JP2019139599A - Keyboard with switching function and notebook type computer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a keyboard which can comfortably be used by both even a thumb shift keyboard user and even a non-thumb shift keyboard user.SOLUTION: In a keyboard 10 for a computer having a first space key 11 and a second space key 12, the first space key is located at a position where one of the left and right thumbs operates the space key and the second space key is located at a position where the other of the left and right thumbs operates the space key, the first space key is adjacent to the second space key, and the entire part including the first space key and the second space key is formed in a horizontally long shape whose width is longer than two times the width of a normal character key. In a first setting mode, both the first space key and the second space key function as a space key, and in a second setting mode, the first space key functions as a first key, and the second space key functions as a second key that is not the first key, and the first setting mode and the second setting mode can be switched by hardware setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a keyboard for a computer, and more particularly, to a keyboard that can be used comfortably in both a thumb shift and a non-thumb shift, and a notebook computer equipped with such a keyboard.

  Most computer keyboards used for character input are arranged in a generally rectangular area, and are placed in a position that can be operated with the letter keys including all 26 letters and the left and right thumbs. And a space key (space bar) having a width exceeding twice the width of a general character key. Such a keyboard is called a “wide space keyboard”. A typical user often desires a wide space keyboard so that the space key can be easily activated, in particular, so that the space key can be activated with both the left and right thumbs.

  On the other hand, there is a thumb shift method for character input. For example, the NICOLA method standardized by the Japanese Input Consortium based on the technology developed by Fujitsu Limited, the NICOLA stuttering expansion method developed by Life Lab Co., Ltd. There is a thumb shift for Chinese. As a keyboard for thumb shift, there is a USB light touch keyboard (trademark) with thumb shift notation sold by Life Lab.

  In the thumb shift system, separate keys that function as the left thumb key and the right thumb key are required at positions in the keyboard that are operated by the left and right thumbs of the user. If there is such a separate key, by using appropriate software (sometimes called an “emulator”) such as “DvorakJ thumb shift installer” described in Non-Patent Document 1, it is possible to Character input can be realized. That is, it is determined whether the left thumb key and the right thumb key are pressed almost simultaneously (or in front of the character key). As a result, three (example) codes can be assigned to one character key.

Japanese Patent No. 5054244 USB light touch keyboard with thumb shift notation Internet

  However, in the wide space keyboard as described above, there is one wide space key at the position to be operated with the left and right thumbs, so two separate keys that function as the left thumb key and the right thumb key are arranged at that position. Difficult to do. Also, if the space key is placed at a position where it is difficult to operate with the right thumb so that the thumb shift can be performed easily, it is difficult for non-thumb users to operate the space key with both the left and right thumbs. It becomes a difficult keyboard to use.

  Also, in the case of a wide space keyboard, the space key has a width that exceeds twice the width of the character key, so when pressing the space key, the required force is greater than the character key, and the space key There is a problem that a mechanism for avoiding the tilting in any direction is necessary, or the user feels uncomfortable.

  Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard and a notebook computer that can be used comfortably with both thumb shift and non-thumb shift.

  This invention has the structure described in the claim.

It is the top view which looked at the keyboard which concerns on this invention from the top. It is the top view which showed some forms of the allocation of the function in the space key area | region of the keyboard which concerns on this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the notebook type computer provided with the keyboard concerning the present invention from the top.

  The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, a keyboard 10 is a space key area and controller of a USB light touch keyboard (trademark) with thumb shift notation that is functionally a OADG compliant keyboard commonly used in Japan and sold by Life Lab. 18. A switch 19 is modified. A thumb shift notation based on the NICOLA standard is provided on the key top of the character key 15. The controller 18 outputs a predetermined code to the computer when the key is operated.

  The keyboard 10 for a computer is arranged in such a manner that the entire keys are aligned and integrated in a substantially square shape, and include a character key 15, a first space key 11, a second space key 12, an enter key, a back space key, A controller 18 and a slide switch 19 are included. Since the entire key is arranged side by side in a substantially quadrangular shape, the occupied area is reduced, and stable character input is possible without moving unnecessarily as compared with the case where the keys are divided. This is particularly important for a thumb shift keyboard.

  There are eight or more character keys 15. Thereby, the number of fingers other than the thumb can be used effectively. Preferably, there are 26 or more character keys 15. Thus, the character keys 15 can be provided with character keys corresponding to all alphabets. In the example of FIG. 1, there are 43 character keys 15. In StenoWord SW-1, which is a keyboard used by the stenocaptioner, there are ten character keys 15 arranged in a horizontal row, and the present invention is also applicable to such a keyboard.

  When inputting characters, the user usually places a finger other than the thumb on the A, S, D, F, J, K, L,; keys (home position), and puts the left thumb on the first space key 11. The top or the periphery and the thumb of the right hand are placed on or around the second space key 12. That is, in the home position, the left thumb is naturally placed on or around the first space key 11, and the right thumb is naturally placed on or around the second space key 12.

  This keyboard switches between a wide space mode (first setting mode) and a thumb shift mode (second setting mode) in which characters can be input at intervals close to the wide space keyboard (in this case, switch 19). Can be switched using. Thus, even a user who desires a wide space keyboard and a user who desires a keyboard for thumb shift can easily input characters. Also, by having a switching means for switching between these modes, it is possible to easily switch even when a plurality of people use the same keyboard.

  Specifically, a user who desires a wide space keyboard is used in the first setting mode, and a user who desires a keyboard for thumb shift is used in the second setting mode. In the first setting mode, the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 can be used like a wide space key. In the second setting mode, the thumb shift input can be performed using the thumb shift key at a position suitable for the thumb shift. Normally, the user does not change these setting modes unless the input method is changed.

  The first space key 11 and the second space key 12 are adjacent to each other and do not move with respect to each other in a plane perpendicular to the operation direction (for example, the pressing direction). The entire two space keys 12 form a horizontally long shape having a width exceeding twice the width of the normal character key 15, preferably a width exceeding three times. The “width exceeding twice” means that the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 are combined and the width of the character key 15 is up to twice the width of the general character key 15. The average width of the space key 11 and the second space key 12 is less than one times the width of the character key 15, making it difficult to use as a thumb shift key and difficult to use as a space key. is there. If the width is more than three times, it is easy to operate the space key (first space key 11 or second space key 12) with either the left thumb or the right thumb. Further, the “laterally long shape” means a shape that is long in the left-right direction, and is preferably substantially quadrangular in order to save space.

  In the first setting mode, both the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 function as space keys. Thus, in the first setting mode, the space key can be operated with either the left thumb or the right thumb, and characters can be input with a feeling similar to a wide space keyboard.

  In addition, since each of the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 is narrower than the entire space key, the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 are more depressed than when using a single space key having the entire width. The amount of mass to move is reduced, and the space key is difficult to tilt. If the “amount of mass to be moved” is large, the operation mechanism and the operation of the user are burdened. Using a different expression for "Space key is hard to tilt", press the place near the end of the space key if the space key is long enough to operate the left or right thumb. The space key tends to tilt. In order to avoid this, the rigidity of the space key may be increased or the spring mechanism may be strengthened. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the space key can be operated with either the left thumb or the right thumb, but when pressed, the “amount of mass to move” becomes small, and the space key does not tilt easily. Become.

  Each of the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 is in a position to be operated by the left and right thumbs. For example, the first space key 11 is in a position to be operated with the left thumb and the second space key 12 is operated with the right thumb. In the second setting mode, the first space key 11 functions as a first key, and the second space key 12 functions as a second key that is not the first key. For example, the first space key 11 functions as a space key, and the second space key 12 functions as a “conversion” key. In this case, the controller 18 outputs a space key code when the first space key 11 is operated, and a conversion key code when the second space key 12 is operated.

  Switching will be described with reference to FIG. In the first setting mode, as shown in (1), the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 function as space keys (keys that output a virtual key code VK_SPACE (0x20) on a PC) (key codes). Is output to the OS). This allows non-thumb shift users to use long space keys. In (2A) to (2D), the function of each key in the second setting mode is shown.

  In the form (2A), the first space key 11 functions as a space key, and the second space key 12 functions as a conversion key (a key that outputs a virtual key code VK_CONVERT (0x1C)). The key 13 can function as a conversion key or a space key.

  In the form (2B), the second space key 12 functions as a space key while the first space key 11 functions as a non-conversion key (a key that outputs a virtual key code VK_NONCONVERT (0x1D)). The key 9 can function as an unconverted key or function as a space key.

  In the form (2C), the first space key 11 functions as a non-conversion key and the second space key 12 functions as a conversion key. As a result, it is possible to press a non-conversion key and a conversion key that are frequently used in character conversion and confirmation operations with the minimum amount of thumb movement. The key 9 can function as a space key.

  In the form (2D), the first space key 11 used as the left thumb key is the F21 key (a key that outputs a virtual key code VK_F21 (0x84)), and the second space key 12 used as the right thumb key is the F22 key ( The key 9 and the key 13 are made to function as a non-conversion key and a conversion key as they are, respectively, as a virtual key code VK_F22 (0x85). This reduces the simultaneous keying determination error. For example, even if the conversion key is pressed immediately after the character key is pressed, it becomes clear that the conversion is intended instead of the thumb key.

  As described above, the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 operate as separate keys, thereby creating an installer at Life Lab Co., Ltd. “DvorakJ Thumb Shift Installer (http: // eee-life By using software that performs thumb shift emulation such as “.com / kb / doj)”, thumb shift input is possible. If the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 operate as the same key, the thumb shift input for identifying the left and right thumb shift keys as separate keys cannot be performed. The first space key 11 and the second space key 12 may be reversed left and right.

  Alternatively, thumb shift emulation can be performed by control means such as controller 18. In this case, the switching means such as the switch 19 switches whether to perform thumb shift emulation in addition to the operation of the space keys 11 and 12. The code output from the controller 18 is the code after the thumb shift emulation. As a result, it is not necessary to perform thumb shift emulation on the computer or circuit board of the output destination, and the computer can have the same configuration as the case where the thumb shift is not performed. A specific operation can be performed when the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 are pressed simultaneously. For example, Japanese input is on.

  The input by “thumb shift” is to input a code by using substantially simultaneous pressing, sequential pressing, pre-pressing, or post-pressing of the two thumb shift keys and the character key 15 operated by the two left and right thumbs. It is a method to do. For example, thumb shift based on NICOLA standard. Note that the present invention can also be applied to an input method in which character keys are simultaneously pressed, such as the NICOLA stuttering expansion method and speed word processor.

  The user can switch between the first setting mode and the second setting mode. This is performed by the switch 19 provided on the keyboard, by the switch 29 provided on the notebook computer, by operating a predetermined key or a plurality of keys, or by hardware such as a notebook computer. In the hardware settings. This “hardware setting” is not a setting in the basic software (OS) stored in a mass storage device such as Windows 10 in a notebook computer, but a setting specific to the notebook computer (example: BIOS setting).

  It is preferable that the key top (upper surface) of the character key 15 of the keyboard has a code output during non-thumb shift and a code output during thumb shift. For example, in a keyboard based on the NICOLA standard, the L key is a code that is output when the non-thumb shift is performed in addition to the letter L, and is a code that is output when the left thumb is shifted. "Po" and "yo", which is a code output when the right thumb shifts. As a result, it is possible to realize a key top notation that makes it easy for a thumb shift user to input while realizing a key top notation sufficiently satisfied by a user who desires a wide space keyboard using a Roman character input method or the like. . Further, the display of the character key 15 can be made variable, and the display can be changed when the space keys 11 and 12 are switched. This is preferably realized by an electronic ink method. This is because daily power consumption is zero or slight. Also, a function change space key that operates as another key in the second setting mode of the first space key 11 and the second space key 12 (for example, the second space key 12 that operates as a “conversion” key). ) Key top or a part thereof, and a key top or a part thereof to be changed (for example, the “conversion” key 14) having the function of the function change space key in the first setting mode. can do. This makes it possible to make the key notation consistent with the function in both the first setting mode and the second setting mode.

  The first space key 11 and the second space key 12 are adjacent and preferably have no material visible to the user between the entire height of the key, more preferably a left-right gap at the top of the key. Is less than 1 mm. More preferably, they are the same color. This allows a user who desires a wide space keyboard to use without worrying about thumb shifts, and less wonders when selling.

  Some computers have an integrated keyboard and circuit board. Such a computer is called a “notebook type computer”. The term “integrated” here means that the keyboard and the circuit board are associated with each other, and includes cases where the keyboard and the circuit board are combined or rotated with respect to each other by a hinge mechanism or the like. In such a notebook computer, the keyboard unit is fixed to the main body.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a notebook computer 100 including the keyboard 20 and the screen 27 according to the present invention as seen from above. The keyboard 20 and the circuit board 26 are integrated and cannot move relative to each other. The keyboard 20 is fixed to the upper side of the housing 25, and the circuit board 26 is fixed in the housing 25. Therefore, the keyboard 20 and the circuit board 26 are fixed with respect to the housing 25 and cannot move with respect to each other. A central processing unit (not shown) and a controller 28 are mounted on the circuit board 26.

  The keyboard 20 has a key arrangement similar to that of the keyboard of FIG. In FIG. 3, drawing other than the first space key 21 and the second space key 22 is omitted for simplification. A pointer operation device is arranged in front of the keyboard 20.

  In a computer such as the notebook computer 100, it is preferable that the first setting mode and the second setting mode can be switched by a hardware setting rather than a setting in the basic software (operation system: OS). As a result, the basic software side can be configured not to depend on the setting of the first setting mode and the second setting mode. For users who desire a wide space keyboard, the thumb shift setting can be performed on the basic software. It becomes unnecessary to be conscious of.

  In the notebook computer 100, since the keyboard 20 is fixedly mounted on the housing 25, the user cannot easily change the keyboard 20 to a keyboard other than a genuine part of the manufacturer. Thumb shift users are less troubled if they can easily change the keyboard to their own keyboard, but if they are limited to the manufacturer's genuine keyboard, they often have to give up the thumb shift input itself. . If the manufacturer uses the keyboard 20 according to the present invention as a standard part, even a user who desires a wide space keyboard or a user who desires a keyboard for thumb shift can perform satisfactory character input. it can.

  Although the example using the first space key and the second space key as the thumb shift key in the keyboard according to the present invention has been described, it can also be used for other purposes. For example, one of the first space key and the second space key can be assigned to the back space key (reverse key) or the enter key. This is because it is easier for the user who frequently uses these keys to press down with the thumb than with the little finger of the right hand.

  In the description of the present invention, the term “press” of “key” is used, but this should be interpreted as a term applied to a keyboard such as a touch keyboard or a virtual air keyboard.

  Although several embodiments of the invention having specific features have been described, these features can also be combined with each other, the description of which is hereby incorporated herein.

10, 20 Keyboard 11, 21 First space key 12, 22 Second space key 18, 28 Controller 19, 29 Switch 25 Case 26 Circuit board 27 Screen 100 Notebook computer

Claims (5)

A keyboard for a computer, wherein the entire key is arranged integrally in a square, and has eight or more character keys, a first space key, and a second space key,
The first space key is in a position to be operated with one of the left and right thumbs, and the second space key is in a position to be operated with the other of the left and right thumbs,
The first space key and the second space key are adjacent to each other, and the first space key and the second space key have a horizontally long shape having a width exceeding twice the width of a normal character key. Formed,
In the first setting mode, both the first space key and the second space key function as space keys,
In the second setting mode, the first space key functions as a first key, the second space key functions as a second key that is not the first key,
A keyboard characterized in that the first setting mode and the second setting mode can be switched by hardware setting. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein there is no material visible to the user throughout the height of the key between the first space key and the second space key. The keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the character key includes a code output at a non-thumb shift and a code output at the thumb shift. Of the first space key and the second space key, the key top or a part of the function change space key operated as another key in the second setting mode and the function of the function change space key The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a key top or a part of a key to be changed in the setting mode can be exchanged. A notebook computer having the keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a screen, a circuit board, and a housing,
The keyboard and the housing are integrated,
A notebook computer characterized in that the first setting mode and the second setting mode can be switched by hardware settings of the notebook computer.

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