WO2005076476A1 - A method of shift key arrangement for a lean computer keyboard - Google Patents

A method of shift key arrangement for a lean computer keyboard Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005076476A1
WO2005076476A1 PCT/US2005/003171 US2005003171W WO2005076476A1 WO 2005076476 A1 WO2005076476 A1 WO 2005076476A1 US 2005003171 W US2005003171 W US 2005003171W WO 2005076476 A1 WO2005076476 A1 WO 2005076476A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key
shift
persistent
activated
modifier
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/003171
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
George W. Batten
Linda Marroquin
Original Assignee
Frogpad Kazien, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frogpad Kazien, Inc. filed Critical Frogpad Kazien, Inc.
Publication of WO2005076476A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005076476A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03M—CODING; DECODING; CODE CONVERSION IN GENERAL
    • H03M11/00—Coding in connection with keyboards or like devices, i.e. coding of the position of operated keys
    • H03M11/02—Details
    • H03M11/04—Coding of multifunction keys
    • H03M11/14—Coding of multifunction keys by using additional keys, e.g. shift keys, which determine the function performed by the multifunction key

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a computer keyboard, and more particularly to reducing the size of a computer keyboard by a method of activating persistent and transient keyboard modes.
  • lean keyboard is defined as a computer keyboard with the number of keys less than the 36 primary key alphanumeric keys of a QWERTY keyboard.
  • lean keyboard also applies to any standard key set for the object language in question (in this illustration of the invention the key set for English will be assumed to be twenty or less keys, when employing a truncated or lean keyboard), and nearly all of the functionality of a conventional computer keyboard.
  • Such a keyboard must have an arrangement corresponding to the Shift and Caps Lock keys.
  • the prior art is deficient in that two keys are devoted to the Shift and Cap Lock keys.
  • the present invention over comes the deficiencies of the prior art by all implementing and arrangement and methodology such that only one key for Shift and Caps Lock is required.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has as an aspect a method for implementing persistent and transient modes on a lean keyboard environment, the method including activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
  • the present invention can be characterized according to one aspect the invention comprises activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys, and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a conventional QWERTY keyboard
  • Fig.2 depicts a lean keyboard and modifier keys of the present invention.
  • the present invention includes activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys
  • the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys
  • the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys
  • a modifier key is a key that is used to change the functioning of other keys.
  • a primary key is any key that is not a modifier key. It is assumed that modifier keys can operate as primary keys under certain conditions (e.g., if they are pressed and released when no other keys are pressed. Modifier keys on conventional keyboards do not operate in this manner. Generally, keyboards have several modifier keys and several modes of operation selected by the modifier keys. It will be convenient to say that a mode is "on” if the keyboard is operating pursuant the mode selected or implemented and "off' otherwise.
  • Modes may be transient or persistent.
  • a transient mode is on only while the corresponding modifier key is being pressed.
  • a persistent mode is toggled on or off by the action of modifier keys and in alternate implementations it is turned off by the action of primary keys.
  • pressing the Shift key which is a modifier key
  • the Caps Lock key another modifier key
  • toggles a persistent mode Capitalization Mode
  • There are four combinations of these modes both off, only Shift Mode on, only Capitalization Mode on, and Shift and Capitalization Modes on).
  • the effects of the different combinations on primary keys are distinct, for instance when only the Shift Mode is on letters are capitalized and symbols on the number keys are selected.
  • LK Shift key lean key shift key
  • Fig.2 depicts a hypothetical keyboard 200 with 15 primary keys. In the first row are primary keys 202, 204, 206, 208 and 210. In the second row are primary keys 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 and in the third row are primary keys 222, 224, 226, 228 and 230.
  • Keys 212 - 230 are capable of reproducing the full functionality of a QWERTY keyboard of the English language.
  • Keyboard 200 also includes modifier key K(0) 244, modifier key K(l) 246 and modifier key K(2) 248 and lean key Shift key 242 and 250.
  • 242 and 250 perform the exact same function.
  • P0 is the "default" persistent mode, that is, it is on when all other persistent modes are off.
  • the keyboard is "alphabetic.” That is, the primary keys correspond to letters. There are, of course, more that 15 letters in the English alphabet, so modifier key K(0) 244 is employed to activate a transient mode (TO).
  • TO transient mode
  • the primary keys When both transient mode T(0) and P0 are on, the primary keys correspond to an alternate set of letters (and a predetermined set of symbols or punctuation marks depending on the configuration or needs of the user). Pressing and releasing modifier key K(l) 246 toggles on or off persistent mode P(l), the "symbols mode.” If transient mode T(0) is off and persistent mode P(l) is on, the primary keys correspond to a set of symbols. If both transient mode T(0) and persistent mode P(l) are on, the primary keys correspond to an alternate set of symbols (if more than 15 symbols are needed).
  • modifier key K(2) toggles on or off persistent mode P(2), the "number mode," for which the primary keys correspond to the digits 0 -9 (although any numeric key can be utilized and is capable of being selected and set by the user, based on the users needs or preferences), and a set of predetermined symbols.
  • the following table depicts the actions of modifier keys K(0), K(l) and K(2):
  • modifier key K(0) 244 turns on a transient mode transient mode T(0), a persistent mode PO and another persistent mode persistent mode P(l).
  • the LK Shift key 242 or 250 operates as follows. There are three persistent shift modes S(l), which corresponds to Shift mode, but staying on only until the next primary key is pressed. S(2), which corresponding to Capitalization Mode and S(3) which corresponds to a Shift mode but staying on until turned off. The three modes, S(l), S(2), and S(3) are independent, so any combination of the three take alone or in combination can be active. For example, if S(2) and S(3) are on, typed letters will not be capitalized.
  • S(l) is toggled on or off by pressing and releasing the LK Shift key 242 or 250 with active transient mode transient mode T(0) off.
  • S(2) is toggled on or off by pressing the LK Shift key 242 or 250 with transient mode T(0) on and persistent mode P(l) off; and
  • S(3) is toggled on or off by pressing the LK Shift key with active transient mode transient mode T(0) and persistent mode P(l) on.
  • This method can be extended by having S(l) on as long as the LK Shift key is depressed.
  • This extension makes the LK Shift key operate much like the Shift key on a conventional keyboard in that it allows a typist to capitalize a string of letters by holding the LK Shift key depressed.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is similar to the embodiment described above. One difference is that S(3) is toggled on or off by pressing the LK Shift 242 or 250 key when S(l) is on. That is, S(3) is toggled whenever the LK Shift key 242 or 250 is pressed, then released, then pressed again.
  • This embodiment does not to use persistent mode P(l) (S2 is toggled by pressing the LK Shift key with transient mode T(0) on; whether persistent mode P(l) is on or off does not affect the operation of the present embodiment), but it makes turning S(l) off (for example, after S(l) is turned on inadvertently requires more the LK Shift key 242 or 250 to be pressed three times to clear the mode.
  • the states of the LK shift key in one embodiment of the present invention are outlined in the following table:
  • Additional embodiments include a combination of various persistent or transient modes, which prevent toggling of S(l) by pressing the LK Shift key.
  • An additional embodiment also includes a persistent or transient mode being applied to the S(2) and S(3) modes.
  • modes are employed that cause S(3) to be toggled whenever the LK Shift key is pressed, independently of whether transient mode T(0) is on or off.
  • a still further embodiment includes one or more modes that change the condition that transient mode T(0) is on or off for toggling S(l), S(2), or S(3), to an alternate state or condition, or that toggling be independent of whether transient mode T(0) is on or off. Additional means employed alone or in conjunction with the keys, are capable of being utilized to manage the modes S(l), S(2), and S(3).
  • Such means contemplated by the present invention include but or not limited to a voice-command mechanism, wherein one or modes are controlled by voice commands such as "Temporary Shift”, “Caps Lock,” “Shift Lock,” and “Shift.”
  • the keyboard is capable of including one or more optical sensors that would alter the modes depending on the position of one or more fingers (of either or both hands) or the whole hand or a combination of the two.
  • One or more foot switches can alos be employed.
  • control modes be accessed by sensing one or more of the following exemplary list: eye position, blinks, puffs, cheek position (normal or puffed out), muscle state, nerve signals, voice or auditory sounds, and other human attributes used for control of physical systems by persons with or without physical limitations.
  • eye position blinks
  • puffs puffs
  • cheek position normal or puffed out
  • muscle state muscle state
  • nerve signals nerve signals
  • voice or auditory sounds and other human attributes used for control of physical systems by persons with or without physical limitations.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A lean keyboard arrangement requiring only one key [242] for Shift and Caps Lock on a modified computer keyboard.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer keyboard, and more particularly to reducing the size of a computer keyboard by a method of activating persistent and transient keyboard modes.
Description of the Related Art United States Patent No. 6,348,878 ('878 patent), entitled "Data Entry Keyboard," to Kenzo Tsubai and United States Patent No. 5,793, 312 ('312 patent), entitled "Data Entry System," by Ryozo Tsubai are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Conventional computer keyboards have plurality of, such as a QWERTY keyboard as depicted in prior art Fig. 1, which includes has 36 primary key alphanumeric keys. Compactness of modern computer equipment has led to a desire to reduce the size of keyboards. One way to do this is to reduce the number of keys as described in the '878 and '312 patents cited above. Reduction of the number of keys is useful for other reasons other than size and space considerations, such as producing keyboards that can be operated with only one hand. The term "lean keyboard" is defined as a computer keyboard with the number of keys less than the 36 primary key alphanumeric keys of a QWERTY keyboard. The term lean keyboard also applies to any standard key set for the object language in question (in this illustration of the invention the key set for English will be assumed to be twenty or less keys, when employing a truncated or lean keyboard), and nearly all of the functionality of a conventional computer keyboard. Such a keyboard must have an arrangement corresponding to the Shift and Caps Lock keys. The prior art is deficient in that two keys are devoted to the Shift and Cap Lock keys. The present invention over comes the deficiencies of the prior art by all implementing and arrangement and methodology such that only one key for Shift and Caps Lock is required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has as an aspect a method for implementing persistent and transient modes on a lean keyboard environment, the method including activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention can be characterized according to one aspect the invention comprises activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys, and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Fig. 1 depicts a conventional QWERTY keyboard; and Fig.2 depicts a lean keyboard and modifier keys of the present invention.
DETAHLED DESCRD7TION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts (elements). In accordance with the invention, the present invention includes activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys The invention will be further clarified by the following examples, which are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention can easily be incorporated into any language's keyboard layout, for instance, but not limited to by exclusion or inclusion, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, etc. A modifier key is a key that is used to change the functioning of other keys. A primary key is any key that is not a modifier key. It is assumed that modifier keys can operate as primary keys under certain conditions (e.g., if they are pressed and released when no other keys are pressed. Modifier keys on conventional keyboards do not operate in this manner. Generally, keyboards have several modifier keys and several modes of operation selected by the modifier keys. It will be convenient to say that a mode is "on" if the keyboard is operating pursuant the mode selected or implemented and "off' otherwise. Modes may be transient or persistent. A transient mode is on only while the corresponding modifier key is being pressed. A persistent mode is toggled on or off by the action of modifier keys and in alternate implementations it is turned off by the action of primary keys. On a conventional computer keyboard, pressing the Shift key (which is a modifier key) turns on a transient mode (Shift Mode), and the Caps Lock key (another modifier key) toggles a persistent mode (Capitalization Mode) on or off. There are four combinations of these modes (both off, only Shift Mode on, only Capitalization Mode on, and Shift and Capitalization Modes on). The effects of the different combinations on primary keys are distinct, for instance when only the Shift Mode is on letters are capitalized and symbols on the number keys are selected. When the Capitalization Mode is only on letters are capitalized, but symbols are not selected. When both modes are on letters are not capitalized). The Shift and the Caps Lock keys have effects other than modifying the functioning of other keys. Some computer systems use the Shift key with a pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse) for selecting displayed items, and some computer programs test whether the Capitalization Mode is on to determine what action to take. Thus on a lean keyboard a lean key shift key ("LK Shift key") is required to provide for the four combinations of the two modes, including one transient and one persistent. Also the present embodiment provides for an arrangement equivalent to holding the Shift key while typing several primary keys on a conventional keyboard (this is not the same as turning on the Capitalization Mode and typing because a computer application program can sense the state of the Shift key. Many conventional computer applications are controlled by the state of the Shift key at different access points when typing a sequence of primary keys. Fig.2 depicts a hypothetical keyboard 200 with 15 primary keys. In the first row are primary keys 202, 204, 206, 208 and 210. In the second row are primary keys 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 and in the third row are primary keys 222, 224, 226, 228 and 230. Keys 212 - 230 are capable of reproducing the full functionality of a QWERTY keyboard of the English language. Keyboard 200 also includes modifier key K(0) 244, modifier key K(l) 246 and modifier key K(2) 248 and lean key Shift key 242 and 250. hi this example 242 and 250 perform the exact same function. In this example there will be three persistent modes, persistent mode P0, persistent mode P(l), and persistent mode P(2). P0 is the "default" persistent mode, that is, it is on when all other persistent modes are off. When P0 is on, the keyboard is "alphabetic." That is, the primary keys correspond to letters. There are, of course, more that 15 letters in the English alphabet, so modifier key K(0) 244 is employed to activate a transient mode (TO). When both transient mode T(0) and P0 are on, the primary keys correspond to an alternate set of letters (and a predetermined set of symbols or punctuation marks depending on the configuration or needs of the user). Pressing and releasing modifier key K(l) 246 toggles on or off persistent mode P(l), the "symbols mode." If transient mode T(0) is off and persistent mode P(l) is on, the primary keys correspond to a set of symbols. If both transient mode T(0) and persistent mode P(l) are on, the primary keys correspond to an alternate set of symbols (if more than 15 symbols are needed). Pressing and releasing modifier key K(2) toggles on or off persistent mode P(2), the "number mode," for which the primary keys correspond to the digits 0 -9 (although any numeric key can be utilized and is capable of being selected and set by the user, based on the users needs or preferences), and a set of predetermined symbols. The following table depicts the actions of modifier keys K(0), K(l) and K(2):
Figure imgf000007_0001
This hypothetical keyboard illustrates the framework within which the present invention navigates. In an embodiment of the present invention modifier key K(0) 244 turns on a transient mode transient mode T(0), a persistent mode PO and another persistent mode persistent mode P(l). The LK Shift key 242 or 250 operates as follows. There are three persistent shift modes S(l), which corresponds to Shift mode, but staying on only until the next primary key is pressed. S(2), which corresponding to Capitalization Mode and S(3) which corresponds to a Shift mode but staying on until turned off. The three modes, S(l), S(2), and S(3) are independent, so any combination of the three take alone or in combination can be active. For example, if S(2) and S(3) are on, typed letters will not be capitalized. If S(l) is also turned on, so all three modes are on, and a letter is typed next, the letter will be capitalized. There are several ways for managing the modes S(l), S(2), and S(3). In one embodiment of the present invention, S(l) is toggled on or off by pressing and releasing the LK Shift key 242 or 250 with active transient mode transient mode T(0) off. S(2) is toggled on or off by pressing the LK Shift key 242 or 250 with transient mode T(0) on and persistent mode P(l) off; and S(3) is toggled on or off by pressing the LK Shift key with active transient mode transient mode T(0) and persistent mode P(l) on. This method can be extended by having S(l) on as long as the LK Shift key is depressed. This extension makes the LK Shift key operate much like the Shift key on a conventional keyboard in that it allows a typist to capitalize a string of letters by holding the LK Shift key depressed. Another embodiment of the present invention is similar to the embodiment described above. One difference is that S(3) is toggled on or off by pressing the LK Shift 242 or 250 key when S(l) is on. That is, S(3) is toggled whenever the LK Shift key 242 or 250 is pressed, then released, then pressed again. This embodiment does not to use persistent mode P(l) (S2 is toggled by pressing the LK Shift key with transient mode T(0) on; whether persistent mode P(l) is on or off does not affect the operation of the present embodiment), but it makes turning S(l) off (for example, after S(l) is turned on inadvertently requires more the LK Shift key 242 or 250 to be pressed three times to clear the mode. The states of the LK shift key in one embodiment of the present invention are outlined in the following table:
Figure imgf000009_0001
A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments of the present invention can be made to either of the embodiments described and still fully come within the scope of the invention as contemplated by the inventors. Additional embodiments include a combination of various persistent or transient modes, which prevent toggling of S(l) by pressing the LK Shift key. An additional embodiment also includes a persistent or transient mode being applied to the S(2) and S(3) modes. In a further embodiment, modes are employed that cause S(3) to be toggled whenever the LK Shift key is pressed, independently of whether transient mode T(0) is on or off. A still further embodiment includes one or more modes that change the condition that transient mode T(0) is on or off for toggling S(l), S(2), or S(3), to an alternate state or condition, or that toggling be independent of whether transient mode T(0) is on or off. Additional means employed alone or in conjunction with the keys, are capable of being utilized to manage the modes S(l), S(2), and S(3). Such means contemplated by the present invention include but or not limited to a voice-command mechanism, wherein one or modes are controlled by voice commands such as "Temporary Shift", "Caps Lock," "Shift Lock," and "Shift." The keyboard is capable of including one or more optical sensors that would alter the modes depending on the position of one or more fingers (of either or both hands) or the whole hand or a combination of the two. One or more foot switches can alos be employed. Especially for persons with disabilities, it is contemplated that the control modes be accessed by sensing one or more of the following exemplary list: eye position, blinks, puffs, cheek position (normal or puffed out), muscle state, nerve signals, voice or auditory sounds, and other human attributes used for control of physical systems by persons with or without physical limitations. It should be noted that the above list is not exhaustive and the present invention is not limited by the exclusion of any mode known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Based upon the particular need and capabilities of an individual the activation of the modes and their control can be accomplished by one or more of the above described modes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in A Method of Shift Arrangement for a Lean Computer Keyboard of the present invention without departing from the scope or intent of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method for implementing persistent and transient modes on a lean keyboard environment, the method comprising the steps of: activating at least one modifier key, wherein the activation of the modifier key modifies a plurality of primary keys; and activating a lean shift key, wherein the lean shift key further modifies a plurality of primary keys.
2. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
1, wherein a persistent mode is activated.
3. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
2, wherein the persistent mode is activated is a Shift mode.
4. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
3, wherein the shift is activated by performing the steps of: activating a LK shift key, K(0) and K(l) modifier keys.
5. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
4, wherein at least one of the LK shift key, K(0) modifier key and K(l) modifier key are activated by striking the respective key by a user.
6. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the LK shift key, K(0) modifier key and K(l) modifier key are activated by at least one of an optical sensor, finger position, foot switches, eye position, eye blinks, puffs of air, cheek position, muscle state, nerve signals, auditory commands, and auditory sounds.
7. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim 2, wherein the persistent mode is activated is a Capitalization mode.
8. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
7, wherein the capitalization mode is activated by performing the steps of: activating a LK shift key and K(l) modifier key
9. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
8, wherein at least one of the LK shift key and K(l) modifier key are activated by striking the respective key by a user.
10. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the LK shift key and K(l) modifier key are activated by at least one of an optical sensor, finger position, foot switches, eye position, eye blinks, puffs of air, cheek position, muscle state, nerve signals, auditory commands, and auditory sounds.
11. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim 1, wherein a transient mode is activated.
12. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
11, wherein the transient mode is activated is a Shift mode.
13. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim
12, wherein the shift is activated by performing the steps of: activating a LK shift key and K(0) modifier key.
14. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the LK shift key and K(0) modifier key are activated by striking the respective key by a user.
15. A method for implementing persistent and transient mode according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the LK shift key and K(0) modifier key are activated by at least one of an optical sensor, finger position, foot switches, eye position, eye blinks, puffs of air, cheek position, muscle state, nerve signals, auditory commands, and auditory sounds.
PCT/US2005/003171 2004-01-30 2005-01-31 A method of shift key arrangement for a lean computer keyboard WO2005076476A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US48198104P 2004-01-30 2004-01-30
US60/481,981 2004-01-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005076476A1 true WO2005076476A1 (en) 2005-08-18

Family

ID=34837323

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/003171 WO2005076476A1 (en) 2004-01-30 2005-01-31 A method of shift key arrangement for a lean computer keyboard

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2005076476A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020154037A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2002-10-24 International Business Machines Corporation Reformable keyboard with variable key design
US20030052164A1 (en) * 2001-09-20 2003-03-20 Higginson Timothy B. Universal keyboard

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020154037A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2002-10-24 International Business Machines Corporation Reformable keyboard with variable key design
US20030052164A1 (en) * 2001-09-20 2003-03-20 Higginson Timothy B. Universal keyboard

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Nagendran et al. Input Assistive Keyboards for People with Disabilities: A Survey
US6885317B1 (en) Touch-typable devices based on ambiguous codes and methods to design such devices
US9189156B2 (en) Keyboard comprising swipe-switches performing keyboard actions
US7165900B2 (en) Keyboard with improved function and editing sections
US6570557B1 (en) Multi-touch system and method for emulating modifier keys via fingertip chords
US6600480B2 (en) Virtual reality keyboard system and method
US5995026A (en) Programmable multiple output force-sensing keyboard
US8872777B2 (en) Computer keyboard and control method thereof
KR100776275B1 (en) Touch-typable devices based on ambiguous codes
US20030189553A1 (en) Rapid entry of data and information on a reduced size input area
US20060100848A1 (en) System and method for generating language specific diacritics for different languages using a single keyboard layout
US20110209087A1 (en) Method and device for controlling an inputting data
JP2002532792A5 (en)
US20030030573A1 (en) Morphology-based text entry system
US6326947B1 (en) Tactile character input in computer-based devices
US9298277B1 (en) Method for typing Arabic letters and associated diacritics
WO1996002394A1 (en) Keyboard for one hand typing
JP2002222037A (en) Key input device
WO2005076476A1 (en) A method of shift key arrangement for a lean computer keyboard
CA2654164C (en) Typing tutoring system and method for indicating finger placement on a keyboard
US20100201629A1 (en) System for inputting different language characters based on virtual keyboard and method thereof
US8531403B2 (en) Keyboard for use in computer system
CN219677207U (en) Novel keyboard with knob structure
Hansen et al. Gaze communication systems for people with ALS
JP2007531081A (en) Character and word selection text input method for keyboard and simplified keyboard system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase