JP4256604B2 - Keyboard for touch typing - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a keyboard used for inputting data to a computer, and more particularly to improving the input accuracy.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The touch typing is generally performed by the following method using a keyboard as shown in FIG.
[0003]
First, the input operator places each finger at the home position (indicated by the hatched portion in FIG. 7) of the keyboard 2, and presses the input key from the home position with each finger assigned in advance. The assignment of input keys to each finger is indicated by groups L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 in FIG.
[0004]
That is, the input operator basically moves each finger in the oblique direction Z (indicating the direction of deviation from the corresponding key in the upper row) when pressing each key by touch typing. However, the index finger (to which the keys of the groups L4 and R4 shown in FIG. 7 are assigned) may be moved in the row direction X and the column direction Y in some cases.
[0005]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-66732 (first prior art) discloses a key provided with a partition on the upper surface of the key for the purpose of accurately performing the touch typing.
[0006]
FIG. 8 shows the outer shape of the key disclosed in the first prior art (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-66732). In this publication, as shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 8A, a key Z provided with a partition Z is disclosed. The partition Z provided on the upper surface of the key prevents the finger from moving in the row direction X (lateral direction) in touch typing, thereby preventing erroneous input. This publication also discloses a device in which a partition Z is provided in the gap between adjacent keys instead of on the upper surface of the key. The purpose and function and effect of the above publication are as described above in which the partition Z is provided on the upper surface of the input key. Same as the case.
[0007]
In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-37918 (second prior art), a specific shape is given to the upper surface of a specific key, and the shape is judged by the sense of touch of the fingertip, thereby preventing erroneous input. Is described.
[0008]
FIG. 9 shows the outer shape of the input key disclosed in the second prior art (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-37918). As described above, the four keys on the keyboard are provided with the raised portions S1 to S4 at any one of the four corners on the upper surface of the key. The input operator can determine where the raised portion is on the upper surface of the key by the touch of the fingertip, and can accurately recognize the specific key.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the first prior art, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the ridges Z are provided on the entire sides constituting the square on the upper surface of the key. In this case, when the keyboard 2 shown in FIG. 7 is used, erroneous input between keys adjacent in the row direction X (lateral direction) can be prevented, but smooth finger movement cannot be obtained.
[0010]
For example, when the key having the partition Z shown in FIG. 8A (c) is arranged so as to be shifted from the upper row as shown in FIG. 8D, the key K2 is to be pressed from the position of the key K1. In addition, the finger is supported by the partition Z1. For this reason, with the first prior art keyboard, smooth finger movement cannot be performed in touch typing, and input accuracy cannot be improved.
[0011]
The second prior art shown in FIG. 9 can be applied when the number of keys is small, but it becomes difficult to apply when there are more keys than this. This is because the second prior art is to identify the unique shape formed on the upper surface of the key by the sense of the fingertip and determine the distinction of each key. That is, the second prior art does not consider the movement of the finger in touch typing at all.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
(1) The keyboard in this invention is
A keyboard having a plurality of input keys arranged in rows and columns,
In each row, the input keys are arranged on a substantially straight line in the row direction.
The input key is a keyboard assigned in advance to each finger of the data input person,
A raised portion is provided on the upper surface of the input key,
The raised portion is provided at a position that limits the movement range of each finger and can smoothly move straight between a plurality of input keys to which each finger is assigned;
It is characterized by.
[0013]
Therefore, it is possible to limit the movement range of the finger and smoothly move the touch when typing. This improves the touch typing accuracy.
[0014]
(2) The keyboard in this invention is
The upper surface of each input key assigned to the middle finger and the ring finger is characterized in that a guide ridge is provided at a position opposite to the straight line along the moving direction of the middle finger and the ring finger.
[0015]
Therefore, for the middle finger and the ring finger, it is possible to guide the finger in a linear movement direction to the input key to be pressed in the touch typing. This improves the touch typing accuracy.
[0016]
(3) The keyboard in this invention is
The input keys have an outer shape of a parallelogram, and are arranged in a matrix in a direction parallel to two adjacent sides of the parallelogram.
[0017]
Therefore, the input keys can be arranged and arranged while maintaining compatibility with the conventional keyboard. Thereby, even a learner of touch typing using a conventional keyboard can use it without a sense of incongruity.
[0018]
(4) The keyboard in this invention is
A keyboard in which a plurality of input keys are arranged in rows and columns,
In each row, the input keys are arranged on a substantially straight line in the row direction.
An end key on the first end side of the target row is an end portion opposite to the first end side with respect to the end key on the first end side of the upper row of the target row. A keyboard in which all keys of the row of interest are displaced in the column direction with respect to the corresponding keys of the upper row,
A groove is formed on the upper surface of each input key along a straight line connecting substantially the center of the upper surface of the input key corresponding to each of the target row and the upper row,
It is characterized by.
[0019]
Therefore, by forming such a groove, it is possible to form a shape associated with the input operation of each finger for the corresponding input keys arranged so as to be displaced in the row direction. Thereby, the finger can be moved along the groove, and the accuracy and speed of touch typing can be improved.
[0020]
(5) The keyboard in this invention is
The outer shape of the upper surface of each input key is substantially square, and the lower left corner and upper right corner of each key are raised, so that the attention row and the upper row correspond to the upper surface of each input key, respectively. The groove portion is formed along a straight line connecting substantially the center of the upper surface of the input key.
[0021]
Therefore, a shape generally associated with the input operation of each finger is formed for a keyboard that is generally used at present and has a square outer shape on the upper surface of the input key. This improves the touch typing accuracy.
[0022]
(7) The keyboard in this invention is
Each of the input keys is arranged so as to form a substantially straight line along the other two sides, and the other two sides form a raised portion, whereby the groove is formed. Features.
[0023]
Therefore, the input keys can be arranged and arranged while maintaining compatibility with the conventional keyboard. As a result, even a person who has already learned touch typing using a conventional keyboard can use the keyboard without a sense of incongruity, and the touch typing accuracy can be improved.
[0024]
The “input key” refers to a key for inputting alphanumeric characters and symbols among a plurality of keys provided in the keyboard. However, even keys for inputting alphanumeric characters and symbols do not include keys positioned at both ends, such as “′” key K10 and “/” key K30 shown in FIG. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 4, all keys belonging to the groups R1, R2, R3, R4, L1, L2, L3, and L4 correspond to input keys.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the keyboard of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a top view of the keyboard 2a of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 2a is defined as the row direction X, and the direction perpendicular thereto is defined as the column direction Y.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the keyboard 2a has a plurality of input keys (in groups R1 to R4, L1 to L4 in FIG. 1) arranged in a matrix in the row direction X and the column direction Y with an interval of widths w1 and w2. The key array is an ASCII array.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the outer shape of the upper surface of each input key provided in the keyboard 2a is a parallelogram having the same shape. This is different from the conventional keyboard 2 (see FIG. 7) in which the outer shape of the upper surface of the input key is a square.
[0028]
Each input key is arranged in a direction parallel to one side parallel to the row direction X of the two adjacent sides of the parallelogram. The two adjacent sides of the parallelogram are, for example, the side 11a and the side 11b of the “1” key K11 shown in FIG. A side 11b corresponds to one side parallel to the row direction X. As shown in FIG. 1, the input keys of the keyboard 2a are arranged on a substantially straight line along the row direction X (for example, the direction parallel to the side 11b of the “1” key K11). ing.
[0029]
Furthermore, the input keys are arranged in alignment in a direction parallel to the other side of the parallelogram. For example, the side 11a of the “1” key K11 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the other side of the parallelogram. As shown in FIG. 1, the input keys such as the “Q” key K21, the “A” key K31, and the “Z” key K41 are substantially in a straight line in the oblique direction Z parallel to the side 11a of the “1” key K11. They are arranged side by side. The angle at which the oblique direction Z intersects the column direction Y is set to about 20 degrees in order to maintain compatibility with a conventional keyboard.
[0030]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, among the input keys of the keyboard 2a of the present invention, the "Q" key K21 (end key on the first end side) located at the left end of the second row Is shifted to the right in the row direction X (the direction opposite to the first end) with respect to the center position of the “1” key K11 located at the left end of the first row which is the upper row. Has been placed. As a result, the center positions of all the input keys belonging to the second row are compared with the center positions of the corresponding input keys (the input keys of the same group assigned to each finger) in the first row which is the upper row. They are arranged so as to be shifted to the right in the row direction X. Note that the input keys for the third and fourth rows are similarly placed on the right side in the row direction X with respect to the center positions of the corresponding input keys for the second and third rows, which are the upper rows, respectively. They are shifted.
[0031]
As described above, the input keys are arranged in the oblique direction Z in FIG. 1 by arranging all the input keys of the target row so that their center positions are shifted with respect to the corresponding input keys of the upper row. It will be. Such an input key arrangement relationship can be applied to the conventional keyboard 2 (see FIG. 7). Note that the key pitch of the keyboard 2a (see FIG. 1) of this embodiment is set to be the same as that of the conventional keyboard 2 (see FIG. 7).
[0032]
As described above, in this embodiment, the top surface of each input key is a parallelogram, and each input key is arranged in a direction parallel to two adjacent sides of the parallelogram. I am doing so. Thereby, the compatibility of the key pitch (relationship of the center position of each input key) with the conventional keyboard 2 can be maintained, and even those who are familiar with the conventional keyboard 2 can feel comfortable using the keyboard 2a. Can be used.
[0033]
A finger to be pressed in touch typing is assigned in advance to the input key. The assignment of input keys corresponding to each finger will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0034]
The finger assignment for pressing each input key in touch typing is represented by the groups L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 shown in FIG. For example, the input keys of the group L1 shown in FIG. 1, that is, the “1” key K11, the “Q” key K21, the “A” key K31, and the “Z” key K41 are assigned to the little finger of the left hand in advance. Similarly, groups L2, L3, and L4 indicate input keys assigned to the ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the right hand, respectively. The groups R1, R2, R3, and R4 indicate input keys assigned to the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the right hand, respectively.
[0035]
That is, for the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the left hand, as shown in FIG. 1, one input key is assigned to each row. However, for the index fingers of both hands, two input keys are assigned to each row. For the little finger of both hands, a special key other than the input key (for example, “tab” key K20) is also assigned.
[0036]
Due to the difference in the number of input keys assigned to each finger, the moving direction of each finger in touch typing varies. That is, in the case of a middle finger or ring finger to which one input key is assigned for each row, it is sufficient to move only in the oblique direction Z in touch typing. On the other hand, an index finger to which two input keys are assigned to each row needs to be moved not only in the oblique direction Z but also in an arbitrary direction such as the row direction X.
[0037]
Each group has one input key which is the home position of each finger. The home position is a fixed position where each finger is initially placed in touch typing. Specifically, each input key from the “A” key K31 to the “F” key K34 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the home position from the little finger of the left hand to the index finger, and from the “J” key K35 to the “;” key K38. Each input key until corresponds to the home position of the index finger to the little finger of the right hand.
[0038]
Further, among the input keys for the home position, in particular, the center portion on the upper surface of the “F” key K34 and the “J” key K35 of the keyboard 2a is used to identify the position of the home position as shown in FIG. The point-like protrusion D to be used is formed.
[0039]
Further, a raised portion P is formed on the upper surface of the input key of the keyboard 2a of this embodiment at the position indicated by the hatched portion in FIG. The shape of the raised portion P will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of the γ portion of the keyboard 2a shown in FIG. 2B is an α-α cross-sectional view of the keyboard 2a shown in FIG.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 2A and the like, the raised portion P is formed into two sides of a parallelogram forming the upper surface of the input key (for example, the side 11a of the “1” key K11). Due to the presence of the raised portions P on the two sides of the parallelogram, grooves B1 to B4 and the like are formed on the upper surface of the input key as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0041]
The position where the raised portion P is formed is a position that limits the movement range of each finger. For example, when the “E” key K23 is pressed from the position of the “D” key K33 in FIG. 2A, the range of movement of the middle finger of the left hand of the input operator is limited within the groove B3 (see FIG. 2B). . Similarly, the range of movement of the left index finger is limited within the groove B4 (see FIG. 2B). Thereby, when performing touch typing, a finger | toe can be moved linearly and smoothly.
[0042]
In particular, for the input keys assigned to the middle finger and the ring finger, as shown in FIG. 2A, a raised portion P for guiding each finger is formed at a position facing the straight line 100 along the movement direction of each finger. The For this reason, the middle finger and ring finger of the input worker are always guided to move in the oblique direction Z when performing touch typing.
[0043]
Next, a touch typing method using the keyboard 2a will be described with reference to FIG.
[0044]
First, in order to place each finger at the home position, the input operator touches the fingertip of the index finger to the top surface of the input key, searches for the dot-like protrusion D existing on the top surface of the input key by the sense of the fingertip, and the index finger of the left hand Is placed on the “F” key K34, and the index finger of the right hand is placed on the “J” key K35. As a result, other fingers can be naturally placed at the home position.
[0045]
The “A” key K31 to “F” key K34 and the “J” key K35 to “;” key K38 arranged in the third row of the keyboard 2a shown in FIG. That is, the “A” key K31, “S” key K32, “D” key K33, and “F” key K34, respectively, are input keys for the left finger little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger, and “;”. Key K38, "L" key K37, "K" key K36, and "J" key K35 are input keys for the home position of the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the right hand.
[0046]
The input worker presses a desired input key from each home position with each finger assigned in advance. Note that touch typing is performed with fingers other than the thumb (that is, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger), and the thumb is mainly used to press the space key K50.
[0047]
As described above, when the input key is pressed in touch typing, the erroneous input is reduced by providing the raised portion P at the position indicated by the hatched portion in FIG. 1, and the accuracy and speed of touch typing are improved. .
[0048]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the constant gaps w1 and w2 are provided between the input keys, but the gap w2 in the row direction X may be eliminated. However, in this embodiment, the key pitch is not changed in order to maintain compatibility with a conventional keyboard. Note that the key pitch may be reduced when the installation area of the keyboard is limited as in a notebook computer.
[0049]
FIG. 3 shows a keyboard 2a in which the gap w2 in the row direction X of the input keys is not provided. Thus, by eliminating the gap w2 in the row direction X of the input key, the area of the upper surface of the input key can be increased, thereby making it easier to press the input key.
[0050]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a gap w2 is still provided between a plurality of input keys assigned to each row (for example, between “4” key K14 and “5” key K15). I am doing so. Thereby, for example, when a plurality of input keys are assigned to each row like the index finger, it is possible to determine the input key in the same row by the gap w2 and to improve the input accuracy. It is also possible not to provide the gap w2.
[0051]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the outer shape of the upper surface of the input key is a parallelogram. However, the outer shape of the upper surface of the input key may be square (rectangular) as in the conventional keyboard 2 (see FIG. 7).
[0052]
The configuration of the keyboard according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The position of the home position of the keyboard 2b and the assignment of input keys to each finger are the same as in the case of the first embodiment described above. On the other hand, the outer shape of the upper surface of the input key of the keyboard 2b is a square, unlike the first embodiment.
[0053]
Further, the raised portion P formed on the upper surface of the input key is provided at a position as indicated by the hatched portion in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the δ portion of the keyboard 2b shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the raised portion P of this embodiment is formed by raising the lower left corner and the upper right corner of each input key.
[0054]
As a result, a groove portion parallel to a straight line connecting substantially the center portions of the input keys assigned to the fingers is formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a groove B2 parallel to a straight line 100 connecting substantially the center of the “S” key K32 and the “X” key K42 is formed.
[0055]
By forming the upper surface of the input key as described above, even when touch typing is performed using a conventional keyboard, the movement of the finger is not hindered and erroneous input can be prevented. The keyboard 2b of this embodiment is manufactured by attaching a raised portion P to the upper surface of the input key of the conventional keyboard 2.
[0056]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the raised portion P is formed on the entire side of the upper surface of the input key parallel to the column direction Y. However, in the touch typing, the finger is linear and smooth. Other shapes may be used as long as they can move.
[0057]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the raised portion P may be formed only in the vicinity of the corner on the upper surface of the input key. In FIG. 5, the raised portion P is raised linearly, but the raised portion P may be raised smoothly as shown in FIG. Thereby, the movement of the finger becomes smoother and the operability of the key input is further improved.
[0058]
[Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiments, the present invention is used for a standard keyboard. However, the present invention is applied to other special keyboards such as a one-handed keyboard and an ergonomic keyboard obtained by dividing a normal keyboard into left and right. May be used.
[0059]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the keyboard key layout is the ASCII layout, but a JIS layout keyboard may be used.
[0060]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the keyboard is an external peripheral device attached to the computer body, but may be a keyboard provided in a keyboard-integrated computer such as a notebook computer.
[0061]
In each of the embodiments described above, the raised portion P is molded with the input key or formed by being attached to the upper surface of the input key with an adhesive or the like, but other forming methods may be used. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a keyboard according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a γ portion of the keyboard according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the keyboard according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a keyboard according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a δ portion of the keyboard according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a keyboard according to another embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a conventional keyboard.
FIG. 8 shows a first prior art keyboard.
FIG. 9 shows a second prior art keyboard.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 .... Keyboard P ...... Protrusion D ...... Projection Z ...... Partition B ...... Groove X ...... Row direction Y ...... Column direction Z ... Diagonal direction

Claims (5)

A keyboard in which a plurality of input keys are arranged in rows and columns,
  The outer shape of the upper surface of the input key is rectangular, and the lower left corner and the upper right corner of the input key are raised, so that the attention line and its upper line correspond to the upper surface of the input key. The said keyboard by which a groove part is shape | molded along the straight line which connects the approximate center of the upper surface of an input key. The input keys are arranged almost on a straight line in the row direction, and the input key on the first end side of the target row is in relation to the input key on the first end side of the upper row of the target row. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is arranged so as to be shifted to an end side opposite to the first end side. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the input key corresponding to each of the target line and its upper line is assigned to the same finger of the input person. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein an outer shape of an upper surface of each input key is a square. A keyboard-integrated computer comprising the keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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