Abstract: A powered communication system comprises an improved layout of keys configured to treat, mitigate, or delay the onset and reduce the severity of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other pathologies by reducing movement of a user's fingers during typing. A layout of the powered communication system comprises the most-used letters on a home or center row while retaining a plurality of keys in the same placement as the QWERTY keyboard. The powered communication system further comprises customizable function keys to further reduce finger movement and at least one sensor to monitor a user's health while typing.

Abstract: Universal Finger Blinds: a bottomless, adjustable, portable covering for the hands and fingers purposed to obstruct the hands and fingers from view to operate and develop necessary skills for muscle memory to manipulate equipment including but not limited to: keyboards, typewriters, computing and calculating devices or for various dexterity skills that require obstructed vision of the hands and fingers. One may desire to look at the fingers to assure proper placement. Instead the goal should be avoid looking at the hands and fingers, yet achieve proper finger placement. The present invention results with a hand and finger covering that stays in place while in use, covers the hand surface without clashing the left and right hands, and fits comfortably to the user's wrist. Such use will allow a proprioceptive occurrence leaving the eyes to focus on written material while hands and fingers achieve muscle memory resulting with proper finger placement.

Abstract: A system is provided for adaptive demarcation of a selectively defined tonal scale on a musical instrument having a set of note actuators which span at least one musical octave. A scale acquisition portion acquires a tonal scale characterized at least by a predetermined mode and predetermined key signature, to define a predefined ordered series of tone components. The tone components are represented by different musical notes, and are successively separated in pitch by tonal intervals. A scale delineation portion coupled to the scale acquisition portion adaptively maps the tone components to a corresponding subset of the note actuators within at least one musical octave. A plurality of marker portions coupled respectively to the note actuators are selectively enabled according to the tone components' mapping to visually indicate the subset of note actuators corresponding thereto. Visual indication is thereby adaptively maintained for the note actuators of the acquired tonal scale.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improving word prediction in an electronic device. User input of one or more characters is received via a capacitive physical keyboard having a plurality of input members. Concurrently, the device determines the location of a non-typing digit, such as the user's finger or a stylus. Word prediction candidates are generated and weighted, and candidates that have subsequent characters associated with the input member proximal to the location of the non-typing digit are given more weight. The word prediction candidates are displayed, a second user input is then received comprising a selection of one of the candidates, and the device displays the selected word prediction candidate on the display.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: operating a sensor of an information handling device to capture location information of a user; determining, using a processor to analyze the location information, a position of a finger of a user relative to a keyboard location; determining, using the processor, a difference between an expected location for the finger and the position of the finger of the user relative to the keyboard location; and offering, using the processor, feedback regarding the difference determined. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the saliency of the plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motor response in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display; (2) modulating the contrast of a predetermined section of the scene; (3) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene with the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (4) measuring a kinematic parameter of the tracked movement; (5) quantitatively refining the tracked movement; (6) determining the relationship between at least one of the scene and the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (7) adjusting the modulated contrast relative to the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding learning by a person comprises a cover or shield (1) for concealing from the person a part of the person's body, and a webcam (6) and a screen (10) for visually displaying to the person, during concealment of the concealed body part, images of a part of the person's body not in direct view of the person. The apparatus may be used in the learning of a skill, such as hand-writing. In another embodiment, the shield is a collar worn to conceal part of the wearer's body, and the webcam and screen display the concealed body part in real time to the wearer. This apparatus can be used in many applications, such as to learn sports activities or to correct body image, posture or movement.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of social cues sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a single facial expressions and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) adjusting the facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) transforming the modulated facial expression; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of spatial sequence memory in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of elements and a background; (2) modulating the saliency of a predetermined section of said scene (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) modifying the saliency of the predetermined section; (5) adjusting a functional assessment parameter relative to the scene; (6) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene; (7) receiving refined feedback from the subject via the input device; (8) quantitatively refining the refined feedback; (9) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (10) recording the critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of social interactions nulling testing of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of body images and a background; (2) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (3) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (4) modulating the adjusted body image relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (5) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; (6) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of verbal memory of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of symbols and a background; (2) moving the plurality of symbols relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) adjusting the saliency of the plurality of symbols relative to the tracked movement; (4) increasing the number of said plurality of symbols; (5) receiving feedback from the subject via said input device; (6) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (7) modulating the movement of the plurality of symbols relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion nulling of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a single facial expressions and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) adjusting the facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) transforming the modulated facial expression; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of letters and a background; (2) distorting the scene; (3) moving plurality of letters relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (4) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (5) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (6) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word identification latency of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; ((6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system is presented to address quantitative assessment of functional impairment in a subject, comprising: presenting a plurality of tests to a subject on a display, the tests comprising a series of scenes, the scene comprising at least one stimulus, wherein the scene may be associated with visual, auditory, and tactile stimulus arrays; modulating at least one spatial characteristic of at least one stimulus; receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; quantitatively refining the scene relative to the received feedback; calculating the relationship between at least one of the scene, the stimulus, and the quantitatively refined scene; adjusting the scene relative to the calculated relationship; determining equilibrated scene parameter of the subject; recording the equilibrated scene parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium; generating at least one diagnosis to the functional impairment associated with the equilibrated scene parameter; recommending treatment to the su

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of letter identification latency of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of letters and a background; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of faces and a background on a display, the plurality of faces comprising a plurality of facial expressions; (2) adjusting at least one facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from said subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (6) (7) transforming the modulated facial expression; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A computer console comprising a display, one or more speakers, a computer and a keyboard has key top stickers each applied each to a respective keyboard character key. Each respective key top sticker provides a cartoon image of an animal drawn in the shape of the underlying letter represented by the respective character key. The key top stickers are provided on a character key sheet respectively laid out to correspond with their position to be attached on the keyboard. A writing tablet can also be used by a student to provide a representation of a character to the computer. The computer employs an application program to provide audiovisual shows through the display and speakers indicative of a creature from the key top stickers indicating a character key to be pressed. The application program monitors the character keys pressed by the student and adjusts the audiovisual show in response.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting a scene, comprising a plurality of elements and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving a plurality of elements relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject; (4) quantitatively refining the feedback; (5) modulating the movement relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (6) monitoring the response error; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium. In its simplest sense, a quantitative assessment profile of visual motion discrimination by psychophysical responses is generated on a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of spatial distractor tasks in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, said scene comprising a plurality of elements and a background; (2) modulating the saliency of a predetermined section of the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject; (4) superimposing an additional cue onto the scene; (5) generating a shift in attention of the subject; (6) receiving refined feedback from the subject; (7) quantitatively refining the refined feedback; (8) adjusting the motion associated with the scene relative to accuracy of the refined feedback; and (9) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (10) recording the critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of spatial distractor tasks of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method of training a student to type on a keyboard which has features that help the student avoid hunting and pecking. During training, a student is instructed to look at sample text and copy it by typing on a keyboard. The output of the student's keystrokes is displayed on a monitor. One feature sets a limited time period in which to type each keystroke. Another feature hides the display. The features may be used in combination.

Abstract: This invention provides a methodology for teaching touch-typing using a keyless keyboard whose keys are inserted one by one as instruction progresses. A beginner keyboard only contains the home keys (A S D F J K L;) or the letters (F and J) used by the pointer fingers, making it easier for the user's hands to find the keys correctly without having to look down at the letters. As each new letter is introduced, it is added to the keyboard. The letter key being taught is easier to find since there are no other keys in the vicinity for the user's fingers to go. This makes touch-typing easier because the only keys available are those that have been taught. The user's fingers will naturally go to those keys because there are no other keys on the keyboard.

Abstract: A musical keyboard is connected to a computer. The computer implements a graphical user interface for teaching users to play the musical instrument. A computer readable music file, such as a MIDI file, is used to drive the creation of game objects that travel from a point of origination along a path toward a key of a virtual keyboard. In one form, when a user presses a key of the musical keyboard within a certain time window of arrival of the game object at the corresponding key of the virtual keyboard, the user is awarded with an audio presentation, a visual presentation and/or with game points. In a more structured learning mode, the game can be played with selectable, progressively more difficult challenges that the user masters on the road to proficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of teaching typing wherein the student associates the keys on the keyboard with a person, place, thing or emotion and is able to more readily learn the position of each key. Further, the method of the present invention provides immediate gratification to the student as they are able to instantly visually and auditorily appreciate the accuracy of their typing on a computer monitor or screen that is attached to the keyboard. The delete key and/or backspace key may be inactivated during operation of the program. Further, the color of the letters and background displayed on the monitor or screen may be variable.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for teaching music to one or more students. The instructor's manual operation of a musical instrument controls in real-time the illumination of guide lamps on each student's musical instrument. This allows the students to visually connect the note to be played with the instructor's verbal instruction and then play the visually indicated note without having to look up at the instructor or a distant display. In another embodiment, the instructor's manual operation of his musical instrument provides a score display of the played note on each student's musical instrument. The students can visually connect the played note with the musical notation on the score display. Remote teaching over a communication network is also described as well as a removable interface for the musical instrument to assist in teaching and use of the instrument.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a keyboard overlay adapted to indicate which one of a plurality of menu commands provided by a particular software application is invoked when an alphanumeric key is pressed together with a modifier key on a computer keyboard. In this embodiment, the keyboard overlay has a portion overlaying the modifier key and displaying a predetermined color thereby associating the color with the modifier key. The keyboard overlay has a portion overlaying the alphanumeric key and displaying the predetermined color together with closely associated indicia identifying the menu command. More complex arrangements are described that indicate keyboard equivalents that involve pressing an alphanumeric key together with more than one modifier key.

Abstract: A illumination device comprises a transparent member in which a lenticular lens of a cylindrical shape is disposed in a longitudinal direction; and light emitting members disposed in a vertical direction at prescribed intervals inside the transparent member; in which a visual illusion of existence of light emitting rings, respectively arrayed in a horizontal direction and respectively disposed in a vertical direction inside the transparent member, is created by light emitted from the various light emitting members.

Abstract: Automatically determining which one of a plurality of functions is to be associated with a movable member of an electronic device, depending on which one of a plurality of faceplates is coupled to the electronic device. A selected faceplate is coupled to a keyboard or other electronic device with movable members such as keys, buttons, knobs, etc. Protrusions or other configuration characteristics of the faceplate interface with one or more faceplate sensors, such as switches, that detect which faceplate is coupled to the electronic device. Based on the state of the faceplate sensors, the electronic device selects a predefined code, such as a scan code, that represents the coupled faceplate. The selected predefined code is communicated to a host computing device according to a keyboard protocol such as PS/2 or universal serial bus (USB). Consequently, an individual function is associated with each movable member based on the coupled faceplate.

Abstract: A telephone has a key pad with ten number keys arranged to dial the digits from 0 to 9 inclusive, each of these number keys being marked with a visual indicator denoting the digit which the number key is arranged to dial. The 1 and 9 number keys are provided with tactile indicators, distinguishable from one another by touch, so that a user can dial 911 by touch under conditions, such as in thick smoke or during a power failure, when the visual indicators on the keys are not readily distinguishable. The tactile indicators do not substantially obscure the visual indicators on the keys bearing the tactile indicators. An existing telephone may be retrofitted with the tactile indicators by providing two auxiliary members which can be secured to the 1 and 9 number keys, preferably with adhesive. Additional tactile indicators distinguishable by touch may be provided on other keys needed to dial 911 on cordless or cellular telephones, such as the on and send keys on such telephones.

Abstract: A method is provided which facilitates for players the learning of music reading in the playing of keyboard instruments, which comprises the steps of providing a plurality of musical staves, musical notes, and letters of the alphabet corresponding to the musical notes; and causing the player to play sequentially pairs of musical notes by striking corresponding keys on the keyboard.

Abstract: A telephone has a key pad with ten number keys arranged to dial the digits from 0 to 9 inclusive, each of these number keys being marked with a visual indicator denoting the digit which the number key is arranged to dial. The 1 and 9 number keys are provided with tactile indicators, distinguishable from one another by touch, so that a user can dial 911 by touch under conditions, such as in thick smoke or during a power failure, when the visual indicators on the keys are not readily distinguishable. The tactile indicators do not substantially obscure the visual indicators on the keys bearing the tactile indicators, and are not the Braille equivalents of these visual indicators. An existing telephone may be retrofitted with the tactile indicators by providing two auxiliary members which can be secured to the 1 and 9 number keys, preferably with adhesive.

Abstract: A display device system for driving a display having one of a plurality of predetermined sizes provides a scalable instruction picture to instruct an operator in operation of input devices. The system includes a device for accepting an operator input selecting a scaling factor to adjust the size of the instruction picture such that indicators in the instruction picture are arranged at spacings substantially equal to spacing of the input devices. In an embodiment, the size of the instruction picture is only adjusted in a width wise horizontal direction. Furthermore, scaling indicators corresponding to a plurality of predetermined display sizes are optionally provided to permit the user to select a scaling factor corresponding to the display.

Abstract: A functional and decorative key mask is disclosed that is printable and has a uniquely functional geometry for easy and clean removable attachment to the keyfaces of a keyboard or keypad. The materials and design combine to provide a durable and reusable key mask. In the preferred embodiment, the key mask is has a body and a tab extending outward, and a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to the back surface. It is die-cut from a face stock that is attached by the adhesive to a coated release liner. Mask sets include several key masks having similar or individualized graphic illustrations that enable the user to make unique associations with the keys of the keyboard or keypad, and thus enhance their learning, skill, performance, and enjoyment of a standard keyboard or keypad, or one having specialized key assignments.

Abstract: A data-entry device having manually operable input means arranged in zones for operation by corresponding fingers of a user. The device includes means for color coding such that each zone is assigned a color and successive zones display colors ordered according to their relative positions within a spectrum-ordered color pattern. In one embodiment the device includes a keyboard, such as for a computer or typewriter, wherein the keys of the keyboard are color-coded according to a spectrum-ordered color pattern. The invention also provides a method of color coding a data-entry device.

Abstract: A learning keyboard for children utilizes different colors to separate key positions corresponding to left and right hands' fingers at the typing region of a keyboard. Fonts at each key position are livelier and smarter, and symbol at each key position are enlarged. Simultaneously, through the operation of a software, when a user presses down any key at the typing region, which kind of color the key belongs to is immediately determined, and the music of a children's song is played to help memorization, thereby helping the user learn the correct way of keyboard input and letting learning be livelier and funnier.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus and method of enabling a child who does not have a complete mastery of a relationship between upper and lower letters to enter data into a computer is presented. In one embodiment, a computer keyboard overlay having lower-case letters is provided. The overlay is preferably transparent, and the lower-case letter is positioned in a non-interfering location relative to the upper-case letter on the alphabet keys such that both the upper-case and lower-case letters are visible to the child when installed. A computer keyboard is also presented that included both glyphs for upper-case and lower-case letters on the alphabet keys. The glyphs of the lower-case letters may be positioned on the keys directly, or may be applied along with a layer to the keys. A method comprises the step of providing a data entry device that displays both upper and lower case letters in association with one another.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching proper hand positioning for using a keyboard. The system includes not allowing a lesson for learning to operate the keyboard to begin until home keys are depressed simultaneously. Additionally, the lesson will be interrupted periodically and will not continue until the home keys are depressed simultaneously.

Abstract: A shield for protecting a keyboard assembly includes a one-piece resiliently flexible membrane having a generally planar base overlaying a deck portion of the keyboard assembly, and one or more raised bubbles formed in the membrane and configured to envelope an entire key array or separate or combined key clusters of the keyboard assembly. In a particularly preferred form, a raised bubble enveloping an alpha-numeric and format/command key cluster includes grooves configured to surround and form-fit only alphabetical, numeric, punctuation and symbol keys of the cluster. Thus, a shield adapted for use on the keyboard assembly selected from numerous keyboard assemblies having different key configurations is attained.

Abstract: A game device is provided for executing a game involving competition of typing skills wherein specified words that are required to be input are not fixed with respect to game characters, in other words, displayed enemies. The game device includes control means for executing a program; geometry calculating means for performing co-ordinate conversions for a plurality of polygons constituting enemy characters; and rendering processing means for generating display images by converting the three-dimensional co-ordinates generated by said geometry calculating means into two-dimensional co-ordinates. A characteristic feature is that, according to the program executed and controlled by said control means, a word box corresponding to an enemy character is generated and a specified word prompting a typing input by a player is displayed in said word box.

Abstract: A keyboard guide is disclosed herein having a substantially rectangular frame. The frame has a front and back wall interconnected by two side walls. The guide also includes at least one divider, coupled between the front and back wall, having a top edge leaning toward the side wall that is closest thereto, to form an angle with respect to a vertical orientation. The keyboard guide may also include at least one indicator, positioned on the divider, to indicate a key location. In one embodiment, the indicator is a bump on a side of the divider. The keyboard guide may also include a central divider, coupled between the front and back walls, having a substantially vertical orientation along a top and bottom edge. The guide may also include right-side and left-side dividers, on opposite sides of the central divider respectively.

Abstract: An amusement system includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys and a main control portion capable of instructing operation of the keyboard through a predetermined display device, an operation instructive portion at which a plurality of regions associated with the user's fingers are provided in a visually identifiable mode is displayed on a screen of a display device. An instructive mark for specifying a key to be operated by the finger associated with each region is displayed in the regions, respectively. The instructive mark and a predetermined reference mark are scrolled relatively in a predetermined direction, and the operation time of the key specified by each instructive mark is indicated based on a positional relationship between the instructive mark and the reference mark.

Abstract: A method of interpreting keypad input includes identifying a first letter of a target word from activation of an initial key, identifying a set of possible intermediate letters of the target word in response to non-activating traversal of associated keys of the keypad following activation of the initial key, identifying a last letter of the target word from activation of a final key following the non-activating traversal, and then determining the target word based upon the identified first, intermediate and last letters. The method is particularly useful in key input devices sensitive to non-activating finger position above the keys.

Abstract: A software product and method are disclosed for preventing and treating Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) in computer users. The software product is comprised of an exercise program stored on a storage medium. The exercise program operates with a computer to display images demonstrating a random set of exercises on a computer screen in the following situations. The computer displays the images demonstrating the set of exercises when the computer user selects an icon on the computer screen, when a certain amount of time has passed since the set of exercises has last been displayed, and as a screen saver. The images demonstrating the set of exercises shows the computer user how to perform exercises that are geared to prevent and treat RSIs. The software includes a version that accommodates children, a version that accommodates adolescents, a version that accommodates teenagers, and a version that accommodates adults. Each version includes images that distinctly appeal to the respective age group.

Abstract: A keyboard guide is disclosed herein having a substantially rectangular frame. The frame has a front and back wall interconnected by two side walls. The guide also includes at least one divider, coupled between the front and back wall, having a top edge leaning toward the side wall that is closest thereto, to form an angle with respect to a vertical orientation. The keyboard guide may also include at least one indicator, positioned on the divider, to indicate a key location. In one embodiment, the indicator is a bump on a side of the divider. The keyboard guide may also include a central divider, coupled between the front and back walls, having a substantially vertical orientation along a top and bottom edge. The guide may also include right-side and left-side dividers, on opposite sides of the central divider respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching keyboarding utilizing a series of short exercises designed to present letter combinations, including word parts and whole words, that reflect both the keyboard organization, a frequent spelling combination and alphabet parts. A columns and alphabetic approach provides correct neuromotor patterning by establishing accurate brain-finger messages. The method may also be used with a technique for color-coding the fingers on each hand and their associated keys on the keyboard to provide visual stimulus to further enhance the learning process.

Abstract: An error feedback system for use in correcting habitual keyboarding errors makes use of a set of markers for the keys that are mis-keyed. Each marker has an indicating side which can be identified by a user by feel and an adhering side which allows the marker to be adhered to the top surface of the key. The indicating side provides immediate feedback about a keyboarding error so that the error is not reinforced and repeat errors are minimized.

Abstract: A board game teaching letter locations on a keyboard including a first game board and a second game board. The upper surface of the first game board has a spinning wheel, a computer keyboard, and a pair of hand placement markers disposed thereon. The lower surface has a rotatable base secured thereto. The second game board has a path of travel defined by a starting location, a finishing location, and a plurality of spaces. The plurality of spaces are represented by letters of the alphabet in order. The second game board has a question card marker thereon. The spelling cards each have a category including related words to be spelled. A plurality of tokens are provided which represent players for movement along the path of travel of the second game board.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching proper hand positioning for using a keyboard. The system includes not allowing a lesson for learning to operate the keyboard to begin until home keys are depressed simultaneously. Additionally, the lesson will be interrupted periodically and will not continue until the home keys are depressed simultaneously.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus and method of enabling a child who does not have a complete mastery of a relationship between upper and lower letters to enter data into a computer is presented. In one embodiment, a computer keyboard overlay having lower-case letters is provided. The overlay is preferably transparent, and the lower-case letter is positioned in a non-interfering location relative to the upper-case letter on the alphabet keys such that both the upper-case and lower-case letters are visible to the child when installed. A computer keyboard is also presented that included both glyphs for upper-case and lower-case letters on the alphabet keys. The glyphs of the lower-case letters may be positioned on the keys directly, or may be applied along with a layer to the keys. A method comprises the step of providing a data entry device that displays both upper and lower case letters in association with one another.