Abstract: A manual entry data input terminal is provided having a keyboard including a set of key switches including one-half of a standard keyboard. A selector circuit is interposed between the key switches and an encoder circuit for enabling input of data bits to the encoder circuit in accordance with a first indicia series correlated to the conventional indicia display of the one-half keyboard or a second indicia series correlated to a mirror image indicia display of the opposite one-half of a standard keyboard. A mode selector switch connected with the selector circuit is selectively operable to enable input of data bits alternatively for either the first or the second indicia series to enable operation of the terminal by one hand.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard having a mount and a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of unbroken adjacent rows is provided. Each row is comprised of an arcuate portion, a left portion, and a right portion. The left and right portions extend tangentially from the left and right sides of the arcuate portion, respectively. The arcuate portion, of each row is convex to the user side of the keyboard, and at least two keys in each arcuate portion are elongated. Alphanumeric indicia on the keys can be arranged in the QWERTY pattern.

Abstract: A keyboard arranged for efficiency in learning and in operating. Home keys are assigned according to the frequency of use of the letters. A user can select a new format with eleven or more keys in the same location as the conventional typewriter letter format. The keyboard is suitable for typewriters, personal computer keyboards. Different keyboards can be selected according to the frequency of use of the letters. By concentrating work on the home row, finger extension, flexion, and travel is reduced, allowing increased speed, accuracy and safety. By maintaining the same locations, most of the difficulty in relearning a new keyboard layout can be eliminated.

Abstract: Alphanumeric keyboards are described for use with one hand to enter data. Each keyboard includes a plurality of individually movable alphanumeric keys that are each assigned a different letter of the alphabet. The keys are positioned side-by-side in multiple rows such that when four fingers of one hand are positioned over a home position, these fingers can depress all the letters by moving less than three key positions from the home position. Specialized key features are provided on the keyboard to facilitate the execution of multi-key combinations.A right-hand keyboard and a left-hand keyboard are disclosed as interchangeable with a conventional keyboard in a supporting shell. Alternatively, both the right-hand and left-hand keyboards are supported on opposite sides of a common rotatable member pivotably mounted in the supporting shell.

Abstract: A keyboard comprising a plurality of alphanumeric keys or function keys separated into a left key section containing the keys operated by the left hand and a right key section containing the keys operated by the right hand. The longitudinal axes of the rows within each section are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the operator's forearms. Each column of the keyboard is substantially aligned with the line of movement of the finger controlling the respective column in order to accommodate the natural fan-like movement of the operator's fingers as the fingers curl and uncurl during the typing operation.

Abstract: A one-handed keyboard comprising a plurality of keys representing one half of a standard keyboard, apparatus for assigning a pair of characters to each key of the plurality of keys, one of the characters being normally associated with the key in a standard keyboard and the other character being associated with a symmetrically opposite key of the other half of the standard keyboard. A modifier key is provided for controlling the aforementioned apparatus to switch between the one half and the other half of the keyboard, whereby one-handed operation of the keyboard is provided using standard touch-typing techniques for standard keyboard design.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement in which a conventional keyboard is divided into two sections, each of which is separately supported on a joint which is freely rotatable and pivotable. The joint in turn may have a supporting base adapted to rest on or to be clamped to a table top or other support surface. Alternatively, the joints supporting the respective keyboard sections may be mounted on a supporting based member, which may have an adjustable width so that the separation between the two keyboard sections can be varied.

Abstract: The invention is an alphabetic keyboard arrangement for convenient and fast typing--for instructional, research or data entry purposes--the phonetic data or phonetic transcriptions of Mandarin Chinese in the pinyin romanization. Its distinguishing features are the following: (1) the keys bearing the letters A, I, O and U are so placed that each is usually struck by a different finger; (2) the keys bearing the letters A, I, O, U, N and G, as these letters stand for the most frequently appearing syllabic final speech sounds, are placed in the row of keys on which the typist's fingers usually rest; (3) the keys bearing the letters A, E, I, U and H are so placed that each is usually struck by the index finger or middle finger of either hand; (4) the keys bearing the syllabic tone quality symbols are in the central are of the keyboard.

Abstract: A method for backspacing and/or backspacing/erasing on a computer, electronic, or other keyboard comprises activation of the backspacing function via thumb movement. Such activation can be accomplished more easily, more efficiently, and more ergonomically effectively than prior art methods because it can be done without averting the eyes from the text copy and does not entail moving or uncomfortable stretching of the hands.

Abstract: Alphanumeric keyboard input apparatus has a mount and a plurality of keys on the mount arranged in four V-shaped rows, the four rows nested together, one within the other, so as generally to form a chevron. Alphanumeric indicia on the keys are arranged in QWERTY typing layout. At least two keys have base perimeters forming chevrons, one in a first row of the four rows and one in a second row of the four rows. Four keys of the first plurality have base perimeters forming irregular trapezoids, two in a third row of the four rows and two in a fourth row of the four rows.

Abstract: A work station for a computer terminal, or the like, comprises a display screen, a work document viewing area, and a keyboard which comply with five physiological functions (a quintad) to reduce the operator's strain. The keyboard and viewing area are angled with respect to the horizontal, and the keyboard comprises two sections angled with respect to each other. The angular excursions in horizontal and vertical directions are thus limited to be within physiological comfort limits. The keyboard is mounted for movement along the face of the screen to minimize the angular difference between the screen and keyboard and to allow the upper limit of the keyboard to become an underscore for any particular portion of the screen. The keyboard provides transverse surfaces for the keys and the space bar, respectively, to reduce strain on an operator's hands by providing for a natural "grasping" motion of the thumb toward the fingers.

Abstract: An electronic dictionary or language translator is in the form of a thin electronic device, preferably at least 3".times.6" in size so that it may be placed in a book and used during reading. The electronic device has a relatively large display area and its keys are spread apart so that they may be readily operated by the fingers of either hand. The device utilizes a specially arranged keyboard with an alphabetical sequence of the letters, but with the vowels positioned so that they start and end each row. In addition, certain vowels are repeated both on the left and right sides of the keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard permitting data entry with only one hand in which the keys are arranged in non-alphabetic order. The keyboard contains at least four vertical columns of keys, at least six horizontal rows of keys, at least 26 data entry keys, at least 11 multiple entry keys, and at least 3 command keys.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with typewriters, computers, work processors or the like has two components, one operated by each hand. One of the components includes a small array of keys used for typing in characters. The other component has a number of keys for re-mapping the character input keys. Each of the mapping keys assigns a different set of characters or functions to the character keys, so that all alphabetic, numeric and punctuation characters, computer functions and controls and word processing commands can all be entered using a single small array of keys with minimum finger movement.

Abstract: A keyboard (10) is provided for use with computer type devices. The keyboard (10) provides thumb-actuated keys (52, 54, 56, and 58) for controlling the cursor in all four directions without removing either hand (42a or 42b) from its home position (40a or 40b); and the keyboard (10) includes thumb-actuated keys (62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, and 78) for performing other text-control operations without removing either hand (42a or 42b) from its home position (40a or 40b). The character keys (18) are divided into two spaced-apart groups (28a and 28b); and a function-control pad (34), which includes function keys (38), is disposed in longitudinally-disposed and laterally-staggered rows (36a, 36b, and 36c), and is interposed between the groups (28a and 28b) of the character keys (18).

Abstract: A keyboard layout which has the letters, the numbers 0 to 9, and the punctuation marks disposed within four horizontal rows. The letters are disposed on first and second contiguous rows in alphabetical order from left to right with respect to all other letters on each of said rows. The numbers 0 to 9 are disposed on a third row, and the punctuation marks are disposed on the fourth row.

Abstract: An improved keyboard assembly and method for typing for use with a device for processing symbolic information, such as a word processor, is disclosed herein. Generally, the improved keyboard assembly comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent keys, each of which is substantially covered by a visual pattern formed from a combination of shape and coloring. The visual pattern on each key is manifestly different from the visual pattern on each adjacent key in order to facilitate visual discrimination between keys. However, the visual patterns on keys in the same rows or columns share at least one distinctive design feature in order to assist the operator in properly orienting his or her hands over the keyboard. To further enhance both key discrimination and proper manual orientation over the keyboard, keys on every other row have different surface textures to provide distinctive tactile signals to the keyboard operator whenever the different-textured keys are touched.

Abstract: Keyboards structured to accommodate electronic technology advances evidenced this past seven years involving keyboards for personal and home use on computers typewriters, personal home computers, calculator and chording keyboards and other typographical equipment are disclosed. A plurality of different designs utilize 26 letters of the English alphabet in a keyboard configuration of at least two rows and an unlimited number of keys. The vowels are separated from the consonants and placed on different rows; thereafter, vowels and punctuation appear on the same row completing one design. In some of the keyboards of the invention all of the vowels are separated from the consonants and in others only a few vowels are separated from the consonants and punctuation keys may be located anywhere on the keyboard. The alphabet is always in its natural sequential order. Color can be used as an identifying aid. These keyboards are intended for nontypists and physically handicapped people.

Abstract: A self-contained data terminal or typewriter keyboard completely operable by a single human hand for the input of information into a computer or other electronic device. The keyboard comprises five sets of keys, each set aligned respectively with the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and small finger of an extended hand. Complementary orientation and positioning of the sets are determined by whether the terminal is to be used by a right-handed or left-handed user. The control keys may be used to manipulate text or other information entered into the attached device and are operated by the thumb. The character keys consist primarily of letters of the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation sets and are positioned below the remaining four fingers. The terminal is operated in a single keystroke character input mode. Several data control keys can also be mounted to the terminal to perform additional text manipulation functions, similar to the control keys, or any other necessary commands.

Abstract: Several different symbols may be assigned to each key of the keyboard as requested by the operator. All the various symbols of the keys are recorded in a memory where they are organized in a certain number of pre-defined, distinct configurations of the keyboard. The configuration chosen by the operator is recorded in a display memory and displayed by means of a graphic unit on a flat panel, for example a liquid crystal display panel. The key actuated by the operator is identified by a decoding circuit to determine its symbol by means of the display memory and to display it on the flat panel.

Abstract: A data entry system comprising a one-handed keyboard having five data keys and five control keys which are used in combinations for entering data and control characters in the system. The system also comprises a cursor control assembly for controlling a cursor on a screen and controls for permitting a single keyboard to be operated with either the left or right hand.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard that is suitable for all devices interfacing with a keyboard; and that is able to transmit on unlimited amount of information including the more than 50 alphabets of the world, numbers, other symbols, programing, and operational information. All information is grouped into modes, such as the capital letters of the Latin alphabet, and any information bit in a particular mode that the keyboard is in can be entered with one keystroke. The keyboard is ergonomically designed to take maximum advantage of the shape, dexterity, and strength of the hands and fingers so that the majority of the fingers on both hands are always naturally positioned on the home keys, and so the reaching to the other keys is natural and effortless.

Abstract: The present invention is a keyboard device for entering Japanese language text utilizing Romaji character notation and a method for entering the Romaji character notation.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement suitable for use in typewriters, word processors, computer terminals and the like includes a number of manually actuable key members supported in a given array. Different letter formats can be selected for those key members corresponding to letter characters, wherein each of the letter chracter key members is made to correspond to a selected one of at least two different letters. Accordingly, a user can select, for example, either the conventional typewriter letter format or a new format wherein letters are assigned to the key members according to the frequency of use of the letters in a given language and the relative ease of accessibility of each key member to the fingers of the user's hands. In one embodiment, the key members in the left-hand portion of the keyboard array are arranged in columns which slope downwardly toward the left side of the array, and the key members in the right hand portion of the array form columns which slope downwardly toward the right side of the array.

Abstract: An improved keyboard for computer terminals, computer input devices, word processors, typewriters and any other operating or simulator keyboard is disclosed in which selected keys of the keyboard are selectively positioned and aligned to enable a proper alignment of the left forearm and left hand from elbow to fingertips for the keys that are operated by the left hand, and to enable fast, accurate, unobstructed and comfortable movement of the fingers of the left hand; and in which selected keys of the keyboard are selectively positioned and aligned to enable a proper alignment of the right forearm and right hand from elbow to fingertips for the keys that are operated by the right hand and to enable fast, accurate, unobstructed and comfortable movement of the fingers of the right hand. The improved keyboard also provides a tactile and visual means for placing the hands in proper positions on the keyboard.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used in language skills development are described. A periodic table of forty-five language elements is presented. The periodicity of the elements is described in terms of articulation mechanisms. Photographs of mouth pattern and voice frequency information are provided for each language element. The two major families of vowels and consonants are preserved and emphasized on phonomats. These phonomats are designed to reinforce the relationship among the language elements. Alternate spellings, specially encoded, are provided to enable the student to pronounce new words and sentences based on his prior familiarity with the symbol and sound bets presented on the periodic table of language elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a programmable keyboard apparatus for allowing a user to select any one of a predetermined number of different keyboard arrangements such as the Qwerty or the Dvorak arrangements. The keyboard contains a plurality of fixed input keys arranged in rows and columns and according to a standard typewriter keyboard format. Each key has positioned above the key an indicating area whereby the designation or symbol for the key is automatically changed by the apparatus each time a different format is selected. In this manner, the user can experiment with keyboard formats which enable more rapid typing with fewer errors. The construction is extremely economical, and therefore, in utilizing the apparatus a user will have access to different keyboard arrangements which will increase the users ability to type or enter data.

Abstract: An input keyboard arrangement is provided for microcomputers, computer terminals, and other devices for processing alphanumeric information. The keyboard arrangement facilitates entry of information by non-typists, increases keying accuracy, enables use of the three strongest fingers for depressing keys, and minimizes the time needed to master the keyboard. The keyboard is arranged in a vertical layout with a pair of enter keys, and elongate shift and space bars located around the perimeter of the key arrangement. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by an individidual key and the alphabetic keys are arranged in alphabetical order in nine rows with three keys per row so as to facilitate human information processing. Specifically, the keys of the first row are arranged, sinistrally, as c-b-a or, dextrally, as a-b-c, the second row f-e-d or d-e-f, and so on, with the pattern continuing to the ninth row which contains the keys "z-y" or "y-z.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement suitable for use in typewriters, word processors, computer terminals and the like includes a number of manually actuable key members supported in a given array. Different letter formats can be selected for those key members corresponding to letter characters, wherein each of the letter character key members is made to correspond to a selected one of at least two different letters. Accordingly, a user can select, for example, either the conventional typewriter letter format or a new format wherein letters are assigned to the key members according to the frequency of use of the letters in a given language and the relative ease of accessibility of each key member to the fingers of the user's hands. In one embodiment, the key members in the left-hand portion of the keyboard array are arranged in columns which slope downwardly toward the left side of the array, and the key members in the right hand portion of the array form columns which slope downwardly toward the right side of the array.

Abstract: A typewriter keyboard arrangement with keys concentrated in clusters in such a manner so as to be operated by specific fingers designated for specific clusters. Keys are clustered and clusters arranged to allow rapid finger motion with little hand motion. The keyboard arrangement also allows the hands and arms to be positioned in a natural manner in relation to the body.

Abstract: A keyboard is disclosed having keys subdivided into one or more fields. Two keys from the same field concurrently actuated identify a particular character. Characters are also identified by the actuation of a single key independently of any other key. Pivot keys may be included which are a part of more than one field. A color coding arrangement makes the two key combination unambiguously suggested by the keyboard itself. These features make possible a reduction of the number of keys such that a full set of alphanumeric characters may be arranged on the keyboard for one handed operation.

Abstract: A manual data entry keyboard, having left hand and right hand clusters of keys, is separated medially by an interposed, auxilliary matrix of keys comprising an [m.times.n] array of keys, where m and n are integers--m at least 4, n at least 1. In one embodiment the matrix includes a [5.times.2] array of keys which serve as a numeric keypad, accessed by the index fingers and thumbs, obsoleting the [1.times.10] array of number keys commonly included with the QWERTY cluster in existing English language keyboard arrangements. Top row accessory characters may be entered without the shift and are grouped in clusters in the top row and positioned to reflect the order of entry of elements of these groups in the usual flow of data. Punctuation keys are clustered in the right hand area of the keyboard, and except for the period and comma, are readily accessed by the little finger. Columns of keys, additional to the [5.times.

Abstract: A typewriter comprising a keyboard having a plurality of keys divided into three substantially horizontal rows, between which keys letters of the alphabet are allocated, and means operative by said keys to write the letters of the alphabet. The first key, from left to right, of the middle row, operable by the little finger of the left hand of an operator, is allocated the letter A. The sixth key, from left to right, of the middle row is allocated the letter N. Four keys in each of the top, middle and bottom rows of keys between the keys carrying the letters A and N, are allocated respectively, the first, second or third letter of each group of three letters between the letters A and N, in alphabetical sequence from left to right across the three rows of four keys.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical keyboard having five keys arranged conveniently for the fingers of an operators hand, a memory to store the signals from each key, logic circuit to instruct said stored data after release of the last of said keys and an encoder to receive said stored signals and produce electrical output signals corresponding to readable characters; each character signal requiring a single operation of a unique combination of said input keys for production of said signal.

Abstract: Typewriter keyboards for English and German are disclosed that assign vowels and consonants to keys on both sides of the keyboard to maximize the number of successive keystrokes by the same hand and to minimize the number of successive keystrokes by the same finger. Three high frequency vowels and two high frequency consonants are assigned to home keys that lie directly under the fingers of the left hand. Three high frequency consonants, a high frequency vowel, and the space are assigned to home keys that lie directly under the fingers of the right hand. A single elevated case shift key is located on the left hand end of the lower letter key row. The elevated stroking surface of the carriage return key is located at the right hand ends of the lower letter key row and the home key row. Steeply inclined key tops slope down toward neighboring home keys to guide fingers to the proper home position and to facilitate actuating non-home keys.

Abstract: A device for the processing of linguistic information containing a keyboard unit, an electronic processing unit and an output registration unit, with the keyboard unit processing keys for symbols distributed over a right hand side group to be operated by the right hand and a left hand side group to be operated by the left hand. The device has an electronic processing unit containing a memory, a decoder and a control unit, with the keyboard unit possessing space keys, the keys for symbols in the right hand side group having priority over the keys for symbols in the left hand side group. The keys for symbols in the right hand side group have priority from left to right and from top to bottom; the keys for symbols in the left hand side group have priority from right to left and from top to bottom.

Abstract: A typewriter keyboard arranged to take into account the frequency of occurrence of letters so that the keys for the most frequently occurring letters are positioned for easiest operation by the typist. Account is also taken of the frequency of occurrence of consecutive letters so that one finger or thumb will not have to operate different keys in rapid succession. The keyboard further includes keys to form letters or functional operations operable by the thumb. In one embodiment, two pluralities of keys are provided for operation by the fingers of the left and right hands, respectively, and two further pluralities of keys are provided for operation by the right and left thumbs, respectively.Each of the four pluralities of keys is arranged on a surface which is concave in two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to data input system keyboards that are designed in accordance with human engineering principles for use in conjunction with a specific data input activity. Each keyboard has a plurality of keys adapted for actuation in response to minimum movement of the fingers of an operator and each having a substantially smooth upper surface to facilitate sliding movement of the fingers of the operator between the keys of the keyboard. The keys of each keyboard are arranged such that the most often used keys are situated in the most readily accessible locations with respect to the fingers of the operator, and with keys which are frequently utilized in sequence. That is, the keys that comprise digraphs & trigrams as well as keys carrying individual words or characters used frequently in sequence are positioned adjacent one another. The keys may be arranged along arcuate paths corresponding to the natural movement of the fingers, hands, and arms of the operator.

Abstract: An arrangement of keys on a keyboard in which each letter of the alphabet is represented by an individual key, with the keys being arranged in five primary rows. Each primary row begins with a vowel-representing key, which keys are arranged in alphabetical order along one edge or side of the keyboard. Each vowel-representing key is followed by certain consonant-representing keys in alphabetical order. The center row of the arrangement begins with the vowel i and is followed by j, k, l, m and n.