Fluid Chord Character Entry Data Input Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards and stenotypes are limited by their inability to alternate between character and chorded entry, have non-ergonomic key layouts, and only allow single-dimensional key movements, resulting in suboptimal data entry speeds and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data entry device that performs fluid chord/character entry, featuring dedicated keys for each finger and thumb, and multi-dimensional keys that can move in various directions, allowing for comfortable and efficient data entry by distinguishing and alternating between chorded and character entries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional keyboards or stenotypes are used for data entry, then the device structure is simple and ease of manufacture is good, but the data entry speed is limited and cannot exceed typical typing speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines chorded entry and character entry capabilities into a single data entry device. The keyboard includes multiple keys that can function in different modes (chorded or character) depending on the state of modifier keys, allowing the device to provide both entry methods without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic key functionality where keys can change their output based on the state of other keys. The system dynamically switches between chorded entry mode and character entry mode, allowing the same physical keys to serve different purposes depending on the current input state, thereby increasing data entry speed without adding permanent structural complexity.
2Productivity
If a keyboard allows both chorded and character entry, then data entry speed can exceed 300 WPM, but the device complexity increases due to multiple key states and modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the keyboard keys universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions. Each key can produce different outputs depending on whether it is pressed in isolation or in combination with other keys (chorded entry). The same physical keys serve both character entry and chorded entry purposes, reducing the need for additional specialized keys or complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal and state-based dimension to key functionality. Instead of each key having a single fixed function, the output depends on the sequence and combination of key presses over time. This multi-dimensional approach (combining spatial key position with temporal sequence and state information) allows high data entry speed without requiring physically larger or more complex key structures.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated keys are provided for each finger and thumb, then ease of operation improves and ambidextrous throwover is enabled, but the device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific keys to specific fingers and thumbs, creating localized responsibility zones. Each finger has dedicated keys that it can efficiently access, improving ergonomics and reducing travel distance. This local quality assignment optimizes the interaction between human anatomy and the keyboard layout without requiring excessive overall keyboard area, as each zone is compact and purpose-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables ambidextrous throwover by creating a symmetric yet flexible key assignment system where both left and right hands have equivalent capabilities. The keyboard layout and key functions are designed to work equally well with either hand, allowing users to switch between hands dynamically. This asymmetric flexibility (where symmetry is achieved through functional equivalence rather than identical physical arrangement) improves ease of operation without doubling the keyboard area.
Data Source
AI summary
A data entry system comprises a processor configured to receive a first data entry, make a first determination whether the first data entry is a first character entry or a first chorded entry, select a first output based on the first determination, and transmit the first output. The processor is further configured to receive, after transmitting the first output, a second data entry; make a second determination whether the second data entry is a second character entry or a second chorded entry; select a second output based on the second determination; and transmit the second output. The first data entry is the first character entry and the second data entry is the second chorded entry, or the first data entry is the first chorded entry and the second data entry is the second character entry.