United States Patent
`
`[191
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,689,253
`
`
`
`[45] Date of Patent: *Nov. 18, 1997
`Hargreaves et al.
`
`USO05689253A
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1279693
`1016993
`2000083
`2181096
`89/0660)
`WO 92/09996
`
`9/1963
`Germany .
`1/1966
`United Kingdom .
`1/1979
`United Kingdom .
`4/1987
`United Kingdom .
`7/1989 WIPO .
`6/1992 WIPO .......................... .. HOIH 19/02
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Kroemer. K.. “Human Engineering the Keyboard”. Human
`Factors, 14(1) 51-63. 1972.
`‘Technical Reference”. sections 1. 4 and 5. IBM Personal
`Computer Hardware Reference Library, Sep.. 1975. (first
`edition).
`Conway. D.L.. “Contoured Keyboard”. IBM Technical Dis-
`closure Bulletin, 22(3) 1276-77 (1979).
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner——.lohn K. Peng
`Assistant Examiner—And.rew Hill
`
`Attomey, Agent, or Firm—Bogle & Gates. P.L.L.C.
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`A keyboard for use with a standard personal computer
`includes an alphanumeric key array having a plurality of
`alphanumeric keys arranged in a generally orthogonal. con-
`cave anay. A home row of keys defines a reference position
`for the fingers of the operator. A liner array of function keys
`is provided and positioned above the reference position and
`tilted toward the operator. A generally orthogonal array of
`auxiliary keys is also positioned above the reference posi-
`tion. The array of auxiliary keys is rotated with respect to the
`reference position to accommodate the natural angle of the
`thumb of the operator to the index finger. A palm rest is
`provided for receiving the palm of the operator while the
`operator is manipulating the plurality of alphanumeric keys.
`The palm rest is positioned above the reference position
`defined by the home row so that during operation of the
`alphanumeric keys. the fingers of the operator extend down-
`ward from the palm rest in a natural curved manner.
`
`[54] ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD APPARATUS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: William R. Hargreaves. Bellevue;
`Shirley A. Lnnde. Seattle. both of
`Wash.
`
`[73] Assignee: Kinesis Corporation. Bothell. Wash.
`
`[*] Notice:
`
`The term of this patent shall not extend
`beyond the expiration date of Pat. No.
`5.673.040.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 46,584
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Apr. 9, 1998
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 683,980, Apr. 10, 1991,
`abandoned.
`
`[30]
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Apr. 10,1992 [W0] WIPO .
`
`Int. Cl.“
`[51]
`.......................... H03K 17/94
`[52] U.S. Cl. ............................ 341/22; 400/488; 400/489;
`D14/ 115
`
`PC]?/US92/02957
`
`[58] Field of Search .................................. 341/22. 27 . 29;
`400/486. 488. 489. 482. 483. 484; 434/227.
`231; D14/100. 114. 115; D18/1
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`D14/115
`D14/115
`D14/115
`D14/115
`D14/115
`D14/115
`
`.
`
`1/1987 Crews .
`10/1993 Matquardt et al.
`11/1993 Manquardt et al
`3/1994 Mermod, lr.
`........
`4/1994 Marquardt et al
`7/1994 Riley et al.
`7/1994 Lichtenberg
`
`
`
`D. 287,854
`D. 340,445
`D. 341,134
`D. 345,152
`D. 346,376
`D. 348,453
`D. 348,877
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`8 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`..................................
`
`-
`
`4/1986 Casey.
`4,579,470
`7/1986 Hodges.
`4,597,631
`9/1936 McGunmg1e _
`4,613,247
`4,615,629 10/1936 Power.
`4,655,621
`4/1987 Holden .
`4,679,030
`7/1987 Volnak .
`:1:§'“a;’a“1 31‘ '
`4,715,736 12/1937 McGunning]e.
`4/1933 lshiyama.
`4,734,963
`4,735,520
`4/1933 Suzuki et al.
`........................... 400/433
`4,791,526 12/1933 Bren 317,1,
`_
`4,799,049
`1/1989 Avila ....................................... 340/709
`4»324»253
`4/1939 D_1°m1593 -
`4183:4446
`5/1939 5113"‘ °1 31-
`4’83 J00
`6/1989 Jenseli‘
`4,897,649
`1/1990 Smcki .
`4,913,573
`4/1990 Retter.
`4,917,515
`4/1990 Rene, _
`4,949,030
`3/1990 Mikan ..................................... 340/711
`4,974,183
`11/1990 Miller .
`5«017:030
`5/1991 Crews -
`5,021,771
`6/1991 Lachrnan ................................. 340/709
`5,091,771
`2/1992
`5,122,786
`6/1992
`5,126,723
`6/1992
`5,156,475
`10/1992
`
`5,160,919 ll/1992
`
`5,689,253
`
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUNIENTS
`
`.
`
`1.395949 10/1991 MeNamam~
`1.651464
`2/1927 Tyberg»
`2,040,248
`5/1936 Dvorak et a1.
`3,022,878
`2/1962 Seibel et al.
`.
`3,805,939
`4/1974 Ross.
`3,911,234
`10/1975 Kotaka .
`3,929,216 12/1975 Einbinder .
`3.940a753
`2/1975 Margolin .
`319455132
`311975 E11‘1’1’1‘1e1'
`3*990555
`1111976 F°11°“'
`4,081,068
`3/1973 Zapp .
`4,244,659
`1/1981 Malt.
`4,378,553
`3/1983 Mccan _
`4,440,515
`4/1934 Nassimbene ............................ 400/479
`4,467,321
`3/1934 Volnak.
`4,493,992
`1/1985 Geller ...................................... 250/221
`4,509,373
`4/1935 RS/all -
`4,522,513
`6/1935 Schmidt.
`
`-
`
`340/706
`11/1992 Niitsuma .......................
`5,164,712
`.......
`.. 345/157
`5,252,952 10/1993 Frank et al.
`
`.. 395/275
`5,269,004 12/1993 Comerford et a1.
`5,270,690 12/1993 Oberg ...................................... 345/163
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“
`
`Magazine’ 8:4.
`_
`from PC Magazine,
`
`Snyder. H.. “Ergonomic Principles in Oflice Automation.”
`Chapter on Keyboard Design, published by Ericsson Infor-
`mation Systems, Sweden; pp. 43-57. 1983.
`Zipp. ct al.. “Keyboard Design Through Physiological Strain
`Measurements ” Applied Ergonomics pp. 117-122. Jun..
`1983
`’
`’
`,
`'
`”
`Issues Of Injury, V01.
`TllIl.Il81 SyI1dI‘0II1C,
`JBIDCS. Sn
`1» No- L Poo by Medleal Consultants Northwest 1I1e-- PP-
`1-6. May. 1987.
`Heyer. et a1.. “University of Washington Study of Video
`Display Terminal Workers” Appcndicies D. E & F. Feb..
`1g39_
`usafcskinsv product advertisemcnt from
`116 11989)‘
`,,
`_
`PC Brand COIIIPIIIZCI‘
`aC1V61’tlSCII1€Ilt
`3:2 178 (1989)
`‘TDA Template” advertisement. from Personal Computing,
`13:2 236.37 (1989)_
`ghompsorli; et a1;, “Analysis of thehTony! Variable Geometry
`3fhrf°y 3“; ‘£m“’d"f'S;°1;69“
`“"0" S"”“"y
`1
`"”‘f“
`9‘ '13’ PP‘
`‘
`3
`‘
`“Upper Llmb Ergonomle Stressors In Seleeted Newspaper
`Jobs. A Pilot Study”, Univ. of Michigan and Nat’1 Inst. of
`Occuppational Safety & Health, pp. 1-43. 1990.
`Safety & Health Assessment and Research Program.
`“Cumulative Trauma Disorders in Claims Initiation. Base-
`line Findings”, Wash. DL&I, pp. 1-13 and 3 sheets of
`dr
`.
`J
`7 1991
`_
`_
`'
`‘“’*'“1g5* 3"‘
`~
`Franklin. et a1.. “Occupational Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in
`Washington State» 19344933-” Amefiean Journal 0fPublie
`Health, 8116. 741-746. 11,111.. 1991.
`Technology Design, Inc.. “Design Front”.
`“VersaPointW Micro Joystick Integration Guide”. Interlink
`Electronics, Oct. 1993.
`Rhodes. “Chord Keyboard”, IBM Technical Disclosure Bul-
`letin, vol. 25. No. 7A. Dec. 1982, pp. 3300-3302. Figs. 1. 2,
`4.
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 13, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`100
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`Sheet 2 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`92
`
`mi
`
`Bum_2._<n_
`
`
`
`Ema_2._<n_
`
`Em_2._<n_
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18,1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`,,
`
`-
`
`B
`
`H
`
`8
`
`E Ba»
`g
`E] E8
`= E3
`5/ El
`§
`:2
`01 E]
`[3
`VB 9
`9
`3 E} -E%
`
`on
`
`Ea
`
`'
`
`iI ’* I ;V
`
`13 93?
`£3 E]
`.2
`5 E I-HE
`E Ema
`§
`§
`“Oi ‘E25
`Eli
`E1“ 5
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`8
`
`
`
`n,max§<._axw_m_w.m_m
`
`
`
`Wg,aaaaaaaaammmmnamam
`
`<0.O_n_
`
`AvEaulnaa
`BEBE@$
`
`56gmG6,@mM
`3mSwmpa...
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`

`

`QMU
`
`mC..laD1
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`Sheet 5 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`o eF
`
`am”.He:
`
`EEEEEEEEE
`
`mo.
`
`mmo:
`
`mmmmammam
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U
`
`79DmmN
`
`m9106MhS
`
`5,689,253
`
`ea35as3..asasm:5?Q.gs.as5335asas
`
`
`
`‘Wcwww£3.£$_wmmzwmmmmmmE8ammoPammmmmwxmmoE8gmmommom
`
`
`0o0SSS5%OmOEmommum
`
`OEEEEEEEEEEEEEIEEEum
`
`U1
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18,1997
`
`Sheet 7 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`FIG. 9
`
`902
`
`9043 Q
`K1
`I’
`
`I
`
`124
`
`FIG. 10
`
`125
`
`124
`
`128
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18,1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`Iguana
`IDEHEIW
`Dmiagn
`
`Eaag
`
`mam#2..53Saw:5:5.
`
`HEEEEEEEE
`
`S.o_.._
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`MMm
`
`6@&M699a§%MBEBE9%@@DIED
`
`Eaamifiuanaufi
`W,IDEHIJIEIEBE
`
`
`
`
`DBQQIaugngfi
`
`nnannnmamDamianmagma!Waaaa@aaaa
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 13, 1997
`
`Sheet 10 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`o§
`
`
`
` FIG»13
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

` U.S.Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`Sheet 11 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`Sheet 12 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`1312
`
`1 1 1
`
`‘IIIIIIIIII
`2 j j j-j
`’ _-JIIIIIIT
`
`17
`
`FIG.
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 13, 1997
`
`Sheet 13 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`Sheet 14 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Ham
`
`M
`
`352,w6
`
`.mnon
`
`8»
`
`....ISo
`
`7mwEjofizoo
`
` 1,.I|.z_om_<omfiv_mT50Im.mwtamz#_2<Nom<om>mx.|_ImmzmmI
`
`24am
`
`Smm..::mmozll
`
`M58IH
`
`«mmmmm
`
`5,Enan%
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`Sheet 16 of 16
`
`5,689,253
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`1
`ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD APPARATUS
`
`5,689,253
`
`2
`
`10
`
`Many prior art keyboard arrangements have been pro-
`posed to eliminate the inadequacies of the QWERTY key-
`board. These prior art keyboard arrangements generally fall
`This application is a continuation—in-part of Ser. No.
`into three groups. referred to herein as the “letter layout
`07/683,980. filed Apr. 10. 1991. abandoned. incorporated
`alternatives" group. the “geometric alternatives” group and
`herein by reference. Reference is made to commonly-
`the “chordic alternatives” group. However. as discussed in
`assigned Patent Cooperation Treaty application No. PCI‘/
`more detail below. these prior art keyboard arrangements
`US92/02957. filed Apr. 10. 1992 and to commonly-assigned
`have suffered from incomplete solutions and/or excessive
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/931.736 filed Aug. 18.
`1992. abandoned. for KEYBOARD AND METHOD FOR
`training requirements. and have failed to combine relief
`PRODUCING. and to U.S. Design Patent Application Ser.
`from physically stressful postures and motions with produc-
`No. 29/006.481 for KEYBOARD. filed Mar. 29. 1993. U.S.
`tivity equal or exceeding the traditional keyboard and mini-
`Pat. No. D 370669. all of which are incorporated herein by
`mal training/retraining requirements. As a result. none of the
`reference.
`prior art keyboard arrangements have gained widespread
`The present invention relates generally to keyboards used
`acceptance.
`for data input in conjunction with typewriters. computers
`The letter layout alternatives group consists of keyboards
`.
`.
`.
`.
`and other like devices and. more particularly. an ergonomic 15
`ifiggiggrflg.sggdggsalfirsanb::1eI;::1.{:g :::uilSec:pl9y.°:‘ 3:
`keyboard for use with modern computers.
`standard keyboard geometry. An example of a keyboard that
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`falls into this group is provided in U.S. Pat. N0. 2.040.248.
`The conventional
`typewriter and oomputef keyboard.
`hereinafter called the conventional QWERTY keyboard, 20 issued to Dvorak on May 12. 1936. The Dvorak patent
`consists in diagrammatic representation of four horizontal
`describes a keyboard in which the layout of the alphanu-
`rows of alphanumeric keys. The keys on one row are offset
`meric keys is based on incidence of usage. Dvorak attempted
`with respect to the keys on adjacent rows so that diagonal
`to position the most heavily used keys (e.g..“l-E”) in the home
`columns are formed. The name “QWERTY” comes from the
`row. and to minimize awkward letter combinations and long
`letter layout of the left side second row. While certain 25 reaches. However. the keyboard of the Dvorak patent. as
`diflerences exist for non-English language keyboards. these
`well as other keyboards falling into the letter layout alter-
`diffcrences are essentially standardized and will be oonsid.
`natives group. suffers from the disadvantage that significant
`ered “QWERTY” for this application.
`relearning is required before it can be used by a skilled touch
`Thc QWERTY kgyboard has long bfien wcognizcd to
`typist accustomed to a QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore.
`have many disadvantages. including the following: the most 30 this l3Y°"l do“ nolhing to addmss ‘ht? awkwald P05311135
`commonly used late]-3 are on the top row rather than on mg
`and excessive force used by operators of keyboards with
`home (middle) row. where the fingers normally rest; many
`lmdifiolla-l 1(5)’ P°5ltl°"in8 and S°°mCl1'.Y-
`of the most frequent stroking actions must be done by the
`The geometric 3-lte1‘natiVeS group Consists Of keyboards in
`weakest fingers (the little fingers); the left hand executes
`Which both the Standard alphanumeric key Set and key
`more strokes. bothinterms of number and complexity, than 35 layout are typically employed, but the geometry of the
`the right hand. even though the majority of users are
`keyboard has been varied. As an example. U.S. Pat. No.
`right—handed; handed; the little finger of the right hand must
`1.652.464. issued DeC- 13. 1927 I0 Tyberg. describes a
`select from at least 15 keys on the modern computer
`planar QWERTY keyboard which is split into right and left
`keyboard (IBM-AT compatible enhanced 101 keyboard).
`hand segments. The right and left hand segments are sepa-
`some of which are infrequently used and thus require visual 40 rated from One another and linked in 8 fixed position to a
`selection even by most touch typists; more complex stroking
`Central segment containing keys such as “release”. “shift".
`movements are required by the staggered key arrangement
`“paper”. “feed”. “return” and “space”. As another example.
`than wouldbe required were the keys arrangedin orthogonal
`U.S. Pat. No. 4.244.659.
`issued Jan. 13. 1981. to Malt
`rows and columns. Fui-the;-moi-e, large numbers of special.
`describes a keyboard employing concave wells for right and
`ized “function”. “control". and editing keys have evolved for 45 left hand segments. The right and left hand segments of the
`use with modern computer software. Such function and
`keyboard described by Tyberg and Malt maintain the layout
`control keys are often used in combination with other keys.
`of the QWERTY keyboard so that significant relearning of
`further increasing the difliculty in comfortably and accu-
`the keyboard is not required.
`rately typing all the keys on a modern computer keyboard.
`However. the keyboards described by Tyberg and Malt. as
`A major problem with the extensive and combined use of 50 Well as others falling into the geometric alternatives group.
`specialized computer keys is the awkward postures required
`do not address the problems of extensive work and excessive
`for the arms. wrists. hands. and fingers. In recent years these
`key selection that is required by modern keyboards having
`awkward postures. combined with both static and dynamic
`function and auxiliary keys. Therefore. although providing a
`exertion required to press and hold down keys. have been
`keyboard that reduces pronation of the Wrist and ulnar
`implicated as causative factors in an epidemic of painful and 55 deviation. Prior all keyboards falling into the geometric
`sometimes disabling occupational injuries. Thus, in addition
`alternatives group are not acceptable for use with modem
`to the disadvantages of traditional keyboards related to
`keyboards having multiple function and auxiliary keys.
`operator performance (speed. accuracy. endurance). these
`The chordic alternatives group consists of keyboards in
`keyboards have also been shown to cause serious health
`which the alphanumeric key set and the key layout. as well
`problems. The health problems caused by excessive key— 60 as the keyboard geometry have been varied. Key combina-
`board use are collectively called repetitive strain injuries. In
`tions or “chords” are used to enter letters or numbers which
`combination with simple repetition of forceful motion.
`are not represented by single keys. An example of keyboards
`major factors which are believed to lead to health problems
`falling into this group is U.S. Pat. No. 4.897.649. issued to
`include pronation of the wrist. extension of the wrist. and
`Stucki on Jan. 30. 1990. The Stucki patent describes a
`ulnar deviation. among others. These injurious factors are 65 keyboard in which multiple sets of two or more keys are
`mounted on a common base and arranged such as to be
`caused or exaggerated by the use of traditional QWERTY
`comprehended and operated by a single finger. The base is
`keyboards.
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`3
`
`4
`
`5,689.25 3
`
`configured to provide separate areas for the right and left
`hands and a rest for the heels of the hands. The keyboard
`described by the Shield patent is typical of keyboards falling
`into the chordic alternatives group which suffer from the
`same relearning disadvantages as keyboards falling into the
`alternative layout group. Furthennore. this class of keyboard
`requires an increased number of strokes per word. and thus
`productivity is inherently reduced.
`Accordingly. there remains a need in the art for a key-
`board that minimizes the strain and effort associated with
`undesirable postures and motions of the hands. wrists. and
`arms in typing the alphanumeric keys. Further. it is desirable
`to provide such a keyboard that simultaneously reduces
`typing inaccuracies and maintains or increases typing speed
`while minimizing the need for relearning. Still further. it is
`desirable to provide a keyboard that
`strain and
`effort of use resulting from the increased usage of special-
`ized function keys andlor auxiliary keys on modern key-
`boards.
`
`10
`
`20
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`25
`
`45
`
`65
`
`The present invention provides an improved keyboard for
`interacting with a data processing device. The keyboard
`includes an alphanumeric key array having a home row of
`keys constructed for providing a reference position for the
`fingers of the operator. Preferably. each alphanumaic key
`array has an orthogonal arrangement.
`i.e.. with keys
`arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The keys in
`each row substantially lie in a plane with the planes for the
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ergonomic keyboard of
`various rows being substantially parallel (for a given key 30
`the present invention;
`array). The keys in each column lie in a plane. with the
`FIG, 2 is a sidg vigw of the ergonomic kcyboal-d mus-
`planes for the various columns being substantially parallel to
`trated in FIG, 1;
`each other (for a given key array) and substantially orthogo-
`FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 3-3
`1131 t° ‘hi’ P131355 of ‘hi’ _1’°W5-
`‘_’“e °mb°‘1im5“‘~_ thc 35
`of FIG 1;
`columns of the alphanumeric keys he in planes substantially
`FIG 4 is 3 plan View of the keyboard musmwcd in FIG
`parallel to the sagittal plane of the user, (i.e.. approximately
`1 showing the layout of me kcys thereof;
`alonga proximal-distal axis. or substantially parallel to the
`.
`f kc
`FIG 5 .
`altcm ti
`t
`direction the keyboard operator 1s normally facing). The
`ys’ "slug a
`'
`IS an
`a V6 mangcmcn 0
`keyboard also includes a function key array that is elevated 40
`traditional diagonal array for alphanumeric keys (except that
`(relative to the work or support surface) above the reference
`they are in separate left and right sections). but retaining the
`position defined. relative to the support surface. by the upper
`thumb keys, palm rest. plus elevated and tilted function
`surfaces of the home row keys. and is tilted toward the
`keys;
`operator. In one embodiment. the alphanumeric keys are in
`FIG. 6A is an alternative key layout with additional keys
`a concave array and thus the reference position is a surface
`compared to FIG. 4;
`which is curved with respect to the support surface.
`FIG. 6B is an alternative key layout;
`In an alternative embodiment of the invention. the key-
`FIG. 6C is an alternative key layout; and
`board includes an alphanumeric key array having a home
`FIG. 7 is a view of a rubber switch;
`row of keys constructed for providing a reference position
`FIG, 8 is a partial c1'oss-sect1'o11 taken along line 8—8 of
`for the fingers Of tht operator. Th6 keyboard also includes an 50
`FIG, 6C;
`auxiliary orthogonal array of keys that are elevated with
`FIG. 9 is 3 Partial cross_Sccfion taken along linc 9__9 of
`respect to the home row of keys and angled thereto and are
`FIG 6C;
`positioned for manipulation by the side of the thumb of the
`FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section taken along line 10-10
`°P°“"°’-
`The keys of the thumb array use keycaps which provide 55 of FIG. 6C;
`a terraced topography. One purpose of this terracing is to
`FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a keyboard according to one
`allow each key to be depressed comfortably with the side of
`embodiment of the present invention;
`the thumb without inadvertently depressing another key in
`FIG. 12 is a top plan view according to one embodiment
`the thumb array. A second purpose of the terracing is to
`of the present invention;
`provide tactile feedback of thumb location. Still further. the
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a keyboard. attached foot
`auxiliary array of keys may include at least first and second
`switches and attached computer (in block form) according to
`elongated keys positioned and aligned generally along a line
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`defined by the position of the operator’s relaxed thumb when
`FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the keyboard in FIG.
`the fingers are in the reference position. These first and
`13;
`second keys are preferably constructed to move normal to
`the local surface of the keyboard (i.e.. to the region of the
`keyboard surface close to the key) between first and second
`
`positions and to be depressed by the side of the thumbs.
`Preferably. the first and second keys have different keycaps
`for tactile identification.
`
`In a further embodiment. a fifth row of keys is provided.
`Preferably, the two fifth row keys proximal to the thumb are
`assigned cursor movement functions.
`In one embodiment, one or more foot switches can be
`used to control the function of one or more of the keyboard
`keys or to simulate the action of a particular key or to
`simulate the action of a mouse “clicker” button. In one
`embodiment. a foot switch can be used to remap all of the
`keys in one half of the keyboard to the corresponding keys
`in the other half of the keyboard to facilitate one-handed
`typing. Alternatively. other switches than a foot switch can
`be used for revamping keys such as dedicated keys. pro-
`grammable keys or voice-activated commands. In one
`embodiment. a remote keypad, physically independent from
`the main keyboard. can be attached thereto. Preferably. the
`remote keypad is designed for operation by a single hand
`and can correspond to a numeric keypad. a numeric keypad
`with additional function andlor auxiliary and/or cursor keys.
`or to one-half of the normal keyboard. Preferably. a plurality
`of the keys. and as many as all keys in the keyboard are
`programmable so that any key can be programmed to
`perform the function of any other key. key combination or
`macro. preferably by using a twcykey programming combi-
`nation to avoid inadvertent remapping.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the keyboard of FIG.
`13.;
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`5
`
`6
`
`5,689,253
`
`FIG. 16 is a right end view of the keyboard of FIG.
`FIG. 17 is a top plan View of the keyboard of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a remote keypad accord-
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 19 is a prospective view of a remote keypad accord-
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 20 is a remote keypad according to one embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIG. 21 is a perspective exploded view of a keyboard
`according to one embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 22 is a block diagram of electronics for a keyboard
`for one embodiment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 23 is a perspective exploded view of a keyboard
`according to one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`An improved ergonomic keyboard 100 for use with a
`modern computer (not shown). such as a standard personal
`computer. includes a plurality of alphanumeric keys 102. a
`plurality of function keys 104. and a plurality of auxiliary
`keys 106. It will be apparent to those skilled in the an that
`although the invention is described herein by reference to a
`keyboard 100 for use with a standard computer (not shown).
`the keyboard of the present invention could be used for data
`entry in combination with any data processing apparatus. As
`examples. the keyboard of the present invention could be
`used in combination with: control panels such as those found
`in aircraft. automobiles. and military apparatus; video
`games; electronic musical instruments; nonstandard key-
`boards; etc.
`the ASCII-
`The alphanumeric keys 102 include all
`character—generating keys of the standard four rows in a
`conventional computer keyboard. arranged in an array hav-
`ing the standard QWERTY layout. As is known in the art. the
`alphanumeric keys 102 are provided for identifying and
`entering alphabet characters to the standard computer (not
`shown) with which the keyboard 100 is used.
`In one embodiment of the invention the alphanumeric
`keys 102 are separated into first and second arrays 108 and
`110 positioned for manipulation by the left and right hands
`of the operator. respectively. The area 160 intermediate the
`first and second arrays 108 and 110 is preferably constructed
`for storage. The storage provided in the area 160 may be
`used by the operator for accessories or other items.
`The first and second arrays 108 and 110 are each arranged
`in an approximately orthogonal. concave array. However.
`while columns are well aligned. rows are somewhat curved
`to reflect the different
`length of fingers. Thus.
`the key
`columns for the ring finger 13 and middle finger 14 are
`generally more distal from the operator than the other
`columns. This offset is typically ‘A to 3/3 of a keycap width.
`In one embodiment. the home row keys are angled down-
`ward away from the user slightly. between about 56° and
`about 4° . when the keyboard is on a level surface so that the
`function keys are at an angle with respect to the home row
`keys which is about 2° greater than the angle of the function
`keys with respect to the support surface. The precise attitude
`and position of a keyswitch base on a faceplate in which the
`keyswitch is to be mounted may be determined by the chart
`in Appendix A. The precise attitude and position of the
`keytops according to first and second embodiments is deter-
`minable by the charts of Appendix Ain combination with the
`keycap style. According to one embodiment. the keycap
`style is the cylindrically sculpted style used in conventional
`
`PC keyboards. with the exception that the four home row
`keys use spherically sculpted keycaps for improved detec-
`tion of the home row.
`
`For purposes of understanding the present invention. it is
`useful to understand the distinction between a key and a
`keycap. The key is the switch and supporting mechanism
`detectably activated by the user. The key switch is typically
`activated in response to pressing or movement in a first
`direction of activation. Some switches are constructed to
`permit variance in the activation direction so that the key
`may have a slight angled or lateral movement. In addition to
`lateral activated keys. some keys are also activated by a
`pivoting key switch. i. e. . in which the motion is substantially
`arcuate. In addition to mechanical switches. other types of
`switches such as membrane switches. electronic switches
`and the like can be used for interacting with the computer.
`The surface which the user presses to activate the key can
`be provided as a separate piece which fits on top of the key
`switch. known as a keycap. When the key is a linear
`activated key. the surface of the keycap which the user
`presses is substantially at right angles to the direction of
`activation in most cases. although the surface may be
`non-planar. such as being concave or convex. or having
`bumps. ridges. or other tactile indicia. It is also possible for
`the pressed surface of the keycap to be substantially non-
`perpendicular to the direction of activation. In the case of a
`concave key. the surface of the keypad can be defined by the
`plane passing through the corners of the keypad or by the
`plane tangent to the keycap surface at the location of the key
`switch. It is also possible for the keycap to be pivotally
`mounted. i.e.. so that the keycap follows an arcuate trajec-
`tory upon being pressed. Pivoting keycaps can be used in
`connection with both linear activated keys and pivoting
`keys. It is possible to use either linear travel keys or pivoting
`keys for the various keys in the keyboard. However. to
`achieve the desired ergonomic effect. it is preferred that at
`least the alphanumeric keys be linear-travel keys. In some
`embodiments. keys with low or zero travel are used to help
`reduce stress and increase speed.
`In considering the location and movement of the keys. it
`is convenient to define the direction of key activation as an
`angle with respect to a surface. such as the support surface
`on which the keyboard rests (which will
`typically be
`horizontal). Similarly. when considering the occasion and,
`particularly. the elevation of keys and/or keycaps. it is
`convenient to describe the location as a height above the
`support surface.
`In one embodiment, keyswitch model MX1Afrom Cherry
`Electronics Corporation. Waukeegan. Illinois. can be used.
`Such key switches can be positioned in a concave configu-
`ration using apparatus and method described in. for
`example. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/931.736. filed
`Aug. 18. 1992. for KEYBOARD AND METHOD FOR
`PRODUCDIG.
`
`FIG. 21 provides an exploded view of one 14 of the two
`concave key arrays. The second concave key array 16
`preferably is also formed in the same fashion as the first
`array 14. i.e.. as depicted in the left portion of FIG. 21. As
`seen in FIG. 21. the individual keys 22 can be provided in
`two mateable portions. namely. a key cover and a key
`switch. For example, key 22a can be formed from key cover
`28a and key switch 30a. Although FIG. 21 depicts mechani-
`cal key switches. other types of key switches well-known in
`the art can also be used. such as membrane keys.
`When mechanical switches 30a-30e are used. detection
`of a key press is performed using electrical contacts 40. A
`
`5
`
`ID
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`SS
`
`65
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1018
`
`Google v. Philips
`
`

`

`7
`
`5,689,253
`
`l0
`
`number of mechanical switches can be used. One type of
`mechanical key switch that can be used is type MXIA
`available fiom Cherry Electronics Corporation, Waukeegan
`Ill.
`
`8
`that can be used. e.g. in connection with the embodiment of
`FIG. 21). Furthermore, coupling to a flat-configured circuit
`board can employ, e.g.. wave-soldering so as to be more
`easily automated. i.e. performed by machine. without sub-
`stantial human intervention.
`than coupling to a curved
`In the embodiment of FIG. 21. the keys are held in holes
`circuit board (although some degree of automation is pos-
`42 formed in a plate 44. The plate 44 has a double concave
`sible with the curved configuration).
`shape which establishes the double—concave configuration of
`In another embodiment, which is particularly advanta-
`the keys. described above. The plate 44 is mountable in an
`geous when used in conjunction with the flat-configuration
`opening 27 in the chassis 80. e.g.. using tabs 29. In the
`coupling described above.
`the circuit board 48 can be
`embodiment of FIG. 21. the key switches 40 are inserted into
`supported from below, e.g. by upright blades 212 depicted in
`the plate 44 in a direction 46 which is toward the interior of
`phantom in FIG. 23. The upright blades 212 can be formed
`the keyboard 12. In one embodiment. the key switches 30
`of a number of materials. including metal. fiberglass. and
`include adaptations such as tabs. slots or latches for con-
`composites. and preferably are formed of the same material
`necting the key switches 30 to the plate 44 by engagement
`as the chassis or case, 80 and are formed integrally
`With 319 94855 Of thc 1101‘-‘-S 41 P1'Cf¢1'3b1Y by 3 511313 3¢ti0ll-
`15 therewith. such as by a molding process.
`In this
`The key caps 28. plate 44 and chassis 80 can be made
`embodiment