Layered Keyboard Layout for Broader Commands on Compact PCs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyboard input systems for personal computers are inefficient due to their outdated design, which limits the range of command realization and requires extensive use of shortcut keys and screen input systems, making character and command input processes cumbersome and difficult to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A vertical expanded virtual keyboard system is introduced, featuring stratified keyboards for character and symbol input, and command keys that invoke virtual keyboards, allowing for the input of a wide range of characters and symbols, and a command shift key to facilitate the display of virtual command keyboards, mirroring screen input systems for enhanced operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional keyboard layout with fixed character keys is used, then the keyboard structure remains simple and familiar, but the range of inputtable characters and symbols is limited and requires multiple keyboard invocations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the keyboard by implementing multiple keyboard layers (first keyboard, second keyboard, third keyboard) that can be vertically stacked. This allows the system to provide extensive character and symbol input capabilities across different vertical layers while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, effectively adding a third dimension (depth/layering) to the traditional two-dimensional keyboard layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested keyboard structure where multiple keyboards are vertically integrated and nested within each other. The first keyboard, second keyboard, and third keyboard are arranged in a nested configuration where lower keyboards support upper keyboards, creating a compact multi-layered structure that maximizes space utilization while providing extensive input capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each command key has only one function, then the keyboard design remains simple and straightforward, but the range of realizable commands is very narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in command keys by designing the command key to perform different operations based on the currently active keyboard layer. The same command key can execute different commands when different keyboards are active, allowing a single physical key to provide multiple command functions without requiring additional keys, thereby achieving high versatility with limited physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic functionality to command keys where the command executed by a key changes dynamically based on the active keyboard layer. The command key's function is not fixed but adapts according to which keyboard (first, second, or third) is currently active, allowing the system to provide a wide range of commands through a relatively small number of physical keys.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shortcut keys are used to increase command variety, then more commands become accessible, but the input process becomes intricate and difficult for usual users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments commands into different keyboard layers, with each keyboard (first, second, third) containing commands related to specific functional categories. This segmentation allows users to access different types of commands by switching between keyboards rather than memorizing complex shortcut combinations, making the input process more intuitive and easier to operate while maintaining high command variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a keyboard switching mechanism as an intermediary between the user and the command execution system. By providing a dedicated method to switch between different keyboards (each with different command sets), the system mediates access to diverse commands in a systematic and user-friendly manner, avoiding the need for users to remember intricate shortcut combinations while still providing extensive command variety.
4Area of stationary object
If the keyboard size is reduced for small-sized personal computers, then portability and compactness improve, but the number of available keys for character and command input decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced horizontal keyboard size by utilizing the vertical dimension through multiple stacked keyboard layers. The first keyboard, second keyboard, and third keyboard are arranged vertically, allowing extensive character and command input capabilities to be achieved within a compact horizontal footprint by expanding into the vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple keyboards are vertically integrated within a compact structure. The lower keyboards provide structural support for upper keyboards, creating a space-efficient configuration that maximizes the number of available keys for character and command input within a small overall keyboard area.
Data Source
AI summary
One is to compose stratified keyboard for commands and symbols. Another is to compose corresponding system between screen displayed virtual keyboard and actual keyboard. For instance, one virtual key on the screen is endowed with certain function and when we touch one key on the actual keyboard whose position is corresponding to that one on the displayed screen, the function belonging to displayed one is executed.All operations are executed through touching keyboard and thus manipulations get stereo typed and speedy. Furthermore, stratified stereo typed keyboard system for command, symbols, figures and characters propose us the chance to deliberate systematic formation for them.