Reduced-Key Keyboard Layout for Visual Chorded Text Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards, such as QWERTY and stenography keyboards, are unsuitable for miniature applications and require extensive training due to their complexity and the need for complex key combinations, while Braille keyboards are difficult to use and slow for users unfamiliar with Braille.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with a reduced number of keys, each marked with an indicia representing a character, where combinations of keys pressed within a predetermined time period output data corresponding to a visually resembling character, allowing text entry without special training and accommodating users with varying dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional QWERTY keyboard layout is used, then each letter can be entered with a single key, but the keyboard contains a large number of keys making it unsuitable for miniature applications
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple keys are merged into a single key by combining their functions. Each key on the reduced keyboard can represent multiple characters through different key combination states, reducing the total number of physical keys while maintaining comprehensive character coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Each key on the reduced keyboard is designed to serve multiple purposes. A single key can represent different characters depending on the combination of keys pressed, making each key multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated single-character keys
2Area of stationary object
If stenography keyboards with fewer keys are used, then the keyboard size is reduced, but extensive training is required because the output cannot be determined by examining the keys alone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (indicia) on the keys to show which combinations produce which characters. This visual feedback system allows users to determine the output by examining the key indicators, eliminating the need for extensive memorization and training
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard provides self-explanatory indicators on the keys themselves that show the character output for each key combination. Users can learn the keyboard by simply observing the indicators without requiring external training materials or extensive instruction
3Ease of operation
If Braille keyboards with six keys are used, then the keyboard can be operated by touch, but the majority of letters require several keys to be pressed simultaneously which is difficult and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows letters to be formed by pressing one, two, or three keys simultaneously. By limiting the maximum to three keys and optimizing the layout, common letters can be entered with fewer key presses, improving overall text entry speed while maintaining tactile operation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard for entry of text characters is described. The keyboard comprises: a plurality of keys and a processing means for detecting when at least one of the plurality of keys is pressed. Each of the plurality of keys has an indicia marked on its surface. When the processor detects that two or more of the plurality of keys have been pressed within a predetermined time period of each other, data corresponding to a text character visually resembling the combination of the indicia marked on the two or more of the plurality of keys is output. A corresponding method of text entry is also described. The output from the keyboard visually resembles the combination of the indicia on the keys. This enables a user to use the keyboard without requiring special training, or to learn particular key combinations.