Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Including keyboard
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-07
2001-12-25
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Including keyboard
C345S168000, C345S160000, C345S156000, C345S157000, C345S163000, C341S022000, C341S023000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06333734
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns an input device for the manual input of information at a monitor screen working station for single handed input of data, namely of coordinates in a multi-axis coordinate system, and of alphanumerical symbols and control commands, with an intrinsically stationary lower member (base plate) which can be disposed on a support surface, with a housing disposed above the lower member which can be moved relative to the lower member transverse to the direction of the forearm of the user, wherein this motion is input as data, with keys for the input of data and with a device above the lower member to convert the input motions given via the keys and the housing into electrical signal sequences of corresponding data interfaces and an input method for single hand input of data using an input device comprising choosing differing keyboard assignments for the input of coordinates, alphanumeric symbols and control commands, and detecting the keyboard assignments.
A conventional input device and a conventional input method of the kind characterizing the invention have keys which can be differently assigned according to choice for the input of coordinates, alphanumeric symbols or control commands. The multiple assignments are effected through the detection of a motion transverse to the direction of the forearm of the user, wherein the respective positions of the finger tip on the keys of the input device as well as the operation of the keys are detected by a device for conversion of the given input movements into an electrical signal sequence of corresponding data and interfaces. Although these types of conventional systems occupy a substantially less amount of space at the working surface directly in front of the operating individual then other normally used devices having a computer mouse and a keyboard, they nevertheless do not fulfill all possible flexibility with respect to the input of data such as e.g. a plurality of pointing functions namely cursors, scrolls and menus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The input device in accordance with the invention wherein the transverse motion of the housing above the lower member is a pivoting motion about the axis perpendicular to the support surface of the input device and extending through the wrist of the user and at least one key is elongated in shape and has a transmitting member which detects the longitudinal position of the fingertip on the key, with high resolution, as a coordinate the method in accordance with the invention comprising detecting the position of the fingertip on elongated keys relative to the longitudinal extent of the key, wherein the longitudinal extent is in the longitudinal direction of the forearm of the user, detecting the pivot motion at the input device as an ulnar abduction via the pivot angle, rotating or tilting the input device as a pronation via the tilt angle or rotation angle, and displacing the input device and detecting the translation via the displacement path have, in contrast thereto, the advantage that the pivot motion in accordance with the invention is combined with a rotational motion and the use of at least one elongated key which is substantially more economical than in conventional input devices and methods. In addition, a substantially greater amount of differing data can be input and detected.
In accordance with an advantageous configuration of the invention, the housing can be longitudinally displaced on the support portion in the direction of the forearm of the user. This longitudinal motion is not only economical rather also ergonomical.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the invention, the input device detects, with high resolution, the ulnar pivot motion of the hand as a coordinate so that a sideward motion of the input device can be carried out with the forearm at rest.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the invention, the housing of the input device is borne for pivoting relative to the underlying surface about an axis extending in the direction of the forearm and in an additional configuration of the invention the pronation is detected via the pivot angle of the housing so that the hand can rest with its weight on the keyboard without having any function being triggered. Function is first triggered by rotation of the housing.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the invention, the transformation of the input motion is effected with a resolution dependent on the mode of operation so for certain modes, the input can be effected “blindly”.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the invention, the resolution of the conversion of the input signals is adjusted to the amplitudes of the individual fine motor motion of the hand so that operation can be adapted to normal individual movements.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the invention, conversion of the input signals produces the coordinates from the pointing device and code signals from the keys in such a manner that the input device has a plug compatible with conventional keyboards and computer mouse devices.
In accordance with additional advantageous configuration of the invention, the input device is symmetric and the keyboard arrangement can be adjusted to operation with the right or with the left hand so that only one single device is required for right and left-handed individuals. Software controls switching between right-handed and left-handed operation.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the invention, touch feedback is associated with motion of the keys or motion of the housing in dependence on the current mode of operation and current key arrangement so that the instantaneous keyboard arrangement can be felt as can the mode of operation.
In accordance with an advantageous configuration of the input method in accordance with the invention, the sampling points of the finger or fingers and the positions of the input device are converted into corresponding signal sequences having changing patterns to simplify operation.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the input method, sense of touch feedback is associated with the motion of the input device in dependence on the instantaneous mode of operation and the instantaneous key assignments so that the input can also be carried out “blindly”. It is thereby equally suitable for blind individuals as well as for individuals with normal vision. In addition, the input speed can thereby be increased.
In accordance with an additional advantageous configuration of the input method, the keyboard assignments can be adjusted to input from the right or the left hand so that one can even change the input hand during operation and right or left handed people can use the method and the device in accordance with the invention with equal ease.
Additional advantages and advantageous configurations of the invention can be extracted from the subsequent description, the drawings and the claims.
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Hjerpe Richard
Vincent Paul
Zamani Ali
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