JPH0250490B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Claim 1: A keyboard for computer data entry, comprising exactly 10 key switches, each key
a switch is configured to correspond to a particular terminal member of a pair of hands of the operator and to be selectably operable by such corresponding terminal member, and for said key switch to generate a 10-digit binary number; selectively operable alone or in combination;
The key is configured such that each digit of the binary number corresponds to a particular terminal member of the operator's hand.
a first memory means for read only and a second memory means for read/write;
memory table means for storing and retrieving sets of characters and character combinations, having an input and an output, and having an address in the memory table means at the output in response to a 10-digit binary number at the input; memory address table means for providing, each location of said memory address table means corresponding to a unique and unique 10-digit binary number and containing an address in said first and second memory means; said memory table means configured such that said address corresponds to a character or a combination of characters stored in said memory table means at said address;
address table means; connected to said memory table means and said memory table means;
means connected to an output of the address table means for supplying an address provided at said output to said memory table means; and associated with said second memory means for read/write and responsive to said key switch. means for operating the memory means in a write mode and a read mode, wherein in the write mode, the operation of the key switch is a character and a combination of characters respectively corresponding to a particular one of the decimal binary digits; is stored, and in the read mode,
Operation of the key switch retrieves characters and character combinations, and operation in the write mode is initiated by the generation of an access code and terminated by the generation of an exit code, and the operation in the write mode is initiated by the generation of an access code and terminated by the generation of an exit code.
Each of the code and exit code is the above 10 digits 2
A computer characterized in that it is comprised of: said means configured to be specific for base numbers;
Keyboard for data entry.

2. Each of said key switches comprises: a switch element having a normally open switch contact; and a liquid disposed on said switch element interposed between said switch element and its corresponding particular terminal member. 2. A fluid-filled bladder for closing the switch contact in response to pressure applied to the bladder; keyboard.

3. A keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that said second memory means for reading/writing comprises a memory module which is easily insertable and removable into said keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for inputting data into a computer, and in particular to a keyboard for inputting data into a computer by pressing only one and all keys on the keyboard. .

Description of the Prior Art Originally, it was Gutenberg movable type. Man no longer had to carve letters into stone or painstakingly write letters on parchment. When a person has an idea, he takes charge of it,
All you had to do was write it down, and you could make an infinite number of copies. In short, when people needed knowledge, they could find it in books.

The development of civilization is directly related to improvements in the transmission of information between people. In this way,
Printing technology gave rise to the invention of the typewriter. The typewriter led to the invention of the computer.

After the invention of the computer, the limits of physical speed of communication rapidly approached. People have always thought faster than their machines can operate. For example, the typewriter keyboard was initially
They were placed in conditions that interfered with their typing speed. Machines could not keep up with typists. To fix this, the QWERTY keyboard was developed.

The use of computers has allowed machines to think faster than humans. The actual movement of the fingers on a typewriter keyboard has now become the major physical limiting factor that impedes the speed of data and information transfer. A good typist's fingers can range from 12 miles per day on a standard QWERTY keyboard.
It is estimated that it can move 20 miles (19.2-32 km). Jumping and jumping from key to key adds to the physical effort of the typist. Additionally, significant mental effort is expended in searching for the correct key/finger placement.
This placement problem is particularly acute when the blind typist is a disabled typist. Furthermore, when applied to iconic alphabets, such as kanji, they would take up a large amount of space on a traditional keyboard.

While almost everything else related to computers has become smaller, simpler, cheaper, and more efficient, keyboards have become larger, more complex, more expensive, and less efficient. Current keyboards have about 100 keys, namely alpha,
It can have a numeric keypad, cursor movement controls, and function buttons. It is no longer possible to type by touching such a keyboard. And if one key is pressed incorrectly, hours of operator work are wasted. Furthermore, these keyboard layouts are not standardized, so when many different computers are used, more time is spent learning new layouts and more errors are introduced during training. I can't avoid it.

In the prior art, there was a recognition that keyboards did not evolve with technology. Moreover,
One of the basic components of the fastest modern computers is
For one thing, it still has a primitive QWERTY keyboard for inputting data.

About 50 years ago, August Dvorak introduced a simplified keyboard that categorized and concentrated commonly used characters. Although it gained some speed, the system was not well received.

More recently, an attempt to reformulate this standard QWERTY keyboard was made by Lilian Molt and Stephen Hobday using a system called the Moltron system.
This Moltron system does not result in a reduction in the number of actuated keys or the amount of finger movement required to actuate the keys. The Dvorak Molton keyboard is easy to use, but it doesn't introduce any new principles and is about as difficult to learn as a standard QWERTY keyboard. It is doubtful that the business industry will justify the time it takes to train typists on these systems. Recovering the cost of the initial training would require tens of times the small increase in productivity gained from such training.

A 12-key data entry system was proposed by Zyerman in US Pat. No. 2,581,665. This system included two manual drums, each with six finger keys. To input data, one of these 12 keys was pressed by the operator's finger. The drum has 4 keys corresponding to 4 rows of keys.
It was designed to rotate into three possible positions. Thus, inputting data required twisting a drum and pressing keys all at once. It had a rather unsightly mechanical configuration, using a standard QWERTY keyboard operated by a solenoid and a motor. The device was not a success, as it was essentially an attempt to turn a manual typewriter into an electric typewriter.

The one-handed data entry device shown by Sabel in US Pat. No. 3,220,878 takes the form of a glove placed over the operator's hand. Various characters were generated by moving the operator's fingers into several different positions. Such systems are extremely labor intensive and the layout is also extremely difficult to remember.

Alferiev, in U.S. Patent No. 3,428,747,
It shows a compressed keyboard with slightly more mental effort but slightly less finger momentum. Each finger still held several keys. Therefore, the proximity of the keys caused frequent errors in the rules rather than exceptions when using this device.

A one-handed keyboard has been proposed by Bekuaert et al. in US Pat. No. 4,420,777. Again, the operator must press several keys with each finger. It takes a lot of mental effort to remember the finger placement. Although it may be possible to press several keys at once, it still requires a considerable amount of awkward finger movement during operation. The close proximity of the finger keys to each other complicates keyboard operation, making it a tiring task and contributing to operator error. Furthermore, while the fingers are extended over the 10 keys to accommodate dozens of possible combinations, the thumb is also expected to be extended over the 4 keys. This is hardly a simplification of the standard QWERTY keyboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a device for inputting data into a computer or other similar data processing or data storage medium. In one embodiment of the invention, the keyboard consists of ten keys, one key for each extremity (each fingertip) of the operator's hand. The keys are pressed singly and in combination to generate a 10-digit binary number. A small computer within the keyboard uses binary numbers to access an internal table of unique strings of ASCII characters. These characters are output to the main computer.

These keys are of unique, novel, and nondescript construction in that a fluid-filled sac is sandwiched between the electrical contacts of the keyboard switch and the operator's fingers. The result is an effortless yet clear keystroke that provides a natural perceptual sensation in which the fingers do not stop due to impact, but rather due to the gradual increase in resistance that occurs when fluid is compressed.

Another embodiment of my invention is intended for operator programming of keyboards for personal or specialized characters and character combinations. These personal character "codes" are an independent "survival"
It can be stored in a removable memory chip with a power supply. Operators use these “codes”
can be used with any other keyboard of this type. Thus, each keyboard becomes fixed only to a particular operator and specialized for a particular application.

Yet another embodiment of my invention involves an inverted keyboard that is stimulated singly and synthetically by the terminal members of the recipient's hands in order to transfer information from a computer or other such device to the recipient. Intended.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The present invention is best understood by reference to the specification and drawings that follow.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a memory addressing mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a keystroke sequence according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a keyboard programming sequence according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the keyboard according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the key switch according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS The present invention is a device for inputting data into a computer or other similar data processing or data storage medium by the single and combined actuation of key switches on a keyboard. It is. FIG. 1 shows a data entry device 10 in block diagram form.

The keyboard 12 consists of a plurality of key switches 16. Key switches 16 can be operated singly or in combination. That is, each key switch corresponds to a binary digit. The keyboard 12 has ten key switches 16.
That is, each switch 16 corresponds to a specific number in a 10-digit binary number system. Although keyboards come in many different shapes to suit specific applications, their operation is the same in each case.

The binary numbers generated by key switch actuation are transferred via bus 19 to input port 29. This input port is keyboard 12 and CPU 3
It acts as a buffer between 0 and 0.

When the keyboard is activated, a binary number is given to the CPU. In one embodiment of my invention, the CPU triggers tone 33 each time the keyboard receives a binary number. Another embodiment of my invention contemplates the generation of a different tone for each number of keys pressed. Thus, if four keys are pressed, one tone will be generated. Also, if 7 keys are pressed, another tone will be generated. Then, the same process is performed thereafter. The purpose of this tone is to provide audible feedback to the keyboard operator in the same way that paper can be confirmed to be being typed when the typewriter keys click against the typewriter rollers. Reconfirmation that the correct number of keyswitches have been pressed by the operator is provided by generating a different tone for each number of keys pressed.

CPU 30 is connected to keyboard 12 (Figure 1) to 2
When a base number is received, the corresponding memory address is accessed. CPU 30 examines its memory address in read-only memory (ROM) 27 to locate the character or series of characters that corresponds to the binary number generated on the keyboard. Addressing is indirect, as shown in FIG. 2 and discussed below. In a different embodiment of my invention, if the CPU cannot locate a memory address corresponding to a keyboard input binary digit in random access memory (RAM) 26 that also contains a character or combination of characters, the CPU looks in the ROM. .

When the CPU finds the desired memory address,
The ROM 27 (or RAM 26) returns the corresponding character or combination of characters to the CPU. In one embodiment of my invention, the CPU scrolls characters and character combinations on display 32. The display provides immediate visual feedback of characters and character combinations as they occur, or "Write" as discussed below.
Proof of address content or address availability may be provided during the mode.
The character or combination of characters retrieved from memory is transmitted through output port 28 to a computer or other data processing or data storage device.

The keyboard 12 consists of a plurality of key switches 16. The configuration of FIGS. 1 and 5 shows ten key switches arranged in two banks 14 and 15. The key switch bank 14 is adapted to be operated by the user's left hand, and the key switch bank 15 is adapted to be operated by the user's right hand. Each key switch on each key switch bank corresponds to a respective terminal member in the operator's hand (FIG. 5).

In FIG. 5, keyboard 12 is shown including two grips corresponding to keyswitch banks 14 and 15. The left hand 22 thus has a terminal member 23 for operating the left hand key bank 14 and the right hand 20 has a terminal member 21 for operating the right hand key bank 15.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes ten key switches 16, each key switch corresponding to a ten binary digit number. There are therefore 1024 key switch actuation combinations. The act of composing and operating key switches is called coding, just like creating chords on a musical instrument.

In another embodiment of my invention, I augment this hand-operated key switch with the addition of foot switches, elbow switches, knee switches, or other switches to provide an even greater number of possible combinations. There is. Thus, the number of possible characters and character combinations is considered sufficient to include symbolic or pictorial alphabets such as Kanji or Japanese characters.

The keyboard is also easily adaptable for use by people with physical disabilities. Thus, in the case of a quadriplegic patient, such as a disabled person who only has the use of a few toes or facial muscles, it is possible for such a patient to communicate with others using a language constructed based on keyboard coding. As can be seen, it can have a fairly large built-in font.

The key switch used in my invention has a novel and unique arrangement. The key switch 16 typically has a base plate 44 supporting two normally open contacts 17. membrane 4
5 seals these contacts from the outside world. The present invention (FIG. 6) includes a fluid-filled hemispherical bladder 18. When this sac 18 is pressed, for example, with a terminal member of the operator's hand, the fluid is compressed. Fluid 50 can be a liquid, gel, or other similar compressible fluid depending on the desired keyboard "feel". The force applied to the bladder is transmitted through the fluid 50 to the switch contact 17, which closes the switch. In this way, the keyswitch has a very natural typewriter keyboard feel. The result is an effortless yet clear keystroke that provides a natural sensory feel. The volume of the hemisphere can be varied slightly by means of a screw device, allowing the operator to adjust the sensitivity of each capsule to suit his own habits. Thus, by keeping the tips of the fingers always on the sac, physical exertion and fatigue can be largely eliminated. The operator's key actuation speed is greatly improved because the fingers have to move a shorter distance than with traditional keyboards.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the keystroke sequence. Start of data entry (10
At step 0), the CPU 30 waits for key switch activation (sac stroke) and waits until a capsular stroke is detected (102).

The operator's hand terminals do not all press at the same time and with the same force. The CPU includes timing loop means (not shown) that continuously reads keyboard output presented to the CPU through port 29.
Each time an input is read, a corresponding binary number is generated. During several cycles of keyboard output scanning,
The size of the generated binary numbers is made to vary because the key switches are not all closed at the same time. The CPU continuously scans the input from the keyboard until the maximum number of capsular strokes that have occurred is detected. Next, the CPU performs a table lookup (103) using the detected binary number.

FIG. 2 shows the binary digits (43) generated by the keyboard 12 during the capsular stroke sequence. In this example, the binary number corresponds to 3 ₁₀ .
The CPU checks the memory address table 35 in the memory means 24 (103). The address in memory address table 35 that corresponds to a binary number from the keyboard contains the starting address of a character or combination of characters in memory table 34. More than one character can be stored for each capsular stroke. In this example, the number ₃₁₀ in memory address table 35 corresponds to memory table address 60.

Memory table address 60 is the starting point for a particular character combination corresponding to a binary number generated by a keyboard actuation. The memory table is read continuously from the starting point until a stop occurs. In the example of FIG. 2, addresses 60, 61, 62 and 63 are read. Address 60 contains the letter T, address 61 contains the letter H, and address 62 contains the letter E.
, and address 63 includes stop. Thus,
The language "THE" (42) is transmitted to output port 28 and then to a computer or other similar device.

FIG. 3 will be explained. In one embodiment of the present invention, the CPU first loads the RAM memory address table (10
4) Wait for the memory address inside. If the memory address is found in the RAM table, the memory
Data is continuously read from the RAM (108) and output (109) until a stop occurs to the RAM memory (110). When an outage occurs, the CPU
waits for the next bladder stroke (114). If the memory address is not in the RAM table, the CPU performs a further table lookup (105) to determine whether the memory address is in the ROM memory table (106). Also, if an "empty" marker is found in RAM at a given location, a ROM table lookup is performed. This allows the user to have the option to "override" various ROM locations in favor of RAM locations containing personal or special characters or character combinations. .

If the CPU does not find the memory address in the ROM table, an error (107) occurs. If the address is in the ROM table, the memory is read continuously (111) and the located data is output (112) until a stop occurs in the ROM memory (113). This process is repeated until a stop occurs. Furthermore, at this point,
The CPU waits for the next bladder stroke (114).

Another embodiment of my invention includes a RAM containing a string of ASCII characters. This RAM allows you to store personal character combinations such as names and addresses within the limits of the RAM's storage space.
Can be programmed by the operator. This RAM is exclusive to the operator and special for specific applications. Thus, individuals can carry their own personal RAM, similar to an identification card. To protect and access the contents of a personal RAM, one embodiment of the RAM is "password protected" and requires the user to enter a personal identification code. this
Since the RAM is replaceable in any machine equipped with my invention, operators can use their personal RAM in any device configured according to the invention. In this way, any office equipped with my invention can instantly become exclusive to the operator or special to the application in which the invention is implemented. To hold data put into RAM
RAM is provided with a "survival" power supply.

A typical programming sequence for RAM is illustrated in FIG. Starting position (20
At 0), the CPU is waiting for a capsular stroke (202) as previously discussed. If no bladder stroke is detected, the CPU waits for a specific bladder stroke binary number corresponding to the programming access code (203). If no programming access code is detected, the keyboard operates as shown in Figure 3 (211). If a programming access code is detected, the RAM is set to WRITE mode and the CPU
monitors its input for subsequent capsular strokes (204). If no capsular stroke occurs,
The CPU continues waiting.

After the programming access code is entered by the operator, the operator then enters the memory address to be programmed through the keyboard. The CPU displays the memory address selected by the operator in the memory address table (206).
Monitor the keyboard as it is placed on the keyboard. Memory addresses that contain data can have their contents changed or "rewritten." When an "occupied" address occurs, the display will indicate that the address has already been assigned and the operator must check that he wishes to change the address. Changing a given address requires reorganizing the entire RAM memory table. For example, short character combinations can leave empty spots in memory, while long character combinations can cause overlaps with other character combinations. Memory management and related housekeeping occurs at the end of a WRITE session so that memory is allocated in an efficient manner.

After the programming access code has been entered and the memory address has been written to the memory address table, the operator can then enter the bladder stroke into the RAM memory corresponding to the desired character sequence. A display is included to verify correct data entry. The CPU monitors the keyboard for capsular stroke (207) and waits (20) until a capsular stroke is detected.
8) Do. The CPU also awaits a programming exit code (209). Characters corresponding to the operator's bladder strokes are placed in memory (210) until a programming exit code is detected.

The programming exit code is stored in memory (21
2) can be an entry for a stop code. However, to program more than one character combination into memory, several memory address table locations may be required. In this case, detection of the stop code entry conditions the keyboard to write another memory address to the memory address table. The process of programming the memory for the character combination continues until a programming exit code is detected (209) at which point operation of the device returns to memory access (211) as shown in FIG.

Yet another embodiment of my invention is intended to convert binary numbers provided by a computer or other storage device into perceptual impulses.
Thus, the keyboard shown in FIG. 5 operates in reverse. Electromechanical devices such as solenoids and transducers replace key switch 16 so that blind or disabled persons can discern sensory patterns that correspond to letters, letter combinations, or different word vocabularies. The device is also adaptable to animals, allowing various combinations of sensory sensations to be applied as simple commands to the animal.

The operation of the invention is easy to learn. An example of a table of character "codes" in which key combinations represent letters of the alphabet is shown below. Key Letter Key Letter Letter 45 Space 48 f 56 e 14 g 35 t 23 y 46 a 68 p 34 o 16 w 57 n 27 b 25 r 38 v 36 i 13 k 47 s 78 x 24 h 17 j 58 d 28 g 67 l 12 z 15 u 26 c 37 m Each terminal member on the operator's hand is numbered starting with ``0'' on the little finger of the left hand and ending with ``9'' on the little finger of the right hand (Figure 5). . Character codes are logically assigned based on the frequency of distribution of particular characters in the alphabet and based on the relative strength of each terminal member. Thus, thumb 4,5
produces "space", index fingers 3 and 6 produce "i", and nothing is assigned to the little finger. The little finger is a capital letter, a punctuation mark,
and is used as a shift key to generate special characters. Additional letters, numbers, punctuation, and character combinations are assigned to "codes" as needed.

Many mnemonic devices are available and have been available over the centuries for learning various chords. For example, a method for converting numbers into English consonants and associating each other with items on a list to be memorized was developed by Lucas and Lauren in The
Suggested in Memory Book. Other systems can also be used to achieve different codes.

The invention has many uses and embodiments as will be apparent from the foregoing. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the scope of the following claims.