = #.Caps.W.# F1 = F1. F3 1| = 1|.2".3#.Caps Q = Q.W.A.E.# F2 = F1. F3 2" = 2".3#.4$.A W = W.E.S.R.Z F3 = F2. F4 3# = 3#.4$.5%.S E = E.R.D.T.X F4 = F2. F4 4$ = 4$.5%.6^.D R = R.T.F.Y.C F5 = F5. F7 5% = 5%.6^.7 & F T = T.Y.G.U.V F6 = F5. F7 6^ = 6^.7 & 8*.G Y = Y.U.H.I.B F7 = F6. F8 7 & = 7 & 8*.9(.H U = U.I.J.O.N F8 = F6. F8 8* = 8*.9(.0).J I = I.O.K.P.M F9 = F9. F11 9( = 9(.0).-.K O = O.P.L.([. < , F10 F9. F11 0) = 0).-.=+.L P = P.([.:;.)]. > .

F11= F10. .F12 -. = -.=+.#.:; ([ = ([.).&commat;'.#1.?/ F12= F10. .F12 =+ = =+.#.=.&commat;' )] = (].#.&num;~.Shift PS = PS. P # = #.-.~&num;.INS # = #.&num;~.+~.&commat;'.Ctr SL = PS. P INS = INS.HO.UP.# DE = DE.EN.DO. # P = PS. P HO = INS. UP.# EN = DE.DO. # UP = INS.HO.UP.# DO = DO.DE.EN. # NU = NU./.*.4# 7Ho = 7Ho.8#.gUp.1End.4# / = NU./.*.5 8# = 7Ho.gUp.5.2# * = /.*.-.6# gUp = gUp.8#.6#.7Ho.3Dn - = /.*.-.6# + = +.gUp.6#.8#.5 BASIC BOOLEAN LOGIC EOUATIONS.

LINE 4. LINE 5. LINE 6.

Caps= Cap.#.Ctr.S.Z # = #.Caps.Tab.Z Ctr = Ctr.Caps.Z.

A = A.S.2#.D.Alt # = #.Z.Q.X Alt = Alt.A.D.V S = S.D.3#.F.Alt Z = Z.X.A.W.C Space= Space.X.F.H.K.?/ D = D.F.4$.G.Alt X = X.S.E.V.# Alt = Alt. < ,.:;.~&num;.Ctr F = F.G.5%.H.Space C = C.D.R.B.Z Ctr = Ctr.#.?/.# G = G.H.6^.J.Space V = V.F.T.N.X # = #.#.#.# H = H.J.7 & K.Space B = B.G.Y.M.C # = #.#.# J = J.K.8*.L.Space N = N.H.U. < ,.V # = #.#.#.# K = K.L.9(.;:.Space M = M.J.I. > l;..B Oins== Oins.4#.5.ENT L = L.;:.0).&commat;'.Space < = < ,.K.O.?/.N Del. = Del..Oins.1End.6# #: = ;:.&commat;.-.~&num;.Alt > .= > ..L.P.Shift.M &commat;=&commat;.~&num;.+=.#.Alt ?/ = ?/.:;.([.Cr. < , ~&num; = ~&num;#.#.Ctr.:: Shift= Shift.#.Crl.

# = #.EN.#.HO.# # = #.#.# 4# = 4#.5.6#.NU.Oins 1End= 1End.2#.4#.7Ho.3Dn 5 = 5.4#.6#./.Oins 2# = 3Dn.5.8#.ENT 6# = 6#.5.4#.#.Del 3Dn = 2#.6#.9Up.1End ENT = ENT.Del..Oins.5 BASIC BOOLEAN LOGIC EOUATIONS.

BASIC BOOLEAN LOGIC EOUATIONS FOR CELLULAR TELEPHONE KEYBOARD.

SEND = SEND.1.3.4 END = END.3.1.6 1 = 2.4.3.7 2 = 1.3.5.8 3 = 2.6.1.9 4 5 = 4.6.8.0 6 = 5.

7 = 8.-*.9.PRG 8 = 7.9.0.

9 = 8.&num;.7.

-* = O = &num; = 0.POWER.-*.C PGM = -*.CLR.A.POWER CLR = PGM.O.POWER.B POWER = &num;.CLR.C.PGM A = PGM.B.-*.C.

B = A.C.CLR.O C = B.POWER.&num;.A

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. A reduced sized data processor assembly in which the keypads are deliberately positioned close to each other so that the operators finger print area encompasses the adjacent keypads around the selected keypad so that they are also pressed.

2. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein all of the electric signals from each of the keypads pressed inside the fingerprint area are transmitted to an integrated circuit assembly.

3. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a predetermined number of the electric signals from the pads pressed by the fingerprint area are required to activate the selected keypad at the centre of. the finger print area and transmitted to an integrated circuit assembly.

4. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electric signals are processed via an appropriate logic gate assembly complete with required associated equipment in such a manner that only the electric signal from one keypad switch ( or more if required ) is transmitted out of the integrated circuit assembly to its ( or there ) required destination.

5. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the integrated circuits, logic gate network and truth table which will allow only the required electric signals to pass through the assembly can be constructed using different permutations and combinations of components, gate types, logic networks and associated circuits to achieve the required results and can therefore be constructed in a variety of ways.

6. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the size and weight of the keyboard assembly would be reduced using this invention.

7. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the keypads are not restricted in shape and may be triangular, hexagon, elliptical or any other shape or combination of regular or irregular shapes.

8. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are no or only slightly visible lines around each symbol thus enabling the symbols to be bigger and more visible.

9. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim complete with fold - away two screens monitor which are hinged together so that when opened they form a single screen.

10. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim complete with fold - away two or more screens monitor which are hinged together so that when opened they form one or more separate screens.

CLAIMS.

11. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim which can be used on a computer, mouse, cellular telephone, video, television, camoorder, radio, all types of hand held and mounted controls, gates and multiple control switches.

12. A reduced sized data processor assembly as claimed in any preceding claim substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 11 of the accompanying drawings.