WO2001011788A1

WO2001011788A1 - Multi-purpose keyboard

Info

Publication number: WO2001011788A1
Application number: PCT/IL2000/000465
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oren Kramer
Original assignee: Omniboard, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-08-06
Filing date: 2000-08-03
Publication date: 2001-02-15
Also published as: CN1385001A; TW498265B; EP1205031A1; US20030132916A1; EP1205031A4; CA2388349A1; US7091953B1; KR20020040763A; AU780564B2; ZA200200732B; US7091955B2; BR0012916A; AU6312900A; JP2003509735A; MXPA02000971A; RU2235354C2

Abstract

A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer comprising a removable part (20) that comprises a set of specific of keys each of which having a contact and held by a foundation. The removable part (20) is associated with a specific software application to be executed on the host computer using the set, and comprises a device for data-connection and a data storage device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the specific application. The keyboard also comprises a fixed part (10), into which the removable part (20) is installed.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE KEYBOARD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of input devices. More particularly, the

invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing functional input for

computerized systems.

Background of the Invention

In most computers, a keyboard is the primary main input and control device

typically used to input text. The keyboard also contains specific standard

function keys, such as the Escape key, the Tab and cursor movement keys, the

Shift and Control keys, and sometimes other manufacturer-customized keys.

The computer keyboard uses the same basic arrangement as the mechanical and

electronic typewriter keyboards that preceded the computer. The standard

arrangement of alphabet keys is known as the Qwerty keyboard, its name

deriving from the arrangement of the five keys at the upper left of the three rows

of alphabet keys. This arrangement, invented for one of the earliest mechanical

typewriters, dates back to the 1870s. Because many keyboard users develop a cumulative trauma disorder, such as

carpal tunnel syndrome, a number of ergonomic keyboards have been developed.

Current techniques include keyboards contoured to alleviate stress and

foot-driven pedals for certain keys or keyboard functions.

Nowadays, the personal computer has a wide variety of applications and games.

Personal computers are operated by users of all ages with diverse needs and

languages. Even so, the number of keyboard types used is relatively small in

comparison to the number of implementations utilized. The main factors

governing this phenomenon are financial and pragmatic considerations.

The manufacturing process of keyboards is a relatively expensive process.

Therefore, keyboards are fabricated in mass-produced series, in order to make

them affordable to the common PC user. However, sometimes computer games

are not mass-produced, and their manufacturers cannot attach a dedicated

keyboard to each game or application sold. In any event, if one looks at this issue

from the user's point of view, it is not convenient to switch to a different

keyboard for each game or application, especially when the plug resides in the

rear side of the computer. Furthermore, when using several keyboards, the

problem of storing these keyboards arises. Due to different key layouts in different countries, it is necessary to implement a

look-up table technique in order to use the same basic keyboard for a plurality of

countries. Moreover, some computer programs allow the performance of specific

operations by using a predefined sequence of keys, especially when the number of

operations is greater than the number of keys, such as, "Ctrl-D, Alt-A,

Ctrl- Shift- F'. Other computer programs use a sequence of keystrokes, usually

called a "macro", as input. Macros can be stored on the computer's memory, or

embedded in the keyboard hardware (usually memory means), which gives the

keyboard the status of "smart-keyboard".

Due to recent developments of a combination between TV and the Internet, a

new type of keyboard design is flourishing nowadays. However, browsing the

Internet with a regular TV remote control system is very difficult, due to the fact

that the number of keys in TV remote control systems is insufficient compared to

those required while browsing the Internet. For browsing the Internet, the

keyboard must comprise the literal keys, especially when composing e-mail.

US Patent 5,514,855 deals with the above-mentioned issues. A molded

rigid panel, which is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys,

"diminishes" the number of keys. It is useful for computer games and

applications directed to very young children. US Patent 5,667,319 deals with a non-conventional keyboard, actually a

simplified keyboard for use by a child. Typically, the simplified keyboard of this

patent has keys which are optimized in design, number and placement for use by

young children, but which electrically interfaces the computer in a manner

similar to standard keyboards for manual entry of symbolic data for use by the

computer software.

All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to

the problem of using a keyboard designed for a special application at a low cost.

Moreover, all the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory

solutions to the problem of associating a keyboard with a computer program for

executing an application that requires a special keyboard.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dedicated keyboard apparatus

whose manufacturing cost will be lower than that known in the prior art.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for

replacing a keyboard on a host machine, which is simpler than those of the prior

art. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus which

associates between a keyboard and a computer's application, for executing and

simplifying that application.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus which

associates between a keyboard and a computer's setup, for setting up the

computer.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the

description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a keyboard for use as an

input device for a host computer, the computer being able to execute one or

more software applications, comprising:

- a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of which

having a contact and held by a foundation, the removable part being

associated with a specific software application to be executed on the

host computer using the set, the removable part comprising a device

for data-connection and a data storage device containing an

Identification Data (ID) associated with the specific application; - a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed, the fixed

comprising:

I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or more

contacts of the removable part, for receiving input data;

II) a reader device for reading the ID from the data storage

device;

III) a first data-connection means from the reader to the data

connection device; and

IV) a second data connection means to the host computer, for

transferring the ID from the reader, and data input from the

set, to the host computer, so as to allow the host computer to

execute the specific software application upon placing the

removable part into the fixed part.

Optionally, the reader, the first data connection means and the storage

device are replaced by a mechanical member extending out of the

removable part, for applying a mechanical force on a predetermined

contact in the fixed part whenever the removable part is placed into the

fixed part, the mechanical force causing ID data related to a specific set to

be transmitted to the host computer via the second data connection means,

after a predetermined period has been lapsed. Optionally, the removable part is a single rigid unit or a plurality of rigid

units that can be folded.

Optionally, the ID is embedded into the identification mechanism by

electronic means and/or by electro-optic means and/or by

electro-mechanical means and/or magnetic means.

Optionally, the keys layout is compatible with a standard 101-keys

keyboard.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a system for use as an input

mechanism for a host computer, comprising:

• A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, the

computer being able to execute one or more software applications,

comprising:

- a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of

which having a contact and held by a foundation, the removable

part being associated with a specific software application to be

executed on the host computer using the set, the removable part

comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage device

containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the

specific application; - a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed, the fixed

comprising:

I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or

more contacts of the removable part, for receiving input

data;

II) a reader device for reading the ID from the data storage

device;

III) a first data-connection means from the reader to the data

connection device; and

IV) a second data connection means to the host computer, for

transferring the ID from the reader, and data input from

the set, to the host computer, so as to allow the host

computer to execute the specific software application upon

placing the removable part into the fixed part.

• a software component for reading the ID and executing one or more

program(s) and/or one or more application(s) and/or one or more

predefined operation(s), the software component residing on the host

computer and executed by the host computer, the program(s), the

application(s) and the operation(s) being associated with the ID.

Optionally, the predefined operations are directed to setup the host. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for connecting a

keyboard to a host computer, comprising:

a) Providing a keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer,

the computer being able to execute one or more software

applications, comprising:

- a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of

which having a contact and held by a foundation, the removable

part being associated with a specific software application to be

executed on the host computer using the set, the removable part

comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage device

containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the

specific application;

- a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed, the fixed

comprising:

I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or

more contacts of the removable part, for receiving input

data;

II) a reader device for reading the ID from the data storage

device;

III) a first data-connection means from the reader to the data

connection device; and IV) a second data connection means to the host computer, for

transferring the ID from the reader, and data input from

the set, to the host computer, so as to allow the host

computer to execute the specific software application upon

placing the removable part into the fixed part.

b) Providing a software component for reading the ID and executing

one or more program(s) and or one or more application(s) and/or one

or more predefined operation(s), the software component residing on

the host computer and executed by the host computer, the

program(s), the application(s) and the operation(s) associated with

the ID.

c) Connecting between the removable part and the fixed part by

contact upon placing the removable part on the fixed part;

d) Reading the ID by the reader device;

e) Conveying the ID from the keyboard to the host computer via the

connection;

f) Executing one or more program(s) and/or one or more application(s)

and/or one or more predefined operation(s), the program(s), the

application(s) and the operation(s) being associated with the ID. Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be

better understood through the following illustrative and non-hmitative detailed

description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended

drawings, wherein:

- Fig. 1 illustrates a "101-keys" keyboard, according to the prior art;

- Fig. 2 illustrates a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of

the invention;

- Fig. 3 illustrates a dedicated keyboard layout, according to a preferred

embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 4 illustrates a keyboard for applications directed to young users,

according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a keyboard, according to a preferred

embodiment of the invention; and

- Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the folding of a removable part of the

keyboard into three parts, according to a preferred embodiment of the

invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 illustrates a "101 keys" keyboard, according to the prior art. Nowadays, the

"101 keys" keyboard is the most commonly used keyboard. The keys 40 are

installed in an immersed area 50. Such a keyboard is suitable for being use as an

input device in text-related applications, such as word processors. However,

when it comes to stick-games, this kind of keyboard is less efficient. Stick-games

are better operated with a joystick, and the keyboard layout should be designed

in such a way that the user will feel as if actually inside a cockpit. Moreover, the

texture of the keys does not suit the purpose of the game at all.

In order to manufacture dedicated keyboards with fewer expenses, according to

the disclosed invention, a keyboard may be separated into two parts:

- One part comprises the elements of the keyboard, which are useful for

a variety of keyboards type, hereinafter called "the replaceable part of

the keyboard";

- The other part comprises elements that are typical of a dedicated

keyboard, hereinafter called "the fixed part of the keyboard".

By setting the replaceable part of the keyboard on the fixed part of the keyboard,

clicking a key causes the same effect as in a keyboard known from the prior art. As a result, the key contacts the electronic circuit. Due to this contact, a number

that is associated with the key is submitted to the host computer.

According to the disclosed invention, the following benefits are achieved:

- The keyboard may be designed according to its dedicated purpose, not

merely applicable for a variety of purposes. This way the design fits its

purpose in a better way than presently known in prior art.

- Since for many implementations, the presence of all 101 keys (as in the

most commonly used keyboard) is not required, the keyboard may be

designed such a way that the keys are gathered in small region. This

way the keyboard becomes compact, and hence such a keyboard may be

sold with a computer game or application. Furthermore, when using

the same size of keyboard with fewer keys, the keys may be bigger, and

hence easy to operate.

- Due to the fact that a dedicated keyboard is associated with a certain

implementation(s), by detecting the type of the keyboard, the host

computer may execute a program that is associated with the keyboard,

or to allow the user to select one of the implementations associated with this keyboard. For example, a dedicated keyboard may be suitable

for a variety of football games.

Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b illustrate a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of

the invention. The keyboard is composed of two parts: The fixed part 10 and the

replaceable part 20. Fig. 2a illustrates the combined keyboard, according to a

preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2b illustrates the separate parts of a

keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The base 10 of the keyboard is fixed, while the removable part 20 of the keyboard

may be replaced by another replaceable element. The keys 40 are installed in the

removable part 20 of the keyboard. According to a preferred embodiment of the

invention, the handles 60 are attached to the removable part 20 of the keyboard.

Hence, the removable part 20 may be removed by lifting the handles 60. Of

course the removable part 20 may be removed in other ways also.

There are a variety of ways to fasten the removable part 20 of the keyboard to

the fixed part 10 of the keyboard, such as a hooking mechanism, screwing

mechanism, magnet mechanism, and sometimes even the weight of the

removable part is adequate. There are also a variety of ways to establish contact

between the removable and fixed parts of the keyboard. A combination of

fastening mechanism and contact mechanism can also be used. Fig. 3 illustrates a dedicated keyboard layout, according to a preferred

embodiment of the invention. The keyboard is dedicated to operations related to

the Internet. By pressing keys 31 to 36, the browser will be directed to the

appropriate Web site. By clicking key 37, the browser will be directed to a Web

page that contains links to search engines, such as Yahoo, Infoseek, etc. By

clicking key 38, the current page will be printed.

Although the keyboard in Fig. 3 is designed like the commonly used 101-keys

keyboard, the size of key 31 is that of the keys Fl and F2 in Fig.l together. The

same is true of keys 32 to 36.

Fig. 4 illustrates a keyboard for applications directed to young users, according to

a preferred embodiment of the invention. The keys 40 are in different shapes,

such as triangular, circular and heart-shaped. Due to the young age of the users

of this keyboard, the number of keys is relatively small.

Moreover, the user may individually design the layout of the keyboard, according

to his needs. The keys 40 may be removed, and replaced with other keys, which

have different icons and text. In the prior art, the user had to perform several operations in order to execute a

program. For example, in Windows ™ based applications, the user has to go to

the "Program files" section, and then select the program he wishes to use. The

process may be simplified by "shortcuts"; however, not all users have the

knowledge how to create a shortcut. Moreover, very young children cannot read,

and therefore running an application without a desktop icon is impossible.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the type of the keyboard is

detectable. The removable part 20 of the keyboard comprises an IC (Integrated

Circuit) 70 which provides an individual code, by which the type of the keyboard

is identified, and the base 10 of the keyboard comprise a data recognition device

80, which is able to detect the code that is stored in IC (Integrated Circuit) 70.

Detecting the type of the keyboard simplifies the use of the host operation, since

the host is directed to execute the application to which the keyboard has been

dedicated, to set the special settings of the application, and to suspend the

application whenever the removable part of the keyboard is taken out. A special

setting can be defined by the user or predefined by the software, which suits the

user's preferences, such as small or large icons, different levels of guidance, etc.

Using large icons, the user is exposed to less data than when using small icons,

therefore small icons are usually more suitable for advanced users, whereas large

icons are better suited for beginners. Whenever there are several programs using the same keyboard type, the

software, which keeps track of the presence of the keyboard, may display a menu

from which the user can select the appropriate program to be executed. For

instance, the famous football game FIFA, has several versions, such as FIFA-98,

FIFA-99, and so forth. Therefore, if different versions of the software are

installed on the same host, the user should be given the option of selecting the

version to be executed.

Usually, there is a software component running on the host device, which

operates as a "watchdog" that reacts whenever the code of the keyboard is

changed. Technically, there are a variety of ways to program the watchdog, such

as hooking the keyboard interrupt, as is known to any programmer skilled in the

art.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the detection of the unique ID of

the keyboard is performed by a physical contact in a way similar to the insertion

of electronic cards into the computer sockets.

According to another embodiment of the invention, detection of the unique ID of

the keyboard is performed by electro-optical means. For example, a set of

photoelectric cells resides on the fixed part of the keyboard. The removable part of the keyboard contains a fight source that fights up some of the photoelectric

cells, while some of the cells remain unlighted. The lighted cells may be

considered as "1" and the unlighted cells may be considered as "0". Therefore, a

binary representation is comprised, which represents the ID of the keyboard.

According to another embodiment of the invention, detection of the unique

number of the keyboard is performed by wireless transmission between the

removable part 20 of the keyboard and the base 10 of the keyboard. For this

purpose, it is possible to use a short-range transmitter. The transmitter resides

on the removable part of the keyboard, while the receiver resides on the fixed

part of the keyboard.

Alternatively, reading the information embedded in the removable part 20 of the

keyboard is done by RF transmission, which provides the energy required for the

operation of the memory device 70, in which the ID is embedded. This way, the

memory device 70 is "passive".

According to another embodiment of the invention, the identification of the

keyboard type is carried out by a permanent contact, which causes an effect of

permanently pressing a single or a group of keys. In this case, the ID is the

combination of the activated key(s). A watchdog software component that runs on

the host computer keeps track of the combination of the pressed keys. Upon changing of the combination, the watchdog checks for the permanency of the new

combination for a predefined period. If the combination sustains this period, then

the watchdog software component performs the operations associated with the

identified type of keyboard.

For example, the projection turns on the "F" and the "I" characters. Whenever

the watchdog software component detects that the "F' and "I" characters were

pressed for a period of 3 seconds, it activates the operations associated with the

FIFA game.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment

of the invention.

According to the prior art, the sensors 11 are located such a way that pressing a

key 40 moves it down, where it then touches a sensor 11. As a result, the

circuitry embedded in the keyboard translates the state of the sensors to digital

values that represent the appropriate keys. These values are conveyed to the

host.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foundation of

the keys is removable. Since there is no electrical connection between the keys 40

and the sensors 11, removal of the keys cannot cause any short circuit. Therefore, the keys may be removed without causing any interference with the host's

operation.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the folding of a removable part of the

keyboard into three parts, according to a preferred embodiment of the

invention. This attribute decreases the size needed for storing the

removable part of the keyboard. Therefore, the removable part of the

keyboard may be packed with the other parts of a computer game or

application, such as CD and manual, in a compact pack, and be sold this

way. Moreover, since the number of keys needed for various

implementations is very small, it is possible to design the removable part

20 of the keyboard in such a way that all the keys will be concentrated in a

small area; hence, its size will be compact.

The separation between the removable part and the base of the keyboard

provides more features, which may be useful for developing new apphcations and

implementations. For instance, some effort has been made to provide a secure

access on purchase operations through the Internet, such as "smart cards"

whereby the user inserts an appropriate reader into the computer. Since such a

reader is not needed for any other application, its presence in personal computers

is very rare. However, according to the invention, the removable part of the

keyboard may be used with the appropriate circuitry as a "smart card" which operates as an identification card. This way there is no need to use smart-card

readers, and a new gateway is opened for the users to carry out e-commerce.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the keyboard may

comprise additional codes - some of them being embedded in the keyboard (such

as the type of the removable part), and some of them being programmable (such

as the user's ID).

The removable part may actually be a plurality of parts. For instance, the keypad

of the 101-key keyboard may be produced in two parts, which operate

independently: the keypad produced as a separate part for the other keys, which

reside on the other, rigid part of the keyboard. This way instead of the keypad,

the user may use another part, which is associated with another application,

such as a computer game or Internet-associated application.

The above examples and description have of course been provided only for

the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in

any way. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be

carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique

from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the

invention.

Claims

1. A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, said

computer being able to execute one or more software apphcations,

comprising:

- a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of which

having a contact and held by a foundation, said removable part

being associated with a specific software application to be executed

on said host computer using said set, optionally said removable part

comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage device

containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with said specific

application;

- a fixed part, into which said removable part is installed, said fixed

comprising:

I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or

more contacts of said removable part, for receiving input

data;

II) a reader device for reading said ID from said data storage

device;

III) a first data-connection means from said reader to said

data connection device; and

IV) a second data connection means to said host computer, for

transferring said ID from said reader, and data input from said set, to said host computer, so as to allow said host

computer to execute said specific software application

upon placing said removable part into said fixed part.

2. A keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said reader, said first data

connection means and said storage device are replaced by a mechanical

member extending out of the removable part, for applying a mechanical

force on a predetermined contact in said fixed part whenever said

removable part is placed into said fixed part, said mechanical force

causing ID data related to a specific set to be transmitted to said host

computer via said second data connection means, after a predetermined

period has been lapsed.

3. A keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said removable part is a

single rigid unit or a plurality of rigid units that can be folded.

4. A keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said ID is embedded into said

identification mechanism by electronic means and/or by electro-optic

means and or by electro-mechanical means and/or magnetic means.

5. A keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the keys layout is compatible

with a standard 101-keys keyboard. system for use as an input mechanism for a host computer,

comprising:

• A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, said

computer being able to execute one or more software apphcations,

comprising:

- a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of

which having a contact and held by a foundation, said removable

part being associated with a specific software application to be

executed on said host computer using said set, said removable

part comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage

device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with said

specific application;

- a fixed part, into which said removable part is installed, said

fixed comprising:

I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or

more contacts of said removable part, for receiving input

data;

II) a reader device for reading said ID from said data storage

device;

III) a first data-connection means from said reader to said

data connection device; and TV) a second data connection means to said host computer, for

transferring said ID from said reader, and data input from

said set, to said host computer, so as to allow said host

computer to execute said specific software application

upon placing said removable part into said fixed part.

• a software component for reading said ID and executing one or more

program(s) and/or one or more application(s) and/or one or more

predefined operation(s), said software component residing on said

host computer and executed by said host computer, said program(s),

said appfication(s) and said operation(s) being associated with said

ID.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said predefined operations are

directed to setup said host.

8. A method for connecting a keyboard to a host computer, comprising:

a) Providing a keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer,

said computer being able to execute one or more software

applications, comprising:

- a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of

which having a contact and held by a foundation, said removable

part being associated with a specific software application to be executed on said host computer using said set, said removable

part comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage

device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with said

specific application;

- a fixed part, into which said removable part is installed, said

fixed comprising:

I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or

more contacts of said removable part, for receiving input

data;

II) a reader device for reading said ID from said data storage

device;

III) a first data-connection means from said reader to said

data connection device; and

TV) a second data connection means to said host computer, for

transferring said ID from said reader, and data input from

said set, to said host computer, so as to allow said host

computer to execute said specific software application

upon placing said removable part into said fixed part.

roviding a software component for reading said ID and executing

one or more program(s) and/or one or more application(s) and/or one

or more predefined operation(s), said software component residing on said host computer and executed by said host computer, said

program(s), said appfication(s) and said operation(s) associated with

said ID.

c) Connecting between said removable part and said fixed part by

contact upon placing said removable part on said fixed part;

d) Reading said ID by said reader device;

e) Conveying said ID from said keyboard to said host computer via said

connection;

f) Executing one or more program(s) and/or one or more apphcation(s)

and/or one or more predefined operation(s), said program(s), said

application(s) and said operation(s) being associated with said ID.

9. A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, substantially

as described and illustrated.

10. A system for use as an input mechanism for a host computer,

substantially as described and illustrated.

11. A method for connecting a keyboard to a host computer,

substantially as described and illustrated.