Foldable Multilingual Pen-Input Keyboard

Abstract

Claim: Foldable, multilingual input device comprising a housing with at least one folding mechanism, a key module with a reduced number of modally operating keys for selecting character or function groups, an integrated capacitive handwriting input surface for capturing handwritten input by means of a pen or finger, a finger attachment for precise actuation of the keys or for performing capacitive micro-gestures, an electronic control unit for recognizing characters, gestures and input modes, and a multilingual character set management system that dynamically provides different language and script characters, wherein the device is switchable between several operating modes and enables both keyboard input and handwriting and thimble input.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The purpose of the invention is to provide a foldable, multilingual and multimodal input device that combines three input methods in one system: • Keyboard input via modal keys, • Handwriting input via an integrated capacitive writing surface, • Precise input using a finger attachment (Thimble).

[0002] The device enables compact, ergonomic and language-independent text input for office, mobile and gaming applications. 2. Technical problem

[0003] The current state of the art offers no solution that: • Keyboard, handwriting and precise finger input combined, • Multilingual input without layout changes is enabled, • foldable and ultra-compact, • is suitable for both fast typing and freehand writing.

[0004] Virtual keyboards are imprecise, mechanical keyboards are large, and graphics tablets are not integrated into keyboards. 3. Technical field

[0005] The invention lies in the field of: • electronic input devices, • foldable keyboards, • capacitive handwriting recognition, • multimodal input systems, • Multilingual word processing. 4. Object of the invention

[0006] Provision of a device that: • foldable and portable, • uses modal keys for multilingual input, • has an integrated writing surface for handwriting, • Pen input and fingertip input combined, • Enables precise, ergonomic and quiet input. 5. Solution to the task

[0007] The task is solved by a foldable input device with: • modal keys for selecting entire groups of characters and functions, • capacitive handwriting input area, • Pen for precise handwriting, • Fingertip (Thimble) for precise key presses, • multilingual dynamic character sets, • foldable housing that allows for different operating modes. 6. Solution approach of the invention

[0008] The solution combines: • Modality (few keys → many characters), • Handwriting recognition (pen input area), • precise micro-gestures (Thimble), • Foldable mechanism for switching modes, • Multilingual character sets without layout changes. 7. Components 7.1 Mechanical Module • Foldable case with hinge • Modal keypad (4-6 keys) • Integrated writing surface (handwriting pad) • Pen holder • Finger attachment (Thimble) • Mechanical detent positions for different operating modes 7.2 Electrical Module • Capacitive writing surface with handwriting recognition • Sensors for gestures, pressure and micro-movements • Microcontroller for mode and character recognition • Bluetooth / USB interface • Power supply (battery or USB-C) 8. Functionality and advantages • Keyboard mode with modal character menu • Handwriting mode for free text, sketches and symbols • Precision mode with finger attachment • Multilingual input without switching • Silent input • Compact, foldable, portable • Ideal for office, creative work and gaming 9. Compatibility with standard products • Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS • Standard HID protocols • USB-C or Bluetooth 10. Summary of the advantages • Three input methods in one device • Multilingual without layout changes • Foldable and ultra-compact • Ergonomic and precise • Low noise • Universally compatible 11. State of the art and comparison

[0009] The state of the art includes: • mechanical keyboards, • virtual keyboards, • Graphics tablets, • Gaming keypads, • Foldable keyboards without handwriting input. No known solution combines keyboard + handwriting + thimble + multilingualism + folding mechanism. 12. Comparison to the state of the art / today

[0010] Today's devices are: • either large (mechanical), • or imprecise (touchscreens), • or monolingual, • or non-foldable, • or not multimodal.

[0011] The invention overcomes all these limitations. 13. Degree of innovation

[0012] The invention is novel through: • the integration of a handwriting input area directly into the keyboard, • Modal keys with dynamic multilingual character menus, • Thimble input as a new, precise input tool, • A foldable design that allows for different operating modes. 14. Ergonomic and sustainable features • Reduced number of physical keys → lower material consumption • Handwriting reduces strain on the fingers • The fingertip (Thimble) reduces jerky typing movements • Quiet operation • Energy-efficient capacitive sensor technology

Claims

[1] Claim Foldable, multilingual input device comprising a housing with at least one folding mechanism, a key module with a reduced number of modally operating keys for selecting character or function groups, an integrated capacitive handwriting input surface for capturing handwritten input by means of a pen or finger, a finger attachment for precise actuation of the keys or for performing capacitive micro-gestures, an electronic control unit for recognizing characters, gestures and input modes and a multilingual character set management system that dynamically provides different language and script characters, wherein the device is switchable between several operating modes and enables both keyboard input and handwriting and thimble input. [2] Input device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the modal keys each open a radial or group-based character menu. [3] Claim Input device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handwriting input surface is capacitive and recognizes both pen and finger movements. [4] Claim Input device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the finger attachment has a conductive or capacitive tip for precise input. [5] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the case has at least two folding positions that activate different input modes. [6] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the multilingual character set management automatically provides language variants, special characters and fonts. [7] Claim Input device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic control unit recognizes micro-gestures such as tapping, swiping, holding or circular movements. [8] Claim Input device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handwriting input area is suitable for entering text, symbols, sketches or mathematical characters. [9] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the modal keys trigger different functions through short, long or double presses. [10] Claim input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the finger attachment can be magnetically or mechanically fixed to the device. [11] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device communicates with external systems via Bluetooth or USB-C. [12] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the folding mechanism controls the transition between keyboard mode and handwriting mode. [13] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the number of physical keys is limited to a maximum of six. [14] Claim Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device operates quietly and is optimized for office and gaming applications.

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