Ergonomic Data Entry Device with Inverted Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional IBM Windows Keyboard lacks ergonomic design, leading to inefficient typing, increased risk of medical issues due to uneven workload distribution among fingers and hands, and is not easily adaptable for left-handed users or those who prefer single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A data entry device with a keyboard and integrated pointing device, where keys are grouped and arranged based on frequency of use and ergonomic principles, allowing all keys and the pointing device to be operated without moving hands from their initial position, with workload distribution optimized according to finger and hand capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard follows the conventional IBMW layout, then compatibility with existing software and standards is maintained, but ergonomic comfort and typing efficiency deteriorate due to hands needing to move from natural resting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional keyboard layout by positioning the pointing device on the left side instead of the right side, and rearranging keys symmetrically about the center. This inversion allows hands to remain in natural resting positions while maintaining compatibility with standard keyboard functions through software mapping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard includes all standard keys and functions, then functionality is complete, but the size becomes large causing hands to move from natural resting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keyboard into symmetrical left and right halves, with each hand operating independently within its own zone. The pointing device is segregated to the left side, allowing the right hand to remain stationary on the right-side keys, thus maintaining functionality while preventing hand movement from natural resting positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the numeric keypad is placed on the right side following conventional layout, then familiarity is maintained, but the right hand must move 18 cm to the right causing ergonomic strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by placing the numeric keypad on the left side near the pointing device, rather than following the conventional symmetric right-side placement. This asymmetric arrangement allows the right hand to remain stationary while the left hand operates both the pointing device and numeric keypad, reducing hand movement distance and ergonomic strain.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the QWERTY alphabet keypad layout is used, then compatibility with existing typing skills is maintained, but workload distribution among fingers is uneven causing overwork of some fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific keys to specific fingers based on their natural capabilities and resting positions. Each finger is optimally assigned to keys within easy reach, creating localized efficiency zones for each finger while maintaining overall QWERTY compatibility through software mapping.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard construction is not symmetrical about the centre, then conventional layout is maintained, but asymmetrical tasking and hand movement occur reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional asymmetric layout by creating a symmetrical construction about the center line. The left and right halves are mirror images, allowing both hands to perform symmetrical tasks from natural resting positions, thereby eliminating asymmetrical hand movement and improving typing efficiency while maintaining all standard keyboard functions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a Data Entry Device for computers and other devices. An embodiment of the present invention provides a Data Entry Device combining a keyboard and pointing device for computers and other devices; The Data Entry Device of the present invention introduces a completely new ergonomic construction for all keys. In the Data Entry Device of the present invention the keyboard and pointing device can both be used without shifting the hands from its initial resting position and where the shift key has to be used only for capitals and a few rarely used punctuations and symbols. The vowels are all on one side thus making them easy to access and use. All the letters are arranged so that on maximum occasions the letters are alternating between hands. The character keys are separated into alphabets, numerals, mathematical operators, punctuations and symbols. The placement of the characters on the DED is based on their frequency of occurrence in the environment, the ideal workload that should be allotted to each finger, the order of ease of use of keys, their pattern of use and similarity of type. In the present invention the concept of Home Row for fingers has been replaced by Home Keys for each finger being the keys on which the fingers tend to rest naturally and is not in one row. All this together makes the DED easy to comprehend, easy to learn, easy to use, more difficult to forget, increase the speed of typing, reduce errors and makes the user less prone to medical problems.