GB2467783A

GB2467783A - A hand-held data input device

Info

Publication number: GB2467783A
Application number: GB0902520A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Kelly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-16
Filing date: 2009-02-16
Publication date: 2010-08-18
Also published as: GB0902520D0

Abstract

A hand-held input device (eg a mobile phone) includes a processor and a keyboard situated on the underside of the device as it is held in the hands of an operator. The keyboard has an array of input keys in a three or four column layout for operation by a user's fingers. Additional keys may be provided on the upper surface or sides of the device for operation by a user's thumbs. A display may be provided on the surface of the device opposite the keyboard. A display may also be provided on the underside of the device. Input may be effected by means of a key cording technique in which combinations of keys are used to represent particular characters. The key combinations for each character relate to the outline shape of the character required. The device may include an accelerometer, and input modes of the device may be altered according to the orientation of the device.

Description

Description of the Invention

Hand-held Data Input Device.

This invention relates to a means for inputting alpha-numeric data into computing devices, communications devices, e-book readers or other electronic devices.

Background to the invention

Conventional input devices have certain limitations and disadvantages. The operation of a standard "Qwerty" computer keyboard requires a rigid supporting surface; learning to type on it at speed can be a time consuming process, because the positions of the keys must be learned and memorised through repeated practice; and the position of the hands and fingers on the keys has been linked to instances of "Repetitive Strain Injury".

Portable communications devices, such as mobile telephones, often have insufficient space to accommodate the "Qwerty" key layout. Where such a layout is included, via dedicated buttons or touch-screen displays, the keys tend to be small and cramped. With those hand-held devices which have input keys only on the upper surface, it is only practical to use the fingers of one hand or the thumbs for data input. It may be possible to put the device down on a rigid supporting surface and then use both hands for typing, but this detracts from the goal to use the device in the hands, and is often impractical due to the small size of the keyboard.

The most common key layout on mobile telephones uses a grid of keys numbered from 0 -9, where each numbered key also represents a group of alphabetic characters: the key for number 2 also represents letters A, B and C; the key for number 3 also represents letters D,E and F, and so on. In this case multiple sequential presses on the same key may be required to select a particular character. This can be non-intuitive and slow.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the limitations cited above by providing a means of input which is compact, and thus easily accommodated on small portable devices, suitable in layout for devices held in the hands, physically comfortable, quick to operate, and intuitive to learn.

This is achieved by positioning an array of input keys on the underside of the device, allowing for the comfortable use of the fingers of both hands for input while holding the device.

Different key "chords", that is multiple simultaneous key presses, with particular key combinations representing particular characters, make possible the input of a greater number of characters than there are input keys. The key combinations for each character are easy to learn and remember because a strong correlation can be made between the outline shape of the character required and the shape delineated by the combination of keys on the array of input keys which correspond to that character shape.

Additional modifier keys may be present on the device, allowing the functions of the other keys to be altered.

Brief description of the drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. shows a data input device with an array of input keys arranged on the underside of the device; Figure 2 shows modifier keys and a display device positioned on the upper surface of the data input device; Figure 3 shows the position of the fingers on the underside of the data input device when it is held in the hands; Figure 4 shows the position of the thumbs on the modifier keys on the upper surface of the data input device when it is held in the hands; Figure 5 shows the numerical values associated with each key when the device input mode has been switched using a modifier key to support the input of numbers; Figure 6 shows how the invention could function as an alternative input device to the standard "Qwerty" keyboard for desktop computers, laptop computers, interactive television, game consoles, or other applications, in this example via a wireless connection, represented by the series of black arrows; Figure 7 shows the layout of the array of input keys when deployed on a wider device such as an e-book reader; Figure 8 shows a possible schema for an array of input keys, with examples of the Modern Latin alphabetic and punctuation characters superimposed on this array, demonstrating key chords for each character.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not expressly made herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A typical embodiment of the present invention would include electronic components, including a microprocessor interconnected and programmed so as to receive from the keyboard signals corresponding to alpha-numeric characters, and instructions for processing the characters and feeding signals to the display device for display of characters, or to another microprocessor for further processing.

To enable the use of key chords for the selection of characters, the completion of a key stroke is marked by the release of the depressed key or keys, rather than their initial depression. Visual feedback can be provided on the device's display unit, or on an external display unit in the case of a link with an external electronic device, while the key combinations are selected. The current character displayed will change as different key combinations are selected, as long as at least one key remains depressed throughout. When all keys are released, the key stroke is interpreted as completed and the last selected character is displayed to the screen.

Figure 1 shows an array of input keys arranged on the underside of a mobile telephone. With this arrangements when the device is held in the hands, the fingers rest comfortably on the array of input keys, as shown in Figure 3, while the thumbs are positioned on the upper surface of the device as shown in Figure 4. An advantage afforded by this arrangement is that the fingers of both hands can be used for data input.

Certain keys in the array feature a raised ridge or small circular protrusion which is discernable by touch, facilitating the correct, consistent positioning of the fingers of both hands on the keys. These protrusions would normally be on the top upper left and top upper right keys, the "home keys, that is the starting position keys, for the respective forefingers of the left and right hands, In this example, the relatively small number of keys in the input array, and their proximity to the position of the fingers, means that only minimal finger movement is required to access the various key combinations, making for an easier and more efficient typing process than on a "Qwerty" keyboard with its greater number of keys.

The particular arrangement of the array of keys on the underside of the device has been selected because the symmetry of the 3 column layout, and the high number of key combinations it makes available, makes it possible to establish a clear graphical correspondence between the shapes of alpha-numeric characters and the positions of input keys selected in key chords. The lack of such clear correspondences has been a failing in other input devices employing key chords for the representation of alpha-numeric characters. In many cases in the prior art there is no obvious graphical correlation between the shape of the chord on the input keys and the shape of the character which it is mapped to. Sometimes a contrived relationship is invoked by the depiction of distorted character shapes which correspond with the layout of the keys. The lack of a clear, obvious and memorable graphical correlation in these cases acts as a deterrent for users learning the system.

The 3x3 and 3x4 key grids are also familiar arrangements of keys which are commonly found on mobile telephones, another factor which facilitates transition to the use of the present invention, and is likely to encourage its adoption.

Figure 8 shows the preferred schema for associating key combinations, or chords, with alphabetic and punctuation characters. The keys to be pressed for each chord are highlighted in black. In this example, in the case of the frequently used vowel characters, only a single keypress is required, to facilitate speedy input. In these cases, the required key is coloured black, and the other optional keys which make up the character chord are coloured light grey.

The layouts of the key combinations have an obvious graphical correspondance with the shapes of the characters, with each key in any given combination typically being mapped to a point where the strokes which make up the corresponding character intersect or end. For this reason the key chords can be learned and remembered quickly and easily. This contrasts with "Owerty" type keyboards, where the position of each key has no relationship to the character it represents.

When using the device, the user imagines the character to be typed superimposed onto the array of keys underneath. Thus to type the letter B' according to the scheme in Figure 8, the left hand would depress the topmost three keys in the left hand column of keys on the underside of the device.

Figure 2 shows modifier keys (1), in this example positioned on the top of the device for operation by the thumbs, and a display device (2) providing visual feedback for the operation of the input keys. The modifier keys could be used to allow the input of extended character sets, to switch between upper or lower case for alphabetic characters, between alphabetic and numerical or punctuation characters, or for other uses.

Figure 5 shows how the grid of input keys can be switched with the use of a modifier key to function as a standard keypad for the input of numbers. As this view is of the underside of the device, the numbers increase in a right to left direction. For the user operating the device, the numbers increase in the left to right direction.

Figure 7 shows the preferred layout of the array of input keys on a wide device such as an e-book reader.

Further advantages of the invention.

Putting the majority of input keys on the underside of a device frees space on the upper surface. In the case of devices with built-in displays, this makes the use of larger displays possible.

The space on the upper surface of the device, for example at point (3) in Figure 2, could be also used to site a pointing device such as a trackpad, trackball or joystick, resulting in keyboard and mouse functionality in one device.

The invention is operated with the thumbs upwards, in a "shaking hands" position, rather than the thumbs-inwards position used for "Qwerty" keyboards. This may provide relief for sufferers of Repetitive Strain Injury, It can be operated with the hands sitting comfortably in the lap. This offers a further advantage for those suffering from posture-related typing discomfort, particularly in the case where the input device is used with an external display unit, as in Figure 6. It also makes the device comfortable to use in cramped conditions, such as when travelling on a train or aeroplane. It is ideal for use away from a desk, such as when interacting with a home entertainment system from a sofa.

As the invention can be used for standalone devices, or as a means of inputting data into external devices, it makes possible a unified mode of input for mobile and desktop devices Furthermore, a mobile device which implements the invention, such as a mobile telephone, could also be designed to connect wirelessly or via a wired connection to a desktop computer or other external computing device, allowing it to also function as an input device for that external device.

The input device could also accommodate a computing unit itself, and thus function as a self-contained computer, with the further possibility of connecting to an external display device via a wired or wireless connection.

Because of the use of the 3 column key array in the present invention, a mobile telephone with a similar key layout, using a currently standard input system such as the one described above, where each numbered key also represents a group of alphabetic characters, could be adapted to use the chord-based input system described in the present invention, simply by turning it over, so that the input keys are on the underside of the device, and adopting the method of data input presently described. In such a case the mobile phone would ideally have display devices both on the upper surface and on the underside of the device, for example at point (1) in Figure 1, allowing for visual feedback when using either of these alternative modes of input.

The orientation of the device could be detected automatically by the use of a built-in accelerometer, which would send a signal to the microprocessor, triggering the use of the appropriate method of input.

Alternatively, if the mobile telephone was being used as an input device for an external device, for example a laptop computer via a wireless connection, there would be no requirement to have dual display devices on the mobile telephone, as visual feedback would be provided by the laptop computer's monitor screen. Thus, an otherwise standard mobile telephone could be adapted to take advantage of the present invention, allowing it to function additionally as an input device for an external computing device.

Claims

Claims 1. A hand-held data input device comprising: a manually operable input keyboard situated on the underside of the device as it is held in the hands for operation, wherein the keyboard has an array of input keys in a three or four column layout, so as to be operated by the fingers of each of the operator's hands while the device is held in the hands, supported by the fingers, with the thumbs on top of the device; and electronic components including a microprocessor interconnected and programmed so as to receive from the keyboard signals corresponding to alphanumeric characters and instructions for processing the characters, editing the character signals, and feeding signals to another microprocessor or display device for further processing or display of characters.
2. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard has an array of input keys and the microprocessor is programmed to respond to signals produced by operation of any one key or a combination of the keys to generate a coded signal representing a particular alphanumeric character or processing instruction.
3. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein additional keys are provided on the upper surface or sides of the device for operation by the thumbs.
4. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a key or keys are provided which allow for the moderation of the functions of the other input keys.
5. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a display device giving visual feedback related to the operation of the input keys is situated on the opposite side of the device to that on which the main array of input keys is situated.
6. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein alternative modes of input may be adopted according to the orientation of the device.
7. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 6, wherein display devices are situated on both the upper surface and underside of the device to give visual feedback related to the operation of the input keys when using alternative modes of input.
8. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the orientation of the device is detected by instrumentation built into the device, such as an accelerometer, and the mode of input is adjusted accordingly.
9. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is used as a means to input data into an external computer or other electronic device via a wired or wireless connection.
10. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device provides additional computing capability, allowing the device to be used as a standalone computing device, which may or may not feature the option to connect to an external visual display unit via a wired or wireless connection.
11. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more pointing devices are situated on the upper surface of the device, for the control of a display pointer on the device, or on an external computing device via a wired or wireless connection.Claims 1. A hand-held data input device capable of receiving user input via physical contact, said input device comprising: -a manually operable input keyboard situated on the underside of the device as it is held in the hands for operation, wherein the keyboard has an array of input keys for sensing at least pressure, in a three or four column layout, so as to be operated by the fingers of each of the operator1s hands while the device is held in the hands, supported by the fingers, with the thumbs on top of the device, and; -electronic components including a processor connected so as to receive sensation information from the said keyboard, corresponding to alphanumeric characters and instructions for processing the characters, editing the character signals, and feeding signals to another processor or display device for further processing or display of characters, and characterised by; -the use of input key combinations or 4'chords" to input alphanumeric and punctuation characters, wherein there is a graphical correspondence between the shapes of alphanumeric (.0 and punctuation characters as depicted by the alignment of the constituent strokes of said C characters in relation to the points making up a three or four column and three or four row o grid, and the positions of input keys in the said three or four column layout, selected in input key combinations which correspond to said alphanumeric and punctuation characters.2. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard has an array of input keys and the processor is programmed to respond to signals produced by operation of any one key or a combination of the keys to generate a coded signal representing a particular alphanumeric character, punctuation character or processing instruction.3. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein additional keys are provided on the upper surface or sides of the device for operation by the thumbs.4. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a key or keys are provided which allow for the moderation of the functions of the other input keys.5. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a display device giving visual feedback related to the operation of the input keys is situated on the opposite side of the device to that on which the main array of input keys is situated.6. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein alternative modes of input may be adopted according to the orientation of the device.7. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 6, wherein display devices are situated on both the upper surface and underside of the device to give visual feedback related to the operation of the input keys when using alternative modes of input.8. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the orientation of the device is detected by instrumentation built into the device, such as an accelerometer, and the mode of input is adjusted accordingly.9. A hand-held data input device as daimed in claim 1, wherein the device is used as a means to input data into an external computer or other electronic device via a wired or wireless connection.10. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device provides additional computing capability, allowing the device to be used as a standalone computing device, which may or may not feature the option to connect to an external visual display unit via a wired or 0 wireless connection.11. A hand-held data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more pointing devices (.0 are situated on the upper surface of the device, for the control of a display pointer on the C device, or on an external computing device via a wired or wireless connection. 0')