Ergonomic Handheld Interface with Segmented Keyboard and Integrated Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience, discomfort, and inefficiency when using multiple interface devices like keyboards and pointing devices simultaneously, especially for extended periods, and this is exacerbated for individuals with physical disabilities who struggle with the constant back-and-forth movement required to operate these devices.
Innovation Solution
A handheld system with ergonomic integration of multiple user interface devices, including a pointing device and a fully functional keyboard, where the keyboard is divided into sections with a raised intermediate support portion to allow for comfortable access without interference, and optional features like Braille indicia and audio feedback for accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple interface devices (keyboard and pointing device) are used separately, then each device can be operated independently, but users experience inconvenience, discomfort, and inefficiency from constant hand movement between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a keyboard and pointing device into a single integrated handheld unit. The keyboard portion and pointing device portion are housed together in one device, allowing users to access both interface capabilities without moving their hands between separate devices. This merging eliminates the time loss and inconvenience associated with switching between separate keyboard and mouse devices.
2Ease of operation
If keyboard and pointing device are integrated in a handheld format, then portability and ease of access are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a keyboard portion with multiple keys and a pointing device portion with tracking sensor and control buttons. These segmented sections are housed together in separate compartments within the single device, allowing each function to operate independently while maintaining overall portability and ease of access.
3Ease of operation
If keyboard sections are divided by an intermediate support portion, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate support portion is provided between the first and second keyboard sections. This localized structural feature raises the intermediate support portion above the peripheral portion to define a humped upper profile, creating a specific ergonomic zone that accommodates the user's hand or wrist. This local structural modification improves ergonomic comfort without requiring complete redesign of the entire device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides for ergonomic handheld integration of multiple user interface devices. The system includes a housing defining an internal compartment and including an upper frame extending over the internal compartment. The upper frame defines a peripheral portion and an intermediate support portion, where the intermediate support portion is at least partially raised above the peripheral portion. A pointing device portion is coupled to the housing, which pointing device portion includes a positional tracking sensor disposed in the internal compartment and at least one control button coupled in depressible manner to the upper frame. A keyboard portion is coupled to the housing, which keyboard portion includes a plurality of keys distributed over at least first and second keyboard sections to collectively define a substantially complete keyboard of predetermined type. The first and second keyboard sections are divided by the intermediate support portion extending therebetween.