• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:

    公开号:NL1010736A1
    申请号:NL1010736
    申请日:1998-12-07
    公开日:1999-07-01
    发明作者:Hong Li Tseng
    申请人:Hong Li Tseng；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention relates to a keyboard with secure keys and more particularly a keyboard whose keys can be identified by their specific shapes and / or positions by touching a finger so that a user does not have to keep his eyes on the keyboard when he is pressing keys pressed. More particularly, the keyboard of the present invention is arranged by specially placing keys representing the numbers 3, 6 and 9. The keyboard of the present invention can be applied in many fields such as, telephone, calculator, remote control, etc.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    In a conventional keyboard, which is used, for example, as a telephone keyboard or a computer keyboard, the keys of the keyboard generally protrude from a base plane, as shown in Fig. 1. When a user presses a selected key, it often happens that a key next to the selected key is pressed unnoticed so that an error occurs.
    On the other hand, in order to improve operational efficiency while allowing for multiple work, it is preferred that a user press keys by touching his finger without keeping his eyes on the keyboard. However, the conventional arrangement of keys on the keyboard panel is generally a rectangular array, as shown in Fig. 2, making it difficult to identify each individual key by finger touch only. Especially for a keyboard with keys arranged as a rectangular array and protruding from a base ...... [rest sentence is missing]
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard with clockwise arranged keys, wherein the keys are substantially looped and the numeric keys 3, 6 and 9 are positioned at specific positions of the keyboard so that both the processing speed if • the machining accuracy can be improved through familiarity.
    A further object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard, the keys of which can be easily identified by varying the positions, shapes, dimensions and topography of the keys so that a user can identify which key he is pressing by touching his finger without keeping his eyes on the keyboard.
    The present invention relates to a keyboard with a keyboard front; and at least ten number-leading keys. The number-leading keys are placed on the keyboard front, and each represents a different number between 0 and 9, respectively, with a first number-leading key representing a number 3 and a second number-leading key representing a number 9 having a connecting line mainly through the center of the keyboard front, and a third number-leading key representing a number 6 and having a substantially equal distance from the first and second number-leading keys.
    In a preferred embodiment, the number key 3 is placed in a substantially rightmost position on the keyboard front, the number key 6 is placed in a position substantially furthest to the bottom of the keyboard front, and the number key 9 is placed in a substantially leftmost position on the keyboard front position. In other words, the numeric keys are arranged in a clockwise manner. Herein, the term "rightmost position" indicates a position at or around the rightmost corner of the keyboard front. Similarly, the terms "leftmost position" and "furthest downward position" indicate positions at or around the leftmost or furthest downward corners of the keyboard front, respectively.
    Alternatively, the keys may be arranged in an anti-clockwise direction. That is, the number key 3 is placed in a substantially leftmost position of the keyboard front, the number key 6 is placed in a substantially furthest downward position of the keyboard front, and the number key 9 is placed in a substantially most right position of the keyboard front.
    If desired, particularly for a calculator keyboard, a further number-leading key may be displayed which displays a number 00 and which is pressed once to output two numbers 00, and which is preferably mounted on a substantially farthest to the top of the keyboard-front position.
    When used for a device such as a telephone, a calculator, a remote control, a code entry lock or a computer, the keyboard further comprises at least one functional key, which can be independent of any of the at least ten numbered keys or push buttons with the numeric keys. In this case, switching between the functional key and the number key can be achieved by means of a shift key. For example, the at least one functional key represents an operational function, such as +, -, x, 4-, ±, =,., M, C for a calculator; a telecommunication symbol such as #, *, send, cancel for a mobile phone; a volume and / or channel control symbol such as ® »β> Θ» 2 for a remote control; a confirmation symbol such as enter or cancel for a code input lock; and such. Furthermore, these different types of function keys can be contained in a single keyboard and used with the same number-leading keys to achieve a multifunctional keyboard.
    On the other hand, the ten number-leading keys may be marked with the ten one-digit Arabic numbers, i.e. 0, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, or ten marked symbols, for example * or H respectively . When the positions of the number-leading keys are arranged according to the present invention, they can be easily identified, even if all push buttons are left blank without marking them with numbers. Alternatively, part of the number leading keys can be marked with Arabic numbers and another part can be marked with marked symbols. For example, the number keys 3, 6 and 9 are marked with Arabic numbers 3, 6, and 9, respectively, and all other number keys are marked with a dot.
    According to the present invention, the leading keys or the functional keys are preferably arranged in a shape selected from a group consisting of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a diamond, a hexagon and an octagon.
    Preferably, at least some of the number-leading keys are arranged below the keyboard front. For example, one of each two keys can be located under the keyboard front.
    By arranging the keys of a keyboard according to the present invention, the keyboard can easily become known to general users. Therefore, the machining speed and machining accuracy can be improved.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
    The present invention can best be understood by the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    Fig. 1 schematically shows keys of a conventional keyboard, the keys protruding above an upper surface of the keyboard housing;
    Fig. 2 schematically shows the arrangement of keys of a conventional keyboard;
    Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 4A-4C show side views of keys of a keyboard according to the present invention for schematically showing the shapes of the keys;
    Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 6A shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 6B shows a schematic representation of a variation of the third embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 6C shows a schematic representation of a further variation of the third embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention;
    Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
    Clocks and / or watches are popular in our daily lives, and most people are very familiar with the numerical arrangement of a clock / watch. People can easily see the time with just one glance, even when there is no number on the dial. Generally, a number 3 is located on the rightmost position of a dial, a number 6 on the bottom, and a number 9 on the leftmost. The present invention accordingly utilizes the familiarity of a person with a clock or watch to design and further customize the number arrangement of a keyboard.
    The present invention will now be more specifically described with reference to the following embodiments. It should be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for the purpose of illustration and description; the descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise disclosed form.
    EMBODIMENT 1
    See Fig. 3, showing a first embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 3 keyboard 31 shown can be used with a telephone, and it includes a housing 311 with twelve openings 312 in the keyboard front, and a corresponding number of keys 313 that fit into the openings 312. The keys 313 are further classified into a set of numeric keys 32 and a set of telecommunication function keys 33. The keys 313 are arranged in a circular loop according to a numbering sequence, and the arrangement of numeric keys representing 1-9 in the keyboard 31 is similar to that in a clock, ie the numeric keys 3, 6 and 9 displays are located at the right-most, bottom, and left-most positions of keyboard front 311, respectively, and a further numeric key representing 0 and two functional keys for * and # are located at positions corresponding to those of numbers 10, 11 and 12 respectively of the clock. Preferably, the numeric key 0 is adjacent to the numeric key 9 or 1.
    It should be noted that the numeric keys 3, 6 and 9 are located at the rightmost, bottom and leftmost positions of the keyboard front 311 in this embodiment, however, a slight deviation is permissible if the user only keys can find quickly.
    On the other hand, in order to avoid the drawback of the conventional keyboard as described with reference to FIG. 1, three respective types of shapes shown in FIG. 4A through 4C. In each of these embodiments, one of the keys 341, 342, 343 is lower than the keyboard front 311, and the misprint prevention objective can be achieved. Alternatively, it is correct to have some keys protrude from the keyboard front 311, and place the others under the keyboard front 311, as shown in Fig. 4A through 4C. In this way, the same goal can also be achieved, and it is useful to further identify individual tests.
    EMBODIMENT 2
    See Fig. 5 showing a second embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. The process shown in FIG. Keyboard 51 shown can be used with a remote control. The keyboard 51 has keys including numeric keys 513 and functional keys 54 placed in fifteen openings 512 in a keyboard front 511. The functional keys 54 include channel selection keys 541, a power control key 542 and volume control buttons 543 and the keys 513 and 541 for control. of changing the channel form an elliptical loop. Similar to Embodiment 1, the number 3 is placed at the rightmost position of the keyboard front 511, the number 6 at the bottom and the number 9 at the leftmost position. Furthermore, the power control key 542 and the volume control keys 543 have shapes and dimensions different from the loop keys and are placed within the loop to utilize the space without confusing the identification of the keys.
    EMBODIMENT 3
    See Fig. 6A showing a third embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 6A keyboard shown can be applied to a code entry lock and also has numeric keys and functional keys similar to Embodiments 1 and 2, except for the functional keys "* -" (enter) and "C" (cancel). In these embodiments, the loop formed by the keys is rectangular. The skill and principle for the arrangement of the positions of the keys are similar to the above-mentioned embodiments and need not be described here again.
    See Fig. 6B and 6C, respectively, showing two variations of the third embodiment of the keyboard of the present invention. The one shown in FIG. 6B and 6C keyboards shown are similar to those of FIG. 6A except that the number keys 3, 6, 9 differ from the other keys in shape and size to make them more prominent.
    EMBODIMENT 4
    See Fig. 7 showing a fourth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 7 shown can be used in a calculator and also has numeric keys 41 and functional keys 42, similar to Embodiments 1 to 3. In this embodiment, the loop formed by the keys is substantially hexagonal. The skill and principle for setting up the positions of the keys is similar to the above-mentioned embodiments and need not be described here again.
    A calculator requires a display screen to indicate the calculation result. The display screen 43 may be placed within the loop, as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, it can also be placed outside the loop, or even mounted in an external device to which the keyboard is connected. On the other hand, a further numeric key 00 is usually provided in a calculator to accelerate numeric input, since the key can be pressed once to output two numbers 00 at the same time.
    EMBODIMENT 5
    See Fig. 8 showing a fifth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 8 keyboard shown combines the keys for a calculator and a telephone. The keyboard also has numeric keys 61 and functional keys 62 and 63, similar to Embodiments 1 through 4. In this embodiment, the loop formed by the keys is substantially octagonal. The skill and principle for setting up the positions of the keys is similar to the above-mentioned embodiments and need not be described here again. In this embodiment, the telecommunication function keys 63 are arranged below the loop and the arithmetic function keys 62 are arranged next to the loop, with the exception of a frequently used functional key "=" placed in a prominent central position of a larger size. Similar to embodiment 4, a display screen 64 is provided for indicating the pressed data and / or the calculation result. The display screen 64 of this embodiment is placed above the loop.
    EMBODIMENT 6
    See Fig. 9 showing a sixth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. Fig. 9 shows a keyboard similar to Embodiment 1, but there are some variations based on the principle of the present invention. First of all, in the drawings shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown, the numeric keys 0, 3, 6 and 9 are marked with Arabic numerals 0, 3, 6 and 9 and the other numeric keys are marked with a dot. Omitting the marking with numbers will not confuse users because they know exactly what the dots represent according to the numerical arrangement of a clock or watch. Even if the numbers 0, 3, 6 and 9 are not marked either, users will not be confused. On the other hand, the numeric keys 0, 3, 6 and 9 are placed a bit inward to be prominent, but it is still true that the numeric keys 3 and 9 have a connecting line that runs mainly through the center of the keyboard front, and the numeric key 6 is substantially equidistant from the numeric keys 3 and 9, respectively.
    EMBODIMENT 7
    See Fig. 10 showing a seventh embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. Fig. 10 shows a keyboard similar to Embodiment 2, except that the channel control function keys up and down share buttons 72 with numeric keys 0 and 6, and the volume control keys up and down share buttons 73 with numeric keys 3, respectively 9. Switching between the functional keys and the numeric keys is accomplished by a shift key 71. Thus, when the keys are in a number entry mode, the keys marked 0, S, S, §) are pressed at 0, 3 , 6, and 9 respectively. On the other hand, when the shift key 71 is pressed to switch the keyboard to a function control mode, the keys labeled 0, 2, 1, | yy are pressed to perform an up channel scan, a down channel scan, volume up, respectively. volume down. Such an arrangement makes the keyboard front neat.
    EMBODIMENT 8
    See Fig. 11 showing an eighth embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention. Fig. 11 shows a keyboard similar to Embodiment 3, except that the keyboard is a virtual keyboard 82 on an ATM display screen 81 of a bank. A user can touch the virtual keyboard to enter codes and commands. The keyboard can also be used with a television screen or a computer monitor to perform automatic accompaniment in an exhibition or a park.
    While the invention has been described in terms of what are currently believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention need not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. Rather, the intention is to cover various modifications and similar arrangements that are encompassed in the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which are to be understood with the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    A keyboard comprising: a keyboard front; and at least ten number-leading keys placed on the keyboard front, each of which respectively represents a different number between 0 and 9, a first number-leading key representing a number 3 and a second number-leading key representing a number 9 having a connecting line which passes substantially through the center of the keyboard front and a third number-leading key representing a number 6 and which is substantially equidistant from the first and second number-leading keys.
    [2]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the number-leading keys are arranged below the keyboard front.
    [3]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein it comprises at least one functional key that is independent of each of the at least ten number-leading keys.
    [4]
    The keyboard of claim 3, wherein the functional key is arranged below the keyboard front.
    [5]
    The keyboard of claim 3, wherein the functional key is selected from a group consisting of an operational key, a telecommunication key, an input processing key, and a function executing key.
    [6]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein it comprises a fourth number-leading key representing a number 00 which is pressed once to output two numbers 00.
    [7]
    The keyboard of claim 6, wherein the third number-leading key and the fourth number-leading key have a connecting line that passes substantially through the center of the keyboard front.
    [8]
    The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising: at least one functional key sharing a push button with at least one of the at least ten number-leading keys; and a shift key that is pressed to switch the push button as the functional key or one of the at least ten number-leading keys.
    [9]
    The keyboard of claim 8, wherein the functional key and the number-leading keys are all arranged below the keyboard front.
    [10]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the first of the number leading keys is located in a substantially rightmost position on the keyboard front, the second of the number leading keys is located in a substantially leftmost position on the keyboard front, and the third of the leading keys are placed in a position substantially furthest to the bottom of the keyboard front.
    [11]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the ten number-leading keys are respectively labeled with the ten one-digit Arabic numbers.
    [12]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the ten number-leading keys are respectively marked with ten marked symbols.
    [13]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein a portion of the at least ten number-leading keys are marked with Arabic numerals and another portion of the at least ten number-leading keys are labeled with marked symbols.
    [14]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the number-leading keys for the numbers 3, 6 and 9 are marked with Arabic numerals 3, 6 and 9, respectively, and all other number-leading keys are marked with a dot.
    [15]
    The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the number-leading keys are placed in a loop with a shape selected from a group consisting of a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a diamond, a hexagon and an octagon.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    1999-09-01| AD1A| A request for search or an international type search has been filed|
    2000-04-03| EDI| The registered patent application has been withdrawn|
    2000-04-03| RD2N| Patents in respect of which a decision has been taken or a report has been made (novelty report)|Effective date: 20000208 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US119197A| true| 1997-12-30|1997-12-30|
    US119197|1997-12-30|
    US3359898|1998-03-03|
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