Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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_OUCH TYPE COMPUTER KEYBOARDS
Thls application is a division of Canadian Serial
No. 444,789, filed January 5, 1984.
Technical Field
This invention relates to keyboards and more particularly
it relates to touch type keyboards operable by one hand offering
a large number of key selection choices such as required for
alphanumeric computer applications.
Backqround Art
At this advanced stage of the development of the computer
art commercially available chips provide systems capable of many
types of functional operations and full alphameric data processing
capabilities.
The keyboard computer input art has been developed to
interface with computer systems. Thus, for example, U.S. Patent
3,892,958 - C. C. Tung provides a multiple key keyboard with means
for changing the mode of computer operation to adapt the keyboard
to three different sets of functions, all illustrated on keyboard
indicia and with the three modes and corresponding key functions
differentiated by indicia of three different colors, such as black,
orange and blue.
Also other techniques are known in the prior art for
producing more functions per key in a keyboard assembly in an
attempt to interface with more of the computer functions by a
keyboard ofmodest size. Exemplary are: U.S. Patent 4,042,777 -
F. C. Bequaert et al., Aug. 16, 1977 which permits chords of several
simultaneously actuated keys to supplement individual keystrokes
and thus expand the communication interface capabilities of a
keyboard with a computer. German Publication DE 2924515 - S.
Pretzsch published Jan. 15, 1981 provides for selection of more
than one of several adjacent keys simultaneously by a single finger-
stroke to increase the number of selections on a keyboard; and
U.S. Patent 4,344,069 - E. S. Prame, Aug. 10, 1982 provides a
single handed keyboard with alphanumeric capabilities by selecting
a sequence of keystrokes for alpha characters.
~ 2~2~6
However, none of these keyboarcls are opera~le to entex
comprehensive data and instructions in a computer in the touch
mode similar to that of touch typewriters, where data may be
entered quickly and accurately by a typist with little effor-t
or explicit choice decisions after becoming acquainted with
the keyboard layout. In particular, it is not feasible in
the prior art to use a keyboard of so few keys that it can be
operated by a single hand toenteracomprehensive set of different
data and instructions, for example a hundred and fifty different
selectable choices that provides full alphanumeric data operation
as well as full computer control and access. Furthermore, there
have not been significant developments in the art, other than
the above-mentioned patent 4,042,777, that relate to the interface
of a one hand operated keyboard and a computer in such a way that
touch typing can proceed. There have been no known such keyboard
systems developed with the particular objects of one-handed computer
entry with rapidity and elimination of the source of errors from
such manual actions as hitting a wrong key, hitting extra keys,
resting the fingers on a wrong set position or counting a sequence
of numbered key actuations for an entry. No particular attention
has been given to operator finger fatique or avoidance of unnatural
finger positions and reach.
Therefore this invention seeks to improve the state of
the art by resolving some of these problems and providing improved
keyboard systems not heretofore available in the art. Other
aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be found
throughout the following description, the drawings and the claims.
Disclosure of the Invention
The invention to which this divisional application is
directed pertains to a keyboard system characterized by a keyboard
providing a plurality of key selections available for manual
2Z~ S
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entry of information by means of a series of single finger-
strokes. ~ computer system is coupled with the keyboard for
receiving manually entered data and instructions with means for
establishing a program mode of operation for manually entering
instructions into the computer system. Instruction entry means
are operable in the program mode to enter specific instructions
in a set of instructions individually in response to a constant
number n of sequential keystrokes each, and a graphic chart is
provided for identifying the set of instructions visually together
with the sequential keystrokes necessary for each individual
entry at the keyboard location.
Another aspect of the invention comprehends a computer
system comprising a keyboard provided with an array of keys, the
keys being manually actuable by single finger strokes to enter
information to the system dependent upon the keys actuated, where-
in the computer system is switchable by a single finger stroke
applied to the keyboard into a program mode of operation in which
instructions may be entered manually. When the compu~er system
is in the program mode of operation respective instructions
selected from a predetermined set of instructions may be entered
into the system in response to a constant number n (where n is
equal to or greater than 2) of sequential finger strokes applied
to the keyboard, each of the sequential finger strokes being
selectable from a plurality x of available finger strokes to enable
selection therefrom of x times x alternative instructions in the
set. Graphic indicia identify at a visible site at the keyboard
location the set of instructions visually together with the n
fingerstroke positions on the keyboard array of keys and the
sequence of fingerstrokes necessary for entering each individual
instruction whereby the time efficiency in entering a wide range
~Z~4~;5
of instructions into the computer system from few keys and few
fingerstrokes is considerably increased by the interaction
between the graphic indicia, keyboard and the system providing
for entry by n sequential fingerstrokes.
More particularly, disclosed is a keyboard for use by one
hand and adapted for entry of a large number of selections in-
cluding those for alphanumeric data processing and a large range
of computer operation commands. The keyboard has ten keys providing
direct entry of numerical digits plus a decimal key and at least
one auxiliary command key. A preferable arrangement uses twelve
keys in a layout pattern particularly adapted for one hand
selection by the fingers on either hand. The system, by means
of "virtual" keys selectable by simultaneous actuation of two
or more individual keys, provides typically at least one hundred
and fifty selections with full alphanumeric data processing
capability, wherein each entry requires a single fingerstroke.
The keyboard is particularly adapted to the touch typing mode
and provides an interaction of keys, layout, functional selection,
system etc. which avoids those mental requirements of choice on
the part of an operator that lead to errors. Also, the system
includes features which prevent errors due to physical fatigue
or motion, particularly of the sort where unnatural motion,
reach or position is required.
Thus, the keyboard has five columns coinciding with the
natural position of the five fingers on a hand. The keys in
adjacent columns are offset to permit the hand to use the board
with the fingers in natural position. That is the middle finger
is longer than the ring finger and index finger, and the thumb
and little finger are the shortest. With this keyboard
therefore the keys are offset to coincide with this natural
finger length condition.
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To produce the many selection choices oE entry
such as more than one hundred and fifty, the keyboard
operates in at least three modes, for example, each
providing direct entry with a single fingerstroke of
fifty or more selections. Thus, a single finger selects
either a single key or a plurality of keys appearing
adjacent each other and sharing common sides on the
keyboard layout. The offset keys further provide a
wider range of keystroke choices than would otherwise
be available.
To facilitate the touch system of key selection,
groups of keys are provided with a single finger selection
position not interfering with any other finger selection
position by means of groups of associated discrete
raised ridge portions vertically projected from the key-
board surface at the lines of separation of the ~
adjacent keys. To extend the num~er of groupings
possible several of the outermost keys are shaped to
span more than one of the other keys in both the key
columns and across a plurality of the columns.
4~;S
Brief Description of the Drawin~.s
_
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a twelve key keyboard
assembly embodying a preferred embodiment of this
invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines
2-2 of Figure 1 showing the elevational differences of
the key surfaces configured for selection of a plurality
of side-by-side keys for concurrent actuation by the
stroke of a single finger;
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines
3-3 of Figure 1 showing the raised portions 18 and 19
for concurrent actuation by the stroke of a single
finger to provide the shift function;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines
4-4 of Figure 1 showing the elevational differences of
the key surfaces configured for selection of a,plurality
of upper-by-lower keys for concurrent actuation by the
stroke of a single finger as illustrated;
Figure 4a is a sketch of the right hana identifying
the finger nomenclature used throughout this patent
application;
Figure S is a block system diagram of a computer
system embodying the invention;
Figures 6 and 7 are examples of how the keyboard
can be incorporated into computing instruments and show
the approximate real scale of the keyboard in relation
to well known components of the instruments;
Figures 8 and 9 are provided to show that the
raised portions can have various shapes as dictated
by ergonomic considerations;
Figure 10 is provided to show a 9 key embodiment
of the invention providing 35 single finger stroke
positions;
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Figure 11 is a 4-key embodiment of the invention
providing 14 single fingerstroke po3itions and is the
minimum desirable configurat;.on of the invention;
Figure 12 is a schematic system diagram of a
four-key, fourteen selection keyboard configuration
operable with a 2 X 2 four wire switching matrix;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a telephone
incorporating the advances of this invention for
telephone system applications; and
Figure 14 is a plan view layout of a sixteen
key keyboard embodiment.
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The ereferred Embodiment
_
As may be seen in the plan view of Figure 1, a
twelve key lceyboard ]ayout i5 aEforded that provides
a plurality in the order of fifty or more data or
function selections as noted by the indicia. Thus,
the twelve basic keys 15, 16, 17, etc. provide for
the numeric digit entries as well as a pair of command
keys for executing functions selected (15) or entering
data into the computer (16). The latter key 16 may
also be a decimal point key on a first stroke and a
data entry key on the second stroke.
All the other entries are made from "virtual" keys
by the concurrent selection of two or more of the twelve
keys. This is made feasible in the touch mode for
operation with a single hand, either right or left,
using a single finger for stroking each entry in'a well
defined fingerstroke position easily accessible for the
touch system. Thus groups of ridged key portions or
bars~18, 19 or 20, 21 etc. are found throughout the key-
board, as are profiled in Figures 2, 3 and 4.
To some extent the shape and size of the raisedportions are controlled to permit the labeling of the
characters used. Touch tests using dummy models among
a limited number of people indicate a divergence in
preference as to the shape, height, length and touch
area of the raised portions extending from the key-
switch surfaces. Therefore I do not limit myself to
any particular embodiment. Any changes that aid the
user in actuating the keys singly or in multiples with
a single fingerstroke is believed to be within the
scope of the invention. To illustrate that changes can
be made while maintaining workability of the invention
the ridge shapes of Figures 8 and 9 may be observed.
Special shapes may be required for persons with long
fingernails.
6~
g
It is seen that for every indicia position,
noting the function of the key stroke made a~ that
location, is a finger selection spot where only one
entry can be made. The single keys are actuated at
the circles 22 or oblongs 23. The "virtual" keys
comprising multiple key groups are actuated at the bar
groupings such as the asterisk (~) at 20, 21 or the
shift at 18, 19. The fingers thus in the touch mode can
engage only one entry position at a time. The digit 6
for example is recessed within the raised portions 24,
25, 26 which all move together and confine the finger
to spot 6 to actuate only Xey 27. Conversely the
finger at the asterisk 20, 21 engages the two raised
bars only and actuate both keys 16 and 28, etc. The
notation X between the 6 and 3 locates a fingerstroke
position for operating the two keys 27 and 2a
concurrently. The bars are not necessary ~but may prove
useful) at all such intersections, particularly since
the finger touch senses a crack between two
keys.
The notation ? is located between two bar pairs
20, 21 and 25, 30 and identifies a fingerstroke position
for actuating three keys 16, 27, 28 simultaneously by
means of four bars 20, 21, 25, 30. Note that elongated
columnar key 16 spans several (3, 6, 9) columnar keys
to give a variety of combinations selectable at three
bar pair locations 20, 21 and 25, 30 and 31, 32.
Similarly elongated cross spanning key 15 spans the
five columns to provide five two key combinations. Note
also that by the vertical row offset of the keys in the
three center columns of keys a choice of two diffexent
keys in an adjacent column can be made in two key
pairings such as the "M" and "K" and a set of three keys
will result with a four bar selection as at V or Y.
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It is seen therefore that enough selections (more
than 50) can easily be made with twelve keys to give
about the same capacity as a standard typewriter keyboard.
This is noteworthy since it can replace a standard
telephone switch panel (which normally uses 12 keys)
and provide alphanumeric capability, requiring only
one hand access.
The tactile identification of different single
finger selection spots by bars, keys centers, line
junctions, etc. herein considerably enhances the ability
to touch type without errors because tactile feedback
through the fingers indicates the selection being made.
Furthermore errors are caused by fatigue, unnatural and
extensive reach and other such factors. Many of these
error sources are overcome herein by the keyboard
configuration and layout.
Consider the shape of a human hand, for example.
The middle finger is long, the ring and index finger
of intermediate length and the thumb and little fingers
are the shortest. As seen clearly in Figure 4a,
the offset key layout thus fits the human hand to rest
it naturally, reducing fatigue or unnatural reach, etc.
With only twelve keys the hand rest position is always
evident and is more easily identified by tactile
feedback.
Operational advantage and accuracy of this key-
board is also evidenced by the single fingerstroke,
single finger selection of every entry. Thus, the
opeator need not think about chording or sequencing
and is only required to do the simplest possible thing,
select a finger spot and stroke it. Thus, a simple,
comprehensive keyboard system is afforded enabling
lower error touch type input into electronic data
processing or computer systems 40 as set forth in
Figure 5.
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In order to better match the keyboard to the
multiple ~unctions available in modern computers 90,
the mode of operation can be changed, again by a
single fingerstroke, to produce a different set of
fifty or ~ore functions to the keys. Thus as seen
by the small ~ and ~ notation in the 8 key ~22) three
sets of indicia are located on the keyboard. ~ indicia
may be orange and ~ blue for example to simply show the
mode set in color coded form. Thus, on the bar pairs
20 and 21 (Figure 1) color coded indicia will denote
- the selection of functions and data available and
indicate by color code which mode selection key is
required. For example if an "&" is required the shift
key bar pair 18 and 19 (S - denoted for some keys as ~ )
must be stroked~prior to the stroking o~ bar pair 20 and
21 If the special characters or functions such,sas *
denoted by ~ are required, the stroking of bar pair 20
and 21 must be preceded by the XEQ key. This shifting
operation is a conventional one being practiced every
day by typists and therefore has proven to be for many
years a quite acceptable ergonomic procedure.
The twelve keys may be wired conventionally as
shown in Figure 5 in a four by three matrix pattern 42
designated on block keyboard 41, ample to convey the unique
codes for each of the designated choices available. By
conventional clocked code conversion 43, the data
entry and functional command processing can be directed
upon send signal 49 to computer 40 via 46. The computer
output 45 may be directed to suitable devices such as
alphanumeric displays, CRT tubes, printers, plotters, etc.
The nine keys for digits 1 to g in the three center-
most columns, as shown in Figure 1, are of substantially
the same size and shape to adapt to finger selection to
operate the separate keys and concurrently operated
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-12-
keys without interf~rence. ~lso the spacing of the
keys is substantially the same as that used as
industry "standard" on most typewriters and adding
machines which to some extent will reduce the time
S required for an operator to become proficient in the
touch operation of the system. Even those users
who do not become proficient with the touch system,
such as many executives today, will find the hunt and
peck method far easier to use since the keyboard field
over which they must hunt is so ~nuch smaller than the
hunting area presented by the modern computer keyboard
which can often have more than 100 keys. Also, the
advantages of symmetry are provided for either right or
left hand operation, and an improved keyboard system
is made available for accurate and rapid touch type
operation. Note the spacing of finger touch barb in
Figure 4, wherein the finger can bridge two vertically
separated bar groups that can be selected individually
when desired Also note that the finger can feel
whether it is in a proper key position at various
- positions on the keyboard, further contributing to error
free selections.
Note in consideration of Figures 1 and 4 together
that raised finger contact structure defining finger-
stroke position have portions common to the sides of
two adjacent keys, such as . and : or = and . This permits
individual finger selection of the two adjacent keys
1, XEQ or 1, 2, etc. to permit a single finger to bridge
a pair of the raised finger contact positions.
Accordingly, either one pair or both pairs of the
key ridges straddling the common intersection of three
and only three keys can be actuated by a single finger-
stroke, thereby increasing the number of available unique
~;Z Z~6S
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fingerstroke selections. Tha~ is, either keys 1, 2 or
keys 1, XEQ or keys 1, 2, XEQ can be selective]y
actuated by a single fingerstroke, and similarly this
can occur at all the sixteen junctions of 3 and only 3
keys provided in this embodiment.
Because this 12 key keyboard occupies so much less
space than a conventional keyboard and because of its
symmetry of design, it would be possible to have two
such keyboards feeding a single computer whereby the
speed of entry into the computer could still further be
anhanced since the operator could make use of both hands
instead of only one. Also this keyboard is fully
compatible with a telephone to provide complete
communication capabilities.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the keyboard with
the keyboard coupled with a printer as utility ~eans~
and aaapted to work with a data processing system in
various modes, such as typing, adding, plotting, tele-
type communication, arithmetic and programming modes.
This is readily attainable at the present state of the
art by combining the computer operations of Figure 5
with display panel 50, printer 51 and switch selection
52, 53 options.
Note also the series of hinged charts 54 tabbed
for identification, wherein a sequence of two keystrokes
10, 11, etc. are assigned corresponding functions such
as program steps when the switches select the program
steps in the program mode. This increases the capacity
of the keyboard to use the full capability of modern
CGmpUter chips with hundreds of possible functions with
only twelve keys. Thus, a hybrid mode of operation is
employed using the single stroke selections for the error-
less typing input feature and expanding capabilities for
~L;Z2~ 5
a simplified programming catalog of a diverse
computer language that is self-explanatory and fully
self-complete without reference to an instruction
manual.
As seen from the two decimal digit numbers in
columns 56 of charts 54, the internally programmed
subroutines of a computer such as addition, square root,
or various built-in program subroutines identified
conventionally by a program language word of var~able
length is identified by a fixed number X ~in this case 2)
of numerical or other digits identifying the sequence
of key strokes necessary in a two ana only two step
function selection step. If the mode is program entry
(PGM) as selected by switch 53 then a considerable
saving of programming time and strokes are saved over
conventional variable digit English program words.
Clearly the Fortran Statements INTEGER, RETURN, PRINT,
CONTIN~E, etc. each could be entered by two strokes
each at a considerable saving of time and with less
chance for error.
This feature unexpectedly therefore can save a
considerable amount of programming time over today's
conventional program languages such as Fortran and
Basic, because for every program Step only two keys
need be operated. Yet the corresponding familiar
English language or computer language steps may be
written into the spaces 55 if desired for the convenience
s
of those ~ami]iar with a particular language. ~ecause
of the plurality of hinged cards 5~, several different
modes of operation may be provided and cataloyed.
Thus, both Fortran and Basic terminology could be
related to the two-key sequence selection on different
card sets 54. If three keys are selected in sequence,
more unique entries are selectable (1000 with numeric
numbers alone). If all the (55) keys including virtual
are used with two strokes almost three thousand unique
selections are available.
Thus by employment of a routine operational step
such as limiting the significant decimal digits to two,
the functional entries are made by a sequence limited
to two (or more) key strokes identified in columns 56
for achieving the displayed functions to be written
into blank spaces 55 for immediate access as a catalog
of the available functions. It is estimated that a
program may be entered in the program mode in this
manner with less than one-third the number of key
strokes, with a corresponding time saving.
In Fiqure 7, the multi-purpose printer-keyboard
system is smaller in size and provides a very efficient
pocket size typewriter-computer-communication medium
with all the foregoing advantages of the novel key-
board system.
Figure lO is a simpler keyboard layout with onlynine keys, thus affording the advantage of operation with
a 3 X 3 wire matrix selection network. Note that there
are 35 separate fingerstroke positions so that fu11
alphanumeric capability-similar to typewriter keyboards
is afforded with all the other keyboard advantages
hereinbefore discussed. Note that a field of
substantially square keys as in Figure l is arranged
( ~2~ 6iS;
-lG-
in three adjacent columns with the center column
keys offset from the keys in the outer two colurnns ,,
to provide a plurality of ~ine three and only
three key intersection positions.
A minimal number of keys for attaining numeric
instructions to calculators, computers and the like
is four as shown in the embodiment of Figure 11. The
finger rest feature and offset key-columnar arrange-
ment here offers the advantages of the prior versions
as seen by the phantom hand superimposed over the key-
board to permit touch operation by a single hand in
comfortable position. With the four keys and ten
virtual keys, fourteen selections are provided in a
single mode with a live keyboard. In the three modes
hereinbefore described (one preceded by X, one
preceded by S and one direct) 52 selections are ~easible.
This embodiment also has the program chart feature
so that for example XEQ 21 will program or select the
sine function, etc. With 14 direct selections at the
corresponding stations A, B, C, etc., (Figure 12) as
many as 183 separate functions can be programmed
with a two-key sequence. Thus, the hybrid system of
using a single fingerstroke per entry on typing and data
input and using a two (multiple) fingerstroke per
selection function in a programming mode significantly
extends the power of the keyboard. It is certainly
even more unexpected than)that only four keys could
- produce 14 selections that a simple two-step stroke
will permit the four keys to select 183 + 52 = 235
unique entries in the three mode live + ~ +
keyboard operation.
As may be seen by reference to Figure 12, this
surprising expanded keyboard power is in part achieved
by the teaching of this invention that the keyboard
pattern hereinbefore discussed in common with this
embodiment has groups of at least four keys 71, 72,
73, 74 sharing adjacent sides arranged in a geometrical
pattern with at least two common intersections 75, 76,
77 of sets of three adjacent keys having all three keys
meeting at a common intersection or junction of only
three keys in a position accessible to a single finger
overlapping the intersection to actuate all three
keys simultaneously with a single fingerstroke (A, M,
F, H). This provides along with the accompanying single
keys (I, E, C, K) and dual side-by-side (B, D, G, J, L, N)
with corresponding finger access positions the fourteen
direct selections available for a single fingerstroke.
In the conventional four corner intersection of non-
offset keys, far fewer selections could be made w'ith a
yiven number of keys. Also in a two by two matrix,
only three combinations of three keys are available
uniquely even if a finger could seek out only three
keys together. Thus, only 9 combinations are
possible in that mode. For example, Pretzschs,
German 924515, gets nine selections from four keys
conventionally arranged.
Furthermore, it is surprising that a four wire
communication channel (1, 2, A, B) will
carry uniquely the full range capacity (253 as above
shown) of unique entries available from the four
keys. The chart 78 lays out the truth chart codes for
the four lines 1, 2, A and B. Note that the
key pattern is also non-conventional and contributes
unexpectedly to a reduction in the number of channels
required for communication in that the combinations
of threes are used (A, F, H. M). This powerful
expansion of key power afforded by this invention is
~22 ~S~ii
correspondinqly amplified with the yreater number of
keys in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1. The
four key embodiment is preferred for such
applications as numerical or industrial control
systems, coded electronic locks and the like,
particularly if wiring is required and fewer wires
are advantageous,
Xeys 73 and 74 are connected to matrix line
1, keys 71 and 72 to matrix line 2, keys 72 and 73
to matrix line A and keys 71 and 74 to matrix line B
to give the fourteen uni~ue combinations shown on
truth table 78, Thus four communication channels
~, ~, 1, 2 can handle all the combinations and entries
of this minimal four key version of the invention,
A 2 X 2 mat~ix matrix of wires connects the keyboard
keys as a communication channel to means responsive to
key actuation such as computer 40. Each key inter-
couples two of the matrix wireS by actuation ~f the
key, by such means as mechanical switches or equivalents
thereof to produce by a single fingerstroke in a single
live key operation mode fourteen unique manual
selections.
The versatility and applicability of the keyboard
system afforded by this invention is exemplified by
the embodiment seen in Figure 13, Thus, a desk cradle
type telephone 80 of conven~ional shape has a telephone
line connection 81 and the keyboard 82 afforded by
this invention, If desired other devices may be
acoustically coupled into handset 83 through modem
unit 84 from a communicator coupled to cable 85. Also
as provided by this invention, the panel 86 outlines a
~ .
~2f~
two step switching selection sequence in a program mode
which may be established by the execute key (~EQ) with
a typical array of functions. Line lights 87 may be
provided, and any operating data and messages may show
on electronic display 88. Thus a most simple "PBX"
type switchboard with full communica~ions and inter-
computer connection capabilities is provided and ~is
adaptable for use over the telephone system using
conventional tone and/or digital communication techniques.
The local switchboard selections are of the coded type
hereinbefore discussed in more detail.
Note that the same keyboard can in this way
unexpectedly eliminate the extra keys in conventional
telephone switching systems provided for the switchboard
selections. That is the keyboard does both the dialing
function and the switching function and furthermore
expands communications from numeric to alphanumeric
plus,
In Figure 14 a field of sixteen keys is shown
maximizing the three key junctions to provide twenty-
two such combinations. A sixteen key field is convenient
for use of a ~ X 4 wire matrix. In the illustrated
embodiment the keys are shaped to produce seventy-five
switching combinations of the single fingerstroke
choices of one, two or three concurrently operated keys
respectively outlined by the designated coded indicia.
6S
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For calculating all possible selections fro~
16 keys ~X) taken 3 (N) at a time in different
combinations, the formula X (X-l) + 1 may be
used, taking into account that one key (XQ) is used
as a common key similar to a shift key. As seen from
the table which follows therefore in this embodiment
3601 extra selections of computer functions, addresses,
catalog items, etc. could be indexed by the basic
sixteen keys operable in a successive key selection
mode (of three) such as illustrated in the switching
charts of Figures 6, 11 and 13.
While certain preferred embodiments are explicitly
shown herein other combinations of keys and key layout
geometry are possible. Thus, the following table t
charts the number of functions (F) selectable from keyboard
arrays of the numbers of keys (X) between four arid
fifty-five for sequences (N) of two, three and four
successive strokes.
~2~46S
- 20A~
F - X ~ )n-l ~ ?
X = ~ X = 17 X c 38 X = 43
n~2 F=13 n~2 F=273 n~2 F=871 n=2 F=l~sa7
n~ 3 F~s37 n~3 F 4.3s3 n= 3 F52s~23l n~3 F=75,8S
n=4 F=le9 n=4 F ;69,633 n=4 F=731,671 n~ F=3,185,7ss
_____*_____ _ ___#_____ _____~_____ _____~_____
X e 5 X= 18 X = 31 X = 44
n=2 F=21 nS2 F=387 n:2 F 931 n=2 F=1,893
n-3 F~81 n~ 3 F 5,283 n L 3 F=27,sel n:3 F=sl~3s7
n=~ F--32' n~ F=88,~35 n ~ F 837,BBI n=~ F=3~gs~30g
X ~ 6 X= 1 9 X = 32 X = 45
n=Z F=31 n= 2 F~343n= 2 F=993 n= 2 F=l,ssl
n=3 F=lsl nS 3 F~6,157 n= 3 F 3a,7s3 n-l F=s7,121
n~4 F=7sl n= 4 F~118,889 n=4 F=953,313 n=~ F=3,s33.2sl
_____"_____ _____~_____ _____*_____ _____#_____
X = 7 X ~ 20 X s= 33 X = 46
n=2 F 43n= 2 F=3SI n~2 F 1,B57 n= 2 F=2,B7i
n=3 F=253n= 3 F=7,221 n=3 F=33,~3 n= 3 F=s3,1sl
n=4 F=l,sl3 n~4 F~ 137,181 n=4 F=1,~81,345 n=4 F=4,i91,751¦
___ _ _ ", _ __, _ _ ___ _ _ ~ __ __-- _ _------~k ---------- ------------~k ----------
X = 8 X ~:: 21 X =~ 34 X = 47
n=2F=s7 n= 2 Fe~21 n=2 F=l,IZ3n=2 F=2,163
n=3F=3s3 .n= 3 F=8~4el n~3 F=37,827 n=3 F=99,4S
n=4F=2,74s n=4 Fel68,0BI n=4 F=1,2ZI,859 n=4 . F=4,s74,7s3
___~_____ _____~___---- _____~_____ _____~_____
X = 9 X = 22 X = 35 X = 48
n=2F=n n= 2 F--463 n=2 F=l,l91n= 2 F=2,257
n=3F=s77 n= 3 F--9,7B3 n=3 F=4a,461 n=~ F=186,e33
n=4F=4,6sg n= 4 F=283,743 n~4 F=l~37s~64l n=4 F=4~s3~ss
_____*_____ _____~_____ _____~_____ _____~,_____
X = 18 X = 23 X = 36 X = 49
n=2 F=sln=2 F~sse7 n=2 F=l,Z61n=2 F=2~3s3
n= 3 F=slln=3 F=11,133 n=3 F=44,1BI n=3 F=ll2~ss7
n=4 F=7,291n r 4 F=2q~,9Bs n=4 F=1,543,5al n=4 F=5,ql9,ea9,
__ __ _ ", _ _ __ _ _ ____ ", _ ____ __------ d ---------- -------- -- "~ ----------
X = 1 1 X ~ 2~ X = 37 X = S0
n=2 F=llln=2 F=SS n=2 F=1,333n=2 F=2~4sl~
n=3 F=i~laln= 3 F~ 12,697 n~ 3 F=~7,s53 n= 3 F=128,e51.
n=4 F=~ BIn=4 F=2s2~sa9 n=4 F=1,726.Z73 n=4 F=s~ssz~4sl
_____~__________~#_____ _____~__________~_____
X = ~2 X = 25 X = 38 X = 51
n=2 F=133n= 2 F=6el n=2 Fz1~4a7n= 2 F=2,551
n=l F=~ s3n= 3 F=l4~1sl n~l F=æ~623n=3 F=127.501,
n= 4 F=ls,s73 n=4 F~ 345,691 n:4 F=1,92~.815 n=~ F=6~7s~a0li
_ ___ ~ _ __ _ _ ___ __ .p __ _ __ _ _ __ _ " __ _ _ _ _____ # _ __ _ _~
X = 1 3 X = 26 X = ~9 X ~ 52
n=2 F=157n= 2 F=851 n=2 F=1,483n=2 F=2,6S
n=3 F=l.si3n=3 F=16.251 n=3 F=ss~3l7 n-3 F=~ 2s3
n~4 F=Z2,~65n=4 F=486,251 n= 4 F=2,14a~aag n=4 F=6,897,853
_____"__________#_____ _____~,_____ _____"~_____
X = 1 4 X = 27 X = 4S~?X = 53
n = 2 F=ls3n=2 F=7e3 n= 2 F=l,s61 n=2 F=2,757
n=3 F=2,367n=3 F=18,253 n=3 F=60~s4l n=3 F 1~3,313
n~4 F~3e,759n=4 F~474,5s n=4 F=2,372,761 n~4 F=7,452,225
_____",__________~_____ _____*__________",_____
X = 15 X ~ 28 X = ~1 X = 5~
n=2 F=211n=2 F=757 n= 2 F=1,641 n= 2 F=2,863
n:3 F=z~s~ln=3 F=28,4i3 n=3 F=6s~6sl n=3 F=151,687
n=4 F=41,161n=~ F=551,125 n= 4 F=2,624,0al n:4 F=8,e39,3s9
_____~__________~_____ _____,p_____ _____",_____
X e 1 6 X - 2g X = 42 X = 55
n=2 F=241n=2 F=813 n=2 F=1,723n:2 F=2,971
n~3 F=3,681n= 3 F=22,737 n~ 3 F=7e,6s3 n 3 F=l~s,
n~4 F~54,e81n~4 F 636,689 n=~ F=2~ss4~6s3 n=4 F=s~6~3~s2
_____~__________#_____ _____",_____ _ , _
~L~Z~L4~i~
-21-
It i9 therefore clear that this invention provides
a novel keyboard input interface operable as ~ manual
input device to a data processing system with various
advantages including (1) more entries per key,
(2) fewer communication channels per entry, (3) natural
fit for a typist's hand, (4) single-finger single-stroke
single-hand entry selection afEording fast error free
entry of alphanumerlc information with typically twelve
keys, (5) tactical feel for right finger positions at
each entry, (6) full compatibility with computer, type-
writing, telephone and communication link operations,
(6) visible catalog of data and functions entered by
the keys, (7) faster program entry with fewer strokes,
- (8) optimum Size for pocket instruments and telephones,
etc. The state of the art has been unexpectedly improved
by a simplification that produces greater versat'ility
and key power saving time and equipment. Therefore,
those features of novelty believed descriptive of the
spirit and nature of the invention are defined with
particularity in the claims.
.
