CA2108281A1

CA2108281A1 - Ergonomic keyboard apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2108281A1
Application number: CA002108281A
Authority: CA
Inventors: William R. Hargreaves; Shirley A. Lunde; William P. Farrand
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Kinesis Corp
Priority date: 1991-04-10
Filing date: 1992-04-10
Publication date: 1992-10-11
Also published as: EP0579699A1; DE69227901T2; JP3215419B2; WO1992018996A1; DE69227901D1; EP0579699A4; US5673040A; TW222028B; EP0579699B1; JPH06506554A

Abstract

A keyboard (100) for use with a standard personal computer includes an alphanumeric key array having a plurality of alphanumeric keys (102) arranged in a generally orthogonal, concave array (108, 110). A home row of keys (112, 114) defines a reference position for the fingers of the operator. A linear array of function keys (104) is provided and positioned above the reference position and titled toward the operator. A generally orthogonal array of auxiliary (106) keys is also positioned above the reference position. The array of auxiliary keys (106) is rotated with respect to the reference position to accommodate the natural angle of the thumb of the operator to the index finger. A palm rest (136, 138) is provided for receiving the palm of the operator while the operator is manipulating the plurality of alphanumeric keys. The palm rest (136, 138) is positioned above the reference position defined by the home row so that during operation of the alphanumeric keys (102), the fingers of the operator extend downward from the palm rest in a natural curved manner.

Description

wO 92/ l 8996 2 1 0 8 2 8 Pcr/ Uss~/o2 957 ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD APPARATUS

5 Field of the ~Qn The present invention relates generally to keyboards used for data input in conjunction with typewriters, computers and other like devices and, more particularly, an ergonomic keyboard for use with modern computers.

10 Backg~ound of the Invention ~ he conventional typewriter and computer keyboard, hereinafter called the conventional qwerty keyboard, consists in diagramrnatic representation of four horizontal rows of alphanumeric keys. The keys on one row are offset with respect to the keys on adjacent rows so that diagonal col lmnc are formed. The 15 name "QWERTY" comes from the letter layout of the left side second row. Whilecertain differences exist for non-English language keyboards, these differences are essentially standardized and will be considered "qwerty" for this application.
The qwerty keyboard has long been recognized to have many disadvantages, including the followmg: the most commonly used letters are on the20 top row rather than on the home (middle) row, where the ~ngers normally rest;many of the most frequent stroking actions must be done by the wcakest fingers (the little fingers); the left hand executes more strokes, both in terms of number and complexlty, than the right hand, even though the majority of users are right-handed; the little finger of the right hand must select from at least 15 keys on the 25 modern computer keyboard (IBM-AT compatible enhanced 101 keyboard), some of which are seldom used and thus require visual selection even by most touch typists; more complex stroking movements are required by the staggered key arrangement than would be required wcre the keys arranged in vertical columns.
Furthermore, large numbçrs of specialized "function", "control", and editing keys 30 have evolved ~or use with modern computer software. Such function and controlkeys are often used in combir~ation with other keys, further increasing the difficulty in comfortably and accurately typing all the keys on a modern computer keyboard.
A major problem with the extensive and combined use of 3S specialized computer keys is the awkward postures required for the arms, wrists, hands, and ~mgers. In recent years these awkward postures, combined with both static and dynamic exertion required to press and hold down keys, have been ,, .

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2.1~8281 Wo 92/l8996 PCr/US92/U2gS7 implicated as causative factors in an epidernic of painful and some~imes disabling occupational injuries Thus, in addition to the disadvantages of traditional keyboards related to operator performance (speed, accuracy, endurance), these keyboards have also been shown to cause serious health problems. The health 5 problems caused by excessive keyboard use are collectively called repetitive strain injuries. In combination with simple repetition of forceful motion, major factors which are believed to lead to health problems include pronation of the wrist, extension of the wrist, and ulnar deviation, among others. These injurious factors are caused or exaggerated by the use of traditional qwerty keyboards.
Many prior art keyboard arrangements have been proposed to eliminate the inadequacies of the qwerty keyboard. These prior art keyboard arrangements generally fall into three groups, referred to herein as the "letterlayout alternatives" group, the "geometric alternatives" group, and the "chordicalternatives" group. However, as discussed in more detail below, these prior artkeyboard arrangements have suffered from incomplete solutions and/or excessive trairling requirements, and have failed to combine relief from physically stressful postures and motions w~th productivity equal or exceeding the traditional keyboard and minimal training/retraining requirements. As a result, none of the pnor art keyboard arrangements have gained widespread acceptance.
The letter layout alternatives group consists of keyboards in which the standard alphanumeric key set is employed, but the order of the keys has been varied while retaining the standard keyboard geometry. An example of a keyboard that falls into this group is provided in U.S. Patent No. 2,040,248, issued to Dvorak on May 12, 1936. The Dvorak patent describes a keyboard in which the 25 layout of the alphanumeric keys is based on incidence of usage. Dvorak attempted to position the most heavily used keys (e.g., "E") in the home row, and to minimize awkward letter combinations and long reaches. However, the keyboard of the Dvorak patent, as well as other keyboards falling into the letter layout alternatives group, suffers from the disadvantage that significant relearning 30 is required before it can be used by a skilled touch typist accustomed to a qwerty keyboard. Furthermore, this layout does nothing to address the awkward postures and excessive force used by operators of keyboards w~th traditional key positioning and geometry.
The geometric alternatives group consists of keyboards in which 35 both the standard alphanumeric key set and key layout are typically employed, but the geometry of the keyboard has been varied. As an example, U.S. Patent No.
1,652,464, issued December 13, 1927 to Tyberg, describes a planar qwertv ?,1.~?,,81 "~,. ..
wo 92tl8996 Pcr/us92/o2957 keyboard which is split into right and left hand segments. The right an~;l left hand segrnents are separated from one another and linked in a fixed posilion to a central segment containing function keys. A~ another example, U S. Patent No 4,244,659, issued January 13, 1981, to Malt describes a keyboard employing 5 roncave wells for right and left hand segments. The right and left hand segments of the keyboard described by Tyberg and Malt maintain the layout of the qwerty keyboard so that sigIuficant relearning of the keyboard is not required.
However, the keyboards described by Tyberg and Malt, as well as others falling into the geometric alternatives group, do not address the problems 10 of extensive work and excessive key selection that is required by modern keyboards having function and auxiliary keys. Therefore, although providing a keyboard that reduces pronation of the wrist and ulnar deviation, prior art keyboards falling into the geometric alternatives group are not acceptable for use with modern keyboards havmg multiple function and auxiliary keys.
The chordic alternatives group consists of keyboards in which the alphanumeric key set and the key layout, as well as the keyboard geometry have been varied. Key combinations or "chords" are used to enter letters or numbers which are not represented by single keys. An example of keyboards falling into this group is U.S. Patent No. 4,897,649, issued tO Stucki on January 30, 1990. The 20 Stucki patent describes a keyboard in which multiple sets of two or more keys are mouMed on a common base and arranged such as to be comprehended and operated by a single finger. The base is configured to provide separate areas for the right and left hands and an integral rest for the heels of the hands. The keyboard described by the Stucki patent is typical of keyboards falling into the25 chordic alternatives group which suffer from the sarne relearning disadvantages as keyboards falling into the alternative layout group. Furtherrnore, this class ofkeyboard requires an increased number of strokes per word, and thus productivityis inherently reduced.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a keyboard that 30 minimizes the strain and effort associated with undesirable postures and motions of the hands, wrists, and arms in typing the alphanumeric keys. Further, it is desirable to provide such a keyboard that simultaneously reduces typing inaccuracies and maintains or increases typing speed while minirnizing the need for relearning. Still further, it is desirable to provide a keyboard that minimizes 35 strain and effort of use resulting from the increased usage of specialized function keys on modern keyboards.

2~ ~8281 w~92/18996 Pcr/uss2/o29s7 r Summar~ of the Inv~ntion The present invention provides an improved keyboard for interacting with a data processing dev~ce. The keyboard includes an alphanumenc key array hav~ng a home row of keys constructed for prov~ding a reference 5 position for the fingers of the operator. The keyboard also includes a function key array that is elevated (relative to the work surface) above the reference position defined by the top of the home row keys, and is tilted toward the operator In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the keyboard mcludes an alphanumeric key array having a home row of keys constructed for 10 providing a reference position for the fingers of the operator. The keyboard also includes an alLx~liary orthogonal array of keys that are elevated with respect to the home row of keys and angled thereto and are positioned for manipulation by the side of the thumbs of the operator.
The keys of the thumb arrays use keycaps which proYide a terraced 15 topography. One purpose of this terracing is to allow each key to be depressed cornfortably with the side of the thumb without inadvertently depressing anotherkey in the thumb array. A second purpose of the terracing is to provide tactile feedback of thurnb location. Still further, the auxiliary array of keys may include at least first and second elongated keys positioned and aligned generally along a 20 line defined by the position of the operator's relaxed thumb when the fingers are in the reference position. These first and second keys are cons~ucted to move norsnal to the surface of the keyboard between first and second positions and tobe depressed by the side of the thumbs. Preferably, the first and second keys have different keycaps for tactile identification.
In a further embodisnent, a fifth row of keys is provided. Preferably the two medial keys on each side of the keyboard are assigned cursor movement functions.

Brief Descri~tjo~, of the Drawin~s Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ergonomic keyboard of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the ergonornic keyboard illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the keyboard illustrated in Figure 1 showing the layout of the keys thereof;

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21Q~81.
wos2tl8996 Pcr/u~2/o2ss7 Figure j is an alternative arrangement of keys, usin~ a traditional diagonal array for alphanumer~c keys (except that they are in separate left and right sections), but retair~ing the thumb keys, integral palm rest, plus elevated and tilted function keys; and S Figure 6 is an alternative key layout with additional keys compared to Figure 4.

Detailed Des~ri~tion of the Preferred Embodiment An improved ergonornic keyboard 100 for use with a modern computer (not shown), such as a standard personal computer, includes a pluralityof alphanumeric Iceys 102, a plurality of function keys 104, and a plurality of auxiliary keys 106. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that although the invention is described herein by reference to a keyboard 100 for use with a standard computer (not shown), the keyboard of the present invention could be used for data entry in combination with any data processing apparatus. As examples, the keyboard of the present invention could be used in combination with: control panels such as those found in aircraft, automobiles, and rnilitaryapparatus; video games; electronic musical instruments; nonstandard keyboards;
etc.
The alphanurneric keys 102 include all the ascii-character-generating keys of the standard four rows on a conventional computer keyboard, arranged in an array having the standard qwerty layout. As is known in the art, the alphanumeric keys 102 are provided for identifying and entering alphabet characters to the standard computer (not shown) with which the keyboard 100 is 25 used.
In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention the alphanumeric keys 102 are separated into first and second arrays 108 and 110 positioned for manipulation by the left and right hands of the operator, respectively. The area 160 intermediate the first and second arrays 108 and 110 is 30 preferably constructed for storage. The storage provided in the area 160 may be used by the operator for accessoAes or other iterns.
The first and second arrays 108 and 110 are each arranged in an approximately orthogonal, concave array. Ho~Yever, while columns are well aligned, rows are somewhat curved to reflect the different length of fingers. Thus, 35 the key columns for the ring finger 13 and middle finger 14 are generally more distal from the operator than the other colurnns. This offset is typically 1/4 to 2/3 of a keycap width. The precise attin~de and position of a keyswitch base on a 2~ 08.~81 wo 92/18996 Pl/U~92/02957 faceplate in which the keyswitch is to be mounted m~y be determined by the charlin Append~x A. The precise attitude and position of the keytop is determinable by the chart of AppendL~ A in combination w~th the keycap style. ~lle presently preferred keycap style is that cylindrically sculpted style used in conventional PC
S keyboards, with the exception that the four home row keys use spherically sculpted keycaps for improved detection of the home row.
The ~rst and second arrays 108 and 110 include first and second home rows 112 and 114, respectively, which each comprise four home keys that define a reference position for the fingers of the operatar. Although the 10 alphanumeric keys 102 are described herein as arranged in first and second concave arrays, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that aspects of the present invention may be readily adapted for use with a keyboard wherein the alphanumeric keys are positioned in either flat or concaYe form. In addition, the present invention may be used with the traditional diagonal arrangement of 15 alphanumeric keys (Figure 5) or with the non-standard orthogonal arrangement of alphanumeric keys (Figure 6). Furthermore, an optional, non-qwerty arrangement of keys is possible.
A further advantage of the keyboard of the subject invention is the addition of a fifth row 500, illustrated in Figure 5. In a presently preferred 20 embodiment of the invention, the medial two keys 502 and 504, and 506 and 508on the left side 510 and right side 512, respectively, are used for cursor positioning.
Particularly, the inventors have deterrnined that the medial keys S02 and 504 onthe left side 510 are preferably used for left and right cursory movement as shown in Figure 5. In similar fashion, medial keys 506 and 508 on the right side 512 are 2S preferably used for up and down cursory movement.
The plurality of function keys 104 are typically provided for activating special functions rather than generating printable characters and arecommonly used in combination with the auxiliary keys 106 or with the alphanumeric keys 102. It is important for reliable usage that these be separated 30 spatially from the alphanumeric keys. However, they must also be easily accessible and must be comfortable if held down. As is known in the art, the plurality of function keys 104 are labeled at least F1 through F10, and typically F1 through F12 or more, and include additionally Escape (Esc~, Print Screen (Print Scrn, F13), Scroll Locl; (F14), and Pause (F15). Different hardware systems (ie..
3S Apple Macintosh vs IBM or compatible PC) and different software applications utilize different combinations of function keys, alphanumeric keys, and auxiliary keys. However, the most cornmon combinations for an IBM compatible PC are ~;10~28~.
., , : - Wo 92/18996 ~Cr/~lS~)2/n2~57 either Ctrl or Alt used w~th a function key, F1-17. With an Apple Macintosh PC, the most common combinations are using the Option or Command key.s with each other or with alpha keys or function keys.
The plurality of function keys 104 are Preferably arranged in first S and second arrays 116 and 118 for manipulation by the left and right hands of the operator, respectively, wherein each array includes a plurality of 3ceys The keys of the first and second arrays 116 and 118 may be arranged in a linear fashion of one or more horizontal rows which are generally parallel to the reference position defined by the first and second home rows 112 and 114, respectively. It is 10 preferred, however, to arrange the keys of the first and second arrays 116 and 118 in a curvilinear manner. ln the preferred embodiment, the keys of the first and second arrays 116 and 118 are spaced closer (~g., 1/2 to 5/8 inch center to center) than the standard distance (3/4 inch) for alphanumeric keys. Also, as discussed above with respect to the first and second arrays 108 and 110, the first and second 15 arrays 116 and 118 may be arranged for use with a keyboard having either a flat or concave alphanumeric array.
To irnprove the comfort, speed, and accuracy with which the function keys 104 may be used by the operator, the first and second arrays 116 and 118 are elevated above the level of the reference position defined by the top of the 20 keycap in the first and second home rows 112 and 114, and are tilted toward the user. The degree of tilt of the function key arrays 116 and 118 relative to the work surface can range from 15 degrees up to 60 degrees. As also illustrated in Figure 2, the degree of elevation and tilt relative to the first and second home rows 11?
and 114 is preferably 3-5 cm and at least 35 degrees, respectively. For most 2S applications, the degree of tilt toward the user should allow the finger to depress the key with minimal finger motion by simply moving the extended finger toward the key. If the keys are tilted too much, the fingernail will hit the key, which may be uncornfortable for the user. If the keys are not tilted enough, additional downward motion toward the work surface is required, which necessitates extra 30 effort and decreases speed and accuracy. It will be apparent, however, that the foregoing values for preferred degrees of elevation and tilt are provided as illustrative examples and that some variation may be provided vrithout departingfrom the true scope of the present invention.
The auxiliary keys 106 shown in Figure 1 include a plurality of kevs 35 that are cornmonly employed with the conventional typewriter and/or computer key layout and that perforrn a function other than to enter an alphanumeric character. Exarnples of the functions performed by the auxiliarv keys 106 include WO 92/18996 PC'I/US92/029S7 Space, Enter, Shif~, Caps lock, Tab, Backspacc, Control (C:~rl), an~l Al~t plus editing key (home, End, Page Up, Page Down, and Delete). The Apple Macintosh computer also uses the Corrunand (Cmd) arld Option keys. In the preferred embodiment, six keys are provided for each thurnb as depicted in 5 Figures 5 and 6. These six keys mclude Space, Enter and Backspace, plus the editing keys (Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, and Delete), as well as Ctrl and Alt, or Cmd and Option.
The auxiliary keys 106 are separated into first and second arrays 120 and 122 for manipulation by the left and right thumbs of the operator, 10 respectively. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it may be desirable to provide keys in both the first and second arrays 120 and 122 for perforIruDg tbe same function, e.g., Space, as shown in Figure 4. However, a preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, provides only one of each key for ma~cimum versatility. The keys of the first and second arrays 120 and 122 are 15 elevated with respect to the reference position defined by the keycap tops in tbe first and second home rows 112 and 114. Preferably the first and second arrays 120 and 122 are nearly level relative to the supporting desk surface, or slopes slightly up away from the operator (typically deviating approximately 10 degreesfrom level). With this attitude, the side of the relaxed thumb can comfortably 20 depress the keys with minimal movement and effort. Previous usage of thumb keys in an orthogonal array (e.g., Malt, U.S. 4,244,659) required pressing the thumb keys with the tip of the thumb, which is considerably less comfortable, requires greater skill to accomplish without looking at the key, and does not "self-adjust" to different hand sizes in the manner of the present invention.
The keys of the first and second arrays 120 and 122 are arranged in a generally orthogonal relationship, the axes of which are rotated with respect to the home row reference position. Preferably the angle at which the keys of the first and second arrays 120 and 1æ are rotated with respect to the reference position is approximately 10-30 degrees, and most preferably approximately 20-2530 degrees from straight ahead relative to the operator. This rotation and slopereladve to the home row and work surface, respecdvely, is critdcal in fitting the thumb of most users comfortably along the length of elongated keycaps (e.g., space, enter, backspace, delete, shov~ in Figures 5 and 6), and surprisingly accom~nodates operators with very small hands such as children (as young as 35 approximately 7 years old) as well as adult operators with very large hands.
The first and second arrays 120 and 122 each include first and second elongated keys 124 and 126 which are positioned so that the thumbs of the 21082~
,., .~
wo 92/18996 PC'I/US'32/û2957 operator are substantially parallel to their linear axis whcn the npera~or's hands are in the reference position. The posilioning o~ the first and scc~)nd elong~ted keys 124 and 126 make it easy for them to be depressed by the side of the thumb An alternative assignment of these keys is possible, as shown in Figure 4 The S preferred key assignments are shown in Figures S and 6, wherein the location of keys for performing functions known in the art are illustrated.
The first and second array 120 and 122 also include first and second square auxiliary keys 128 and 130 aligned with the linear axis of the first and second elongated keys 124 and 126, respectively. Each of the keys 124-130 is 10 constructed to move between first and second positions generally normal to the surface of the keyboard 100.
With reference to Figure 3, the positions of the key tops for thumb-activated keys in array 106 are terraced to allow easier depression without pressing more than one key at a time inadvertently. In addition, the second 15 elongated keys 126 are preferably steeply sloped along their short axis. The high side is adjacent to the first elongated key 124 and is higher than the top of said first elongated key. This allows the operator to more easily detect by touch if the thumb has strayed from the norrnal "home" position over the first elongated key.Square auxiliary keys 128 through 130 are shown to move between an open 20 position (shown in outline) and a second actuated position. Similarly, the third square key 131 is shown to move be~veen an open position (shown in outline) and an actuated position. The first square key 128 is positioned with its surface above the surface of the first elongated key 124 so that when the first elongated key 124 is in the open position (shown in outline), the first standard key may be depressed 25 to the actuated position and its surface remain above the suRace of the firstelongated key. Positioned in this manner, the first, second, and third square auxiliary keys 128 through 130 may be easily manipulated by the thumb of the operator without inadvertent activation of the first or second elongated keys 124 and 126 or the other square auxiliary keys 131 or 132. Likewise, fourth square 30 auxiliary key 131 is Preferably positioned with its surface above that of fifth square a~L~ciliary key 132, so that the former may be depressed by the thumb without inadvertently depressing the latter.
In another embodiment, an orthogonal array of alphanumeric keys has alternative functions, termed "embedded 10-key," positioned for use by the 35 fingers of either or both hands, as illustrated in Figure 6B. The alternative action for the alphanumeric keys may be triggered by pressing a dedicated key (e.g., F16), 2~ 0~?~1 wo 92/18996 Pcr/us92/o2957 but once invoked by F16, may be toggled Oll and off with ~ non-cletJicated auxiliary key such as Caps Lock, Ctrl, or Alt.
In a further embodiment, the same key layout and orthogon~l orientation of keys shown in Figure 6 could be designed in a flat plane to minirlL~ze 5 the learning required for keys in a concave array. Typists with long fingernails, who are precluded from conveniently using a keyboard with concave alphanumeric arrays, could effectively use such an embodiment.
An additional alternative embodirnent, shown in Figure 5, is a diagonal array of alphanumeric keys essentially identical to the traditional 10 keyboard, except that right and left sides are separated by a space and thumb pads and function keys that are elevated and tilted toward the user are provided as in other embodiments. Learn~ng is essentially eliminated for typing the alphanumeric keys in this embodiment, but significant cornfort and performance benefits compared vith the traditional keyboards are retained.
An important aspect of achieving comfortable fit of both small and l&rge hands is the inclusion of first and second integral palm rests 136 and 138 for receiving the heel of the operators left and right hands, respect*ely. The first and second integral palm rests 136 and 138 can be fitted with an adhesive or clip-onpad for optimal cornfort and for preventing large hands from sliding off. An especially suitable pad type is a self-adhesive, compliant gel covered with fabric, such as Elasto-Gel from Sowthwest Technologies, Inc. (Kansas City, MO). Users with small hands are able to rest their palm on the integral support during mosttyping activities, while users with medium to large hands are able to comfortably support their palsns dunng virtually all typing activities as well as while resting.
Again referring to Figure 1, in the embodiment employ~ng concave alphanumeric key arrays the first and second integral palm rests 136 and 138 areeach elevated above the reference position defined by the keytops of the first and second home rows 112 and 114, respectively. Further, the first and second integral palm rests 136 and 138 slope downwardly from edges 140 and 142 to second and third edges 144 and 146, respectively. The lateral slope of the first and secondintegral palm rests enables the operator's hand to be supported at an angle thatvaries moderately from full pronation, e.~ 30 degrees. The frontal slope (towards the operator) should be approximately 10 degrees (and not more than 15 degrees) to accommodate the natural slope of the relaxed palm from the base of the palm to the base of the ~mgers. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the palm rests are positioned to be in contact with the palms of the user while the user is manipulating the keys of the first arrays 108, 116, and 120, and the ~ 1,Q~?,81 wo 92/18996 pc r/uss2/02ss7 second arrays 110, 118, and 121. Further, the keys of the first ,md second array.s 108 and 110 are positioned below the first and sccond palm rests so that the fingers of the operator may naturally bend dowr.ward from the first and secon integral palm rests 136 and 138 while rnan~pulating the keys. The first and second 5 arrays 120 and 122 are positioned above the first and second arrays 108 and 110 and rolated from the reference position so that the thumbs may be in their natural position substantially coplanar with the palm and can move naturally away from the palm to manipulate the keys of the first and second arrays 120 and 122.
The present invention combines proven features of alternative 10 keyboards (split left and right alphanumeric segments, concave alphanumeric key layout geometry, integral palm rests), in a novel combination which provides features that provide surprisingly improved performance. This combination of design features minim~es the persistent, previously unsolved problems of conventional keyboards, without changing the familiar qwerty alphanumeric key 15 layout. These improvements are accomplished by:
1.- Reducing the strain and slow typing associated with using the computer function keys, which typically number at least 16, by elevating the function key row and tilting the keys towards the user relative to the plane of the alphanumeric keys. This positions the function keys closer to the home row and 20 more visible to the operator. For split keyboards, using split function keys with reduced center-to-center spacing (preferably 5/8 inch) allows the use of at least 8, and typically 9, easily typed function keys above each alphanumeric segment.
Using short travel switches for the function keys further facilitates convenienttyping and allows for a more compact design than full travel swi;ches. Most 25 preferably, these switches are fabricated using conductive rubber or similar switch technology, so that the key cap is soft and compliant. In conjunction with such switches, an audible "click" should be provided (typically using an electronic resonator triggered when the switch makes contact) to maxirnize feedback to the operator.
2. Reducing the strain as well as inaccuracy and/or v~sual typing required by the large number of keys (typically at least 15) which have been addressed by the weak right little finger on a traditional computer keyboard. This is achieved by reducing the keys for either right or left hands to eight, by moving to the thumb position the most comrnonly-used keys (Enter/Return, Backspace, Ctrl, Alt, Cmd). In addition, a pluralitv of new key positions 148-154 have beenadded to the first and second arrays 108 and 110 as a fifth row~ Typically at least 2wloos2/~s~sl PC,~I/lJ~9~/~J2~57 ~wo, and usually three or four new key positions (Figures S and 6~ are located in row S, as best illustrated in Figures 4-6.

3. Reducing the strain and slow typing associated with using the special "control lceys", typically pressed in combination with letter keys or with 5 function keys. This is achieved by moving the control keys from prox~rnal-latera~
to proximal-medial positions to be pressed typically by the thumbs. This change is especially advantageous when combined with the change in position and attitude of the function keys.

4. Reducing the strain and stretching required in using the 10 standard qwerty alphanumeric key layout by creating an optirnized concave well in which the alphanumeric keys are arrayed. The keys are placed in a generally orthogonal array of rows and columns to rninirnize awkward and tedious side-reaching with the fingers. However, certain adjacent colurnns are offset by 1/4 to 2/3 (preferably approximately 1/2) keycap width to better fit the lengths of human 15 fingers. This combination of features, in conjunction with the other featuresdescribed abovej provides the surprising adva~tage that the typical operator maytype the entire alphanumeric key set with hands resting on the palm/wrist suppon, thus reducing repetitive wrist motions and fatigue. When this concave, orthogonal array is used with conventional keycaps sloping at different angles in 20 different rows (originally designed for use with conventional ~flat" qwerty keyboards), the ease and accuracy of typing is funher enhanced.

5. An embedded 10-key is especially useful to trained typists and 10-key users, because it matches the orthogonal layout which is traditionally employed in separate 10-key numeric pads.

6. An optimally positioned and padded palm rests, combined with appropriate positioning of the alphanumeric keys as described herein, allows most operators to type most or all alphanumeric keys while resting the palms.
This has not been accomplished previously for keyboards using the traditional Q~NERSY layout. The use of a compliant gel pad is also important in providing 30 comfortable support in a thin layer, so that the relationship of the hand to the keyboard is not significantly changed whether or not the pad is used~

7. The use of a right and left fifth row allows optional positioning of cursor movement keys. When more than two keys are provided on each side, seldom used keys normally typed by the little finger in other rows can 35 be repositioned to the fifth row to increase accuracy and speed of typing both the relocated and neighboring keys.

~O~J81 - - WO 92/18996 PCr~US92/O~gS7 Undesirable postures and motions of the hanLls, wrists, and arms are min~mized or eliminated for most opera~ors, including pronation of the wnst, extension of the wrists, and ulnar deviation. Surprisingly, this sigl~ficant improvement in cornfort, accuracy, and endurance is achieved in the best mode of5 the present invention without requiring the operator to relearn the relative positions of alphanumeric keys. Only minimal learn~ng is required for ef~lcient use of the medially-transferred auxilialy and control keys, and to compensate for the small positional differences of the alphanumeric keys caused by the change from diagonal to orthogonal key layout. While the primary objective of the 10 present invention is improved comfort and endurance, plus reduced strain and stretching, without requiring substantial relearning, a further benefit is increased performance through increased accuracy aIld decreased visual typing of previously hard-to-reach keys.
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific 15 embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not lirnited except as by the appended claims.

~ 1 0 '~ i' .~ 1 wo 92/18996 Pl/1)$92/02'957 Appendix A.

The following array of numbers defines a set of lines, each of which ends at theposition at which a mechanical keyswitch (e.g. type MXlA, from Cherry Electronics Corporation, Waukeegan, Illinois, U.S.A.) would contact a faceplate. These lines therefore represent the preferred positions and attitudes of the alphanumeric and thumb keys for the right and left sides of the present invention, as depicted in Figure 6. The first three numbers define one end of the line, and the second three numbers define the other end of the line.
The point which is defined is located at the midpoint between the right and leftalphanumeric key arrays.

.~. .

21Q~8~
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.

2 1 0 8 2 !~ 1 wo 92/18996 17Cr/U~92/0~957 ' 1~/1 LINE 7.085053,4.987385,4.453756,6.7770(~,4.371971,1.036648,8,1,1 LlNE 6.70894,6.65975,1.41863,7.085053,4.987385,4.453756, ~,1, ]LINE 6.83356,3.61895,1.25776,7.085053,4.9~7385,4.453756,8,1,1 Lll~E 7.569335,6.085933,1.084243,7.73648,5.132073, ~,684937,8,1,1 LJ~E 7.73648,5.132073,3.684937,7.606606,5.316667,0.918996,8,1,1llNE 6.306084,5.091255,4.240877,5.889712,6.192233,1.07068,8,1,1LINE 5.915799,5.415294,0.8974736,6.306084,5.091255,4.240877,8,1,1 E 6.306084,5.091255,4.240877,5.963534,4.620381,0.90972,8,1,1 LlNE 5.614666,5.194831,3.51583,5.065645,6.200934,1.067919,8,1,1LDNE 5.080251,5.408403,0.8748596,5.614666,5.194831,3.51583,8,1,1 I~NE 5.614666,5.194831,3.51583,5.143544,4.896416,0.9224,8,1,1 IIU~E 4.324486,6.084067,1.400235,5.47696,5.040864,4.524379,8,1,1LINE 5.47696,5.040864,4.524379,4.328402,5.30773,1.240122,8,1,1 LlNE 4.391585,4.517622,1.249485,5.47696,5.040864,4.524379,8,1,1LINE 5.626412,4.89049,4.921143,3.603139,5.951178,1.75601,8,1,1 IIU~E 3.601304,5.185127,1.597157,5.626412,4.89049,4.921143,8,1,1LINE 2.6601,3.76987,2.09085,2.66656,3.80838,1.89469,8,1,1 LINE 1.97332,3.51047,2.01068,1.98035,3.55394,1.81556,8,1,1 LlNE 2.24537,2.85345,1.88888,2.26119,2.88858,1.69263,8,1,1 LINE 2053461,2.19295,1.77475,2.53442,2.23209,1.57862,8,1,1 LINE 3.12118,2.76265,1.90754,3.11843,2.80132,1.71134,8,1,1 LlNE 3.79807,3.05363,1.92209,3.78722,3.0987,1.72754,8,1,1 llNE 7.65434,4.53253,0.97658,7.73648,5.132073,3.684937,8,1,1 LINE 7.54553,6.77835,1.45902,7.73648,5.132073,3.684937,8,1,1 LINE 6.03027,3.851587,1.106739,6.306084,5.091255,4.240877,8,1,1 LINE 5.88672,6.908103,4.419731,6.306084,5.091255,4.240877,8,1,1 llNE 5.249757,3.838946,1.206208,5.614666,5.194831,3.51S83,8,1,1 LINE 5.101057,6.901806,1.483988,5.614666,5.194831,3.51583,8,1,1 LlNE 4.510779, 3.754514,1.427841,5.47696,5.040864,4.524379,8,1,1 I~U~E 5.47696,5.040864,4.524379,4.380041,6.806S73,1.721562,8,1,1 LINE 5.626412,4.859049,4.921143,3.68082,4.40724,1.57183,8,1,1 LlNE 3.68625,6.57462,2.04201,5.626412,4.89049,4.921143,8,1,1 Wrl\C:\llR\NU~ERS\VI

~'.

Claims

1. A keyboard for interfacing the fingers of an operator's hand with a data processing device comprising:
an alphanumeric key array having a plurality of alphanumeric key means, for identifying alphanumeric characters to the data processing device, said key means including a home row having home keys that define a reference position for the fingers of the operator; and a function key array having a plurality of function key means for identifying functions to be performed by the data processing device, said plurality of function key means being positioned above the reference position and angled toward the operator thereby making said plurality of function key means more accessible to the operator.

2. The keyboard as recited in claim 1 wherein said alphanumeric key means include a plurality of keys arranged in a generally orthogonal, substantially concave array.

3. The keyboard as recited in claim 2, further including palm rest means for receiving the palms of the operator, said palm rest means being positioned above the reference position defined by said home keys so that the fingers of the operator extend downward from said palm rest means during operation of the keyboard.

4. The keyboard as recited in claim 3, further comprising an auxiliary key array including a plurality of auxiliary key means for identifying auxiliary operations to be performed by the data processing device, said auxiliary key means including a plurality of auxiliary keys arranged in a generally orthogonal array, said auxiliary key means being positioned above the reference position defined by said home keys and rotated with respect to said alphanumeric key array.

5. The keyboard as recited in claim 4 wherein said plurality of auxiliary keys include first and second linear keys positioned to be aligned along the thumb of the operator when the operators hands are in the reference position, said first and second linear keys being constructed to move between first remote and secondproximate positions remote from and proximate to the keyboard, respectively, said first linear key being positioned so that its surface is above the surface of said second linear key when said first linear key is in said second proximate position and said second linear key is in said first remote position.

6. The keyboard as recited in claim 5 wherein said alphanumeric key array comprises first and second alphanumeric key arrays separated for manipulation by the left and right hands of the operator, respectively, said function key array comprising first and second function key arrays separated for manipulation by the left and right hands of the user, respectively, and wherein said auxiliary key array comprises first and second auxiliary key arrays separated for manipulation by the left and right hands of the user, respectively.

7. Data input apparatus for interfacing the fingers of the hand of an operator with a data processing device comprising:
a key array having a plurality of key means constructed for manipulation by the fingers of the operator for providing input to the data processing device, said plurality of key means including home keys that define a reference position for the hands of the operator wherein the index finger of the operator defines a reference line when positioned in the reference position; and an auxiliary key array including a plurality of auxiliary key means constructed for manipulation by the thumbs of the operator for providing input to the data processing device, said auxiliary key means being positioned above the reference position defined by said home keys, said auxiliary key means including an elongated key positioned at an angle with respect to the reference line so that the thumb of the operator may be positioned along the surface of said elongated key.

8. The data input apparatus as recited in claim 7, further including palm rest means for receiving the palm of the operator, said palm rest means being positioned above the reference position defined by said home keys so that the fingers of the operator extend downward from said palm rest means during operation of the data input apparatus, said auxiliary key means being positioned generally coplanar with said palm rest means so that the thumbs of the operator are generally coplanar with the palms of the operator during operation.

9. The data input apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of auxiliary keys include first and second linear keys positioned to be aligned along the thumb of the operator when the operators hands are in the reference position, said first and second linear keys being constructed to move between first remote and second proximate positions remote from and proximate to the data input apparatus, respectively, said first linear key being positioned so that its surface is above the surface of said second linear key when said first linear key is in said second proximate position and said second linear key is in said first remote position.

10. The data input apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said key means include a plurality of keys arranged in a generally orthogonal, substantially concave array

11. The data input apparatus as recited in claim 10, further comprising a function key array having a plurality of function key means for identifying functions to be performed by the data processing device, said plurality of function key means being positioned above the reference position and angled toward the user thereby making the plurality of function key means more accessible to the user.

12. The data input apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said key array comprises an alphanumeric key array.

13. The data input apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said alphanumeric key array comprises first and second alphanumeric key arrays separated for manipulation by the left and right hands of the operator, respectively, said function key array comprising first and second function key arrays separated for manipulation by the left and right hands of the user, respectively, and wherein said auxiliary key array comprises first and second auxiliary key arrays separated for manipulation by the left and right hands of the user, respectively.

14. A data input device for interfacing the hands of an operator with a data processing device comprising:
palm rest means for receiving the palms of the hands of the operator during operation of the data input device; and a key array including key means for providing input to the data processing device, said key means including first and second keys positioned to be aligned along the thumb of the operator, said first and second keys being constructed to move between first remote and second proximate positions remote from and proximate to the data input device, respectively, said first key being positioned so that its surface is above the surface of said second key when said first key is in said second proximate position and said second key is in said first remote position.