Input device with key pads on downward-facing split board surfaces inclined from horizontal position

Abstract

The present invention is an input device comprising a left side, a right side, and a connecting base of a split keyboard design. Surrounding surfaces of each side, left and right, holds downward facing keys. The left side of the board is almost geometrically equivalent to a mirrored right side of the board. Each side is inclined from an upside-down position that features downward-facing keypads aligned with the horizontal plane. The inclination represents a range of non-obvious configurations of input devices with potential ergonomic usage effectiveness. Embodiments of the present invention are not restricted to keyboard input and may encompass other input reading, including, but not limited to, mouse input, inclination, and proximity.

Description

[0001] Input device with key pads on downward-facing split board surfaces inclined from horizontal position

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of keyboards functioning as input devices for a master device responsible for process input readings. Particularly, the present invention is directed towards apparatuses and systems known as split keyboards, commonly associated with the field of ergonomic user input. The present invention is an input device comprising a left side, a right side, and a connecting base of a split board design with downward facing surfaces inclined from a horizontal position.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the evolution of computer peripherals, keyboards have played a pivotal role in facilitating human-computer interaction. Traditional keyboards, characterized by a rigid layout with keys aligned all in the same plane in a linear fashion, have been the norm for several decades. However, as the demands on individuals spending extended periods at computer workstations have increased, the need for ergonomic design solutions has become more important. Traditional keyboards, while functional, often contribute to discomfort, fatigue, and even musculoskeletal issues due to their static and non-adaptable structure.

[0006] Recognizing the limitations of traditional keyboards, there has been a growing shift towards alternative designs that prioritize user comfort and efficiency. Such trend has led to the split keyboard, a configuration where the traditional keyboard layout is divided into two separate halves, allowing users to position each half independently. This departure from the conventional design has been motivated by a variety of mentioned factors, each contributing to the increased adoption and preference for split keyboards. Split keyboards provide extensive customization options for positioning the two halves in three-dimensional space. Numerous DIY keyboard projects involve creators experimenting with various angles of roll, yaw, pitch, and the distance between the halves.

[0007] In contrast to a conventional, flat, and non-split keyboard, split keyboards frequently involve the rotation of the left and right halves in three-dimensional space. For the following disclosure, traditional keyboards can be considered a special case of a split keyboard wherein spacing between the left and right sides is reduced to zero, and rotations applied to the left and right halves on all, X, Y, and Z axis, are set to zero. The rotation point shall be defined as the right-most position of the right-side board and the left-most position of the left-side board. A three-dimensional coordinate system is defined with X-axis spreading from left to right of the person using the input device, Y- axis extends forward from the person, and Z-axis is spreading from the input device upwards.

[0008] A specific instance of a keyboard, the SafeType Vertical Keyboard illustrates a configuration where the split sides of the board are rotated to a vertical orientation, perpendicular to the table surface. In this design, the keypads are positioned on the surface facing outward, aligning with the left and right sides of the user. The keyboard incorporates a mirror attached to the side to enhance the visibility of the fingers and keypads. Another example of a vertically oriented keyboard features an adjustable angle for the side board inclination ranging from 0 to 90 degrees.

[0009] In the Golem keyboard project, a comprehensive database contains an extensive list of known split keyboards. Aside from Golem keyboard project, no other vertically oriented keyboards are identified in the current market or historical records, except for the two keyboards mentioned and certain minor adaptations found in clones derived from these originals. These minor modifications primarily pertain to the layout size and number of keys, with none of the clones incorporating keypad inclinations beyond 90 degrees from the traditional horizontal position.

[0010] Another existing keyboard presents an idea of placing key pads to the back side of a hand-held device. In that case, all the key pads of the left-side and right-side keys are co-located to the same plane. This configuration can be considered a form of a split keyboard wherein the angle of rotation along Y axis is 180 degrees, resulting in both the left and right sides aligning within the identical plane.

[0011] A thorough examination of the state of the art highlights the absence of configurations surpassing a 90-degree rotation in rolling the split keyboard halves along the outer edge. In these rotated configurations, as the roll angle increases from 90 to 180 degrees, the keys undergo shift to the downside, becoming concealed from the user's view. The lack of visibility for the keys in such configurations is likely a contributing factor to the limited exploration of these designs within the prior art.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention is an input device comprising a left side, a right side, and a connecting base of a split board design. The left and the right side have keys attached to a surrounding surface. On each side, left or right, the keys are facing downwards and the keys are collectively inclined as a group from a horizontal plane. Said inclination angle is positive or negative, such that keys are not exposed to the top view.

[0014] The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises knob buttons; wheel buttons; light emitting mechanisms; extension devices; a system for detecting positional offset of movement; a system for controlling a cursor or pointer; a system for multitouch gesture recognition; a flat panel display; a system for detecting spatial inclination; and a system for sensing proximity.

[0015] Novelty of the invention is expressed in a range of three-dimensional configurations of split keyboard, wherein non-obvious usage effectiveness caused by a lack of visibility for the keys has led to a limited exploration of these designs. State-of- the-art split keyboards have half-sides rolled along outer edge with an angle of rotation ranging from 0 degrees (flat split key boards in the same plane) to 90 degrees (vertically oriented split key boards). Non-obvious observations arise when considering the effectiveness of a keyboard device with said roll rotation angle surpassing 90 degrees. As this angle increases towards 180 degrees, the visibility of the keypads diminishes for the user, and the keypads are entirely inverted to an upside-down position at an angle of 180 degrees.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a definition of a coordinate system in three dimensions used as a convention for axis orientation and geometric explanation of different configurations of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing different left side and right side positions of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing geometric transformations of the present invention in a three-dimensional space.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a top front right perspective view of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom front right perspective view of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a top rear left perspective view of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a bottom rear left perspective view of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a right elevational view of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a left elevational view of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the present invention.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the abovedisclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and / or issuing here from that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0033] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein — as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term — differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0034] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0035] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and any methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and / or issuing here from. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of the disclosed use cases, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0037] In the present disclosure, a term key pad, keypad or just key, is defined herein as any surface area, displayed digitally, or having a physically tangible geometry, which is associated to any corresponding mechanism capable of sensing finger pressing.

[0038] As described in FIG. 1-13, the present invention is an input device comprising a left side, a right side, and a connecting base of a split board design with downward facing surfaces inclined from a horizontal position. The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises knob buttons; wheel buttons; light emitting mechanisms; extension devices; a system for detecting positional offset of movement; a system for controlling a cursor or pointer; a system for multitouch gesture recognition; a flat panel display; a system for detecting spatial inclination; and a system for sensing proximity.

[0039] From the perspective of a person using said input device 100 as demonstrated in FIG. 1, said input device 100 is situated on a horizontal table and in front of the person using it. A three-dimensional coordinate system is defined with X-axis spreading from left to right of the person using the input device 100, Y-axis extends forward from the person, and Z-axis is spreading from the table surface upwards. FIG. 1 illustrates orientation of X, Y, and Z axis of the coordinate system 105.

[0040] Left- and right-side rotation points, respectively 110a and 110b, are introduced as depicted in FIG. 1 assuming a case where a plane 115 defined by X=0 intersects the input device 100 thus forming two sides of the board, also called halves. In FIG. 1, the split sides are in a flat not-inclined position, the position they appear in traditional nonsplit keyboard. The rotation points 110a and 110b are selected as the right- most position of the right side board and left-most position of the left-side board. A traditional keyboard may be regarded as a specialized instance of a split keyboard, wherein the spacing between the left and right sides is minimized to zero, and rotations applied to both the left and right halves on all axes — X, Y, and Z — are set to zero.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows different positions of left side and right side of the input device 100 given that only the rotation angle along Y-axis increases towards 360 degrees. The rotation directions 200a and 200b are chosen to achieve symmetrical positioning of the left and right sides relative to the X = 0 plane when rotated by the same angle. Initial position 205a and 205b is the same position as described in FIG. 1, and is also the position 240a and 240b of sides rotated for 360 degrees. Positions 210a and 210b, 215a and 215b, 230a and 230b, 235a and 235b present positions of the side boards after rotations of 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees are applied, respectively. When rotation of 180 degrees is applied, depicted as 220a and 220b, said keypads are turned to an upside-down position 225.

[0042] From any point on the downward-facing surface of the input device 100, a normal vector, directed opposite to the material constituting the input device 100 in its thickness, will intersect the horizontal plane at Z=0. For example, keypads belong to a downwardfacing surface if rotation along Y-axis, depicted as 200 in FIG. 2, is higher than 90 degrees and lower than 270 degrees (assuming no rotation is occurring on Z and X axis).

[0043] FIG. 3 shows front, top, and side views of geometric relations of split boards of an input device. Horizontally aligned downward-facing side boards, marked by positions 220a and 220b in FIG. 2, are represented with non-dashed lines 301a, 301b, 302a, 302b, 303a, and 303b in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the left side is a mirror image of the right side of the board; dimensions of the board are wl = w2, al = a2, and distance between boards is d > 0. A referent position for defining different configurations of the invention is a horizontally aligned downward- facing position. Various design configurations are expressed by defining rotations of the boards along the X, Y, and Z axis, assuming the initial placement of the boards is in the referent position. A local coordinate system is defined for the right side of the board. In the referent position local X, Y, and Z axis of the right side of the board are parallel to the global X, Y, and Z axis defined in FIG. 1. Rotation along Z axis at point Rz2 is depicted by 305 showing local coordinate system of the right side of the board in the referent position, while 310 is showing local coordinate system after the Z-axis rotation is applied. As demonstrated in the example, the local coordinate system is rotated in its origin along with the object it is assigned to. Using aviation terminology and the coordinate system described in FIG. 1, rotation along Z-axis is referred to as yaw 315 of the right side of the board. In a similar way, rotation along Y and X axis are defined with rotation points RY2 and RX2 respectively. Using aviation terminology and the coordinate system described in FIG. 1, rotation along Y axis is referred to as roll 320 of the right side of the board, while rotation along X axis is referred to as pitch 325b of the right side of the board. Pitch 325a denotes the corresponding pitch of the left side of the board.

[0044] Rotations can be applied successively, with each subsequent rotation taking effect on the local coordinate system and the object that has already been rotated in the previous transformation. The example configuration of the right and left side after applying successive rotations along Z, Y, and X axis is shown in the perspective view 330. The base of the input device 100 is not displayed in the top, front, and side views but is shown as 335 in the perspective view, serving as a possible example of how the right and left sides can be connected and held in a specific position. In the perspective view, the perspective has been set such that the key pads area 340 is visible from the down side of the right side of the input device.

[0045] FIG. 4-13 describe an embodiment of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the present invention is an input device 400 comprising a right side 401, a left side 402; a base 403; a plurality of keys 404; a left surrounding structure 405; a right surrounding structure 406. The shown embodiment depicts said plurality of keys generally based on a QWERTY format, while other embodiments exist wherein said plurality of keys exist in alternate layouts for a split board. As shown across FIG. 4-13, said right side 401 and said left side 402 are connected on each end of said base 403. Said plurality of keys 404 is connected to said left surrounding structure 405 and said right surrounding structure 406. When said plurality of keys 404 are pressed, input readings from said plurality of keys 404 are transferred to a device responsible for processing said input readings. In other embodiments of the present invention, other input reading, including, but not limited to, mouse input, inclination, and proximity can be transferred to a device responsible for processing said input reading.

[0046] Said left side 402 and said right side 401 are adjustable such that the centroid of at least 18 keys 404 on said right surrounding structure 406 and the centroid of at least 18 keys 404 on said left surrounding structure 405 are separated by a distance of at least 100 millimeters. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said plurality of keys 404 on said left side 402 or said right side 401 of said referent position is inclined from a horizontal plane by a positive or negative angle, ranging from 10 to 75 degrees.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An input device comprising: a right side; a left side; a base; a plurality of keys; a left surrounding structure; a right surrounding structure; wherein said right side and said left side are connected on said base; wherein said plurality of keys is connected to said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure; wherein a key of said plurality of keys is any surface area, whether digitally displayed or possessing a physically tangible geometry, that is linked to a corresponding mechanism capable of detecting and distinguishing finger pressure applied specifically to that key from pressure applied to other keys; wherein said left surrounding structure is a fully or partially symmetrical mirror image of said right surrounding structure, applying to the outer dimensions of said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure; wherein the degree of symmetry between said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure is quantified by a volume ratio and a Euclidean distance between the centroids of said left surrounding structure and a mirror image of said right surrounding structure; wherein said volume ratio ranges between 2 / 3 and 4 / 3; wherein said Euclidean distance between the centroids of said left surrounding structure and a mirror image of said right surrounding structure does not exceed 60 millimeters; wherein input readings from said plurality of keys are transferred to a device responsible for processing said input readings; and wherein said left side and said right side are fixed or adjustable such that the centroid of at least 18 keys on said right surrounding structure and the centroid ofat least 18 keys on said left surrounding structure are separated by a distance of at least 100 millimeters.

2. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a reference configuration of said plurality of keys; wherein said reference configuration has the centroids of said plurality of keys on said left side or said right side aligned in a plane; wherein said reference configuration has the tops of said plurality of keys facing downwards; and wherein said plurality of keys on said left side or said right side of said reference configuration is inclined from a horizontal plane by a positive or negative angle, ranging from 10 to 75 degrees.

3. The input device of claim 2: wherein said plurality of keys on said right surrounding structure are planar, nearly planar, or in any configuration wherein the Euclidean distance of at least 18 keys does not exceed 30 millimeters from a plane fitted by total least squares regression to match the centroids of said keys; and wherein said plurality of keys on said left surrounding structure are planar, nearly planar, or in any configuration wherein the Euclidean distance of at least 18 keys does not exceed 30 millimeters from a plane fitted by total least squares regression to match the centroids of said keys.

4. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of joints and mechanisms for user customization of the positions of said right side and said left side by adjusting yaw, roll, and pitch angles.

5. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: knob buttons.

6. The input device of claim 1, further comprising:wheel buttons.

7. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: light emitting mechanisms.

8. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: an extension device that can hold or house additional hand-held devices, smartphones, or tablets.

9. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a system for detecting positional offset of movement of said input device over a horizontal surface.

10. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a system for controlling a cursor or pointer.

11. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a system for multitouch gesture recognition.

12. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a flat-panel display.

13. The input device of claim 12: wherein said flat-panel display is touch sensitive and capable of multitouch gesture recognition.

14. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a system for detecting spatial inclination of said input device.

15. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a system for sensing proximity of said input device.

16. An input device comprising: a right side; a left side; a base; a plurality of keys; a reference configuration of said plurality of keys; a left surrounding structure; a right surrounding structure; wherein said right side and said left side are connected on said base; wherein said plurality of keys is connected to said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure; wherein a key of said plurality of keys is any surface area, whether digitally displayed or possessing a physically tangible geometry, that is linked to a corresponding mechanism capable of detecting and distinguishing finger pressure applied specifically to that key from pressure applied to other keys; wherein said left surrounding structure is a fully or partially symmetrical mirror image of said right surrounding structure, applying to the outer dimensions of said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure; wherein the degree of symmetry between said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure is quantified by a volume ratio and a Euclidean distance between the centroids of said left surrounding structure and a mirror image of said right surrounding structure; wherein said volume ratio ranges between 2 / 3 and 4 / 3; wherein said Euclidean distance between the centroids of said left surrounding structure and a mirror image of said right surrounding structure does not exceed 60 millimeters; wherein input readings from said plurality of keys are transferred to a device responsible for processing said input readings; wherein said left side and said right side are fixed or adjustable such that the centroid of at least 18 keys on said right surrounding structure and the centroid ofat least 18 keys on said left surrounding structure are separated by a distance of at least 100 millimeters; wherein said reference configuration has the centroids of said plurality of keys on said left side or said right side aligned in a plane; wherein said reference configuration has the tops of said plurality of keys facing downwards; and wherein said plurality of keys on said left side or said right side of said reference configuration is inclined from a horizontal plane by a positive or negative angle, ranging from 10 to 75 degrees.

17. The input device of claim 16: wherein said plurality of keys on said right surrounding structure are planar, nearly planar, or in any configuration wherein the Euclidean distance of at least 18 keys does not exceed 30 millimeters from a plane fitted by total least squares regression to match the centroids of said keys; and wherein said plurality of keys on said left surrounding structure are planar, nearly planar, or in any configuration wherein the Euclidean distance of at least 18 keys does not exceed 30 millimeters from a plane fitted by total least squares regression to match the centroids of said keys.

18. An input device comprising: a right side; a left side; a base; a plurality of keys; a reference configuration of said plurality of keys; a left surrounding structure; a right surrounding structure; wherein said right side and said left side are connected on said base; wherein said plurality of keys is connected to said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure;wherein a key of said plurality of keys is any surface area, whether digitally displayed or possessing a physically tangible geometry, that is linked to a corresponding mechanism capable of detecting and distinguishing finger pressure applied specifically to that key from pressure applied to other keys; wherein said left surrounding structure is a fully or partially symmetrical mirror image of said right surrounding structure, applying to the outer dimensions of said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure; wherein the degree of symmetry between said left surrounding structure and said right surrounding structure is quantified by a volume ratio and a Euclidean distance between the centroids of said left surrounding structure and a mirror image of said right surrounding structure; wherein said volume ratio ranges between 2 / 3 and 4 / 3; wherein said Euclidean distance between the centroids of said left surrounding structure and a mirror image of said right surrounding structure does not exceed 60 millimeters; wherein input readings from said plurality of keys are transferred to a device responsible for processing said input readings; wherein said left side and said right side are fixed or adjustable such that the centroid of at least 18 keys on said right surrounding structure and the centroid of at least 18 keys on said left surrounding structure are separated by a distance of at least 100 millimeters; wherein said reference configuration has the centroids of said plurality of keys on said left side or said right side aligned in a plane; wherein said reference configuration has the tops of said plurality of keys facing downwards; wherein said plurality of keys on said left side or said right side of said reference configuration is inclined from a horizontal plane by a positive or negative angle, ranging from 10 to 75 degrees; wherein said plurality of keys on said right surrounding structure are planar, nearly planar, or in any configuration wherein the Euclidean distance of at least18 keys does not exceed 30 millimeters from a plane fitted by total least squares regression to match the centroids of said keys; and wherein said plurality of keys on said left surrounding structure are planar, nearly planar, or in any configuration wherein the Euclidean distance of at least 18 keys does not exceed 30 millimeters from a plane fitted by total least squares regression to match the centroids of said keys.

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