DE29723047U1 - Movable keyboard halves with mouse functionality - Google Patents

Description

Description

Title:

State of the art:

Problem:

Solution:

Benefits achieved:

Movable keyboard halves with mouse functionality

The invention described can be used wherever an input interface between man and machine (computer) is required.

Such input interfaces already exist as a combination of keyboards of various shapes and ergonomics on the one hand and computer mice of various shapes and ergonomics on the other. There is also the option of influencing the movement of the mouse pointer on the screen (output device) using a so-called trackball, trackstick or touchpad (possibly integrated into the keyboard) instead of a mouse.

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem that in most modern (graphic) computer applications, people are forced to constantly move one hand (right or left) between the keyboard and mouse (or trackball, trackstick, touchpad). This requires "recalibration" to the corresponding input device each time. This takes time and puts one-sided and unnatural strain on the arm muscles.

This problem is solved with the features listed in claim 1. The basis of the invention is the ability of the human hand to move freely in 3-dimensional space and at the same time to be able to exert pressure on an object in the hand using the fingers and thumb.

The input device is moved both physically (by moving the keyboard half) and virtually (by moving the mouse pointer on the screen) to where letters and numbers are to be entered (Fig. 6). This movement of the "writing device" to the target point is more like filling out a form by hand with, for example, a ballpoint pen. This invention should therefore make it easier for beginners to get used to the computer.

There is no need for time-consuming "recalibration" to the corresponding input device. This should also be an advantage for experienced users, as it can save a lot of time.

There is constant (if desired - uninterrupted) contact between human and computer in the direction of the computer via the input device.

The free movement of the keyboard halves on a base (2-dimensional in x/y direction) results in an increased level of ergonomics. The palm rest (4)

Further development of the
Invention:

Description of one or
several
Examples of implementation:

an important detail. On the one hand, it relieves the strain on the hand and arm and, on the other hand, enables the movement of the keyboard half (Fig. 6).

Since the keyboard halves are mirror images of each other (with the most important keys: Enter (6), Tab, Esc, Alt, Shift, Ctrl, Caps lock (7) and the numeric keypad on both halves of the keyboard via double assignment), this invention can be used equally by left-handed and right-handed people.

Claim 2 lists the possibility of activating and deactivating the mouse functionality of the keyboard halves. This means that the mouse functionality can be used equally by left-handed and right-handed people. When the mouse functionality of both keyboard halves is activated, it is conceivable to influence the x/y coordinates with one keyboard half and another two dimensions of a coordinate system with the other keyboard half. This invention could therefore represent, for example, a valuable input tool for SD-CAD/animation applications.

If the driver software is programmed accordingly, it can be used in all areas where a modern input interface between man and machine (computer) is desired.

The connection to the computer can be made either via cable, (cordless) via infrared interface or via other possible connections.

The size and shape of the keyboard halves can be changed as desired, but should be adapted to the user's anatomy in terms of ergonomics.

An embodiment of the invention is explained with reference to Figures 1 to 6. It shows:

Fig. la) right half of the keyboard, view from above

Fig. Ib) left half of the keyboard, top view

Fig. 2a) right half of the keyboard, view from above

Fig. 4,b) right half of the keyboard, view from below

Fig. 3) right half of the keyboard, side view from the right

Fig. 4) right half of the keyboard, side view from the left

Fig. 5) Keyboard halves view from above with hands

Fig. 6) Movement of one half of the keyboard and key input in different image areas.

In Figures la and lb, the keyboard halves are connected to the Enter key (6), the shift keys Shift,

Caps lock, Ctrl and Alt (7) and the remaining keys (3) are shown. Figures 2a and 2b show the keyboard halves with the mouse ball (2). Figures 3 and 4 also show the palm rest area. Figure 5 shows the Enter key (6) and the Shift, Caps lock, Ctrl and Alt keys (7) on both halves of the keyboard as well as the position of the hands (8).

Figure 6 shows the movement of the mouse pointer on the screen surface as a result of the movement of the keyboard half on the base (5) and the input via the keys in different screen areas.

L istence of references

(1) Keyboard halves

(2) freely movable ball (mouse ball)

(3) Buttons

(4) Support surface for the palm of the hand

(5) Base (e.g. table)

(6) Enter or ENTER key

(7) Shift keys (Shift, Caps lock, Ctrl and Alt)

(8) Hands

Claims (5)

Protection claims 1. Movable keyboard halves with mouse functionality characterized, that the left half of the keyboard can be moved freely by placing and moving the left hand and the right half of the keyboard can be moved independently of each other on a flat surface (5) (table) by placing and moving the right hand, and that the two keyboard halves (1) contain a freely movable ball (2), the position of which is influenced by the movement of the keyboard half on the base (5) (mouse principle) and whose coordinates are forwarded to the computer (to which the keyboard halves are connected), and that the two keyboard halves (1) each have approximately half the number of keys (3) (in number and function) of a conventional keyboard. 2. Keyboard halves according to the protection claim characterized by that the transmission of the coordinates of the ball (2) in the keyboard half can be activated or deactivated for one or both keyboard halves (1) via switches or software. 3. Keyboard halves according to the protection claim characterized by that each half of the keyboard can be moved freely over a recess for the palm rest (4). 4. Keyboard halves according to the protection claim characterized by that the Enter key (6) is located on both halves of the keyboard and can be operated by the left or right index finger, whereby the stroke and click of this key corresponds to the stroke and click of a mouse button. 5. Keyboard halves according to the protection claim characterized by that the shift keys (Shift, Caps lock, Ctrl and Alt) (7) are located on the inside of both halves of the keyboard and can be operated using the left or right thumb, with the stroke and click of these keys corresponding to the stroke and click of a mouse button.