Abstract: A touchpad assembly for used in a housing of an electronic device is provided. The touchpad assembly includes: a touchpad and a slider. The touchpad is disposed in the housing, and includes a touch bump. The slider includes a base and a plurality of top abutment surfaces. The slider is slidably disposed in the housing, causing the touch bump to be correspondingly positioned on any of the top abutment surfaces to generate a touch stroke. The plurality of top abutment surfaces is arranged on an upper surface of the base, and there is a height difference between adjacent ones of the top abutment surfaces, causing the touch stroke to increase. An adjustable stroke of a touchpad is implemented, so that an idle stroke is increased when the touch of the touchpad is weak or dead, and the idle stroke is reduced when the touch of the touch panel is intense, thereby achieving a good pressing touch.

Abstract: A device (2600) includes a controllable skin texture (2606) defining a keypad (2610), a sensor (2602), and control logic (200). The sensor senses a proximity of a pointing element (2900) to a particular key (2800, 2808, 2902, 2908) of the keypad based on a user input. The control logic adjusts a height of the particular key with respect to another key of the keypad in response to the sensor sensing the proximity of the pointing element to the particular key. In one example, the device includes a display (2700) for displaying a plurality of keys (2612). The control logic adjusts visual characteristics of the particular key (2800, 2808, 2902, 2908) and an adjacent key (2802, 2810, 2904, 2910) with respect to each other and with respect to other keys of the plurality of keys in response to the sensor sensing the proximity of the pointing element to the particular key.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing.

Abstract: A keyboard having improvements to the combination wave and curve keyboards of the prior art. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wave shape on a keyboard palm rest. In another embodiment, the invention provides a unique combination of a QWERTY keyboard, with both a wave and a curve, where the D and K keys are the low points of the wave. In another embodiment, a combination of more than one lateral waves and a constant radius curve is provided. Yet another embodiment provides the combination of a curved keyboard and a straight number pad.

Abstract: A device for entering information securely in a customer transaction is described. The device may include a keypad comprising a set of full travel keys for transmitting a first set of data and a set of minimal travel keys for transmitting a second set of data. A subset of the full travel keys may be operable to receive numerical entries, and a subset of the minimal travel keys may be customized to perform one or more nonnumeric functions. A controller is connected to and receives data from one or more components of the keypad. The device may be used in a fuel dispenser system or another environment where a customer transaction occurs.

Abstract: A mobile actuating device including a two shell housing, an interior chamber delimited by the shells, an electronic unit for data communication, an actuating member inside an opening of the first shell, a gap between the actuating member and the first shell, a carrier element, and a switching element connected to the electronic unit and associated with the actuating member, wherein the first shell includes a display having an opening in the first shell from which a light signal is emitted, the carrier element being translucent and made of a first material having a low modulus of elasticity, wherein the opening is completely filled by the carrier element, which conducts the light signal through the opening, and wherein the actuating member is made out of a second material with a larger modulus of elasticity than the first material.

Abstract: A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys that are arranged in a regular grid of rows and columns. The columns include a first column, a last column, and at least one middle column. The keys in the first and last columns are smaller than the keys in the at least one middle column. A method for improving the ergonomics of a key arrangement on a keyboard of a fixed size is provided. A method for designing a key arrangement for a mobile communication device is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a plurality of keys each having an in-use configuration and a stowed configuration, wherein a key when in the in-use configuration is configured to travel between a first relatively raised position and a second relatively lowered position under a user applied force and is configured to return to the first relatively raised position after removal of the user applied force and wherein a key when in the stowed configuration is unable to travel to the first relatively raised position.

Abstract: A system for adapting a keyboard display to a definable input language is provided. The system includes an adaptable keyboard comprising keys; a software application, operatively associated with the adaptable keyboard; and a computerized system enabling to receive data from the adaptable keyboard, process and present data and operate the application. Some of the keys of the adaptable keyboard may be language adaptable, where each adaptable key includes a screen enabling to present characters associated with various languages and other data, and a touch-sensing mechanism enabling to identify a typing movement applied onto each the screen, where each screen is operatively connected to the touch sensing mechanism. The software application enables defining a language and adapting the presentation of each character in each of the screens according to the defined language, by controlling the display in the screens.

Abstract: The keyboard of the present invention provides an ergonomic layout having a configuration divided into two halves, with half the standard keys normally associated with a user's left hand positioned on the left side of the board while the other keys normally associated with a user's right hand are positioned on the right side of the board, the centers being shoulder width apart. The spacing enables users to type comfortably with keystrokes that feel natural and correct. For example, the left parenthesis button may be positioned on the left side while the right parenthesis may be positioned on the right side.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a key board, and a height adjustment apparatus. The key board includes a number of first keys and a number of second keys. The height adjustment apparatus includes a platform for supporting the second keys, a cross bridging, a sliding button, and a pushing rod. The cross bridging includes a first supporting arm and a second supporting arm, the first supporting has an end slidably connected to the platform and the other end pivotably connected to a securing portion. The second supporting arm has an end slidably connected to the platform. The sliding button includes a lever surface facing the cross bridging. The pushing rod includes a first end pivotably connected to the other end of the second supporting arm and a second end resisting the lever surface.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes an apparatus for ergonomic typing. The apparatus includes a first surface having first set of keys including a plurality of alphabetic keys, where the first set of keys is operable by a user's thumbs. The apparatus includes a second surface having a second set of keys including a plurality of alphabetic keys, where the second set of keys is operable by the user's fingers. The second surface includes first structures for home positioning of fingers of the user's left and right hands and second structures for positioning of the fingers of the user's left and right hands when moving to and from home position keys during typing.

Abstract: A computer keyboard in one embodiment includes a plurality of keys, each of the keys including a suspension structure and a key body supported by the suspension structure, the key body comprising a color body member, a transparent colorless protective cover formed on the body member, and at least one character formed on the body member by laser engraving through the protective cover onto the body member wherein the body member has a flat top.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a key board, and a height adjustment apparatus. The key board includes a number of first keys and a number of second keys. The height adjustment apparatus includes a platform for supporting the second keys, a cross bridging, a sliding button, and a pushing rod. The cross bridging includes a first supporting arm and a second supporting arm, the first supporting has an end slidably connected to the platform and the other end pivotably connected to a securing portion. The second supporting arm has an end slidably connected to the platform. The sliding button includes a lever surface facing the cross bridging. The pushing rod includes a first end pivotably connected to the other end of the second supporting arm and a second end resisting the lever surface.

Abstract: A data entry device includes a pair of key pods adapted for use with left and right hands of a user. Each key pod includes a base housing, a carrier housing mounted on and rotate about the longitudinal pivot of the base housing. The carrier housing has at least a center position, a first rotational position in the clockwise direction, and a second rotational position in the counter-clockwise direction. Each key pod further includes a set of data input keys correspond to the fingers of the user's hand and a thumb key. The set of data input keys provides first, second and third sets of input signals corresponding to the carrier housing being in the center position, the first and the second rotational positions, respectively. The carrier housing may further include overtravel rotational positions in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction to implement further control or keyboard functions.

Abstract: A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys that are arranged in a regular grid of rows and columns. The columns include a first column, a last column, and at least one middle column. The keys in the first and last columns are smaller than the keys in the at least one middle column. A method for improving the ergonomics of a key arrangement on a keyboard of a fixed size is provided. A method for designing a key arrangement for a mobile communication device is also provided.

Abstract: A keyboard having improvements to the combination wave and curve keyboards of the prior art. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wave shape on a keyboard palm rest. In another embodiment, the invention provides a unique combination of a QWERTY keyboard, with both a wave and a curve, where the D and K keys are the low points of the wave. In another embodiment, a combination of more than one lateral waves and a constant radius curve is provided. Yet another embodiment provides the combination of a curved keyboard and a straight number pad.

Abstract: A keyboard has a middle region that has upward longitudinal slopes rising to upper planes on both sides of the middle region. An alphanumeric section disposed in the keyboard housing generally in the middle region. The keyboard includes a first wing section and the second wing section in which each can be disposed at height of the keyboard housing at the upper plane. In one aspect, the alphanumeric section may be disposed below the height of the first and second wing section, and the alphanumeric section is laterally disposed between the first medial section and the second media section.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of improved ergonomic keyboards for interfacing with a user's arms, wrists, hands and fingers in a more natural way, i.e., in ways that are optimally suited to human typing. In various non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides optimal finger pressing angles, provides optimal range(s) for “gable” angling, flattens the outer edges of the gable, thins key patterns of split key arrangements, raises (or lowers) the wrist rest to an optimal position, and/or splits the wrist rest into two (or more) components.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard as shown in FIG. 3A for use with a stationary palm wherein the keys (15) of the keyboard are actuated only by motion of the joints in the digits. The keyboard may have a thumb region (20), a palm rest region (8) and a hypothenar rest region which are discrete parts and are adjustable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis. Some keys may be actuated by the back surface of the digits. The keyboard may be on an upper portion (2) which is mounted on a base (1) such that three dimensional rotational adjustment is possible between the upper portion and base. The position of the keyboard relative to a user may be adjusted. The spacing of the keys on the keyboard may be spaced at different intervals and have different forces for actuation.

Abstract: An innovated design of keyboard for keying in commands to a PDA, particularly a collapsible type that can be folded for storage and convenient carrying purposes, and its two sides can be unfolded and compressed to a fixed status to minimize measurements, which comprising a left keyboard and a right keyboard, and a connecting board to enable connection of the left keyboard with a mobile track plate, forming a foldable and movable joint. Furthermore, provided on one side of the mobile bottom plate of the right keyboard and between two recesses is a formation of a protruded insert, thereby when the right keyboard and the left keyboard are pushed and inserted in position, the protruded insert on the mobile bottom plate of the right keyboard is inserted into the insert groove on the bottom plate of the left keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention offers a finger feeling numerical buttons for commercial electronic remote control. The altitude of the five even number buttons 0,2,4,6 and 8 is higher than the altitude of the other buttons 1,3,7,9, * and #. On the upper, lower, right and left side of the central button 5, provides a feeling mark, so that as the user touch the central button and the higher buttons with his thumb, the position of every button can be identified. Remote control can be carried out without watching at the button. This is suitable for various remote controls such as a TV set, cellular phone and remote control of a car.

Abstract: This invention provides novel keyboards comprising keys disposed such that they minimize the distance a finger typically must travel to effect a keystroke and the force that is applied to effect a keystroke. Accordingly the keyboards require less arm and finger movement to and thereby reduce the likelihood of an operator developing a repetitive stress injury (RSI). In one embodiment the keyboards comprise a plurality of keys disposed such that the alphanumeric keys form a continuous key array defining a key array surface having at least two concave regions wherein a plurality of keys present irregular and/or non-rectilinear striking faces.

Abstract: A keyboard. A keyboard subassembly is disposed on a base and moves between a first position and a second position. The keyboard subassembly provides a first angle of elevation when in the first position, and a second angle of elevation when in the second position. The first angle of elevation is less than the second angle of elevation.

Abstract: In a foldable keyboard, a cover member (100) includes a cover part (101) provided with a cover plate (104) and a pair of supporting elements (102, 103) formed on both ends of the cover plat. The supporting elements are each formed with a first slot (117) and a second slot (118). A support screw (123) passes with play through the first slot and is fixedly received in a baring hole (13A) of a bearing member (13) formed in a corner (12B) of a first keyboard unit (3) and a support screw (124) passes with play through the first slot and is fixedly received in a support hole (121) of a first base plate (5) formed in a corner (12A). A support screw (125) passes with play through the second slot and is fixedly received in a bearing hole (17A) of a bearing member (17) formed in a corner (16B) of a second keyboard unit (4) and a support screw (126) passes with play through the second slot and is fixedly received in a support hole (120) of a second base plate (8) formed in a corner (16A).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable keyboard to be used, for example, at a computer terminal (12). The preferred embodiment is in the form of a keyboard having a number of keys (5), the keyboard being formed in at least two segments (2, 3) which are mutually movable relative- to one another using a hinge or joint (6). Each of the segments (2, 3) of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys (5). The relatively movable nature of the keyboard aims at reducing stress and discomfort to the user by eliminating contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint (6) may be in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle (100), in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint (6).

Abstract: A miniature keyboard wherein the keys are arranged in a way to improve data entry and decrease the chance of depressing multiple keys at a time. Accordingly, the height of the keys are patterned to decrease the chance of multiple key depressions thus increasing the accuracy of data input into the personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated down the individual rows of keys. In another embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated across individual columns of keys. Similarly, in another embodiment, the heights of the keys are arranged in a checkered pattern on the keyboard. In addition, another embodiment staggers the heights of the keys and incorporates embodiments mentioned above. By incorporating different key arrangements and alternating the height of the keys, key differentiation, key navigation, and data input accuracy is greatly improved due to the improved tactile feedback provided by the miniature keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard allowing typists to use approximate QWERTY finger movements on a more compact, collapsible, and portable keyboard. The keyboard size is made more compact by using thin capacitance-responsive surfaces as key switches for the rows above and below the home row. The bottom, space-bar row is also touch-sensitive and is placed on the side of the keyboard facing the typist. The capacitance-responsive surface for the row of keys switches above the home row has a convex profile, and the capacitance-responsive surface for the row of keys switches below the home row has a concave profile, such that the keyboard can fold compactly upon itself. The home row retains depressible key switches in order to provide standard rest positions for the fingers. Characters and commands assigned to the rows above and below the home row are engaged by sliding the fingers over the capacitance-responsive surfaces adjacent to the home row.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard providing support for the palms and fingers of a user. The ergonomic keyboard comprises a plurality of surfaces of different elevations, the surface of highest elevation adapted to support the palms so that the thumbs are separated from the rest of the fingers that are positioned on a distal side of the ergonomic keyboard. At least one surface of the plurality of surfaces is located on the distal side and at least one surface of the plurality of surfaces is located on the side where the thumbs are positioned, at least one of the plurality of surfaces is provided with at least one key.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly including a non-linear curved keyboard, a base, and optionally a pointing device such as a trackball. The keyboard comprises an elongated base having an upper non-linear surface and a plurality of keys attached to the upper surface. The plurality of keys is divided into several groups and the geometric relationships between the keys are selected such that to allow maximum use of the thumbs and the fingers, the wrists, the forearms, and the shoulders are in a natural position. An asymmetrical element, supported by asymmetrical theory of nature discussed in I-Ching and embodied in the He Tu diagram, may be introduced into the geometry arrangement. The creation of asymmetrical groups are detailed which allow more ergonomic adjustment of the keys, yet preserve the existing geometry of an original keyboard. A trackball may be added in the space between the upper surface and the elongated base.

Abstract: A keyboard for a small, portable computing device includes a pair of mating sections that can be folded together after they are pulled apart. The sections are releasably held together by a spring and by a sliding attachment structure that holds them in alignment. When the sections are pulled away from one another to release the sliding attachment structure, they are held together by a pivoting sliding attachment structure that allows folding.

Abstract: A vertically expandable keyboard includes keys arranged in a plurality of rows. The keyboard has a retracted configuration wherein the rows are generally coplanar with each other and an extended configuration wherein at least some of the rows of keys in the home position are extended from the retracted configuration such that the rows are not coplanar with other rows. In the extended configuration, the rows can be sequentially tiered such that each row is higher than the preceding row moving from the front row to the back row. The keyboard includes lifters for lifting the rows of keys to the extended configuration. The keyboard can be part of an electronic device such as a portable computer.

Abstract: A computer keyboard includes a base having a user surface. A keyboard is mounted on the user surface. The keyboard includes a support plate having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is convex and abuts the base. A plurality of keyboard keys are mounted adjacent the first surface. Attachment tabs are provided on the support plate to secure the support plate to the base which biases the convex surface into continuous contact with the base.

Abstract: Prior collapsible keyboards for personal digital assistants are overly complex and large. The present invention provides a folding keyboard for a personal digital assistant which folds up simply and in a small size and which is useful for standard typists. It is divided into two halves hingedly connected along a fold line. While the central or home row keys are standard size, the other two rows of keys are of reduced transverse dimension and are preferably so shaped as to allow a touch typist to use existing movements without missing the keys of reduced size, as are the keys at either end of all three rows.

Abstract: A keyboard with elevated keys for a notebook computer. The keys of the keyboard are elevated when the notebook computer is opened, and can be depressed when the flat display is closed. The keyboard has keys movably connected to the foundation sheet through scissors-type linking mechanisms. A plurality of guiding sheets is movably disposed on a foundation sheet and has hooks and tracks. Each of the tracks is parallel to a first direction. A sliding member is movably disposed on the foundation sheet and has protrusions extending into each of the tracks. When the sliding member moves in the first direction, the protrusions move the guiding sheets from a first position to a second position. The hooks of the guiding sheets sequentially press the scissors-type linking mechanism of each key to depress the keys of the keyboard from elevated position to depressed position.

Abstract: A keyboard has an array of central keys positioned in a generally planar configuration and an array of inwardly-angled keys positioned around and angled toward the central keys to define a pan-like configuration. The keyboard may also comprise an array of outside keys positioned around the inwardly-angled keys. The keyboard may have one or more outwardly angled keys positioned around and angled away from the central keys. The outwardly angled keys are adapted to be accessible by a user's thumb, little finger or side of a hand. A keyboard, adapted for use with one hand, comprise four rows of five central keys forming a rectangular outer boundary. Two columns and two rows of 5 inwardly-angled keys surround the central keys. The character-key allocation of the pan-shaped keyboard adapted for use with one hand comprises the re-arrangement of the 3 main rows of 10 keys of a standard keyboard standard.

Abstract: A push key with replaceable key cap, comprising a key cap unit, an external ring on top of the key cap unit, the formation of a hollow accommodating chamber inside the external ring, and a key cap. Below the key cap and in keeping with the shape of the external ring is a coupling unit that can be coupled with the external ring. Inside the key cap and extending downward is a key post reaching into the accommodating chamber. Basically, the key cap and the external ring are coupled with each other to enable convenient replacement of the key cap.

Abstract: A keyboard has an array of central keys positioned in a generally planar configuration and an array of inwardly-angled keys positioned around and angled toward the central keys to define a pan-like configuration. The keyboard may also comprise an array of outside keys positioned around the inwardly-angled keys. The keyboard may have one or more outwardly angled keys positioned around and angled away from the central keys. The outwardly angled keys are adapted to be accessible by a user's thumb, little finger or side of a hand. A keyboard, adapted for use with one hand, comprise four rows of five central keys forming a rectangular outer boundary. Two columns and two rows of 5 inwardly-angled keys surround the central keys. The character-key allocation of the pan-shaped keyboard adapted for use with one hand comprises the re-arrangement of the 3 main rows of 10 keys of a standard keyboard standard.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a portable computer, a personal digital assistant and a mobile telephone handset, includes a main board module having opposite first and second sides, and a keyboard module mounted on and coupled electrically to the main board module. The first side of the main board module is formed with an opening and a keyboard receiving cavity that extends from the opening toward the second side. The keyboard module is received in the keyboard receiving cavity and is capable of being pulled to extend out of the keyboard receiving cavity via the opening. As such, other control devices, such as a touch control panel and a pen input panel, can be provided on a third side of the main board module that interconnects the first and second sides.

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 portable keyboard comprises a flexible substrate, at least two key groups disposed on the flexible substrate, a circuit board disposed on the flexible substrate, a connector electrically connected to the circuit board and a fixative element having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed on the substrate. As the flexible substrate is properly tensed to let the first connecting portion join the second connecting portion, the overlapped key groups and the circuit board are all wrapped by the flexible substrate. The folded keyboard is pocket size and easily transported and deployed.

Abstract: A superior portable information terminal of the palm size having a keyboard unit wherein the portable information terminal includes a polyhedral structure having a number of component faces including a first component face which accommodates a display screen and a second component face provided adjacent the first component face and having an inputting key set including a number of key tops arranged in a zigzag pattern. Each of the key tops has a rib-like projection formed along a peripheral edge thereof. In an operation condition wherein a user holds the portable information terminal with one hand and observes the display screen, the user can perform key inputting operation using the fingertips of the hand with which the body of the apparatus is held. Further, the user can search for the location of any key through the sense of touch on the rib-like projection or projections obtained from a fingertip.

Abstract: A key base side pivot point on one side of a pantograph is supported on a key base and a key top height adjusting mechanism that has a holder that supports the other key base side pivot point and a reciprocating link that links swingably to this holder is also supported thereon, the holder of this key top height adjusting mechanism being caused to swing by a reciprocating movement of the reciprocating link.

Abstract: A lap-top computer includes a computer body having a key board thereon and a top cover coupled to the computer body with a hinge and having a LCD unit thereon. A single row of key switches on each side of the key board has a lower top than other key switches in a normal position. The lower top of the key switch enables the top cover to be closed to the computer body without contacting the top cover with the top of the key switch, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the lap-top computer.

Abstract: An attachment to or a keyboard itself or other devices which require extending the fingers and hands so as to reach keys of the device. The invention includes at least one key pillow. The key pillow either replaces or fits over at least one key of a keyboard or other such device to advantageously alter the consistency, texture, shape, or height of the traditional key to which the key pillow corresponds. The key pillow is shaped so as to extend into the comfort zone of a user to thereby minimize the stretching and twisting required of the user's fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. The key pillow may be applied to a keyboard of a portable computer, where the at least one key pillow is inflatable. The at least one key pillow may also be applied to devices such as a computer mouse. The key pillow must extend into a comfort zone of the user. Also, a palm rest is designed so as to maintain the user's hands at a certain height above the lip of the keyboard, which may or may not include key pillows.

Abstract: A key base side pivot point on one side of a pantograph is supported on a key base and a key top height adjusting mechanism that has a holder that supports the other key base side pivot point and a reciprocating link that links swingably to this holder is also supported thereon, the holder of this key top height adjusting mechanism being caused to swing by a reciprocating movement of the reciprocating link.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable, curved keyboard having arcuately arranged keys to complement naturally to a user's wrists, hands and fingers. The keyboard is supported by a bracket, which extends from underneath the desktop of a desk, for pivotal, elevational and horizontal adjustment of the keyboard's position relative to the user. The keyboard comprises an elongated base and alphanumeric keys positioned at an upper surface of the base. The base has a longitudinal axis disposed below the upper surface of the elongated base, and the upper surface is curved about the longitudinal axis. Also, the alphanumeric keys are arranged about the longitudinal axis of the base to form an arcuate typing surface that provides a comfortable typing surface for the user and reduces the risks of repetitive stress injury.

Abstract: An ergonomic adaptation to a keyboard, including a plurality of pads, or key pillows, preferably formed together into a key pillow tablet. The key pillows either replace or fit over keys of a keyboard to advantageously alter the consistency, texture and/or shape of the traditional keys. In alternative embodiments, each of the key pillows may be formed individually to replace or fit over some or all of the keyboard keys. The key pillow tablet further includes raised pads at the front of the keyboard on which the palms may rest during typing to maintain a satisfactorily low angle of the fingers with respect to the elbow. The adaptation may either be an attachment to a keyboard or may be integrally formed to a keyboard during the keyboard's manufacture.

Abstract: A foot-operated keyboard device comprises a support structure and a plurality of switch elements. The support structure extends along a centrally-disposed longitudinal axis and includes an upper panel member. The upper panel member has a first surface with a foot resting region disposed thereon. The foot resting region has a forward toe resting section and a rear heel resting section. The plurality of switch elements are mounted to the support structure and are accessible from the first surface. The plurality of switch elements include at least a first array of switch elements extending traversely to the longitudinal axis in the vicinity of the forward toe resting section of the foot resting region and a second array of switch elements extending transversely to the longitudinal axis in the vicinity of the rear heel resting section of the foot resting region.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computer is disclosed. The keyboard has an array of keys made up of four rows such that all keys are accessible by a user using finger and thumb movements of the user's hands without moving the hands from a central location. All modes and functions of the keyboard are accessible using finger movements also in that the character keys on the keyboards are capable of producing different characters or performing different functions when actuated in combination with other mode and function keys on the keyboard. The keyboard has a space bar and an enter key that are accessible by the user's thumbs. The space bar and enter key are actuated by pressing either key horizontally rather than vertically as in standard keyboards. The keyboard also includes dual mode keys which allow the user to access additional modes. This feature expands the capability of the keyboard to interact with more software functions.