JP2014157590A - Keyboard having half or less keys than ordinary qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters or symbols to one key - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mini keyboard excellent in space-saving property by reducing the number of keys to about a half of an ordinary qwerty key arrangement keyboard (in which at least 26 keys are required since each of 26 characters is assigned to one key).SOLUTION: Two or more characters or symbols assigned to one key are discriminatingly used by a single touch and a double touch same as a single click and a double click of a personal computer mouse. The number of keys is cut in half or less of an ordinary qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters or symbols to one key.

Description

  The present invention relates to a keyboard used when performing a character input operation using a terminal device such as a personal computer. The number of keys required by assigning two or more characters to one key is set to a general qwerty layout keyboard ( Since one key is assigned to each of the 26 letters of the alphabet, this alone requires 26 keys), reducing the number to about half (26 letters of the alphabet can be displayed with 13 keys), thereby saving A mini keyboard with excellent space is realized.

Proposals for such keyboards have been made for some time.
That is, the proposal of the keyboard which adopted the character arrangement and the input method in pursuit of rationality has been made repeatedly.

  JP 2009-230734 A

However, none of these newly proposed keyboards have become widespread.
The reason is that (1) no matter how rational the character arrangement is, it is very resistant to change to a new and unfamiliar one. (2) Similarly, a completely new input method is reasonable. However, it is difficult to disseminate existing input methods.

  In addition, even with a qwerty keyboard that has become a global standard style, considerable training is required to be able to use it freely, and this is considered to be the main reason for the difficulty of operating the PC. .

  The present invention is intended to solve such problems of the existing technology.

  The present invention has been obtained as a result of repeated examination and research in view of the above-described problems. By assigning two alphabetic characters to one key, the number of characters for character input is substantially halved. In addition, the use of the same keyboard is realized by the single-touch and double-touch operation methods similar to the single-click and double-click operations of the mouse. The mini-keyboard, which is about half the size and is easy to use while being excellent in space saving, is specifically as follows.

(1) Two or more characters and symbols assigned to one key are set to be used separately for single touch and double touch, similar to single click and double click of a PC mouse. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half that of a normal qwerty keyboard by assigning more characters and symbols.

(2) The size of the keyboard body is limited to a range in which main key operations can be performed with one thumb when grasped with one hand. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half that of a normal qwerty keyboard by assigning more characters and symbols.

(3) The keyboard body size is in the range of 10 to 15 cm in length, 7 to 10 cm in width, and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in thickness. Preferably, the range is 12.3 to 13.5 cm in length, 5.8 to 6.3 cm in width, and 0.7 to 0.9 cm in thickness. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols to one key described in 2).

(4) One key according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the size of one key is 0.25 square cm to 4.0 square cm A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols.

(5) One key as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the characters assigned to each key are alphabetic characters, and two characters A to Z are arranged in order. A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols to the keyboard.

(6) One of the above-mentioned items (1) to (5), wherein a triple touch or a long press is allowed in addition to a double touch, and 3 to 4 characters are assigned to one key. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols to the keys.

(7) A key for inputting an emoticon or a pictogram is also arranged, and two or more characters and symbols are provided on one key according to any one of the above items (1) to (6) A keyboard whose number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty-type keyboard.

(8) One key as described in any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the key functions in conjunction with a program installed in a terminal device such as a personal computer to which a keyboard is connected. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols.

(9) One key according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein at least a part of the function assigned to the key is displayed on the monitor and can be used. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols.

(10) Two or more keys are provided on one key according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein functions of a numeric keyboard mainly used for inputting numbers are arranged side by side. A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty keyboard by assigning characters and symbols.

(11) Assigning two or more characters and symbols to one key as described in any one of (1) to (10) above, which has the function of a mouse used for personal computer operation Therefore, the number of keys is less than half of the usual qwerty type keyboard.

(A) Two or more characters or symbols assigned to one key are set to be used separately for single touch and double touch similar to single click and double click of PC mouse. Can be input freely using a method that anyone can use. Mouse operation is the most basic and is used by all computer users. Even if this is applied to the character input operation, the user can easily use it without feeling any particular inconvenience.
Further, by assigning two characters per key, half the number of keys for inputting characters, etc., and ensuring a size that is easy to operate, while still allowing the entire keyboard to be designed compactly.

(B) When the size of the keyboard body is limited to a range where main key operations can be performed with one thumb when gripping with one hand, input operation can be performed as it is even if it is held with any one hand. It can be done freely. Due to the widespread use of portable terminals, it is required that the portable terminal can be used in a state where it is held by one hand. Therefore, it is highly valuable to limit the size to realize this.

(C) The size of the keyboard body is 10-15 cm in length, 5-10 cm in width, and 0.5-2 cm in thickness, preferably 12.3 to 13.5 cm in length, 5.8 to 6.3 cm in width, thickness When the height is in the range of 0.7 to 0.9 cm, a mini-keyboard that can be operated in a single-handed state as described above is realized. Also, this size can be used as a compact space-saving keyboard when placed on a desk. It is effective to limit the size to a predetermined size for the purpose of use.

(D) Since the size of one key is set to 0.25 square cm to 4.0 square cm, a keyboard that is easy to use as an input key is realized. That is, if the key size is reduced to make a mini keyboard, the operability is significantly hindered. In order to satisfy the above-mentioned size condition as a mini keyboard, it is necessary to limit each key size in this way, although it is a size that is easy to press with a fingertip.

(E) Characters assigned to each key are alphabetic characters, and by arranging two characters A to Z in order, it is possible to present the character arrangement as known to everyone. This is an array that can be understood by almost all people in the world, including English-speaking countries, without hesitation.

(F) It is possible to realize a keyboard with a further reduced number of keys by permitting triple touch and long press in addition to double touch and assigning 3 to 4 characters to one key.

(G) By arranging keys for inputting emoticons and pictograms, a new way of using a keyboard is realized. It is also possible to assign a frequently used emoticon or pictograph to a specific key and perform a free input operation.

(H) A simple implementation can be realized by demonstrating the function in conjunction with a program installed in a terminal device such as a personal computer to which a keyboard is connected. In other words, such an operation process is usually implemented in a keyboard circuit, but may be realized by installing a program in the personal computer body, so that product development can be performed more freely.

(I) Since at least a part of the functions assigned to the keys can be displayed on the monitor and used, it is possible to display on the PC monitor the functions related to functions that cannot be displayed on the key top of the keyboard. Can be easily communicated. It is possible to eliminate the disadvantage of the keyboard as hardware that cannot arbitrarily change the display of the key top.

(J) Since the numeric keyboard functions mainly used for inputting numbers are present in parallel, for example, numbers can be freely input by switching modes. It can be the same as the familiar ten-keyboard operation, so it does not give the user a sense of incongruity.

(K) By having the function of a mouse used for personal computer operation, for example, it is possible to propose a new integrated input device that integrates a mouse and keyboard, which are input devices of a desktop personal computer, as a compact and space-saving device.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of one aspect of the mini keyboard of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the proper use of two characters for one key employed in the mini keyboard of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment in which the mini keyboard of the present invention is adopted in a general desktop personal computer.

Specific embodiments of the present invention as described above will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.
As shown in FIG. 1, an example of the basic arrangement of the mini keyboard 1 of the present invention can be realized by using an existing ten keyboard. That is, in FIG. 1, it is the same as that of a general numeric keyboard except that 26 characters A to Z are assigned to one key by two characters.

  Here, the proper use of the two characters assigned to one key will be described. FIG. 2 shows one key 1a to which two characters A and B are assigned. When inputting the letter A, this key may be touched once. When inputting B, the same key is quickly touched twice. This is similar to the use of single-click and double-click on a PC-operated mouse. In the present invention, this proper use is called single touch and double touch.

By adopting such a method, a one-key two-character input operation that anyone can easily understand and use is realized.
Further, the two characters assigned to one key are not limited to the alphabets arranged in order, and can be combined in various ways according to the purpose. Furthermore, symbols and codes may be assigned in combination.

The mini keyboard 1 of the present invention can be freely used by each user. For example, the size is limited to a certain range so that input with one index finger with one hand, input with a combination of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, etc., input with one thumb while holding one hand, and the like are possible.
In other words, by restricting the overall size to the vertical, horizontal, and thickness sizes as described above, such a one-handed operation can be performed naturally without difficulty. By using this size, the same usability as using a smartphone or mobile phone with one hand is realized.

  In addition to the function as a character input keyboard, it is also possible to have a function as a pointing device 2 such as a mouse operation. The function as the pointing device 2 is realized by appropriately combining a method of integrating the mouse and the mini keyboard of the present invention, a method using the touch sensor 2a, a method using a trackball, and other known methods. be able to.

  By doing so, a pointing device 2 such as a mouse is co-located with a keyboard 1 connected to a desktop personal computer 3 or the like to form a new input device 1b, and this is also connected to a monitor 4 to achieve a system with excellent space saving. FIG. 3 shows this.

The mini keyboard 1 of the present invention, which also functions as a pointing device, can realize a desktop environment that is far more space efficient than the surroundings of a conventional personal computer. become.
Further, even when a user who has a disability in one hand for some reason needs to operate the personal computer in that state, the mini keyboard 1 of the present invention can work very effectively.

The mini keyboard prototype of the present invention employing the character arrangement shown in FIG. 1 was created and various documents were created.
As input methods, we verified the input of one thumb with the mini keyboard held and held, the input of one index finger with the mini keyboard placed on the desk, and the input using the middle finger and ring finger together.
The position of the character is initially searched while visually confirming, but since the alphabet is only arranged in order, there is little difficulty in finding the necessary character. In addition, since the position is naturally remembered as a physical memory from frequently used characters, it has been confirmed that the visual confirmation work is gradually reduced and that a blind touch can be performed if used.
It is felt that the speed of character input increases as you get used to it, and when you input Japanese with Romaji conversion, you can use a thumb input or one forefinger for 2-3 characters per second, with blind touch using multiple fingers I realized that I could input at a higher speed.

Actually, this specification is also created using the mini keyboard prototype of the present invention, but it has been found that satisfactory typing is possible even when inputting such a long sentence.
Above all, it is easy to use the keyboard of the present invention because the combination of the two characters assigned to one key is the same as a well-known mouse operation, and the character arrangement is not unique but in a simple alphabetical order. It was understood that it was a deciding factor.

  By using the mini keyboard of the present invention as described above, even if typing can be done with only one hand for some reason, character input comparable to the existing qwerty keyboard does not acquire special knowledge and skills. It is understood that it will be easy to do, and as a result, the difficulty of conventional keyboard typing felt by novice PC users will be solved, and to realize a terminal device that can be used more easily than before It can be understood that the invention has high industrial applicability as one that stimulates a large demand. Further, it is understood that a more convenient device can be realized by adopting a configuration that can be integrated with an appropriate storage medium. Furthermore, if the configuration can also be used as a power supply function, it is certain that it can be a proposal for an external input device that greatly solves the problems of current IT terminal equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mini keyboard of this invention 1a 1 key 1b Keyboard which used pointing device 2 Pointing device 2a Touch sensor 3 Desktop personal computer body 4 Monitor

Claims (11)

  Two or more characters and symbols assigned to one key are set to be used separately for single touch and double touch, similar to single-click and double-click on a PC mouse. A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty keyboard by assigning characters and symbols.   2. The key according to claim 1, wherein the size of the keyboard body is limited to a range in which main key operation is possible with one thumb when grasped with one hand. A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning symbols.   The size of the keyboard body is 10 to 15 cm in length, 5 to 10 cm in width, and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in thickness, preferably 12.3 to 13.5 cm in length, 5.8 to 6.3 cm in width, and thickness 2. A keyboard having a key number of less than half of a normal qwerty type by assigning two or more characters and symbols to one key, wherein the number of keys is within a range of 0.7 to 0.9 cm. A keyboard in which the number of keys is less than half of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning two or more characters and symbols to one key according to claim 2.   The size of one key is 0.25 square centimeters to 4.0 square centimeters, two or more characters in one key according to any one of claims 1 to 3 A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning symbols.   The character assigned to each key is an alphabet, and two characters are arranged in order from A to Z. 5 or more in one key according to any one of claims 1 to 4 A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty keyboard by assigning characters and symbols.   6. Three or more characters are assigned to one key by allowing triple touch or long press in addition to double touch, and assigning two or more to one key according to any one of claims 1 to 5 A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty keyboard by assigning characters and symbols.   A key for inputting an emoticon or a pictogram is also arranged. A key by assigning two or more characters or symbols to one key according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A keyboard whose number is less than half of the usual qwerty type keyboard.   The two or more characters in one key according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the key functions in conjunction with a program installed in a terminal device such as a personal computer to which a keyboard is connected. A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning symbols.   9. At least a part of the functions assigned to the keys can be displayed on the monitor and used so that two or more characters can be used for one key according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A keyboard with less than half the number of keys of a normal qwerty type keyboard by assigning symbols.   10. Two or more characters and symbols are assigned to one key according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein functions of a numeric keyboard mainly used for inputting numbers are arranged side by side. Therefore, the number of keys is less than half of the usual qwerty type keyboard.   The number of keys can be obtained by assigning two or more characters or symbols to one key according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which also has a function of a mouse used for personal computer operation. Keyboard that is less than half of normal qwerty type keyboard.

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