CA2750799A1 - Alphabetical and qwerty keyboard - Google Patents
Alphabetical and qwerty keyboard Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2750799A1 CA2750799A1 CA 2750799 CA2750799A CA2750799A1 CA 2750799 A1 CA2750799 A1 CA 2750799A1 CA 2750799 CA2750799 CA 2750799 CA 2750799 A CA2750799 A CA 2750799A CA 2750799 A1 CA2750799 A1 CA 2750799A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- layout
- alphabetical
- keyboard
- qwerty
- letter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
- G06F3/0219—Special purpose keyboards
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/83—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A physical keyboard including a plurality of multi-functional keys with a typical QWERTY key arrangement shared with a non-typical alphabetical key arrangement for use in text entry.
This keyboard would typically be used with either a desktop or laptop computer but is not limited to such. The user, when entering text, can either use the QWERTY
layout of the keyboard or switch to the alphabetical layout or vice-versa. The alphabetical layout would possibly be used by someone who does not have the typing skills to type efficiently with a QWERTY layout.
This keyboard would typically be used with either a desktop or laptop computer but is not limited to such. The user, when entering text, can either use the QWERTY
layout of the keyboard or switch to the alphabetical layout or vice-versa. The alphabetical layout would possibly be used by someone who does not have the typing skills to type efficiently with a QWERTY layout.
Description
Alphabetical and QWERTY Keyboard Franzen, Michael Background Art A conventional computer keyboard has a number of keys allowing for the input of data and controlling the operations of a computer. These keys include both alphanumeric character input keys and also keys that are specific to operating the functions of a computer. Example of function keys are: CTRL, ALT, F1- F12, etc. For the letters of the alphabet different standard computer keyboard arrangements are known. The most widely used English-language alphabetic key arrangement is the QWERTY arrangement. Commonly referred to as "QWERTY"
layout or arrangement or format or keyboard, because the first six keys at the top left of the letter layout starts with the letters Q,W,E,R,T and Y.
If someone has not had training or does not have experience typing with the QWERTY format it is difficult, inefficient and frustrating for them to type with a QWERTY
keyboard. This invention would allow such a person to switch the keyboard layout over to an alphabetical format. They would then use what is typically the letter Q in a QWERTY layout as the letter A, the typical QWERTY key for W as B and so on. The keys would all be marked as such. If the keyboard is shared with someone, for example, who prefers to use the QWERTY layout they can switch it back to a QWERTY layout.
U.S. Patent No. 6,900,794 to San, dated November 3, 1999, describes a similar keyboard. It has an alphabetical layout but may or may not have the ability to switch to a QWERTY layout.
Therefore it may be manufactured with only an alphabetical layout or it may be manufactured with both an alphabetical layout and QWERTY layout with the ability to switch between the two layouts. The technology used to switch between QWERTY and alphabetical layouts that is described in the San patent is different from the technology used to do the same in this invention. This will be described in detail in the Details section of this patent.
Canadian Patent Application No. 2093993, Grimmett refers to a keyboard with an alphabetical layout. There is no mention of the ability to have a QWERTY layout on the same keyboard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, typically into a computer but not limited to such. The keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet are arranged in alphabetic sequence. These same keys share the typical QWERTY
layout for a keyboard. The user has a choice of which layout they want to use, either the alphabetical one or the QWERTY one. By pressing a button on the keyboard the user can switch layouts. This is the most likely way the layout will be changed by the user but the keyboard might be manufactured with a different option as to how to change the layout. Each alphabet key is marked with two letters. One from the QWERTY layout and one from the alphabetical layout.
Therefore the letter Q with the QWERTY format becomes the letter A when switched to the alphabetical format. The letter W with the QWERTY format becomes the letter B
when switched to the alphabetical format. The following is a continuation of this pattern of the letters displayed on the keys with the first letter being the QWERTY layout letter and the second being the alphabetical layout letter: E - C, R - D, T - E, Y - F, U - G, I -H, O - I, P - J, A - K, S - L, D-M,F-N,G-O,H-P,J-QK-R,L-S,Z-T,X-U,C-V,V-W,B-X,N-Y, M-Z.
In another scenario this invention could also be manufactured with the alphabetical layout starting where the QWERTY layout letter Z is. Therefore the QWERTY layout letter Z would switch to the A with an alphabetical layout. The X would switch to the letter B and so on going up the keyboard finishing with Z replacing the QWERTY layout letter P.
Therefore the alphabetical format could start on the bottom row of letters instead of the top row while sharing the typical QWERTY format and being able to switch between the two formats.
Someone would want to use the alphabetical layout if, for example, they do not know how to type efficiently using the QWERTY layout because they have not gained experience with it or have never had training with it. This type of person typically types with what is sometimes called a "hunt and peck" method of typing. That means they search for the letter they want to type and then use their index finger from either hand to press the key associated with that letter. With an alphabetical layout it would be much easier for this type of person to type because most people know the alphabet as opposed to the QWERTY layout, which has to be learned and memorized to use efficiently. Therefore it would be much easier for them to find the letter they are looking for on a keyboard if the letters were arranged alphabetically.
layout or arrangement or format or keyboard, because the first six keys at the top left of the letter layout starts with the letters Q,W,E,R,T and Y.
If someone has not had training or does not have experience typing with the QWERTY format it is difficult, inefficient and frustrating for them to type with a QWERTY
keyboard. This invention would allow such a person to switch the keyboard layout over to an alphabetical format. They would then use what is typically the letter Q in a QWERTY layout as the letter A, the typical QWERTY key for W as B and so on. The keys would all be marked as such. If the keyboard is shared with someone, for example, who prefers to use the QWERTY layout they can switch it back to a QWERTY layout.
U.S. Patent No. 6,900,794 to San, dated November 3, 1999, describes a similar keyboard. It has an alphabetical layout but may or may not have the ability to switch to a QWERTY layout.
Therefore it may be manufactured with only an alphabetical layout or it may be manufactured with both an alphabetical layout and QWERTY layout with the ability to switch between the two layouts. The technology used to switch between QWERTY and alphabetical layouts that is described in the San patent is different from the technology used to do the same in this invention. This will be described in detail in the Details section of this patent.
Canadian Patent Application No. 2093993, Grimmett refers to a keyboard with an alphabetical layout. There is no mention of the ability to have a QWERTY layout on the same keyboard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, typically into a computer but not limited to such. The keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet are arranged in alphabetic sequence. These same keys share the typical QWERTY
layout for a keyboard. The user has a choice of which layout they want to use, either the alphabetical one or the QWERTY one. By pressing a button on the keyboard the user can switch layouts. This is the most likely way the layout will be changed by the user but the keyboard might be manufactured with a different option as to how to change the layout. Each alphabet key is marked with two letters. One from the QWERTY layout and one from the alphabetical layout.
Therefore the letter Q with the QWERTY format becomes the letter A when switched to the alphabetical format. The letter W with the QWERTY format becomes the letter B
when switched to the alphabetical format. The following is a continuation of this pattern of the letters displayed on the keys with the first letter being the QWERTY layout letter and the second being the alphabetical layout letter: E - C, R - D, T - E, Y - F, U - G, I -H, O - I, P - J, A - K, S - L, D-M,F-N,G-O,H-P,J-QK-R,L-S,Z-T,X-U,C-V,V-W,B-X,N-Y, M-Z.
In another scenario this invention could also be manufactured with the alphabetical layout starting where the QWERTY layout letter Z is. Therefore the QWERTY layout letter Z would switch to the A with an alphabetical layout. The X would switch to the letter B and so on going up the keyboard finishing with Z replacing the QWERTY layout letter P.
Therefore the alphabetical format could start on the bottom row of letters instead of the top row while sharing the typical QWERTY format and being able to switch between the two formats.
Someone would want to use the alphabetical layout if, for example, they do not know how to type efficiently using the QWERTY layout because they have not gained experience with it or have never had training with it. This type of person typically types with what is sometimes called a "hunt and peck" method of typing. That means they search for the letter they want to type and then use their index finger from either hand to press the key associated with that letter. With an alphabetical layout it would be much easier for this type of person to type because most people know the alphabet as opposed to the QWERTY layout, which has to be learned and memorized to use efficiently. Therefore it would be much easier for them to find the letter they are looking for on a keyboard if the letters were arranged alphabetically.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the keyboard of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the keyboard of the present invention with an alternative alphabetical layout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, typically into a computer but not limited to such, where the keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet are arranged in alphabetic sequence with these same keys sharing the typical QWERTY layout for a keyboard, as can be seen in FIG. 1. The user has a choice of which layout they want to use, either the alphabetical one or the QWERTY one. By pressing a button on the keyboard the user can switch layouts. This is the most likely way the layout will be changed by the user but the keyboard might be manufactured with a different way of changing the layout.
When switching layouts it is possible that no physical change is made to the look of the alphabet keys on the keyboard. This invention includes the possibility that when formats are changed there is a change on the keyboard such as the alphabetical format letters are illuminated, but the change, if any, is not limited to this as other options are possible.
When the user switches formats there is a change made within the keyboard as to which letter of the alphabet is associated with which key. Each alphabet key is marked with two letters.
One from the QWERTY layout and one from the alphabetical layout. Therefore the letter Q with the QWERTY format becomes the letter A when switched to the alphabetical format. The letter W with the QWERTY format becomes the letter B when switched to the alphabetical format and so on. As seen in FIG. 1, the letters displayed on the keys will be as follows with the first letter being the QWERTY layout letter and the second being the alphabetical layout letter. The top row of letters on the keyboard would be:
Q-A, W-B, E-C, R-D,T-E,Y-F, U-G, I-H, O-I, P-J
Following this pattern the middle row of letters would be:
A - K, S- L, D- M, F- N, G -0, H - P,J - Q K- R, L- S
Following this pattern the bottom row of letters would be:
Z-T,X-U,C-V,V-W,B-X,N-Y, M-Z
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the keyboard of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the keyboard of the present invention with an alternative alphabetical layout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, typically into a computer but not limited to such, where the keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet are arranged in alphabetic sequence with these same keys sharing the typical QWERTY layout for a keyboard, as can be seen in FIG. 1. The user has a choice of which layout they want to use, either the alphabetical one or the QWERTY one. By pressing a button on the keyboard the user can switch layouts. This is the most likely way the layout will be changed by the user but the keyboard might be manufactured with a different way of changing the layout.
When switching layouts it is possible that no physical change is made to the look of the alphabet keys on the keyboard. This invention includes the possibility that when formats are changed there is a change on the keyboard such as the alphabetical format letters are illuminated, but the change, if any, is not limited to this as other options are possible.
When the user switches formats there is a change made within the keyboard as to which letter of the alphabet is associated with which key. Each alphabet key is marked with two letters.
One from the QWERTY layout and one from the alphabetical layout. Therefore the letter Q with the QWERTY format becomes the letter A when switched to the alphabetical format. The letter W with the QWERTY format becomes the letter B when switched to the alphabetical format and so on. As seen in FIG. 1, the letters displayed on the keys will be as follows with the first letter being the QWERTY layout letter and the second being the alphabetical layout letter. The top row of letters on the keyboard would be:
Q-A, W-B, E-C, R-D,T-E,Y-F, U-G, I-H, O-I, P-J
Following this pattern the middle row of letters would be:
A - K, S- L, D- M, F- N, G -0, H - P,J - Q K- R, L- S
Following this pattern the bottom row of letters would be:
Z-T,X-U,C-V,V-W,B-X,N-Y, M-Z
With reference to Fig. 2, in another scenario this invention could also be manufactured with the alphabetical layout starting with the letter A where the QWERTY layout Z is.
Therefore the QWERTY layout Z would switch to the A with an alphabetical layout. The X would switch to the letter B and so on going up the keyboard finishing with Z replacing the QWERTY
layout P.
Therefore the alphabetical format could start on the bottom row of letters instead of the top row while sharing the typical QWERTY format and being able to switch between the two formats.
A typical keyboard has a circuit sheet contained within the keyboard. When a key is pressed it affects the circuit sheet which, simply put, is part of the process that tells the computer which key was pressed. With this invention there would be an extra circuit sheet within the keyboard.
The additional circuit sheet would be for the alphabetical layout. When changing the format of the keyboard, using the appropriate button or method, the appropriate circuit sheet would be used by the keyboard, either the QWERTY layout circuit sheet or the alphabetical layout circuit sheet. This is the most likely way the technology would work for this invention but it is not limited to such as other options are available or may become available.
The most likely way to help a typist distinguish between the two layouts is to have the alphabetical layout letters all one colour and the letters from the QWERTY
layout a different colour. Also, all the letters of one format will all be in the same position on every letter key while the letters for the opposite format will be in a different position on every letter key in relation to the opposite format and in a consistent manner for all the keys.
For example, a QWERTY layout letter could be on the top left corner of every applicable key while the alphabetical layout letter would be on the bottom right corner of the same key, or vice-versa.
This can be seen in FIG. 1. The letters can also be of a different size to distinguish between the two layouts. For example, the QWERTY letters can be smaller than the alphabetical layout letters.
With reference to FIG. 1 the keyboard 1 has all the features of a regular keyboard such as F1- F12 function keys, Ctrl and Alt keys, etc. With some computers the Ctrl key is referred to as a Command key. A keyboard with this invention may have fewer features or more features than illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, a keyboard that has no numerical keypad or one that has multi-media keys such as Play, Volume, etc. can have this invention. Each letter key 2 has the appropriate QWERTY format letter on it as well as the appropriate alphabetical format letter on it. A button 3 is used to switch the keyboard layout to either QWERTY or alphabetical. It is up to the user to decide which format they wish to use. There are other ways that the layout could be switched but this is the most probable method. Another method, but not very likely to be implemented, could be to use a mouse and cursor to click on an area of the computer's monitor to switch the layout.
Most likely the keyboard would be "plug and play" referring to the fact that the keyboard could be plugged into a computer and would work without having to load software from another source such as a disc, memory stick, internet, etc. This invention may also be for a keyboard that is wireless or any other form that would allow the keyboard to communicate with a computer or other electronic device such as a television.
Someone would want to use the alphabetical layout if, for example, they do not know how to type efficiently using the QWERTY layout because they have not gained experience with it or have never had training with it. This type of person typically types with what is sometimes called a "hunt and peck" method of typing. That means they search for the letter they want to type and then use, usually, their index finger from either hand to press the key associated with that letter. With an alphabetical layout it would be much easier for this type of person to type because most people know the alphabet as opposed to the QWERTY layout which has to be learned and memorized to use efficiently. Therefore it would be much easier for them to find the letter they are looking for on a keyboard if the letters were arranged alphabetically.
While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.
Therefore the QWERTY layout Z would switch to the A with an alphabetical layout. The X would switch to the letter B and so on going up the keyboard finishing with Z replacing the QWERTY
layout P.
Therefore the alphabetical format could start on the bottom row of letters instead of the top row while sharing the typical QWERTY format and being able to switch between the two formats.
A typical keyboard has a circuit sheet contained within the keyboard. When a key is pressed it affects the circuit sheet which, simply put, is part of the process that tells the computer which key was pressed. With this invention there would be an extra circuit sheet within the keyboard.
The additional circuit sheet would be for the alphabetical layout. When changing the format of the keyboard, using the appropriate button or method, the appropriate circuit sheet would be used by the keyboard, either the QWERTY layout circuit sheet or the alphabetical layout circuit sheet. This is the most likely way the technology would work for this invention but it is not limited to such as other options are available or may become available.
The most likely way to help a typist distinguish between the two layouts is to have the alphabetical layout letters all one colour and the letters from the QWERTY
layout a different colour. Also, all the letters of one format will all be in the same position on every letter key while the letters for the opposite format will be in a different position on every letter key in relation to the opposite format and in a consistent manner for all the keys.
For example, a QWERTY layout letter could be on the top left corner of every applicable key while the alphabetical layout letter would be on the bottom right corner of the same key, or vice-versa.
This can be seen in FIG. 1. The letters can also be of a different size to distinguish between the two layouts. For example, the QWERTY letters can be smaller than the alphabetical layout letters.
With reference to FIG. 1 the keyboard 1 has all the features of a regular keyboard such as F1- F12 function keys, Ctrl and Alt keys, etc. With some computers the Ctrl key is referred to as a Command key. A keyboard with this invention may have fewer features or more features than illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, a keyboard that has no numerical keypad or one that has multi-media keys such as Play, Volume, etc. can have this invention. Each letter key 2 has the appropriate QWERTY format letter on it as well as the appropriate alphabetical format letter on it. A button 3 is used to switch the keyboard layout to either QWERTY or alphabetical. It is up to the user to decide which format they wish to use. There are other ways that the layout could be switched but this is the most probable method. Another method, but not very likely to be implemented, could be to use a mouse and cursor to click on an area of the computer's monitor to switch the layout.
Most likely the keyboard would be "plug and play" referring to the fact that the keyboard could be plugged into a computer and would work without having to load software from another source such as a disc, memory stick, internet, etc. This invention may also be for a keyboard that is wireless or any other form that would allow the keyboard to communicate with a computer or other electronic device such as a television.
Someone would want to use the alphabetical layout if, for example, they do not know how to type efficiently using the QWERTY layout because they have not gained experience with it or have never had training with it. This type of person typically types with what is sometimes called a "hunt and peck" method of typing. That means they search for the letter they want to type and then use, usually, their index finger from either hand to press the key associated with that letter. With an alphabetical layout it would be much easier for this type of person to type because most people know the alphabet as opposed to the QWERTY layout which has to be learned and memorized to use efficiently. Therefore it would be much easier for them to find the letter they are looking for on a keyboard if the letters were arranged alphabetically.
While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.
Claims
Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2750799 CA2750799A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2011-08-25 | Alphabetical and qwerty keyboard |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2750799 CA2750799A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2011-08-25 | Alphabetical and qwerty keyboard |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2750799A1 true CA2750799A1 (en) | 2013-02-25 |
Family
ID=47751907
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2750799 Abandoned CA2750799A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2011-08-25 | Alphabetical and qwerty keyboard |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2750799A1 (en) |
-
2011
- 2011-08-25 CA CA 2750799 patent/CA2750799A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20140826 |