One-handed keyboard

Abstract

To provide a keyboard for one-handed operation which allows easy operation of inputting numbers and symbols, and successive input of Roman alphabet consonants and vowels by one hand. [Solution] A one-handed keyboard (100) has 20 or less input keys (11), with the top row having five keys arranged in ascending or descending order, each corresponding to two numbers whose difference has an absolute value of 5, the second row having five keys each corresponding to a combination of vowels and consonants, and the third row and beyond having one or more keys corresponding to combinations of consonants and / or symbols, conversion keys (12) arranged around the input keys (11) for switching input content, and each input key (11) having a display section on which at least one of letters, numbers and symbols is displayed in a different color.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a one-handed keyboard. [Background technology]

[0002] Keyboards used to input information into information processing devices such as personal computers are generally designed to be operated with both hands, and have a large number of keys and occupy a large surface area. As a result, such keyboards are unsuitable from the standpoint of operability for use in small electronic devices or for users who are forced to operate them with one hand due to illness or other reasons.

[0003] In order to address this problem, various keyboards that can be operated with one hand have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-102979 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5016087 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 4395177 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while these keyboards that can be operated with one hand take into consideration the layout of keys for inputting kana characters, Roman alphabet vowels, and consonants, they do not take into consideration the layout of keys for inputting numbers and symbols, nor do they take into consideration the ease of inputting Roman alphabet consonants and vowels consecutively with one hand.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a keyboard that can be operated with one hand, which allows for easy input of numbers and symbols, as well as continuous input of Roman alphabet consonants and vowels with one hand. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] (1) A one-handed keyboard having input keys arranged in multiple rows that can switch between inputting at least two or more of letters, numbers, and symbols, the total number of the input keys being 20 or less, the top row having five input keys each corresponding to a set of numbers from 0 to 9 whose difference has an absolute value of 5, the numbers arranged in ascending or descending order horizontally, with the input key corresponding to 0 located at either the left or right end, the second row below the top row having five input keys each corresponding to a combination of a vowel in the Roman alphabet and one or more consonants in the Roman alphabet, the third row and subsequent rows below the second row having one or more input keys each corresponding to a combination of at least two or more consonants in the Roman alphabet and symbols, further having conversion keys arranged around the input keys for switching between the input contents of the input keys, and each input key having a display unit that displays the corresponding letters, numbers, and symbols in two or more different colors.

[0009] (2) A keyboard for one-handed operation as described in (1) above, in which input keys corresponding to a set of at least two or more symbols selected from "!", "&", "@", "'", "·", " / ", "?", "￥", "_", """, "'", "", "{", ";", "+", ",", and "<" are arranged in the leftmost or rightmost horizontal column of the input keys.

[0010] (3) The top row is arranged from left to right with input keys corresponding to "1" and "6," input keys corresponding to "2" and "7," input keys corresponding to "3" and "8," input keys corresponding to "4" and "9," and input keys corresponding to "5" and "0." The second row is arranged from left to right with input keys corresponding to "E," Roman consonants and symbols, "I," Roman consonants and symbols, "A," Roman consonants and symbols, input keys corresponding to "U" and Roman consonants, and input keys corresponding to "O" and Roman consonants. The third row is arranged from left to right with input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and three symbols, 2 A one-handed keyboard according to (1) or (2) above, in which input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, and input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants are arranged in this order from left to right, and in a fourth row located below the third row, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to one Roman consonant and three symbols, input keys corresponding to one Roman consonant and one symbol, and input keys corresponding to two symbols are arranged in this order from left to right. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The one-handed keyboard of the present invention makes it possible to easily input numbers and symbols, as well as consecutively input consonants and vowels in the Roman alphabet, using one hand. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top view of a one-handed keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1. Configuration The one-handed keyboard 100 of this embodiment is a keyboard operable with one hand for inputting information to an information processing device, and includes input keys 11 for switching between inputting two or more of at least any of letters, numbers, and symbols, a conversion key 12 for switching between the input contents of the input keys 11 and other keys, and a trackball mouse 20. These keys and the trackball mouse 20 are arranged on a substrate 30. In the one-handed keyboard 100, the input keys 11 are white, and the conversion key 12 and other keys are black. Furthermore, the one-handed keyboard 100 is designed for input using the left hand.

[0015] (1) Input key 11 The total number of input keys 11 is 20, and they are arranged in 4 rows and 5 columns, taking into account the range of movement of the five fingers of the left hand. Each row is also arranged so that the keys located in the center of the row are at the top and the keys located at the left and right ends are at the bottom, to accommodate different finger lengths.

[0016] (i) Top row On the top row, five input keys 11 (which can be switched between) corresponding to pairs of two numbers from 0 to 9 whose difference has an absolute value of 5 are arranged in ascending order to the right, with the input key 11 corresponding to 0 being located at the right end. Specifically, on the top row, input keys 11a corresponding to 1 and 6, input keys 11b corresponding to 2 and 7, input keys 11c corresponding to 3 and 8, input keys 11d corresponding to 4 and 9, and input keys 11e corresponding to 5 and 0 are arranged in this order from left to right.

[0017] In the one-handed keyboard 100, the input keys 11a to 11e are further configured as keys corresponding to one or more symbols. That is, input key 11a is further configured as a key corresponding to "!" and "&", input key 11b is further configured as a key corresponding to """ and "'", input key 11c is further configured as a key corresponding to "#" and "(", input key 11d is further configured as a key corresponding to "$" and ")", and input key 11e is further configured as a key corresponding to "%".

[0018] The input keys 11a to 11e have corresponding letters, numbers, and symbols displayed in two or more different colors. In other words, the input keys 11a to 11e have display units on which corresponding letters, numbers, and symbols are displayed in two or more different colors. Specifically, "1," "2," "3," "4," and "5" are displayed in black, "6," "7," "8," "9," and "0" are displayed in blue, and symbols are displayed in red.

[0019] (ii) Second stage In the second row, input keys 11f corresponding to "E", "P", "@", and ",", input keys 11g corresponding to "I", "Y", "" and "{", input keys 11h corresponding to "A", "R", "" and "}", input keys 11i corresponding to "U" and "W", and input keys 11j corresponding to "O" and "F" are arranged in this order from left to right.

[0020] The input keys 11f to 11j also have their corresponding letters and symbols displayed in two or more different colors. Specifically, "E", "I", "A", "U", and "O" are displayed in black, "P", "Y", "R", "W", and "F" are displayed in blue, "@", "" and "" are displayed in green, and "'", "{", and "}" are displayed in red.

[0021] (iii) Third stage On the third row, input keys 11k corresponding to "H", "B", "·", " / ", and "?", input keys 11l corresponding to "S", "J", ";", and "+", input keys 11m corresponding to "M", "N", ":", and "*", input keys 11n corresponding to "T", "D", "-", and "=", and input keys 11o corresponding to "K" and "G" are arranged in this order from left to right.

[0022] The input keys 11k to 11o also have corresponding letters and symbols displayed in two or more different colors: "H," "S," "N," "T," and "K" are displayed in black, "B," "J," "M," "D," and "G" are displayed in blue, "·," " / ," ";," ":," and "-" are displayed in green, and "?", "+," "*," and "=" are displayed in red.

[0023] (iv) 4th paragraph In the fourth row, input keys 11p corresponding to "Z", "Q", "￥", and "_", input keys 11q corresponding to "X", "L", "," and "<", input keys 11r corresponding to "C", "!", "." and ">", input keys 11s corresponding to "V" and "?", and input keys 11t corresponding to "," and ">", are arranged in order from left to right.

[0024] The corresponding letters and symbols of the input keys 11p to 11t are also displayed in two or more different colors. Specifically, "Z," "X," "C," "V," and "," on the input key 11t are displayed in black, "Q," "L," "!", "?" and "." on the input key 11t are displayed in blue, "￥," "," on the input key 11q," and "." on the input key 11r are displayed in green, and "_," "<," and ">" are displayed in red.

[0025] (2) Conversion Key 12 The conversion keys 12 are arranged around the input keys 11. In the one-handed keyboard 100, after pressing the conversion key 12 T(0), the Aa, WRITE, and SHIFT keys each correspond to the conversion key 12. Specifically, when T(0) is pressed and then the input key 11 is pressed, numbers written in black are displayed, when the Aa key is pressed while the input key 11 is pressed, numbers written in blue are displayed, when the A key is pressed while the input key 11 is pressed, symbols written in green are displayed, and when the shift key is pressed while the input key 11 is pressed, symbols written in red are displayed, so that they can be switched between (corresponding to) the input. Additionally, T(1), T(2), and T(3) also correspond to conversion keys 12, and are configured to be able to switch and input (correspond) to numbers written in blue, green, and red, respectively.

[0026] (3) Trackball Mouse 20 The trackball mouse 20 is provided at a position corresponding to the thumb when the left hand is placed on the one-handed keyboard 100, that is, below or diagonally below to the right of the rightmost key on the bottom row of input keys 11. There are no particular limitations on the trackball mouse 20, as long as the mouse pointer can be operated by rolling the ball with the finger.

[0027] 2.Effects In the one-handed keyboard 100 having the above configuration, the input keys 11 are arranged taking into consideration the input of not only letters but also numbers and symbols, and the input keys corresponding to the vowels of the Roman alphabet (hereinafter referred to as "vowels"; the same applies to consonants) are arranged horizontally in the second row. This makes it easy to input numbers and symbols, as well as consecutively input consonants and vowels, with one hand. This one-handed keyboard 100 is suitable not only for use in small devices, but also for users who are forced to use one hand due to illness.

[0028] In this embodiment, among the input keys 11, the input keys 11 corresponding to consonants that are frequently input consecutively with vowels, such as "H," "S," "N," "T," and "K," are arranged in the third row, i.e., below the input keys corresponding to vowels. This makes it easier to input consecutive consonants and vowels with one hand, and particularly reduces the operational burden on users who have difficulty moving their fingers separately due to illness.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, input keys corresponding to at least two or more symbols selected from "!", "&", "@", "'', "·", " / ", "?", "￥", "_", """, "'", "", "{", ";", "+", "," and "<" are arranged in the leftmost horizontal column, making it easier to input symbols.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, since the conversion keys 12 are arranged around the input keys 11, it becomes easier to perform input switching operations with one hand.

[0031] In this embodiment, the input keys 11 are color-coded to indicate corresponding characters, and the input keys 11 themselves are white, improving the visibility of characters to be input. Furthermore, the corresponding characters are color-coded according to the input switching mode, making it easier to perform input switching operations with one hand.

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, the trackball mouse 20 is positioned to accommodate the thumb of the left hand, allowing input of characters and mouse operation to be performed consecutively without moving the palm of the hand, making input operations with one hand easier.

[0033] 3. Variations (i) The one-handed keyboard 100 does not have to include the trackball mouse 20. Furthermore, the trackball mouse 20 may be placed at a position other than that corresponding to the thumb of the left hand.

[0034] (ii) In this embodiment, the input keys 11 are arranged in four vertical rows and five horizontal columns, but if one-handed operation is possible, they may be arranged in five or more vertical rows, and the number of input keys 11 arranged in the third row and thereafter may be adjusted appropriately.

[0035] (iii) The number of conversion keys 12 and the corresponding switching modes can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] (iv) The input keys 11 may be arranged so that the height of the keys gradually decreases from the top to the bottom. This allows the input keys 11 to be easily operated in accordance with the natural bending angle of the fingers.

[0037] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 100...One-handed keyboard 11...input key 12...Conversion key

Claims

1. A keyboard for one-handed operation having input keys arranged in multiple rows, which can switch between inputting two or more of at least any of letters, numbers, and symbols, The total number of the input keys is 20 or less, in the top row, five input keys respectively corresponding to pairs of numbers from 0 to 9 whose difference has an absolute value of 5 are arranged so that the numbers are arranged in ascending or descending order horizontally, and the input key corresponding to 0 is located at either the left or right end; a second row located below the top row has five input keys arranged thereon, each corresponding to a combination of a vowel of a Roman alphabet and one or more consonants of a Roman alphabet; In the third row and subsequent rows below the second row, one or more input keys are arranged, each corresponding to a combination of at least two or more of Roman alphabet consonants and symbols; Furthermore, conversion keys for switching input contents of the input keys are arranged around the input keys, A keyboard for one-handed operation, in which each of the input keys has a display portion on which corresponding letters, numbers and symbols are displayed in two or more different colors.

2. 2. The keyboard for one-handed operation according to claim 1, wherein input keys corresponding to a set of at least two or more symbols selected from "!", "&", "@", "'", "・", " / ", "?", "￥", "_", """, "'", "", "{", ";", "+", "," and "<" are arranged in the leftmost or rightmost horizontal column of the input keys.

3. on the top row, input keys corresponding to "1" and "6", input keys corresponding to "2" and "7", input keys corresponding to "3" and "8", input keys corresponding to "4" and "9", and input keys corresponding to "5" and "0" are arranged in this order from the left; In the second row, an input key corresponding to "E", a Roman consonant and a symbol, an input key corresponding to "I", a Roman consonant and a symbol, an input key corresponding to "A", a Roman consonant and a symbol, an input key corresponding to "U" and a Roman consonant, and an input key corresponding to "O" and a Roman consonant are arranged in this order from the left; in the third row, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and three symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, and input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants are arranged in this order from the left; 3. The one-handed keyboard according to claim 1, wherein a fourth row located below the third row has, arranged from left to right, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to two Roman consonants and two symbols, input keys corresponding to one Roman consonant and three symbols, input keys corresponding to one Roman consonant and one symbol, and input keys corresponding to two symbols.

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