Hand-held keyboard type input device capable of being used by one hand

By designing an ergonomic one-handed handheld keyboard, the inconvenience of using traditional Bluetooth keyboards and Twiddler in unsupported or turbulent environments is solved, achieving efficient one-handed input and reducing false touches, making it suitable for people with disabilities.

CN223413683UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-03陈冠霖
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422209142.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-10
Publication Date
2025-10-03
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing Bluetooth keyboards and one-handed keyboards are inconvenient to use without support or in turbulent environments. Traditional Bluetooth keyboards require a supporting platform, and Twiddler keys are complex and difficult to input efficiently.

Method used

A handheld keyboard-type input device for one-handed use is designed. It includes an operating handle, an operation panel, a joystick, and buttons. It adopts an ergonomic design. The distribution of the joystick and buttons conforms to the natural movement of fingers. It combines a scroll wheel and a gyroscope, and realizes input through a Bluetooth communication module.

Benefits of technology

It allows stable one-handed use, adapts to standing and moving states, improves input efficiency, reduces false touches, and is suitable for people with disabilities.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of man-machine interaction, in particular to handheld keyboard type input equipment used by one hand. The handheld keyboard type input device used by one hand comprises an operation handle, an operation panel, rockers, keys and a circuit board, the operation panel is connected to one end of the operation handle, the other end of the operation handle extends outwards, the operation panel is at least connected with one rocker, the operation handle is at least connected with one key, the circuit board is connected into the operation handle, and the circuit board is connected with the other end of the operation handle. The rocker and the button are connected with the circuit board. A user is allowed to use the keyboard with a single hand, and compared with a traditional Bluetooth keyboard, the user is allowed to use the keyboard when the user stands and does not have a supporting object, and the user is also allowed to use the keyboard in a relatively moving state; compared with other single-hand Bluetooth keyboards, the input method is easier to master, the keys are easier to lock, and accurate and rapid input is easier to realize under the condition that the keyboard is not watched.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of human-computer interaction, in particular to a handheld keyboard input device used with one hand. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the main devices for human-computer interaction are: 1. Bluetooth keyboard; 2. One-handed handheld Bluetooth keyboard (Twiddler).

[0003] Bluetooth keyboards: The existing Bluetooth keyboards on the market are basically flat, too large, and have poor portability. At the same time, they need to be placed on a support platform when in use. Although portable Bluetooth keyboards can be folded to reduce the size, due to their fragile structure, they require a higher support platform when in use. In terms of usage scenarios, both traditional Bluetooth keyboards and portable folding Bluetooth keyboards have high limitations. They require a larger space and support platform when in use, and are difficult to use when the user is standing or when seats with smaller support panels are provided. Therefore, it is difficult to use them effectively in scenarios such as buses and subways where you need to stand without support and are often crowded, as well as in locations with smaller support panels such as train compartments and airplane seats. At the same time, it is difficult for people with disabilities who can only use one hand to use a two-handed keyboard.

[0004] One-handed keyboard (Twiddler): Currently, all one-handed keyboards on the domestic market are in the form of a tablet and also require support such as a table. Twiddler is currently the only keyboard that can be held in one hand and does not require the support of a table. The problem with Twiddler is that its key combination is too complex, the key layout is too close, and the individual keys are too small. Users are required to use their fingers to feel the required key without visual inspection and to enter a single letter by selecting multiple keys in sequence. Typing speed is slow and prone to accidental touches. The key layout of Twiddler also requires users to use inconvenient and unstable grip gestures to input, making it difficult for users to type blindly and stably in turbulent spaces such as train cars. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model provides a handheld keyboard-type input device for one-hand use, aiming to solve the technical problems existing in existing Bluetooth keyboards and one-handed handheld Bluetooth devices used as human-computer interaction devices.

[0006] The utility model provides a handheld keyboard-type input device for one-handed use, comprising an operating handle, an operating panel, a rocker, buttons, and a circuit board. The operating panel is connected to one end of the operating handle, and the other end of the operating handle extends outward. The operating panel is connected to at least one rocker, and the operating handle is connected to at least one button. The circuit board is connected inside the operating handle, and the rocker and buttons are both connected to the circuit board.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the operating panel is connected to the front side of the operating handle and is a fan-shaped structure extending from one end of the operating handle to both sides or to one side.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the fan-shaped structure of the operating panel covers the fan-shaped area formed with the base of the thumb as the center and the swing range of the thumb as the basis when the operating handle is held with one hand, and the rocker is located within the fan-shaped area of ​​the thumb's swing range.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the joysticks is provided with identification positions in four directions: up, down, left and right.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the button is connected to the back or side of the operating handle, and the button is located at a position where the knuckle of the finger contacts when the operating handle is held in one hand.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the buttons include a first button, a second button, a third button, and a fourth button. The first button is located on the back of the operating handle, and the second button, the third button, and the fourth button are located on the side of the operating handle. When holding the operating handle with one hand, the index finger contacts the first button, the middle finger contacts the second button, the ring finger contacts the third button, and the little finger contacts the fourth button.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the handheld keyboard-type input device used with one hand also includes a scroll wheel, which is rotatably connected to the circuit board, protrudes from the front of the operating handle, and is located within the thumb swing range with the base of the thumb as the center.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the handheld keyboard-type input device for one-handed use further includes a battery, which is connected to the operating handle and is connected to the circuit board to provide power.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the circuit board includes an MCU and a wireless communication module, the buttons and the joystick are respectively connected to the MCU, and the MCU is connected to the wireless communication module.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the handheld keyboard-type input device for one-handed use further includes a gyroscope, which is installed inside the operating handle and connected to the circuit board.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the present invention allows the user to use the keyboard with one hand. Compared with traditional Bluetooth keyboards, the present invention allows the user to use the keyboard when standing or without support, and also allows the user to use the keyboard when in a relatively dynamic state; compared with other one-handed Bluetooth keyboards, it is easier to master the input method, easier to lock the keys, and easier to input accurately and quickly without looking at the keyboard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is the overall structural diagram of the handheld keyboard input device of the utility model from the front view;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an overall structural diagram of the handheld keyboard input device of the present invention from the back view;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front view of the internal structure of the handheld keyboard input device of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the handheld keyboard input device of the present invention from the back side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention is a handheld keyboard-type input device for one-handed use, including an operating handle 1, an operating panel 2, a joystick 3, a button 4, and a circuit board 5. The operating panel 2 is connected to one end of the operating handle 1, and the other end of the operating handle 1 extends outward. At least one joystick 3 is connected to the operating panel 2, and at least one button 4 is connected to the operating handle 1. The circuit board 5 is connected to the inside of the operating handle 1, and the joystick 3 and the button 4 are both connected to the circuit board 5.

[0023] The operating handle 1 is convenient for holding with one hand, and the operating panel 2 is an extension of one end of the operating handle 1, which increases the operating area. When holding, the thumb can operate the joystick 3, and other fingers can operate the buttons 4. The input signals of the joystick 3 and the buttons 4 are converted by the circuit board 5 and then output to the external electronic device for display, thereby realizing the effect of multiple fingers of one hand to input information.

[0024] The operating panel 2 is connected to the front of the operating handle 1 and extends from one end of the operating handle 1 to either side or one side in a fan-shaped structure. The fan-shaped structure of the operating panel 2 covers the fan-shaped area formed by the base of the thumb and the thumb's swing range when the operating handle 1 is held in one hand. The joystick 3 is located within this fan-shaped area of ​​the thumb's swing range. As an extension of the operating handle 1, the operating panel 2 increases the area for the joystick 3, placing the joystick 3 within the thumb's swing range. This allows the thumb to operate each joystick 3, improving ergonomics.

[0025] Each rocker 3 is provided with an identification position for four directions: up, down, left and right. The operation panel 2 is preferably arranged with three rockers 3 on the front, which can be touched by the thumb when moving in a fan shape, which is ergonomic. Each rocker 3 has four directions that can be identified: up, down, left and right.

[0026] Button 4 is attached to the back or side of operating handle 1. When operating handle 1 is held in one hand, button 4 is positioned where the knuckles of the fingers touch. When held in one hand, the index finger naturally bends to touch button 4 on the back of operating handle 1. The middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger naturally bend to touch buttons 4 on the side of operating handle 1. This allows each finger to independently operate a button 4. Furthermore, the placement of buttons 4 is ergonomically designed for finger ergonomics, making each finger's operation smoother.

[0027] The button 4 includes a first button 41, a second button 42, a third button 43, and a fourth button 44. The first button 41 is located on the back of the operating handle 1, and the second button 42, the third button 43, and the fourth button 44 are located on the side of the operating handle 1. When holding the operating handle 1 with one hand, the index finger touches the first button 41, the middle finger touches the second button 42, the ring finger touches the third button 43, and the little finger touches the fourth button 44.

[0028] The sides and back of the operating handle 1 feature four buttons 4, arranged to fit the palm of the hand according to finger length. Positioned to correspond to the end knuckles of each finger, they require minimal force to press. This side placement also allows the user to position their hand vertically at their side, supporting the keyboard from below with the base of their fingers, while still using the knuckles to press the buttons 4. This ergonomic design ensures a stable grip and smooth typing in a variety of situations, including standing, walking, swaying, and lying down.

[0029] The handheld keyboard-like input device for one-handed use also includes a scroll wheel 6, which is rotatably connected to the circuit board 5. The scroll wheel 6 protrudes from the front of the operating handle 1 and is located within the thumb's swing range, centered at the base of the thumb. The scroll wheel 6 is operated by the thumb. After the joystick 3 and buttons 4 have been used to input characters, if multiple options are displayed, scrolling the scroll wheel 6 allows users to switch between options, assisting in selecting the final desired input.

[0030] The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use also includes a battery 7, which is connected to the operating handle 1 and connected to the circuit board 5 to provide power. The keyboard input device uses a rechargeable battery 7. When the battery runs out, the battery 7 can be replaced or recharged via a charging cable to meet the battery life of the keyboard input device.

[0031] The handheld keyboard-type input device used with one hand also includes a gyroscope (not shown in the figure), which is installed inside the operating handle 1 and connected to the circuit board 5. The gyroscope is added inside the handle to realize the cursor and flying mouse functions, allowing the user to select with the cursor.

[0032] The handheld keyboard-type input device used with one hand further includes a power switch 8 , which is connected to the circuit board 5 and protrudes from the operating handle 1 . The entire input device can be turned on and off by the power switch 8 .

[0033] Circuit board 5 includes an MCU and a wireless communication module. The buttons 4 and joystick 3 are connected to the MCU, which in turn is connected to the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module can be a Bluetooth communication module, allowing keyboard-type input devices to connect to a processor such as a mobile phone or computer via Bluetooth for use. The MCU transmits input signals from the joystick 3, buttons 4, and scroll wheel 6 via the Bluetooth communication module to the mobile phone or computer for processing and display, facilitating user operation. The wireless communication module can also be a Wi-Fi module, used to download required data to the MCU.

[0034] Compared with traditional Bluetooth keyboards and foldable Bluetooth keyboards that require support and a larger space, this device can be used for keyboard input while exercising or standing, making it suitable for people with disabilities to use the keyboard with one hand. Users can stably type without looking at the screen or keyboard, making it convenient for users to quickly lock onto the required key4 and reduce accidental touches.

[0035] The working principle of this one-handed handheld keyboard input device is as follows:

[0036] The circuit board 5 of the one-hand input device has a built-in single-chip microcomputer (MCU), which is connected to the button 4 and the joystick 3; when the MCU detects that the button 4 is pressed and the joystick 3 is moved simultaneously or successively (button 4 is pressed first, then joystick 3), it transmits a signal to the built-in program of the MCU; the built-in program of the MCU recognizes that a specific button 4 + joystick 3 combination has been pressed, and converts the button 4 + joystick 3 combination into specific output content through the conversion table built into the MCU; the built-in program of the MCU sends the specific output content to a receiving device, such as a smart phone, via a Bluetooth signal; processing software (such as Word) in the receiving device displays the specific content output by the handle.

[0037] The present invention also provides a method for operating a handheld keyboard input device based on single-handed use, comprising:

[0038] A selection of a specified key 4 from among the multiple keys 4 is used as a first input item, a selection of a specified joystick 3 from among the multiple joysticks 3 is used as a second input item, and a specified shaking direction of each joystick 3 is used as a third input item. The first input item corresponds to a first coordinate direction of a virtual keyboard area, and the second input item corresponds to a second coordinate direction of the virtual keyboard area. The virtual keyboard area is provided with multiple virtual keys, and a position of each virtual key in the virtual keyboard area is formed by the first coordinate direction and the second coordinate direction.

[0039] If each virtual key contains a single character, the designated virtual key is determined by the overlap of the first input item and the second input item, and the character corresponding to the virtual key is input;

[0040] If each virtual key contains multiple characters, the designated virtual key is determined by the overlap of the first input item and the second input item, and one of the multiple characters in the virtual key is selected by the third input item, and the selected character is input;

[0041] If the text or phrase consisting of all the characters entered has at least one option, the scroll wheel 6 is turned to select the final text or phrase from the multiple options. When the scroll wheel needs to be operated, multiple buttons can be pressed simultaneously to enter the scroll wheel switching mode, and the options can be scrolled by rolling the scroll wheel until the desired option is selected, and then the multiple buttons can be released simultaneously to confirm the option.

[0042] Combined with the button 4 + joystick 3 mode, ensure that the combination of joystick 3 + button 4 can cover 26 letters, common punctuation marks and shortcut keys; if you want to type a letter, you can press the corresponding button 4 with your middle finger, and then flick the corresponding joystick 3 with your thumb.

[0043] Refer to the Nine-square input method, the four columns are set as ABCD, corresponding to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger buttons 4; the three rows are composed of three joysticks 1 # , 2 # , 3 #Indicates that the first joystick 1 # Just above the thumb, the second joystick 2 # For the upper side, the third joystick 3 # The three joysticks 3 and the base of the thumb are arranged in a fan shape.

[0044] Such as C3 # R, where C represents the ring finger key, 3 # Indicates that the third joystick is to be moved, R means to move the joystick to the right (L: left; R: right; U: up; D: down); if you want to type the letter A, the operation is B1 # L (press the B button with your middle finger and move the joystick left with your thumb 1 # ). When all the required letters are entered, the pinyin will have corresponding word options. You can scroll the wheel 6 up or down to switch to the phrase you want to select, and then confirm the input.

[0045] The first input item selection method includes pressing a single key to select the input content, or pressing multiple keys simultaneously to select the input content. This can be achieved by defining different input contents corresponding to the simultaneous pressing of multiple keys. For example, the key corresponding to the pinky finger can be removed, as the pinky finger is not used much. Then, the keys BC corresponding to the middle finger and ring finger can replace the function of the original pinky key D. This facilitates the input requirements of different product types and hand shapes, and can appropriately reduce the number of keys, while achieving the same input function by pressing other keys simultaneously.

[0046] The third input item selection input method includes moving the designated joystick once to select the content input, or moving the designated joystick multiple times to input and switch the corresponding content. For example, the input item for the letter A is B1 # L, the input item for letter J is B2 # L, then when simplifying the second joystick, you can use the first joystick to dial multiple times instead, the original second joystick input B1 # L is the letter A. Now use the first joystick to move twice to enter B1. # LL is the letter J. In the actual input process, input B1 on the first joystick. # When L is entered, the letter A will appear first. After the second L is updated, B1 is fully entered. # After pressing LL, the letter A will change to the letter L, because you need to press the key again to start typing the next letter. This allows you to determine the input by multiple joystick inputs, such as reducing the number of joysticks, but achieving the same input function by moving the joystick multiple times.

[0047] The key operation can also be defined as other operation modes, not limited to character input. You can switch between different software by pressing the top button twice, and then select other input software through the joystick or scroll wheel. When using chat software, you can also return to the previous level by pressing the top button to select other contacts.

[0048] The scroll wheel can also be used in the following ways:

[0049] During normal input, that is, when only one button is pressed and only one joystick is moved, the function of the scroll wheel is the same as that of the scroll wheel on a computer mouse in software such as Word / PDF, that is, sliding the page up and down; if you need to switch to the state of using the scroll wheel to select words, you need to press and hold the BCD buttons at the same time, that is, the buttons corresponding to the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. At this time, the scroll wheel will become a word selection, and then push the scroll wheel to switch to the phrase you want to select, release the BCD buttons to confirm the input.

[0050] The product has a built-in WiFi module, and new input method modes can be downloaded and updated via the Internet.

[0051] The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use and the operation method thereof of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0052] 1) Design a one-handed input device, a one-handed handle-type keyboard, which is connected to a processor (such as a smartphone, personal computer, etc.) via Bluetooth.

[0053] 2) The one-handed keyboard is a pure input device and needs to be used in conjunction with other mobile terminals (such as smartphones and head-mounted virtual display devices) to achieve text input.

[0054] 3) Input is performed using the combination of "joystick 3 + button 4", which allows users to accurately lock the required button 4 and quickly enter letters.

[0055] 4) Conduct a front- and back-mounted ergonomic design, designing the controller shape and layout of buttons 4 and joysticks 3 to fit the user's hand. Using a combination of front joysticks 3 and back and side buttons 4, the four buttons 4 are arranged on the back and sides, corresponding to the four fingers holding the controller, based on finger length. The three joysticks 3 are located within easy reach of the thumb.

[0056] 5) Designed an input method based on T9 (nine-square grid) to facilitate user learning and easy integration with the 4-button + 3-joystick combination mode, supporting Chinese and English input.

[0057] 6) Design a dedicated input method mode to ensure that the combination of joystick 3 + button 4 can cover the 26 letters, common punctuation marks, and shortcut keys. For example, if you want to type the letter A, you can press the corresponding button 4 with your middle finger, and then move the first joystick 3 (the top joystick 3) to the left with your thumb.

[0058] 7) The joystick 3 can be used as a mouse wheel 6, allowing the user to select a specific location when editing an article.

[0059] 8) The handheld keyboard has a built-in microcontroller that receives user input from key 4 and joystick 3 through general-purpose I / O ports. The built-in program of the microcontroller maps the user input to letters, punctuation marks, or shortcut keys.

[0060] 9) Connect the keyboard to mobile devices such as mobile phones, mixed reality glasses, and head-mounted displays via Bluetooth, allowing users to input text more flexibly in different postures and environments.

[0061] The above content is a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention cannot be considered to be limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art of the present invention, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made, which should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use, characterized in that: The operating panel includes an operating handle, an operating panel, a rocker, a button, and a circuit board. The operating panel is connected to one end of the operating handle, and the other end of the operating handle extends outward. The operating panel is connected to at least one rocker, and the operating handle is connected to at least one button. The circuit board is connected inside the operating handle, and the rocker and button are both connected to the circuit board. The operating panel is connected to the front of the operating handle and extends from one end of the operating handle to both sides or to one side in a fan-shaped structure; The fan-shaped structure of the operation panel covers a fan-shaped area formed with the base of the thumb as the center and the swing range of the thumb as the basis when the operation handle is held with one hand, and the rocker is located within the fan-shaped area of ​​the thumb's swing range.

2. The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the joysticks is provided with identification positions for four directions: up, down, left and right.

3. The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button is connected to the back or side of the operating handle, and is located at a position where the knuckles of the finger tips touch the operating handle when the operating handle is held in one hand.

4. The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use according to claim 3, characterized in that: The buttons include a first button, a second button, a third button, and a fourth button. The first button is located on the back of the operating handle, and the second button, the third button, and the fourth button are located on the side of the operating handle. When holding the operating handle with one hand, the index finger touches the first button, the middle finger touches the second button, the ring finger touches the third button, and the little finger touches the fourth button.

5. The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a roller, which is connected to the circuit board in a rolling manner. The roller protrudes from the front of the operating handle and is located within the swing range of the thumb with the base of the thumb as the center.

6. The handheld keyboard input device for one-handed use according to claim 1, characterized in that: The utility model further comprises a battery, which is connected in the operating handle and is connected to the circuit board and supplies power.

7. The handheld keyboard input device for one-hand use according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit board includes an MCU and a wireless communication module. The buttons and the joystick are respectively connected to the MCU, and the MCU is connected to the wireless communication module.

8. The handheld keyboard input device for one-hand use according to claim 1, characterized in that: The utility model further comprises a gyroscope, which is installed inside the operating handle and connected to the circuit board.