COMPRESSED STANDARDIZED KEYBOARD
A keyboard of reduced size is provided in which multiple characters are assigned to each of the primary keys. The selection of the characters to be assigned to each specific primary key is based on the touch typing rules associated with a specific standardized keyboard, preferably allowing at least three rows of keys to be reduced to a single row of keys. A disambiguating system is used to interpret which of the characters and/or symbols assigned to a particular key is intended, typically by applying a set of disambiguating rules to generated input sequences.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/243,953, filed Oct. 4, 2005, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/446,416, filed May 27, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,837, issued Jul. 25, 2006, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/465,670, filed Apr. 24, 2003, priority of which is claimed under respective 35 U.S.C. §119 and 35 U.S.C. § 120, and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to input devices and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for reducing the size of a keyboard while retaining the benefits associated with touch typing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn recent years, major advances have been made in reducing the size of various electronic devices such as personal computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs), these advances primarily being the result of processor, memory and/or display improvements. Miniaturization of the keyboard, however, has proven to be a significant limiting factor in achieving further size reductions.
Several approaches have been pursued in overcoming the size reduction limitations imposed by the keyboard. First, many small devices, especially PDAs, do not use an integrated keyboard and instead offer a very limited set of input means (e.g., a few keys, thumb pad, small touch screen, etc.). Devices of this sort do not allow the user to input text by typing. Second, some devices that do not include an integrated keyboard may allow the use of a detachable keyboard. Such keyboards may utilize either full size or reduced size keys and may be foldable to allow easy portability. Third, expandable keyboards have been incorporated into laptop computers, thus allowing them to be relatively portable while providing the user with a full size keyboard during use. Fourth, miniature keyboards have been incorporated into handheld devices, providing the user with a full set of keys based on a standardized layout. The primary drawback of such miniature keyboards is that the user, while holding the device in both hands, types using only their thumbs, thereby eliminating the possibility of touch typing.
An approach that has been used in a variety of ways is the use of a reduced set of keys. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,554 discloses a keyboard in which multiple characters are assigned to each key. The keyboard is coupled to a disambiguating system which interprets keystroke sequences and provides the user with a list of words that match the keystroke sequence in question, preferably ordering the list by frequency of use.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,878 discloses a keyboard in which a primary and a secondary letter is assigned to each key. Striking a key causes the primary letter to be generated unless a secondary function key is also struck. The patent discloses designating the most commonly used letters as primary letters. Additionally, common two letter combinations are placed on primary mode keys proximate to one another.
Although the prior art devices allow a reduction in keyboard size, they also reduce typing efficiency by preventing the user from utilizing standard touch typing skills. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a method and apparatus that allows a user to retain the benefits associated with touch typing while still providing a dramatically reduced keyboard. The present invention provides such a method and apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a keyboard of reduced size that is based on a standardized keyboard layout, thus allowing a person to realize the benefits of touch typing with a keyboard that is a fraction of the size of a standard keyboard. In order to achieve the reduced size, multiple characters are assigned to each of the primary keys. The selection of the characters to be assigned to each specific primary key is based on the touch typing rules associated with the selected standardized keyboard and preferably reduces at least three rows of keys to a single row of keys. A disambiguating system is used to interpret which of the characters and/or symbols assigned to a particular key is intended, typically by applying a set of disambiguating rules to input sequences.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, if the keyboard of the invention is to be based on a QWERTY standardized keyboard, a first primary key would be assigned the characters “q”, “a” and “z”, a second primary key would be assigned the characters “w”, “s” and “x”, a third primary key would be assigned the characters “e”, “d” and “c”, a fourth primary key would be assigned the characters “r”, “f” and “v”, a fifth primary key would be assigned the characters “t”, “g” and “b”, a sixth primary key would be assigned the characters “y”, “h” and “n”, a seventh primary key would be assigned the characters “u”, “j” and “m”, an eighth primary key would be assigned the characters “i” and “k”, a ninth primary key would be assigned the characters “o” and “l”, and a tenth primary key would be assigned the character “p”.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, if the keyboard of the invention is to be based on a DVORAK standardized keyboard, a first primary key would be assigned the character “a”, a second primary key would be assigned the characters “o” and “q”, a third primary key would be assigned the characters “e” and “j”, a fourth primary key would be assigned the characters “p”, “u” and “k”, a fifth primary key would be assigned the characters “y”, “i” and “x”, a sixth primary key would be assigned the characters “f”, “d” and “b”, a seventh primary key would be assigned the characters “g”, “h” and “m”, an eighth primary key would be assigned the characters “c”, “t” and “w”, a ninth primary key would be assigned the characters “r”, “n” and “v”, and a tenth primary key would be assigned the characters “l”, “s” and “z”.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, in addition to assigning multiple characters of the alphabet to each of the primary keys, numeric characters are assigned to the primary keys, thereby further reducing the overall size required for a complete keyboard. Preferably a numbers lock or other form of shift key is used to designate the nature of the desired character.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, one or more function, symbol and/or number keys are included in the keyboard. These keys can be assigned single or multiple meanings.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, keyboard means are included that allow cursor position control. Such means include direction input keys (e.g., arrow keys), mouse pads, scroll wheels, and thumb pads.
The present invention can be used with a variety of different types of devices (e.g., PDAs, personal computers, etc.) and can be integrated into the device or used as an accessory. In the latter case, the keyboard can either be coupled wirelessly or via a wired connection. Additionally, the invented keyboard can use hard keys, soft keys, touch sensitive keys, etc.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the keyboard of the invention can be folded along a hinge line during non-use, thus providing a smaller overall size as well as means of protecting the keys, for example during transit. Alternately, portions of the keyboard can be designed to slide away from a central keyboard portion, thus providing comfortable hand positioning during use while minimizing space during non-use.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.
The present invention allows a user familiar with a specific keyboard layout, e.g., a QWERTY keyboard, to realize the benefits of touch typing while using a keyboard that is a fraction of the size of a standard keyboard. Due to the reduced size, the present keyboard can be conveniently used with various portable devices (e.g., portable or laptop computers, personal digital assistants or PDAs, etc.), thus providing a reduction in both the size and the weight of the combined device.
In a standard keyboard, to facilitate touch typing multiple keys are associated with each of the user's fingers, the keys being located in rows. Typically one row of keys is designated as the home or rest row while the other rows are located both above and below the home row. For example, in a QWERTY keyboard the fifth finger on the user's left hand rests on the “a” key. By contracting the finger slightly, the user is able to reach the “z” key. By extending the same finger slightly, the user is able to reach the “q” key. By extending the finger even more, the user is able to reach the “l” key.
In accordance with the present invention, multiple rows of keys on a standard keyboard are replaced with a single row of keys, each individual key representing multiple letters, symbols, numbers, etc. as described in detail below. In addition to the single row of keys, one or more auxiliary keys are preferably included in the keyboard of the invention.
Basic Keyboard Layout
Portions 101 and 102 are each comprised of four primary or home keys 103 106. In the preferred embodiment, a fifth key 107 is included within each portion 101, 102, keys 107 adjacent to keys 106. During typing, although the rest position of the user's index fingers is on keys 106, a minor extension of the user's index fingers allow keys 107 to be reached. In another preferred embodiment, a sixth key 109 (or a fifth key 109 if the embodiment does not include keys 107) is located adjacent to keys 103. Minor extensions of the user's fifth fingers (i.e., little fingers) allow keys 109 to be reached. Preferably one or more auxiliary keys 111 are also located within one or both portions 101, 102. Keys 111 may be located for easy access by the user's thumbs. As described in detail below, auxiliary keys 111 are used to input functions such as shift, space, enter, etc.
It will be appreciated that although the QWERTY layout is quite specific as to the keyboard locations of the individual letters a z as well as numbers 1 9 and 0, the positions of the various punctuation symbols is somewhat more fluid. For example, positions of many punctuation symbols may be dependent upon the intended user. Therefore although key 211 is shown with input values “p”, “;”, “?”, “0”, it will be appreciated that other punctuation symbols can be assigned to this key (e.g., “p”, “;”, “/”, and “0”).
Although keys 203 207 and 211 215 represent the primary input keys, it will be appreciated that it is advantageous to include other keys on the keyboard. Preferably the keyboard of the invention also includes one or more space keys 213, a shift key 215 and an enter key 217. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the keyboard also includes a tab key 219 and a back space key 221.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, at least two of arrows 301 304 are used as a means of selecting special text for input. For example, the up arrow key 303 and down arrow key 304 can be used to scroll through a variety of available punctuation symbols in addition to those provided by keys 211 213 (e.g., ! # $ % & * ( ) _ −+=[ ] { } \ / ′ ″ < > etc.). In at least one embodiment, left arrow key 301 and right arrow key 302 are used to select a symbol family. Example symbol families include grammatical symbols, mathematical symbols, Greek letters, etc. By breaking the total number of possible symbols into families, fewer symbols are included within each family, thus speeding up symbol selection. Once the desired symbol is located, it is preferably selected using enter key 217 or a similar symbol selection key. In order to add further versatility, preferably keyboard 300 includes a toggle key 307, for example mounted in the middle of the arrow keys as shown, that allows the user to toggle the functionality of arrow keys 301 304 (e.g., toggling between cursor positioning arrows and symbol selection arrows).
It should be appreciated that the primary design attribute of the present invention is the reduction of three rows of letter keys to a single row of letter keys in which each key is capable of inputting more than a single letter and in which the locations of the keys follow a standardized pattern (e.g., a QWERTY layout). As a consequence, a user that is familiar with the selected standardized keyboard layout can utilize the keyboard of the present invention without having to learn a new keyboard layout, thus allowing the user to immediately transition to the invented keyboard. Additionally, many users will realize higher typing speeds as they will no longer be required to extend and contract their fingers to reach keys that are in a row located either above or below the home row.
As the primary design attribute of the present invention is the reduction of three rows of letter keys to a single row of letter keys as previously noted, it will be appreciated that specific locations for many of the secondary keys (e.g., symbol keys, number keys, grammatical symbol keys, etc.) is not required. As noted above, secondary key information can be input via standard keys, mouse pads, thumb pads, scroll wheels, etc. which can be located anywhere on the invented keyboard. The primary design constraints on the secondary keys are user accessibility and maintaining a compact, overall keyboard design.
DVORAK Keyboard Layout
Although the principal intended application of the present invention is a keyboard based on the immensely popular QWERTY layout, it will be appreciated that the present invention can be used to replace other standardized keyboard layouts. For example,
Other Standardized Keyboard Layouts
As previously disclosed, the present invention is applicable to any standardized keyboard layout, thereby combining the benefits of fewer keys with a standardized keyboard layout. Although the applicability of the present invention has already been demonstrated with respect to both QWERTY and DVORAK standardized keyboards, two further examples are provided below. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to these four standardized layouts; rather they are shown simply to illustrate the benefits and applicability of the invention.
Disambiguating System
As previously described in detail, the present invention assigns multiple letters, symbols and functions to keys, thus allowing a user familiar with a particular keyboard layout to utilize the present keyboard, albeit with many fewer keys. The preferred embodiment of the present invention relies on a disambiguating system to interpret user input.
Keyboard 1301 is coupled to a device 1350 via cable 1351. Cable 1351 may be a simple cable as shown or it may be included in a mechanical coupling device used to temporarily mount the keyboard to the device. As previously noted, device 1350 is any electronic device that may be beneficially combined with a keyboard. Typical devices include PDAs, personal computers (e.g., notebooks, sub-notebooks, handheld PCs and pocket PCs), etc. Device 1350 includes a display 1353 and one or more integrated input means 1355. Attached to keyboard 1301 are a processor 1357 and a memory 1359 which are used to disambiguate input from keyboard 1301. It will be appreciated that processor 1357 and/or memory 1359 may be coupled to keyboard 1301, integrated within keyboard 1301 or integrated within device 1350. As used herein, the term processor refers to processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, CPUs, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. while the term memory refers to non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM), volatile memory (e.g., RAM) or both.
A variety of techniques can be used to disambiguate input from keyboard 1301. In part, the technique employed may be selected on the basis of the capabilities of processor 1357 (e.g., speed, task dedication, etc.). The employed technique may also be selected on the basis of the size of memory 1359 since a larger memory, especially in conjunction with a faster processor, allows greater versatility in the application of the disambiguation system.
In general, processor 1357 in conjunction with memory 1359 applies a set of predefined rules to input received from keyboard 1301. For example, the system may review “words” as determined by the location of spaces and search a dictionary to determine possible words based on the specific keystrokes received from the keyboard. Thus if the disambiguating system receives a “word” that is comprised of the five key sequence; key 1303, key 1305, key 1307, key 1306 and key 1303, the system may conclude that the user was typing the word “zebra”. If multiple words are available based on the keyed sequence, preferably the system applies a set of rules to determine which is the most likely word of the possible words. This set of rules can be based on grammatical rules (e.g., where in a sentence the word in question resides), the context of the word (e.g., reviewing one or more words before and/or after the word in question), the frequency of use in common language, etc.
As previously noted, the disambiguating system can base the selection of a term, in whole or in part, on a set of values that correspond to the frequency that each of the possible terms is used. Although such a set of values can be based on the common usage of each of the terms, this set of values can also be based on the frequency of use within a specific area (e.g., technical writing, legal writing, etc.).
In at least one embodiment, the disambiguating system is designed as a learning system, i.e., a system in which the values assigned for the frequency of use for each term are updated based on the actual frequency of use. Thus, for example, although the system may initially give a very low frequency value for a particular word, if the system observes that the use of the word in question is more frequent than initially assumed, the system will increase the frequency value assigned to the word.
In at least one embodiment, the user is able to alter the set of rules used to determine the likely match between a term and a set of key strokes. For example, the system can be set up to allow the user to assign weights of merit for each rule within a set of rules. Thus one user could set the system up to place the highest weight on the frequency of use values while another user could set the system up to place the highest weight on the location within a sentence for the word in question. In at least one embodiment the system is set up to allow the user to update the dictionary of terms used by the system. This system allows the user to compensate for a limited dictionary of terms, or to add unusual terms such as scientific terms of art.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, as the system disambiguates the user's input, it highlights those terms in which there are multiple possibilities. For example, an input sequence could be comprised of keys 1306, 1303 and 1308. Based on the set of rules applied, the system may have included the term “ran” within the typed section. By highlighting this term, the user is alerted to the fact that he or she may have intended a different word and other words are available. By selecting this word, for example by placing the cursor within the term and inputting a predefined key or sequence of keys (e.g., holding down key 1337 while striking key 1315), the user can be presented with the other possible terms for this input sequence (e.g., ray, rah, fan, van) from which to select. Selection can be by a variety of techniques such as highlighting the desired word and striking enter key 1333.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the disambiguating system includes means for selecting the desired word when the system is unable to determine the desired word from a series of keystrokes, typically because the word in question is not included within the system's dictionary. The system may highlight the term in question or simply leave it as an unrecognizable series of keystrokes. Preferably the system allows the user to highlight each letter of the term in question and then select the desired letter from those available. For example, if the first letter of the term is based on the input from key 1303, the user would be allowed to select from the letters q, a and z. Preferably once the user has identified the proper term, the system either automatically inputs the term into its dictionary, or it allows the user the choice of whether or not to include the term in the system's dictionary.
Although a general description of disambiguating systems is provided above for purposes of clarity, it will be appreciated that there are countless variations of such systems and that the present invention is not limited to a single type of disambiguating system. Examples of disambiguating systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,317,647, 5,664,896, 5,952,942, 6,011,554, and 6,307,549, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for any and all purposes.
In an alternative embodiment, rather than using a disambiguating system as disclosed above (or in combination with a disambiguating system), the user is able to select the desired character using a multi-tap approach as commonly used with cellular telephones. In such an approach the character to be entered is determined by the number of times a key is tapped. Thus, for example, with keyboard 1301 the user would tap key 1303 once if the character “q” is desired, twice if the character “a” is desired, and three times if the character “z” is desired. Although the user can be required to strike the “enter” key before starting to type the next character, preferably a character is entered as soon as the user strikes another key. Thus, for example, if the user wishes to type the word “an” with keyboard 1301, they would first strike key 1303 twice and then strike key 1308 three times. In such an embodiment, the system would either require the use of a special function key (e.g., enter key, etc.), a disambiguating system, or both, to take care of cases in which the same key must be used twice in succession. For example, the word “succession” requires that key 1305 be used three times in succession (i.e., “c”, “c”, “e”) and key 1304 be used twice in succession (i.e., “s”, “s”).
Error Correction
The present invention can be used with any number of different error correction techniques, many of which are common, well known and used with a variety of standard keyboards and word processors. Therefore the following description is only intended to illustrate some of these techniques, not limit the invention to one or more particular techniques.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, as the user types possible errors are highlighted on the screen, for example using shading, underlining, different color text, etc. Typically system identified errors are those in which the disambiguating system was unable to determine a word matching the user input keystrokes. The user can go back at a later time (e.g., after completion of the document or a portion thereof) to correct the identified error.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the user identifies previously written text to alter or correct by first moving a cursor to the desired location. Cursor movement is preferably controlled by arrow keys (e.g., keys 1343 1346 in keyboard embodiment 1301) or, similarly, up, down, right and left keys. As previously noted, other cursor movement techniques are also applicable, such as a keyboard mouse, thumb pad, scroll wheel, etc.
Preferably once a word to be altered or corrected has been identified, for example by double clicking, pressing “enter” or otherwise highlighting the word, the system provides a list of alternate words that match the previously input keystrokes. The user can then scroll through the list (e.g., using arrow keys) and pick the desired word to replace the system selected word. Alternately, the user can re-type the highlighted word, a technique that is useful both to correct typing errors as well as to select a different word. As with any word processing system, the user can move the cursor to a location in a previously written portion and either delete text or add new text.
Keyboard/Device Embodiments
The present invention can use either hard keys, i.e., those that physically move when depressed, or soft keys, i.e., those that do not move when selected.
As previously noted, the present invention can either be integrated into a device or be used as an accessory. In the latter case, the keyboard can either be wired to the intended device as illustrated in
As previously noted, in some embodiments of the invention the keyboard is comprised of multiple pieces thus allowing the size of the keyboard to be further reduced when not in use. For example, the two keyboard portions identified with dotted lines in
In one embodiment of the system shown in
In another embodiment of the system shown in
As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A keyboard system, comprising:
- a first portion having a first plurality of input keys and being configured for use by fingers of a user's left hand;
- a second portion having a second plurality of input keys and being configured for use by fingers of a user's right hand, wherein at least one portion is movable, and wherein each input key of the first and second portions corresponds to a plurality of individual keys on a standardized keyboard, is associated with a single, specific finger based on touch typing rules of the standardized keyboard, and generates a signal when selected;
- a memory for storing a plurality of signal sequences, each signal sequence being comprised of multiple signals that are generated by selection of input keys; and
- a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to apply a set of disambiguating rules to each signal sequence and output a chosen signal sequence based on the set of disambiguating rules for each signal sequence.
3. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein said standardized keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard.
4. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein the first and second portions are embedded within a portable device.
5. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein the first portion includes at least five input keys and the second portion includes at least five input keys.
6. The keyboard system of claim 5, wherein three adjacent letters of three individual keys of three different rows of the standardized keyboard are assigned to each input key of the first portion.
7. The keyboard system of claim 5, wherein three adjacent letters of three individual keys of three different rows of the standardized keyboard are assigned to at least two input keys of the second portion, and at least one input key of the second portion corresponds to two letter keys and at least one number key of the standardized keyboard.
8. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein the first portion includes a first space key corresponding to a space bar of the standardized keyboard and is configured for use by a user's left thumb, and the second portion includes a second space input key corresponding to the space bar of the standardized keyboard and is configured for use by a user's right thumb.
9. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein individual adjacent keys of the standardized keyboard that are accessible by extending and contracting a specific finger are combined into a single input key.
10. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein both of the first and second portions are movable.
11. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein at least one portion of input keys is slidably movable.
12. The keyboard system of claim 11, wherein both of the first and second portions of input keys are slidably movable.
13. The keyboard system of claim 12, wherein the first portion of input keys is slidably movable in a first direction, and the second portion of input keys is slidably movable in a second, different direction.
14. The keyboard system of claim 13, wherein the first and second portions of input keys are horizontally slidable in opposite directions, and at least one portion of input keys is vertically slidable.
15. The keyboard system of claim 2, wherein the first and second portions of input keys are hingedly coupled.
16. An apparatus having a keyboard system, comprising:
- a body;
- a first portion having a first plurality of input keys and being configured for use by fingers of a user's left hand,
- a second portion having a second plurality of input keys and being configured for use by fingers of a user's right hand, wherein at least one of the first and second portions is slidable relative to the body, and wherein each input key of the first and second portions corresponds to a plurality of individual keys on a standardized keyboard, is associated with a single, specific finger based on touch typing rules of the standardized keyboard, and generates a signal when selected;
- a memory for storing a plurality of signal sequences, wherein each of said plurality of signal sequences is comprised of multiple signals generated by the selection of multiple input keys selected from the plurality of input keys; and
- a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to apply a set of disambiguating rules to each of the plurality of signal sequences and output a chosen signal sequence based on the set of disambiguating rules for each of the plurality of signal sequences.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said standardized keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the body and the first and second portions are integrated within a portable device.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the body and the first and second portions are integrated within a digital assistant (PDA) or a computing device.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a connector, wherein the first and second portions of input keys are operably coupled to a processing device by the connector.
21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first portion includes at least five input keys and the second portion includes at least five input keys.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein three adjacent letters of three individual keys of three different rows of the standardized keyboard are assigned to each input key of the first portion.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein three adjacent letters of three individual keys of three different rows of the standardized keyboard are assigned to at least two input keys of the second portion, and at least one input key of the second portion corresponds to two letter keys and at least one number key of the standardized keyboard.
24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first portion includes a first space key corresponding to a space bar of the standardized keyboard and is configured for use by a user's left thumb, and the second portion includes a second space input key corresponding to the space bar of the standardized keyboard and is configured for use by a user's right thumb.
25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein individual adjacent keys of the standardized keyboard that are accessible by extending and contracting a specific finger are combined into a single input key.
26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein both of the first and second portions of input keys are slidably movable, the first portion is slidably movable in a first direction, and the second portion of input keys is slidably movable in a second, different direction.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first and second portions of input keys are horizontally slidable in opposite directions, and at least one portion of input keys is vertically slidable.
28. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the standardized keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein individual “q”, “a” and “z” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a first input key, individual “w”, “s” and “x” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a second input key, individual “e”, “d” and “c” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a third input key, individual “r”, “f” and “v” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a fourth input key, individual “t”, “g” and “b” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a fifth input key, individual “y”, “h” and “n” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a sixth input key, and individual “u”, “j” and “m” keys on the standardized keyboard are combined into a seventh input key.
30. A keyboard system, comprising:
- a first portion having a first plurality of input keys and being configured for use by fingers of a user's left hand;
- a second portion having a second plurality of input keys and being configured for use by fingers of a user's right hand, wherein each of said plurality of input keys of the first and second portions corresponds to at least three individual keys on a standardized keyboard, is associated with a single, specific finger based on touch typing rules of the standardized keyboard and generates a signal when selected, and wherein at least one portion is movable relative to the other portion;
- a memory for storing a plurality of signal sequences, wherein each of said plurality of signal sequences is comprised of multiple signals generated by the selection of multiple input keys selected from said plurality of input keys; and
- a processor coupled to said memory, said processor applying a set of disambiguating rules to each of said plurality of signal sequences and outputting a chosen signal sequence based on said set of disambiguating rules for each of said plurality of signal sequences.
31. A compressed standardized QWERTY keyboard system, comprising:
- a plurality of input keys, wherein each of said plurality of input keys corresponds to at least three individual keys of a standardized QWERTY keyboard, the plurality of input keys being configured for use by a user's fingers, a first group of input keys being movable relative a second group of input keys, wherein each of said at least three individual keys is associated with a single, specific finger based on touch typing rules of the standardized QWERTY keyboard, and wherein each of said plurality of input keys generates a signal when selected;
- a memory for storing a plurality of signal sequences, wherein each of said plurality of signal sequences is comprised of multiple signals generated by the selection of multiple input keys selected from said plurality of input keys; and
- a processor coupled to said memory, said processor applying a set of disambiguating rules to each of said plurality of signal sequences and outputting a chosen signal sequence based on said set of disambiguating rules for each of said plurality of signal sequences.
32. A compressed standardized DVORAK keyboard system, comprising:
- a plurality of input keys; wherein each of said plurality of input keys corresponds to at least three individual keys on a standardized DVORAK keyboard, the plurality of input keys being configured for use by a user's fingers, a first group of input keys being movable relative a second group of input keys, wherein each of said at least three individual keys is associated with a single, specific finger based on touch typing rules of the standardized DVORAK keyboard, and wherein each of said plurality of input keys generates a signal when selected;
- a memory for storing a plurality of signal sequences, wherein each of said plurality of signal sequences is comprised of multiple signals generated by the selection of multiple input keys selected from said plurality of input keys; and
- a processor coupled to said memory, said processor applying a set of disambiguating rules to each of said plurality of signal sequences and outputting a chosen signal sequence based on said set of disambiguating rules for each of said plurality of signal sequences.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 12, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 2, 2008
Inventor: Taylor Bollman (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 11/955,011
International Classification: H03M 11/00 (20060101); H03K 17/94 (20060101);