Multi-Surface Keyboard with Dynamic Key Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards, both mechanical and soft, suffer from ergonomic issues such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, slow data entry, and inflexibility due to statically positioned keys, which lead to discomfort and reduced typing speed, especially on mobile devices where users are limited to using only their thumbs.
Innovation Solution
A computer keyboard and mouse combination with dynamically mapped keys on two touch-sensitive back surfaces, allowing for flexible finger movement and eliminating the need for direct visibility of the back surfaces, enabling operators to use the device without relying on visibility or a display monitor, and providing immediate auditory feedback for correct key activation and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If keys are statically positioned on a single back surface, then the keyboard structure is simplified, but the operator cannot maintain natural arm and wrist alignment causing stress and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-surface keyboard to a multi-surface keyboard where keys are distributed across multiple surfaces (front surface, back surface, and side surfaces). This dimensional expansion allows operators to position their hands and wrists in more natural alignments while accessing keys, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ergonomic operation.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical keys are positioned on the back of the keyboard, then wrist weight is reduced, but the keyboard becomes bulky and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically mapped soft keys on touch-sensitive surfaces that can be repositioned and reconfigured based on operational needs. This dynamic capability allows the keyboard to maintain a slim, lightweight profile while providing rapid access to keys through software-based mapping, achieving both reduced wrist weight and high typing speed.
3Productivity
If soft keys are mapped dynamically at the point of contact, then data entry speed increases, but the keyboard requires visibility of key positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tactile feedback mechanisms and audible feedback as intermediary signals that guide operators to key positions without requiring visual confirmation. The touch-sensitive surfaces provide detectable tactile responses at key locations, serving as intermediaries that enable fast dynamic key mapping while eliminating the need for visual monitoring of key positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all keys are on the front-facing surface, then the keyboard layout is traditional and familiar, but it causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keyboard into multiple independent surfaces (front surface with some keys, back surface with other keys, side surfaces with additional keys). This segmentation distributes the typing workload across different hand positions and wrist orientations, preventing the repetitive strain on the median nerve that causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome while maintaining adaptability through configurable key mappings on each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
A stationary input device is provided having at least a plurality of touch-sensitive back surfaces, with adjustable vertical and horizontal angles between those units; a method of dividing the keys of a keyboard into interface groups; each group having a home key and associated with a finger; a method of dynamically mapping and remapping the home keys of each interface group to the coordinates of the associated fingers at their resting position, and mapping non-home keys around their associated home keys on the touch-sensitive back surfaces; a method of calculating and remapping home keys and non-home keys when the coordinates of the resting position shift during operation; a method of providing sensational tactile or haptic bumps or elevations on touch-sensitive surfaces; a method of reading each activated key immediately and automatically; a method of detecting typos and grammatical errors and notifying operators using human speech or other communication methods.