United States Patent o>
`5,689,253
`*Nov. 18, 1997
`145] Date of Patent:
`Hargreaveset al.
`
`{11] Patent Number:
`
`US005689253A
`
`[54] ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD APPARATUS
`
`[75]
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1279693
`9/1963
`Germany .
`Inventors: William R. Hargreaves, Bellevue;
`1016993
`1/1966
`United Kingdom .
`2000083
`1/1979
`Shirley A. Lunde, Seattle, both of
`United Kingdom .
`Wash.
`2181096=4/1987
`United Kingdom .
`89706600
`7/1989 WIPO.
`
`WO 92/09996—6/1992 WIPO ciessscessesneessanseeonese HO1H 19/02
`[73] Assignee: Kinesis Corporation, Bothell, Wash.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`[*] Notice:
`
`The term of this patent shall not extend
`beyond the expiration date of Pat. No.
`5,673,040.
`
`Kroemer, K., “Human Engineering the Keyboard”. Human
`Factors, 14(1) §1-63, 1972.
`“Technical Reference”, sections 1, 4 and 5, JBM Personal
`Computer Hardware Reference Library, Sep., 1975, (first
`edition).
`Conway, D.L., “Contoured Keyboard”, [BM Technical Dis-
`closure Bulletin, 22(3) 1276-77 (1979).
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner—John K. Peng
`Assistant Examiner—Andrew Hill
`Attomey, Agent, or Firm—Bogle & Gates, P.L.L.C.
`(37]
`ABSTRACT
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 46,584
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Apr. 9, 1993
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 683,980, Apr. 10, 1991,
`abandoned.
`
`[30]
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`
`
`. PCT/US92/02957
`Apr. 10, 1992 [WO] WIPO
`.. HO3K 17/94
`[5A]
`Frnt, CLS ceacescesssesseesscsssetscasscerecee
`[SZ] US. C1. weeecsccessecssescensenne 341/22; 400/488; 400/489;
`D14/115
`
`[58] Field of Searels ......cssssseve 341/22, 27, 29;
`"483, 484; 434/227,
`400/486, 488,
`
`231; D14/100, 114, 115; D18/1
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`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 array. A homerow 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 restis
`D. 287,854
`1/1987 Crews .
`provided for receiving the palm of the operator while the
`D14/115
`D. 340,445
`10/1993 Marquardt et al.
`....
`operator is manipulating the plurality of alphanumeric keys.
`
`DI4/A115
`D. 341,134
`11/1993 Marquardt et al.
`The paim rest is positioned above the reference position
`D14/115
`D. 345,152
`3/1994. Mermod,Jr. .......
`
`defined by the home row so that during operation of the
`D14/115
`D. 346,376
`4/1994 Marquardt et al.
`
`alphanumeric keys, the fingers of the operator extend down-
`DI4/115
`D. 348,453
`7/1994 Riley et al.
`....
`D. 348,877=7/1994 Lichtenberg 0...cece DI4/115
`ward from the palm rest in a natural curved manner.
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`8 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`MSFT EX. 1018
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`

`

`5,689,253
`
`Page 2
`
`5,164,712
`5,252,952
`5,269,004
`5,270,690
`
`LE/1992 Niitsuma ......ccssseneree
`
`10/1993 Frank et al.
`....
`12/1993 Comerford et al.
`
`12/1993 Oberg .....
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Snyder, H., “Ergonomic Principles in Office Automation.”
`Chapter on Keyboard Design, published by Ericsson Infor-
`mation Systems, Sweden; pp. 43-57, 1983.
`Zipp. et al. “Keyboard Design Through Physiological Strain
`Measurements,” Applied Ergonomics, pp. 117-122, Jun.,
`1983.
`James,S., “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” Issues of Injury, vol.
`1, No. 1, pub. by Medical Consultants Northwest, Inc.. pp.
`1-6, May, 1987.
`Heyer, et al., “University of Washington Study of Video
`Display Terminal Workers” Appendicies D, E & F, Feb.,
`1989,
`“Safeskin” product advertisement from PC Magazine, 8:4,
`86 (1989).
`“PC Brand Computer” advertisement from PC Magazine,
`8:2 178 (1989).
`“TDA Template” advertisement, from Personal Computing,
`13:2 236-37 (1989).
`Thompson,et al., “Analysis of the Tony! Variable Geometry
`VDT Keyboard”, Proceedings ofthe Human Factors Society
`34th Annual Meeting, pp. 365-369, 1990.
`“Upper Limb Ergonomic Stressors in Selected Newspaper
`Jobs, A Pilot Study”, Univ. of Michigan and Nat'l 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
`drawings, Jan. 7, 1991.
`Franklin, et al., “Occupational Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in
`Washington State, 1984-1988,” American JournalofPublic
`Health, 81:6, 741-746, Jun., 1991.
`Technology Design, Inc., “Design Front”.
`“VersaPoint™ 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,
`
`MSFT EX. 1018
`Page 2 of 32
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`McNamara .
`10/1921
`2/1927
`Tyberg .
`Dvorak et al.
`5/1936
`Seibel et al.
`.
`2/1962
`Ross .
`4/1974
`10/1975
`Kotaka.
`12/1975
`Einbinder .
`2/1976
`Margolin .
`Einbinder .
`3/1976
`Felton .
`11/1976
`3/1978
`Zapp .
`Mait.
`1/1981
`McCall .
`3/1983
`Nassimbene .....c.ccsesrereessees 400/479
`4/1984
`Volnak .
`8/1984
`Geller rcsescccrsseesseeenectsereenseare 250/221
`1/1985
`4/1985
`Ryan .
`6/1985
`Schmidt .
`3/1986
`LUQareSt
`4/1986
`Casey .
`71986
`Hodges .
`9/1986
`McGunnigle .
`Power.
`10/1986
`Holden .
`4/1987
`TA987
`Volnak .
`741987
`Meguire et al. .
`8/1987
`Ishiyama .
`12/1987
`McGunningle .
`4/1983
`Ishiyama .
`Suzuki et ab...eessesssseceeen 400/488
`4/1988
`12/1988
`Breu et al. .
`AVULR ccsecscccsteantceeeseacenansanseaee 340/709
`1/1989
`4/1989
`5/1989
`6/1989
`1/1990
`4/1990
`4/1990
`8/1990
`11/1990
`3/1991
`6/1991
`2/1992
`6/1992
`6/1992
`10/1992
`11/1992
`
`.
`
`erste 340/711
`
`
`
`.
`
`socsesssensscanssassnareanssaee 200/6 A
`
`.
`
`astaee 340/711
`
`Eilam et al.
`Jensen .
`Stucki .
`Retter .
`Retter .
`Mikan .....
`Miller .
`Crews.
`Lachiatt c...essssessssncssnsaneses cane 340/709
`Bolan et al.
`
`1,395,049
`1,652,464
`2,040,248
`3,022,878
`3,805,939
`3,911,234
`3,929,216
`3,940,758
`4,945,482
`3,990,565
`4,081,068
`4,244,659
`4,378,553
`4,440,515
`4,467,321
`4,493,992
`4,509,873
`4,522,518
`4,575,591
`4,579,470
`4,597,681
`4,613,247
`4,615,629
`4,655,621
`4,679,030
`4,680,572
`4,686,408
`4,715,736
`4,734,963
`4,735,520
`4,791,526
`4,799,049
`4,824,268
`4,833,446
`4,836,700
`4,897,649
`4,913,573
`4,917,516
`4,949,080
`4,974,183
`5,017,030
`5,021,771
`5,091,771
`5,122,786
`5,126,723
`5,156,475
`5,160,919
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 1997
`
`5,689,253
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 18, 1997
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 18, 1997
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 18, 1997
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`Nov. 18, 1997
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`Sheet 7 of 16
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`5,689,253
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`1
`ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD APPARATUS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
`07/683,980, filed Apr. 10, 1991, abandoned, incorporated
`herein by reference. Reference is made to commonly-
`assigned Patent Cooperation Treaty application No. PCT/
`US92/02957,filed Apr. 10, 1992 and to commonly-assigned
`US. patent application Ser. No. 07/931.736 filed Aug. 18,
`1992, abandoned, for KEYBOARD AND METHOD FOR
`PRODUCING.and to U.S. Design Patent Application Ser.
`No, 29/006.481 for KEYBOARD,filed Mar. 29, 1993, U.S.
`Pat. No. D 370669,all of which are incorporated herein by
`reference.
`Thepresentinvention relates generally to keyboards used
`for data input in conjunction with typewriters, computers
`and other like devices and, more particularly. an ergonomic
`keyboard for use with modern computers.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`typewriter and computer keyboard,
`The conventional
`hereinafter called the conventional QWERTY keyboard,
`consists in diagrammatic representation of four horizontal
`rows of alphanumeric keys. The keys on one row are offset
`with respect to the keys on adjacent rows so that diagonal
`columnsare formed. The name “QWERTY”comes from the
`letter layout of the left side second row. While certain
`differences exist for non-English language keyboards, these
`differences are essentially standardized and will be consid-
`ered “QWERTY”for this application.
`The QWERTY keyboard has long been recognized to
`have many disadvantages, including the following: the most
`commonly used letters are on the top row rather than on the
`home (middle) row, where the fingers normally rest; many
`of the most frequent stroking actions must be done by the
`weakest fingers (the little fingers); the left hand executes
`more strokes, both in terms of number and complexity, than
`the right hand, even though the majority of users are
`right-handed; handed,the little finger of the right hand must
`select from at least 15 keys on the modern computer
`keyboard (IBM-AT compatible enhanced 101 keyboard),
`some of which are infrequently used and thus require visual
`selection even by most touch typists; more complex stroking
`movements are required by the staggered key arrangement
`than would be required were the keys arrangedin orthogonal
`rows and columns. Furthermore, large numbers of special-
`ized “function”, “control”, and editing keys have evolved for
`use with modem computer software. Such function and
`control keys are often used in combination with other keys,
`further increasing the difficulty in comfortably and accu-
`rately typing all the keys on a modern computer keyboard,
`A major problem with the extensive and combined use of
`specialized computer keys is the awkward postures required
`for the arms, wrists, hands, and fingers. In recent years these
`awkward postures, combined with both static and dynamic
`exertion required to press and hold down keys, have been
`implicated as causative factors in an epidemic ofpainful and
`sometimes disabling occupational injuries. Thus, in addition
`to the disadvantages of traditional keyboards related to
`operator performance (speed, accuracy, endurance), these
`keyboards have also been shown to cause serious health
`problems. The health problems caused by excessive key-
`board use are collectively called repetitive strain injuries. In
`combination with simple repetition of forceful motion,
`major factors which are believed to lead to health problems
`include pronation of the wrist, extension of the wrist, and
`ulnar deviation, among others. These injurious factors are
`caused or exaggerated by the use of traditional QWERTY
`keyboards.
`
`2
`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
`into three groups, referred to herein as the “letter layout
`alternatives” group, the “geometric alternatives” group and
`the “chordic alternatives” group. However, as discussed in
`more detail below, these prior art keyboard arrangements
`have suffered from incomplete solutions and/or excessive
`training requirements, and have failed to combine relief
`from physically stressful postures and motions with produc-
`tivity equal or exceeding the traditional keyboard and mini-
`mal training/retraining requirements. As a result, none of the
`prior art keyboard arrangements have gained widespread
`acceptance.
`Theletter layout alternatives group consists of keyboards
`in which the standard alphanumeric key set is employed. but
`the order of the keys has been varied while retaining the
`standard keyboard geometry. An example of a keyboard that
`falls into this group is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 2.040.248,
`issued to Dvorak on May 12, 1936. The Dvorak patent
`describes a keyboard in which the layout of the alphanu-
`meric keys is based on incidence of usage. Dvorak attempted
`to position the most heavily used keys (e.g.,“E”) in the home
`row, and to minimize awkward letter combinations and long
`reaches. However, the keyboard of the Dvorak patent, as
`well as other keyboards falling into the letter layout alter-
`natives group. suffers from the disadvantage that significant
`relearning is required beforeit can be used by a skilled touch
`typist accustomed to a QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore,
`this layout does nothing to address the awkward postures
`and excessive force used by operators of keyboards with
`traditional key positioning and geometry.
`The geometric alternatives group consists of keyboards in
`which both the standard alphanumeric key set and key
`layout are typically employed, but the geometry of the
`keyboard has been varied. As an example, U.S. Pat. No.
`1,652,464, issued Dec. 13, 1927 to Tyberg, describes a
`planar QWERTY keyboard whichis split into right andleft
`hand segments. The right and left hand segments are sepa-
`rated from one another and linked in a fixed position to a
`central segment containing keys such as “release”. “shift”,
`“paper”, “feed”, “return” and “space”. As another example,
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,659,
`issued Jan. 13, 1981,
`to Malt
`describes a keyboard employing concave wells for right and
`left hand segments. The right and left hand segments of the
`keyboard described by Tyberg and Malt maintain the layout
`of the QWERTY keyboard so that significant relearning of
`the keyboard is not required.
`However.the keyboards described by Tyberg and Malt,as
`well as others falling into the geometric alternatives group,
`do not address the problems of extensive work and excessive
`key selection that is required by modern keyboards having
`function and auxiliary keys. Therefore, although providing a
`keyboard that reduces pronation of the wrist and ulnar
`deviation, prior art keyboards falling into the geometric
`alternatives group are not acceptable for use with modern
`keyboards having multiple function and auxiliary keys.
`The chordic alternatives group consists of keyboards in
`which the alphanumeric key set and the key layout, as well
`as the keyboard geometry have been varied. Key combina-
`tions or “chords”are used to enter letters or numbers which
`are not represented by single keys. An example of keyboards
`falling into this group is U.S. Pat. No. 4.897.649, issued to
`Stucki on Jan. 30, 1990. The Stucki patent describes a
`keyboard in which multiple sets of two or more keys are
`mounted on a common base and arranged such as to be
`comprehended and operated by a single finger. The base is
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`35
`
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`5,689,253
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`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 Stucki patentis typical of keyboardsfalling
`into the chordic alternatives group which suffer from the
`same relearning disadvantages as keyboards falling into the
`alternative layout group. Furthermore,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 minimizes strain and
`effort of use resulting from the increased usage of special-
`ized function keys and/or auxiliary keys on modern key-
`boards.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Thepresent 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 alphanumeric 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
`various rows being substantially parallel (for a given key
`array). The keys in each column lie in a plane, with the
`planes for the various columns being substantially parallel to
`each other (for a given key array) and substantially orthogo-
`nal to the planes of the rows. In one embodiment, the
`columnsof the alphanumeric keys lie in planes substantially
`parallel to the sagittal plane of the user, (i.e., approximately
`along a proximal-distal axis, or substantially parallel to the
`direction the keyboard operator is normally facing). The
`keyboard also includes a function key array that is elevated
`(relative to the work or support surface) above the reference
`position defined, relative to the support surface, by the upper
`surfaces of the home row keys, and is tilted toward the
`operator. In one embodiment, the alphanumeric keys are in
`a concave array and thus the reference position is a surface
`which is curved with respect to the support surface.
`In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the key-
`board includes an alphanumeric key array having a home
`row of keys constructed for providing a reference position
`for the fingers of the operator. The keyboard also includes an
`auxiliary orthogonal array of keys that are elevated with
`respect to the home row of keys and angled thereto and are
`positioned for manipulation by the side of the thumb ofthe
`operator.
`The keys of the thumb array use keycaps which provide
`a terraced topography. One purpose of this terracing is to
`allow each key to be depressed comfortably with the side of
`the thumb without inadvertently depressing another key in
`the thumb array. A second purpose of the terracing is to
`provide tactile feedback of thumb location. Still further, the
`auxiliary array of keys may include at least first and second
`elongated keys positioned and aligned generally alonga line
`defined by the position of the operator’s relaxed thumb when
`the fingers are in the reference position. These first and
`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
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`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 foct 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 and/or 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 two-key programming combi-
`nation to avoid inadvertent remapping.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG, 1is a perspective view of the ergonomic keyboard of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a side view of the ergonomic keyboard illus-
`trated in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 3—3
`of FIG. 1,
`FIG. 4 is a plan view of the keyboard illustrated in FIG.
`1 showing the layout of the keys thereof;
`FIG. § is an alternative arrangement of keys, using a
`traditional diagonal array for alphanumeric keys(except that
`they are in separate left and right sections), but retaining the
`thumb keys, palm rest, plus elevated and tilted function
`keys;
`FIG.6A is an alternative key layout with additional keys
`compared to FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6B is an alternative key layout;
`FIG. 6C is an alternative key layout; and
`FIG. 7 is a view of a rubber switch;
`FIG. 8 is a partial cross-section taken along line 8—8 of
`FIG. 6C,
`FIG.9 is a partial cross-section taken along line 9—9 of
`FIG. 6C;
`FIG.16 is a partial cross-section taken along line 10—10
`of FIG. 6C;
`PIG. 11 is a top plan view of a keyboard according to one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 12 is a top plan view according to one embodiment
`of the present invention;
`PIG. 13 is a perspective view of a keyboard, attached foot
`switches and attached computer (in block form) according to
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG.14 is a frontelevational view of the keyboard in FIG.
`13;
`FIG.15 is a rear elevational view of the keyboard of FIG.
`13.;
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`PC keyboards, with the exception that the four home row
`keys use spherically sculpted keycaps for improved detec-
`tion of the home row.
`
`5
`FIG. 16 is a right end view of the keyboard of FIG.
`FIG. 17is a top plan view of the keyboard of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a remote keypad accord-
`For purposes of understanding the present invention,it is
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention;
`useful to understand the distinction between a key and a
`FIG. 19 is a prospective view of a remote keypad accord-
`keycap. The key is the switch and supporting mechanism
`ing to an embodiment ofthe present invention;
`detectably activated by the user. The key switch is typically
`FIG. 20 is a remote keypad according to one embodiment
`activated in response to pressing or movementinafirst
`of the present invention;
`direction of activation. Some switches are constructed to
`FIG. 21 is a perspective exploded view of a keyboard
`permit variance in the activation direction so that the key
`according to one embodiment of the present invention;
`mayhavea slight angled or lateral movement. In addition to
`lateral activated keys, some keys are also activated by a
`FIG. 22 is a biock diagram of electronics for a keyboard
`pivoting key switch,i.e., in which the motion is substantially
`for one embodiment of the present invention; and
`arcuate. In addition to mechanical switches, other types of
`FIG, 23 is a perspective exploded view of a keyboard
`switches such as membrane switches, electronic switches
`according to one embodimentof the present invention.
`and the like can be used for interacting with the computer.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`The surface which the user presses to activate the key can
`EMBODIMENT
`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 othertactile 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 comers of the keypad or by the
`plane tangentto 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 ofthe 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 MX1A from Cherry
`Electronics Corporation, Waukeegan, Dlinois, 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
`PRODUCING.
`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
`artay 14, i.c., 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 302. Although FIG. 21 depicts mechani-
`cal key switches, other types of key switches well-knownin
`the art can also be used, such as membrane keys.
`When mechanical switches 3a-30e are used, detection
`of a key press is performed using electrical contacts 40. A
`
`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 art 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 combinationwith: control panels such as those found
`in aircraft, automobiles. and military apparatus; video
`games; electronic musical instruments; nonstandard key-
`boards;etc.
`the ASCTII-
`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 knownin theart, 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
`110positioned 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.
`Thefirst and second arrays 108 and 116 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 4 to % of a keycap width.
`In one embodiment, the home row keys are angled down-
`ward away from the user slightly, between about 12° and
`about 4° , when the keyboardis 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 embodimentsis deter-
`minable by the charts of Appendix A in combination with the
`keycap style. According to one embodiment, the keycap
`style is the cylindrically sculpted style used in conventional
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`number of mechanical switches can be used. One type of
`mechanical key switch that can be used is type MXIA
`available from Cherry Electronics Corporation, Waukeegan
`tl.
`
`In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the keys are held in holes
`42 formedin a plate 44. The plate 44 has a double concave
`shape which establishes the double-concave configuration of
`the keys, described above. The plate 44 is mountable in an
`opening 27 in the chassis 80, e.g.. using tabs 29. In the
`embodimentof FIG.21, the key switches 40 are inserted into
`the plate 44 in a direction 46 which is toward the interior of
`the keyboard 12. In one embodiment, the key switches 30
`include adaptations such as tabs, slots ot latches for con-
`necting the key switches 30 to the plate 44 by engagement
`with the edges of the holes 42, preferably by a snap action.
`The key caps 28, plate 44 and chassis 80 can be made
`from a number of materials. Preferably, high-impact plastic
`is used, although it would also be possible to use other
`materials such as metal, composites, fiberglass and the like,
`When the switches 30 and plate 44 are assembled, the
`contacts 40 protrude downward from the bottom surface of
`the plate 44. A circuit board 48 provides electrical connec-
`tion between theelectrical contacts 40, for ultimate coupling
`with electronics 50. e.g.. via a bus 52 (as described more
`fully below).
`The present invention can be used in connection with a
`number of types of keyboards for a number of purposes. One
`example is a keyboard for use with a computer, such as that
`described in “Personal Computer AT Technical Reference”,
`IBM Hardware Reference Publication 6139362/6280070
`(1985). Briefly, according to one embodiment,
`the key
`matrix 54 (FIG. 22) is coupled, via a bus 52a through a sense
`amplifier 56 to a keyboard controller and scan code buffer
`microc