ERGONOMIC INPUT DEVICES

BACKGROUND

[001] Conventional keyboards for computers, typewriters, or portable electronics typically place substantially all input keys in a single plane, and within one contiguous rectangular shape. The plane of a conventional keyboard may be flat, or angled towards or away from the operator.

[002] A number of ergonomic keyboards have introduced three-dimensional curves to the keyboard, in order to better fit the natural curves described by flexing and contracting the digits of the human hand, including both fingers and thumbs. Other key board makers have separated the keyboard into two or more components to allow the user to choose the hand separation distance and orientation. A few have combined these approaches.

[003] Standard computer keyboards may lead typists to use awkward or non-neutral postures. These can lead to a variety of repetitive strain injuries. Ergonomic keyboards allow the typist to assume a more natural position, and may reduce the risk of injury.

[004] Typists seeking optimal ergonomics or adapting to a disability are generally not able to modify existing keyboards for best ergonomic fit, or to determine what keyboard would be ideal without purchasing or experimenting with multiple keyboards.

[005] Keyboard manufacturers commonly produce only a few models of keyboard, which necessarily target physiometric averages rather than accommodating the extremes. Manufacturers have developed shaped Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) that permit three- dimensional keyboard shapes, but these PCB shapes cannot be customized to a user, or adjusted subsequent to purchase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

[006] This design permits the operator to adjust fit for each digit, spacing between digits (to compensate for different digit lengths), and to set comfortable rotations around the wrist, thumb and elbow. This allows for an ergonomic fit despite a wide variation in operator sizes and abilities, without a requirement to alter the base hardware and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) for each operator.

[007] Some factors limiting the adoption of ergonomic keyboards include the problem that most contoured and customized keyboards require manual customization by the manufacturer and cost significantly more, and in some examples up to eighty times more, than mass market alternatives. Using this design, a standard set of components may be manufactured, reducing complexity and cost, while permitting each user to customize their own keyboard.

[008] This design can provide markings and indicators to allow an operator to determine settings and position of keyboard components. This permits the operator to have customized keyboards built using the settings determined in configuring the devices of this design. It also permits the operator to record settings used in one environment and restore them later when returning to that environment.

[009] Additional components may be added, substituted, or removed at any point. This permits the operator to travel with a subset of components, or to“dock” with keyboard components at a destination.

DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 shows a sensor holder and adjusting supports.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a palm rest from two sides.

[0012] Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of a component support and adjustment device.

[0013] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a process for assembling a keyboard.

[0014] Figure 5 shows a side view of a keyboard device for one hand, with several adjustable components. [0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a keyboard device for one hand, with several adjustable components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Each input device is made up of multiple components. The fundamental component is a base surface, which the other device components will be mounted to. This base surface will in turn be rest upon or be mounted to the“work surface” In one example, this“work surface” would be the plane of the table the keyboard is placed on. Alternately it could be the arms of a chair or the inner surface of the forearm, for example. The base surface may be the same as the work surface in other examples.

[0017] The uppermost component(s), proximate to the operator, are structure(s) for holding collections of individual switches, input sensors, user signaling devices or interface modules, the“sensor holder". These structures hold each of the input sensors and user signaling devices in a fixed spacing and orientation to neighboring input sensors. In one example, a sensor holder would hold five switches, corresponding to the 1, Q, A, Z, and“Alt” keys operated by the smallest finger of the left hand on a QWERTY keyboard.

[0018] Sets of sensor holders may be connected to an intermediate structure that is mounted to the base surface and supports one or more sensor holders that have share a common elevation or rotation. In one example, six sensor holders devoted to the fingers of the left hand would be connected to an intermediate structure that establishes a common pronation and flexion for the hand as a unit. These intermediate structures may contain elements that permit adjusting the elevation and orientation of the intermediate structure or the common positioning of connected sensor holders. Intermediate structures may incorporate a component to vary the starting location of individual sensor holders, for example, elevating the rightmost mounting position so that the index finger of the left hand would be elevated above the smallest finger of the left hand. Intermediate structures may also contain input sensors, user signaling devices, or ergonomic affordances. In one example, an intermediate structure may support a single input sensor and a palm rest.

[0019] The input device may contain one or more independent“adjuster” components that are mounted to the base surface or an intermediate surface, and permit adjustment of the elevation and orientation of sensor holders or another intermediate surface. In one example, the modules devoted to the thumb of one hand would be placed on a common intermediate surface, with an adjuster component used to place the intermediate surface above and apart from the fingers of the hand.

[0020] The input device may include zero or more structural components used for the comfort of the operator and to help position the body in relationship to the collections of modules. In one example, a palm rest positioned to provide comfortable access to the thumb and finger modules. These components may be connected to the base surface, the intermediate surface, or to an adjuster component.

Each of the adjustable components may have markings that enable the operator to measure and record the current configuration. These measurements may be used to reproduce the configuration, or to produce replacement components that are improved in price, durability, aesthetics, ease of configuration, ergonomics or adjustability.

Detailed description of finger module component & adjuster

[0021] In Fig 1, item (1) shows a structure designed to hold multiple switches in receptacle holes (2). A PCB or interface module may be attached to these switches on the bottom side of the structure. At each longitudinal end of the structure there is a hole (3) for connecting a fastener, while allowing rotation parallel to the long, Y axis of the structure, and for adjusting from right to left. [0022] The fastener connects to vertical adjuster (4), through slot (5), allowing adjustment in the vertical plane. Fasteners may be chosen to permit adjustment in the pitch of the structure by different vertical adjustments at the two ends. The bottom of the vertical adjuster (6) is placed upon the base surface (7). The connection to the base surface is made via a fastener or other connecting method, shown here as a declivity (8), and a hole for a fastener (9).

Detailed description of other structural components and associated adjusters

[0023] Where a subset of switches or interface modules will share a common orientation that is substantially different or removed from the plane of the work surface, this subset may be attached to a new intermediate surface that is connected to the fundamental surface by an adjuster. In one example, two separate“finger modules” may be used by the thumb. To elevate them to the right location, the two modules would be affixed to a small board-like intermediate surface that is elevated and placed in the desired rotation by an adjuster.

Modules may then be individually adjusted as though they were on the base surface.

[0024] Fig 2 shows a structural component used for comfort, in this case a palm rest. The component (21), has a top surface (22), and a bottom surface (23), with a fixed angular relationship. The top has ergonomic affordances (24, 25), in this case a bulge to fit the center of the palm (24), and notch for the thumb (25). The component has a fastener locations, (26, 27), for connecting to an adjuster component. These locations (27) may permit setting the angle or bearing of the component in relation to the supporting adjuster, base, or intermediate surface.

[0025] In Fig 3, Adjusting assembly 301 allows an intermediate surface or keyboard component connected to the top face (302) to be adjusted along 3 axis (X, or left/right, Y, or front/back, Z, or up/down) and in 3 orientations around these axis (pitch (rotation around the X axis), roll (rotation around the Y axis), and yaw (rotation around the Z axis)). Assembly 301 is placed on the base surface (320).

[0026] Subsection 303 provides for the orientation of a keyboard component affixed to the top face (302) of cylindrical wedge (304), by fastener point(s) (306). This section allows the operator to adjust pitch and roll of the affixed keyboard component.

[0027] The top cylindrical wedge (304) is created with a determined angle between the top and bottom faces. The lower cylindrical wedge (305) is created with an independent determined angle between its top and bottom faces.

[0028] Top wedge (304) is concentrically linked at location (309) to lower wedge (305), so that the two shapes may be rotated around a line perpendicular to the shared plane of their connected sides. In Fig 3, a protuberance (307) on the bottom face of wedge (304) mates with a declivity (308) in the top face of lower wedge (305). A fastener placed through holes (309) and (310) allows rotation and prevents separation. Protuberance (307), recess (308), and holes (309) and (310) are rotationally symmetric around an axis perpendicular to the bottom face of wedge (304) and the top face of wedge (305).

[0029] By rotating wedge (304) with respect to wedge (305), around their shared axis, the user may continuously vary the planar angle between the top face (302) and the base surface on which assembly 301 rests or is mounted.

[0030] In one example, where the two wedges share the same determined angle, the planar angle is 0 (parallel to the work surface) when the short sides of the wedges are diametrically opposed, the planar angle is at its maximum when the short sides of both wedges align in the same direction. The total range of adjustment is limited by the determined angles of wedges (304) and (305), but can vary continuously within that range. Variation is linear with the relative orientation of the two wedges. [0031] The planar angle of the top face (302) can be converted to pitch and roll angles by changing the heading of subsection (303). In one example, when the short edges of both wedges turned to face directly away from the operator, there is zero roll and the angle of pitch equals the planar angle. In this example, when assembly 303 is rotated clockwise 45 degrees, the angle of pitch will be 1/2 of the planar angle, and the angle of roll will be 1/2 of the planar angle.

[0032] The ratio of pitch to roll can be shown to the operator by providing calibration marks on the two wedges. Changing the orientation of the top and bottom wedges by 9 degrees (2.5% of a circle) will cause the ratio of pitch to roll to change by 10%. If the operator knows the determined angles of the wedges, they can then calculate the current angles of pitch and roll. Markings may be placed on the circumference of the wedges to permit accurate measurement of total or pitch and roll angles.

[0033] Subsection (311) allows the heading of subsection (303) to be adjusted without changing the heading of the components connected to the top face (302). A footing (312) contains a recess (313) sized to permit rotation of an inner sleeve (314). Rotating the sleeve permits the fall line of the planar angle of (302) to be adjusted to any heading. Markings may be placed on the circumference of the sleeve and enclosing base to permit accurate measurement of relative positions and the effective heading of the inner structure in relation to the outer.

[0034] The footing (312) can be moved along the X and Y axis of the base surface. It can be connected to the fundamental surface by permanent fasteners, or by re-attachable connections such as a magnetic, sticky, or hook and loop connection. This example includes receptacles (315) for magnets to be used to connect assembly (301) to a ferrous base surface. For calibration, the base surface may be marked with a grid to allow measurement of X/Y movements, or of the bearing of the footing. [0035] The elevation of the top surface (302) can be adjusted by subsection (316). The botom surface of wedge (305) is affixed to a threaded rod (317). Sleeve (314) contains matching threads. By rotating (317) within (314), the effective height of top surface (302) can be modified. Rotating sleeve (314) within base (312) permits the original orientation to be preserved. If threaded rod (317) is of a known pitch, the operator can measure vertical travel by how many revolutions the rod has been turned. Markings may be made on the threaded rod and sleeve to simplify measurement of partial rotations.

Markings

[0036] Adjustable components may have markings that enable the operator to determine the current configuration of the component, including the pitch, roll, yaw, elevation and position of the component. These markings may be constructed so as to allow the operator to directly measure an adjustment. In one example, the footing may have markings for every degree of rotation and a pointer on the sleeve that allows the heading to be indicated.

[0037] The markings may also be constructed to facilitate automated or machine detection of current setings, by embedding elements to facilitate detecting a specific element or the aspect of a specific element. In one example, the vertical adjuster (4) in Figure 1 may be of a recognizable color, with contrasting indicia of determined separation at the comers on the front the shape, so that the angle of a marker on the side of the switch holding structure (1) can be optically determined in comparison to the front plane of adjuster (4).

Construction and modification of a keyboard

[0038] Overall operation is diagrammed in Figure 4. The operator starts by determining the work surface where the keyboard will be used (402). For example, on a table or on a car’s dashboard. The operator then selects a base surface that can rest on or be fixed to the work surface, and that is compatible with the determined attachment method(s) for the keyboard components. This base surface is then placed on the work surface (403).

[0039] The operator then selects a determined origin point on or above the top surface of the base surface, and a default planar rotation around that origin point that will be shared by all components interacting with the same limb or surface of the operator. The center of the initial component is then placed at that origin point (404).

[0040] In one example, the operator may place the component that contains the switch that will be pressed by the middle finger in the center of the range of that finger. This location acts as an origin for subsequent measurements. Because the middle finger is longest, this will generally also be the closest to the base surface. Many people prefer that the keyboard be “tented”, with the palm rotated outward (supinated) and the pointing finger higher than the smallest finger. In this case, the middle finger component would be elevated to permit a downwards slope towards the smallest finger. The origin point may now be marked to facilitate measured adjustments (405).

[0041] Next, the operator places the component closest to the operator (406). This component dictates the angles of the wrist and arm. In one example the operator may place a palm rest so that the middle finger can comfortably connect to the switches of the middle finger while the palm is at rest. The operator then changes the elevation, pitch and roll of the palm rest (407) so that stress on the wrist and forearm is minimized when placed on the rest. This establishes the desired“tenting” of the hand, and the angle from the elbow to the switch tops.

[0042] The operator may then return to further adjust the initial component (608). In this example, the middle finger, adjusting elevation, pitch and roll to better comport with the settings of the palm. [0043] The operator then adds additional components (409) and adjusts them to fit the proximal component (410). In this example, the other fingers and thumbs are added at locations convenient to the relevant digits, and adjusted to be comfortable with the plane determined by the angles and elevation of the palm rest (411). This process continues until all components have been placed (412).

[0044] Once a comfortable configuration has been achieved, the operator may record the current angles, elevation and locations (settings) and apply them to the other hand (413). Alternately, the operator may configure an additional keyboard cluster in a secondary location, in one example, on a separate work surface.

[0045] The operator may use a photographic or computer vision process to help determine and record the current settings of the keyboard. These recorded settings may also be used to create a customized base surface, case, cover, framework or component that replaces one or more of the original adjusters or components. These recorded settings may be used to create an aesthetic overlay that conceals one or more adjusting components. The operator may also modify the placement or orientation of the base surface in order to permit movement to a different work surface, or changes in the orientation of the original work surface.

Operation of the sensor holder and adjusters from Figure 1.

[0046] If the sensor holder (1) does not contain switches, circuitry and interconnections, the operator populates the module with the determined parts (locations 2). Next, the operator uses a screw or fastener to connect the module to two adjustable mounting brackets (4). While doing so, the operator may adjust the left/right spacing and the up/down spacing of the module, as well as the rotation of the module parallel to its long axis. The feet of the mounting brackets are then placed on a desired location of a base or intermediate surface and connected using temporary or permanent fasteners. Operation of the adjuster assembly in figure 3.

[0047] The operator places assembly 301 at a determined X/Y location on one of the base or an intermediate surface. They then adjust the height using the sleeve (314) and threaded component of the lower wedge (317). Next, they set the planar angles of yaw and roll using the two wedges (304,305), while preserving the desired angle of the supported component by counter rotating the sleeve (314) inside the base (312). When the desired angles have been achieved, the user measures and records the current X/Y location of the adjuster, the pitch and roll angles, height from the supporting surface, and the overall bearing of the supported component in relation to the user. This permits the user to duplicate the settings on other hardware (such as the other hand), or modify settings to fit multiple work surfaces. The user may also fix each degree of freedom in the desired orientation so that it cannot be altered.

Alternative Embodiments

[0048] Components, including base or intermediate surfaces, adjusters, and sensor holders, may be inter-connected with threaded connectors, pintles and gudgeons, snap fit connectors, set screws pressed into captive rings, captive connectors or other fasteners.

[0049] Once adjusted to a desired, ergonomic orientation to the operator, adjuster angles may be preserved using set screws, adhesives, or friction enhancing compounds.

[0050] The horizontal or X/Y adjustment of a component in relation to a supporting component may be achieved through multiple means. In one example, by providing multiple mounting points on a base surface, so that the base of and adjuster, intermediate surface or sensor holder may be connected at multiple locations on the base surface. In another example, the planar surface may be constructed of a resilient substance, such as cork, so that fasteners may be readily removed and relocated. In another example, the planar surface may built to dynamically increase the strength of the connection between the surface and the mounting assembly, as by enabling an electromagnet or by applying negative pressure through a vacuum grid. In another example, a base or intermediate planar surface may have tracks, rack & pinion, or rails that permit lateral and vertical movement of a mounting location.

[0051] The vertical or Z axis adjustment of a component in relation to a supporting component may be achieved through multiple means. Examples include telescoping sections, concentric threaded rods, and sets of threaded rods in parallel and replaceable shims, spacers or sections of determined thicknesses. In another example, the support planar surface may have multiple top elevations so that different mounting points start at different elevations from the supporting plain.

[0052] The pitch and roll adjustment of a component in relation to a supporting component could be achieved by multiple means. In one embodiment, the constructor may be provided range of components of determined angles, so that a fixed angle may be selected by selecting a specific component, or by combining components. For example, a sensor holder for a finger may be available with 0, 5 and 10 degree rotation around the y-axis, with a set of shims or wedges in 2.5 -degree angles, so that a range of angles may be produced by stacking shims and selecting holders. In another example, adjusters may incorporate a ball joint that permits rotation around the X, Y and Z axis, and a component for fixing the ball joint in a determined orientation to the operator.

[0053] For example, an intermediate surface for the palms of one hand could be mounted to a tripod mount via a ball mount. In another example, adjusters may incorporate a pair of two perpendicular and interlocking disks, gears or curved tracks with a common center and different diameters, as seen in an armillary sphere, where the X and Y axis may be independently adjusted. In this example, intermediate support or sensor holder is connected to one of these disks, and the other disk to the supporting intermediate or base structure. In another example, adjusters may incorporate a linkage of two or more arms where each may be independently rotated and the angle between the arms fixed, as is used in an equatorial mount for a telescope In this example, one arm would be connected to the work surface or intermediate surface, and the other to the intermediate support or sensor holder, so that the upper component may be adjusted in two axis in relation to the supporting surface.

[0054] Similarly, in another example, the top and supporting services would be connected by a pair of two or more hinges mounted so that adjusting one hinge will change the slope of the other in relation to one axis. This may also be embodied as a series of servos or motors, mounted so that the rotation of the first motor’s spindle will rotate connected motors about the axis of the first motor’s spindle. In another example, adjusters may incorporate a set of three or more screws with a flexible linkage to the top surface (as with a ball headed screw in a socket mounting), that can be adjusted to change the plane defined by the top of these screws, and thus the relative orientation of an operator-proximate component to a supporting base or intermediate structure. In a final example, adjusters may incorporate a set of nesting parts, where a hollow,“U shaped” outer part possesses slots or holes, and an inner part possessing fastener connections, and a fastener that extends from the outside of the hollow part, through the slots or holes, into the fastener locations of the inner part so that the relative position of the inner part may be adjusted by movements within a slot, or by selecting a specific mounting hole.

[0055] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be used for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.