FR2755264A1 - Alphanumeric keyboard for one-handed use - Google Patents

Abstract

The keyboard has a group (A) of nine keys (1 - 9) arranged in three rows and three columns. The keys are combined electronically so that certain of them are combined in pairs or in threes to form a less frequently used letter. Single keys correspond to the most frequently used letters. A number of supplementary keys (B) provide functions such as tabulate, back space, return, delete or cursor keys. Two keys (12, 13) select the operating modes of the keyboard to enter either alphabetic or numeric characters. The nine key layout corresponds to a conventional numeric keypad in numeric entry mode.

Description

 The invention relates to an alphanumeric input keyboard operated with one hand.

 It is known that the conventional keyboard of typewriters of the "AZERTY" or "QUWERTY" type was designed to slow typing in order to overcome the drawbacks of the first typewriters unable to follow the typing speed of the typist.

 It is clear that electronic word processing machines no longer need to be slowed down and it is therefore unnecessary to keep the aforementioned keyboards.

 This is also why many keyboards have been imagined, on the contrary trying to take into account the frequency of the letters and grouping together those which are most often used, ie in French a keyboard of the "ESANITRULO" type.

 In addition, it may also seem curious to use a keyboard of the piano type, that is to say to use with two hands while the writer uses only one hand to write, the other remaining free.

 This is why we have also imagined keyboards actuated with one hand, as for example described in FR-2 630 559, where various keys can be actuated with one hand and can take various states.

 The inventor sought to design a high-performance keyboard, which could also be operated with one hand to better correspond to the position of the writer.

 The inventor also sought a keyboard which requires only a limited space to reduce the movement of the fingers and allow the wrist to rest on a work table.

 To combine all these advantages and others still, the inventor has designed a keyboard which is remarkable in that it comprises at least one set of nine keys arranged in rows and columns of three by three and combined electronically for at least some of them two by two and / or three by three so that the actuation of a key, and simultaneously or almost simultaneously of two keys and / or three keys creates a signal corresponding to a programmed sign, letter, number or function.

 One of the big advantages is to be in front of a keyboard which is classic for digital (telephone, calculator, ...) but which allows despite its reduced number of keys to perform the operations of a machine to write.

 According to the preferred embodiment, the set of combinations retained with one, two or three keys makes it possible at least to reproduce all the classic alphabetical signs of a language, the block of nine keys being activated in numeric or in alphabetical order by the actuation of a combination of keys of said keypad and / or actuation of an additional complementary key.

 For example in this case, the keys assigned to the numbers are arranged in ascending order from 1 to 9 by reading from left to right and from top to bottom or from bottom to top, the key for the five being conventionally the central key and the zero being obtained by the actuation of a combination of two keys and / or the actuation of an additional complementary key.

 It is clear that thus, with a keyboard already known for digital, we have a full alphanumeric keyboard.

 In addition, the inventor sought to assign the simplest combinations to the most usual signs while also seeking that said combinations corresponding to finger positions are suggested by the shape of the letters to be reproduced. This is why, preferably, each key and / or combination of keys is assigned to a sign according to the frequency of use of said sign and / or by analogy to said sign, in particular by analogy of shape of the position of the fingers in order to make the quick and easy to use.

 According to one embodiment, it comprises additional keys for controlling certain functions such as spacing and / or the numeric-alphabetic function and / or the upper-lower case function and / or further comprises a block of additional keys to ensure other functions including layout.

 In addition, to adapt even better to each user, it may be advantageous (especially for left-handers) for the assignment of the keys and the combinations thereof to be made programmable by the user.

 If the invention relates to alphanumeric entry in general, that is to say as a possible replacement for conventional keyboards, we also understand its enormous interest in all numeric keypad systems, of the telephone or calculator type, with which we seek to more and more to write, for example to record names in a telephone directory, portable or not, or even any information in an electronic diary then requiring only a reduced keyboard.

The invention will be clearly understood and other particularities will appear on reading the description which follows and which refers to the attached drawing in which
- The single figure shows an embodiment according to the invention.

 As shown in the single figure, the keyboard here consists of a first block referenced A of nine keys arranged in a square of three rows and three columns and which are referenced from 1 to 9.

 Next to and to the right of this block A, looking at the keyboard, another annex block B is represented by nine keys plus a stop and power-up key, while on the other side, to the left of the block A, we have three other keys, respectively 11, 12, 13 which will be discussed below.

 Advantageously, the central key 5 of block A has a particular physical sign (relief, depression, etc.) so that it can be located blind.

 The keys are programmed according to criteria of frequency of letters for the language envisaged, ease of actuation and analogy of the shape of the characters with respect to the position of the fingers.

 It is known to be able to program a keyboard and it may of course appear advantageous to provide for the possibility of personal programming.

The combinations of the nine keys of block A taken one by one, two by two or three by three, are 129 in number which can be classified into:
- Simple, noted (S), 39 in number,
- Easy, noted (F), also 39,
- Difficult, rated (D) 29 in number and
- Very difficult, rated (X), 22 in number.

 The so-called simple combinations (S) are executed instinctively, without moving the wrist.

 The so-called easy combinations (F) require a slight movement of the fingers while the difficult ones (D) require a little attention and the very difficult ones (X) require flexibility.

 The keys are referenced here by the sequence of numbers in ascending order from top to bottom and from left to right, as on a conventional telephone.

In what follows, the first key indicated can be actuated by the index, the second by the middle finger and the third by the ring finger of the right hand (for a right-hander in the example),
Below, the numbers correspond to the references of the drawing, the zero indicating on the other hand the inactivity of the fingers as mentioned, so that, for example, 050 indicates that only the middle finger presses the central key.

Thus, the combinations can be broken down as follows: 1) Keys with a finger 100 (S) - 020 (S) - 003 (S)
400 (S) - 050 (S) - 006 (S)
700 (S) - 080 (S) - 009 (S) 2) Combinations with two fingers
a) horizontally 120 (S) - 023 (S) - 103 (S)
450 (S) - 056 (S) - 406 (S)
780 (S) - 089 (S) -709 (S)
b) vertically
410 (F) - 740 (F) -710 (F)
520 (F) - 850 (F) - 820 (F)
630 (F) - 960 (F) - 930 (F)
c) tilted left
420 (S) - 720 (S) - 053 (S)
403 (S) - 703 (S) - 086 (S)
750 (S) - 706 (S) - 803 (F)
d) tilted right
026 (S) - 480 (F) - 209 (F)
150 (F) - 109 (F) - 409 (S)
059 (S) - 106 (S) - 108 (D) 3) Combinations with three fingers
a) horizontally
123 (S) - 456 (S) - 789 (S)
b) vertically
741 (D) - 852 (D) - 963 (D)
c) obliques
753 (F) - 159 (X)
d) cubits
125 (F) - 136 (F) - 158 (X) -189 (X)
126 (S) - 139 (D) - 169 (X)
128 (D) - 153 (D) - 183 (D)
129 (X) - 156 (F) - 186 (X)
236 (F) - 239 (D) - 269 (X) 412 (F) -418 (D) -426 (D) -439 (X) - 469 (F)
413 (X) -419 (X) -428 (D) -453 (F) - 483 (X)
415 (F) - 423 (S) - 429 (D) - 458 (F) - 486 (F)
416 (X) - 425 (F) - 436 (D) - 459 (S) - 489 (F)
523 (F) - 536 (F) 526 (F) -539 (D)
529 (D) -569 (F)
712 (D) - 723 (F) - 739 (X) - 749 (X)
713 (X) - 725 (D) - 742 (D) - 756 (S)
715 (D) - 726 (F) - 743 (X) - 758 (F) 716 (X) - 728 (D) - 745 (F) - 759 (S)
718 (X) - 729 (D) - 746 (X) - 769 (D)
719 (X) - 736 (D) - 748 (F) - 783 (X) - 786 (F)
823 (D) - 836 (D) - 856 (F)
826 (D) - 839 (D) - 859 (F)
829 (X) - 853 (D) - 869 (F)
A total of 9 arrangements with one finger, 36 with two fingers and 84 with three fingers.

 For the French language, the ESANITRULO sequence should preferably be activated using combinations of category "S" and easily memorized by analogy of form.

According to a programming called "standard" as opposed to "personal", of a preferred embodiment and given by way of example:
- one finger:
the letter O will be in the center, for example, the position 050
the letter A at the beginning, i.e. position 100
the most visible letter E, position 020
the letter I follows the E, i.e. position 003
the letter U follows the O, i.e. position 006
the letter Y in position 400
The apostrophe in position 700
the intermediate decimal point, i.e. position 080
the period at the end, that is position 009
- two fingers:
the letter has two legs, i.e. position 056
the letter t with its bar, i.e. position 023
the letter R on the inclined leg, i.e. position 026
In the figure, we can also see these different letters drawn on and between the
keys.

The letters b, d, p, q have in common a circle connected to a leg or a pole, from where
the positions:
- always on two fingers:
b = 150
d = 053
p = 750
q = 059
C with a hole, i.e. position 406
G that looks like him, that is position 709
H high on his legs, that is position 103
F with its bar, that is position 120
J tilted close to the letter I, i.e. position 086
K inclined, but rarer, i.e. position 480
L in the corners, i.e. position 703
m three legs before n, i.e. position 450
S inclined close to R and T, i.e. position 420
V inclined, i.e. position 706
Z which ends, that is position 089
- three fingers:
W be V + V and position 756
X for its shape and rarity, i.e. position 759
For diacritical marks and special characters, one can for example provide at least for some, by analogy, in addition to the comma, the period and the apostrophe already mentioned:
the semicolon (850); the colon (960); the "è" with its tilted accent (106); the "to"
also with its tilted accent (409); similarly for the "é"(403); The circumflex
and the umlaut (uppercase) by analogy of the form (426); the dash (780); the underline
(789); the open parenthesis (410); the quotes (520); the closed parenthesis (630), the
u (803); the "ç"(486); the exclamation mark "!" close to the letter 1 (903); point
"?" by analogy of form (802); forward slash "1"(753); the number "",
or a reduced 0 (153).

 It is clear that the "zero" here represents an inaction to facilitate understanding, so that a two-finger combination, denoted 706 for example, could of course be denoted 76.

 The 26 letters of the alphabet are thus obtained by 24 positions or simple and 2 easy combinations, mostly located in the most accessible range, namely 423/756. Of the 20 special signs and characters, 9 are simple, 9 easy and 2 difficult. All are analog. Finally, there are still available for other programming 6 simple and 28 easy combinations.

 To the left of block A, therefore, the space key 11, numeric 12, and capital 13, are arranged from bottom to top, so that they can be activated by the thumb. However, in this example, the combinations (123) and (456) respectively trigger the Shift and Numeric functions according to the mode: one pulse modifies the next letter, two pulses all the following letters and a new pulse stops it. The same is true for the underline (789).

 Block B of nine keys, slightly offset to be accessible by the little finger, groups the layout functions.

If we take the initial reference diagram referencing the keys from 1 to 9 without writing them down so as not to make the drawing heavy, we obtain:
1: carriage return; 2: margin +; 3: margin
4: tabulator; 5: tab +; 6: tabulator -
7: delete; 8: left cursor; 9: right cursor
The numeric function key 12 transforms the alphabetical programming into mathematical signs and one thus finds oneself with the same keys in front of a usual numerical keyboard.

 The first nine digits are obtained by pressing the keys according to the references indicated (telephone order), but the order could of course be that of the calculators, i.e. increasing from bottom to top.

For the other signs (without recalling the number zero indicating the inaction of a finger):
(zero) is obtained by performing the same combination as the letter Z (89)
x (multiply) is obtained by dialing X (759)
+ (plus) is obtained by dialing t (23)
(divide) is obtained by dialing C (46)
- (minus) is obtained by composing the dash "-" (78)
= (equal) is obtained by dialing n (56)
% (percent) is obtained by dialing Y (73)
q (root) is obtained by dialing V (76)
The comma becomes (75) and the period (86). The parentheses and the letter F (for Franc) remain identical, a sign for the Euro can of course also be expected.

 Certain other functions can be accessed in digital position (position which is possibly indicated by a flashing and the screen). For example, in this position, a combination of very difficult category (X), called key, allows access to certain functions with or without specific programming of keyboard B.

 Thus, for example, a combination noted (X1) can perform the functions of centering and left margin by activating certain keys of the keyboard B (for example the margin keys).

 It is also possible to provide a combination (X2) which performs the interlining function by activating the tab keys of the keyboard B.

 Similarly, (X3) can provide justifications with the cursor keys, (X4) the help functions, and / or dictionary, date, font, style, etc.

Another particular combination can also allow, for example, access to the personal programming of the keyboard. A key (for example the "space" key) controls the scrolling of the alphanumeric characters on the screen. After activation of the combination chosen by the user, "tabulation +" validates the choice while "tabulation"
The invalid. Since there are still many other combinations, you can also program syllables after activating another key, such as the two letters "QU".

The emulation of the personal keyboard, compared to a standard keyboard, can be obtained by
activation of another combination, outside the standard program, and chosen by the user.

Claims (10)

 1) Alphanumeric input keyboard operated with one hand, characterized in that it comprises at least one set (A) of nine keys (1-9) arranged in rows and columns of three by three and combined electronically for the minus some of them two by two and / or three by three so that the actuation of a key, and simultaneously or almost simultaneously of two keys and / or three keys creates a signal corresponding to a sign, letter , digit or programmed function.  2) Keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of combinations retained with one, two or three keys makes it possible at least to reproduce all the classic alphabetic signs of a language, the block of nine keys being activated in digital or in alphabetical order by actuation of a combination of keys of said keypad and / or actuation of an additional complementary key (12).  3) Keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that the keys assigned to the numbers are arranged in ascending order from 1 to 9 by reading from left to right and from top to bottom or from bottom to top, the key for the five conventionally being the central key and the zero being obtained by actuating a combination of two keys and / or actuating an additional complementary key.  4) Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each key and / or combination of keys is assigned to a sign according to the frequency of use of said sign and / or by analogy to said sign, in particular by analogy of form the position of the fingers to make it quick and easy to use.  5) Keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that the keys and combinations of keys are chosen for the Latin alphabet in the following manner, knowing that a number from 1 to 9 corresponds to the position of the key in the ascending order from left to right and from top to bottom:  - single keys: A (1), E (2), (3), Y (4), O (5), U (6);  - two-key combinations: n (56), t (23), R (26), b (15), d (53), P (75), Q (59), C  (46), G (79), H (13), F (12), J (86), K (48), m (45), S (42), V (76), L (73), Z (89);  - three-key combinations: W (756), X (759).  6) Keyboard according to claim 5, characterized in that the simple position keys (7), (8) and (9) are assigned respectively to the apostrophe, the comma and the period.  7) Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the uppercase-lowercase, numeric-alphabetic and underline functions are programmed by key combinations respectively (123), (456) and (789) knowing that '' a number from 1 to 9 corresponds to the position of the button in ascending order from left to right and from top to bottom.  8) Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises additional keys for controlling certain functions such as spacing (11) and / or the numeric-alphabetic function (12) and / or the function uppercase-lowercase (13).  9) Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a block (B) of additional keys to perform other functions including layout.  10) Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the assignment of the keys and combinations thereof is made programmable for the user.