Elongated Keyboard Keys for Typing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop PC keyboards face challenges in accessibility and usability due to the placement and size of non-alphanumeric keys, such as the 'Esc' and 'Delete' keys, which are frequently used but difficult to find and use effectively due to their location above the alphanumeric section, leading to typing errors and reduced ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of large, vertically elongated keys positioned above the alphanumeric section to align with the finger trajectory, posture, and hand position of touch typists, ensuring comfortable and accurate key strikes with minimal hand movement, and providing additional spacing to reduce error rates and enhance visual grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If non-alphanumeric keys are placed above the alphanumeric section to minimize keyboard footprint, then the overall keyboard size is reduced, but the keys become difficult to find and utilize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific non-alphanumeric keys (Esc, Delete, Insert) vertically elongated with different dimensions than standard keys. This差异化 design makes these frequently used keys visually distinct and easier to locate above the alphanumeric section, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining the compact layout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical dimension of specific keys by making them elongated in the vertical direction rather than horizontal. This dimensional change allows the keys to be easily identifiable from a distance while still fitting within the constrained space above the alphanumeric section, addressing both footprint and accessibility concerns
2Area of stationary object
If key size is reduced to fit more keys in the keyboard, then the keyboard footprint is minimized, but typing accuracy decreases due to tight spacing
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly reducing all key sizes, the patent applies local quality by maintaining larger vertical dimensions for specific non-alphanumeric keys (Esc, Delete, Insert) while other keys can be more compact. This selective sizing improves typing accuracy for frequently used keys while still achieving overall keyboard miniaturization
3Area of stationary object
If non-alphanumeric keys are placed in traditional positions above the alphanumeric section, then the keyboard layout is compact, but finger trajectory and posture are not optimized causing typing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning and sizing specific keys (Esc, Delete, Insert) with unique vertical elongation that matches the natural finger trajectory from the home row. This localized optimization ensures these keys are easily accessible with proper finger posture while maintaining overall layout compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical dimension parameter of specific keys to create elongated shapes that align with finger approach angles. This parameter modification optimizes the interaction between finger trajectory and key surface area, reducing typing errors while preserving compact layout
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides large, vertically elongated keyboard keys strategically chosen and positioned above the alphanumeric section of a standard keyboard (e.g. a laptop PC keyboard) to provide a more ergonomic keyboard arrangement. The invention provides for keys that appropriately address the needs of touch typists when striking frequently used keys located above the alphanumeric section of the keyboard.