Configurable Hot Keys for Ergonomic Keyboard Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard usage leads to underutilization of thumbs, increasing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and strain on thumb joints due to the need for wrist swing movements to actuate keys on the outer edges.
Innovation Solution
Implementation of a row of configurable 'hot keys' in front of the spacebar region of a keyboard, equipped with sensors that provide proximity or touch sensing and haptic feedback, allowing users to actuate keys without large wrist movements, utilizing piezoelectric actuators for haptic feedback and capacitive sensors for directive capacitance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional keyboard keys are arranged along outer edges, then keyboard layout completeness is improved, but wrist swing movement is required increasing carpal tunnel risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by placing sensors on the front surface of the keyboard frame, creating a third layer of input beyond the traditional key surface. This allows thumb activation without wrist swing while maintaining access to all keyboard functions through software mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors as an intermediary between the user's thumb and the keyboard input system. The sensors detect proximity or touch gestures and translate them into key inputs, eliminating the need for direct mechanical key actuation and reducing wrist strain.
2Ease of operation
If thumbs are used to actuate spacebar only, then typing function is maintained, but thumb utilization is underutilized increasing strain on thumb joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thumbs universal input devices by enabling them to activate multiple functions beyond spacebar pressing. Each thumb can independently control multiple sensors that map to different keyboard keys, distributing the workload and reducing strain on individual thumb joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to configure the sensors to map to any keyboard key or combination, enabling the thumbs to serve themselves by directly accessing frequently used keys without requiring wrist movement to reach outer edge keys.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are added to the keyboard frame, then thumb accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sensors locally only at the four corners of the keyboard frame's front surface, rather than distributing them across the entire keyboard. This localized approach minimizes the added complexity while providing sufficient input coverage for thumb gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical key switches with electronic sensors that detect proximity or touch. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling new input methods, as the sensors can be integrated into the existing frame structure without adding moving parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user input efficiency by reducing wrist strain and risk of injury, allowing for more intuitive and ergonomic interaction with the keyboard through the use of sensors and haptic feedback, thereby improving typing speed and reducing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity mutual-capacitance sensor comprising a pair of X-Y traces configured to provide a directive capacitance field
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor of the apparatus comprises at least one of: a proximity mutual-capacitance sensor comprising a pair of X-Y traces configured to provide a directive capacitance field
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure implement at least one sensor in a user input device with an identifiable user input on an information handling system. A method may include receiving, by an information handling system, an indication that at least one sensor, located on an outward facing surface of a frame housing a user input device, is actuated; comparing, by the information handling system, the indication to an active profile configuration; and identifying, by the information handling system, the indication as an input based on the active profile configuration. Other aspects are also disclosed.