GB2292344A - Customised keyboard for telecommunications control. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides for a keyboard (10) comprising a telecommunications operator-services keyboard in which the keys are divided into positional groups (12 - 20) and wherein colour coding is provided to divide the keys into different groups according to the major operator services applications to be provided. Also, the grouping of certain keys that are arranged to be used in sequence is provided for. As shown the keyboard includes a modified PC keyboard 12, a cursor keypad 14, a numeric keypad 16 which is configured as a telephone keypad, a directory enquiries keypad 18, and a bank of telephone operator-services keys 20, in which some keys (eg Setup, Speak, Relinquish) are arranged in the sequential order of their use. <IMAGE>

Description

TACTILE INTERFACE APPARATUS FOR DATA INPUT The present invention relates to tactile interface apparatus for data input.

Information processing and control systems requiring user input in order to execute specified functional activities commonly rely on a tactile device that represents an interface between the user and the system. A variety of such tactile devices are known, the most common of which comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys for the input of the required data and/or control and functional information.

Known keyboards however suffer from particular disadvantages in that they comprise a standard number of keys, generally 101 or 102, which disadvantageously restrict the adaptability of the keyboard to particular required functions. Also, and even with non-standard keyboards, the layout, grouping and positioning of the keys is such that efficient use of the keyboard is generally only achieved once the user has gained sufficient experience in using the keyboard. Thus, there is a disadvantageously long learning phase during which the user cannot operate the keyboard in an efficient manner because the user is carrying out the necessary familiarisation process as regards the layout of the keyboard.

Also, even once the appropriate experience has been gained with known keyboards, the layout and grouping of the keys does not readily provide for ease of operation.

A keyboard that presents a logical and readily identified layout of the required keys would therefore be particularly advantageous.

The present invention seeks to provide tactile interface apparatus for data input that does not suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided tactile interface apparatus for data input, having a face region divided into a plurality of discrete input areas, arranged for tactile selection, wherein said plurality of discrete input areas comprise at least two areas which have different relative dimensions in accordance with the frequency with which each of said at least two areas is to be selected, a first sub-set of areas located together and providing related functions and having common indicia so as to indicate said related functions, a second sub-set of areas located together and arranged to be selected in sequence and having common indicia to indicate use of said second subset in the same sequence.

The invention is advantageous in that it improves the ease and efficiency with which tactile apparatus, for example a keyboard, can be used.

Advantageously, each of said areas comprises a single selection means and which may after one or more possible selections.

Preferably, said at least two areas of different relative dimensions are arranged such that an area which is to experience a relatively high frequency of selection is larger than the majority of areas on the face region and is located for quick and easy selection, and the second of said at least two areas which is required for less frequent selection is arranged to be smaller than the majority of areas on the face region and is marked with indicia means which provide for ease of identification.

Areas requiring frequent selection can be advantageously quickly selected, while areas relating to important but infrequently selected functions can be easily identified when required.

In particular, said areas are colour coded such that the indicia for identifying areas providing for a common function, or as part of a related sequence or for allowing ease of identification, comprise particular colours.

Preferably, any key that provides for an important but infrequently required function is marked with a particularly noticeable colour.

In one particularly advantageous aspect, the apparatus comprises a keyboard in which said plurality of discrete input areas comprise a plurality of discrete keys.

Advantageously, said keyboard comprises 101/102 keys that correspond to the keys of a standard 101/102 key keyboard and wherein the apparatus also comprises specific function keys.

The specific function keys may provide for functions required by a telephone operator.

The keyboard may advantageously comprise an operator services keyboard. The invention is particularly suited to such a keyboard in view of the wide variety of tasks to be performed.

Advantageously, keys relating to major operator services applications are provided in colour-coded groups, keys relating to operator control functions are grouped together and keys relating to certain specific tasks are grouped together.

This assists in seeking to optimize ease of use of the operator control functions and to facilitate certain common operations.

In one example, 64 specific function keys may be provided.

The specific function keys may have a different colour from the keys corresponding to the 101/102 keys of a standard keyboard. The keyboard may be arranged for scan code operation, and also for compatibility with the requirements of a standard keyboard.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a plurality of discrete input areas are provided for the input of numerical information and are positioned in a manner corresponding to a telephone key pad.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises a keyboard which is arranged for compatibility with the requirements, for example the plug, self test and/or driver requirements of a standard keyboard. Complete interchangeability between a keyboard embodying the invention and a standard keyboard can then be advantageously achieved.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an operator services keyboard having a plurality of keys, wherein keys relating to major operator services applications are provided in colour-coded groups, keys relating to operator control functions are grouped together and keys relating to certain specific tasks are grouped together.

The present invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a keyboard embodying the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a plan view of che keyboard of Fig. 1 illustrating the colour coding employed.

Fig. 1 illustrates a keyboard 10 which is arranged to be used by a telephone operator and comprises an Operator Services (OS) keyboard which is arranged to be compatible with the standard PC environment.

The keyboard 10 comprises a layout of keys which is based upon that of a standard 101/102 key keyboard but with some minor modifications. For example, the Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause Keys exhibit a different alignment from that of a standard 101/102 key keyboard, the space bar has been reduced in width, and the right hand ctrl and alt keys have been omitted so as to allow for the addition of particular function keys. Further function keys have also been added to the left and above the standard 101/102 key grouping.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, it is intended that the keyboard has, as far as possible, the same appearance and operational characteristics as a standard 101/102 key keyboard and that the additional keys add to, rather than change, the existing functionality.

As will be appreciated from Fig. 1, the keyboard of the illustrated embodiment is divided into five major key groups 12-20.

Key-group 12 comprises the alphabetic "QWERTY" keys and control keys of a standard 101/102 key keyboard, but also incorporates seven OS specific keys. The OS specific keys comprise name, address, locality, directory, call connect, audio release and call window keys. The row of the numerical keys of group 12 also provides for additional functionality in the form of foreign character keys and which can be accessed by way of a specific key, namely the "Accent" key found in key-group 14. Although not illustrated in Fig. 1, the legends for the foreign characters are located on the front of the keys rather than on the top surfaces thereof.

Key-group 14 includes the standard cursor and editing keys but also includes two keys specific to the OS requirement, namely a Delete Field key and the aforementioned Accent key.

Key-group 16 includes the numeric key pad. As can be seen, unlike the layout for the numeric keypad of a standard 101/102 key keyboard, the keys of the numeric key pad are arranged so as to correspond to the layout of a telephone key pad, i.e. with the numerals 1-3 in the top row etc. Also, keys corresponding to the star and gate keys of a telephone are located in the appropriate position.

Key-groups 18 and 20 contain the OS function keys.

Although the illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a unique keyboard layout, the general layout and dimensions of the keyboard 10 also provide for particular advantages. For example, the keys that form the bottom row of keys of the keyboard 10 are located in close proximity with the bottom edge of 22 of the keyboard 10 since it is not intended that the keyboard housing provide a palm rest for the user. If required, a separate palm rest can be provided and, if appropriate, arranged to be engageable with the keyboard 10.

All of the key legends are arranged to appear on top of the keys with the exception of the aforementioned foreign characters and also the Program Function (PF) keys.

As mentioned above, the legends for foreign characters are provided on the front of the row of numerical keys in group 12. The PF legends are provided on the front of the top row of the keys forming group 16.

As regards each of the five key-groups, the horizontal and vertical distances between two adjacent keys, measured centre to centre, is 19 mm +/- lmm for the Alphanumeric section. This spacing is not applicable to keys occupying more than one standard key space. The actual key groups 12-20 are separated vertically and horizontally by at least one half key pitch.

Colour coding is employed so as to aid identification of different functional groups of keys.

The colours employed are advantageously muted tones, whilst the contrast between adjacent colours is sufficient to provide for clear discrimination between the coloured groups.

Fig. 2 illustrates the colour coding employed in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 1..

As will be appreciated, a different colour is used for each different functional group of keys.

By way of an example, the following colours are chosen for the illustrated embodiment. The Alphanumeric keys of the standard 101/102 key-group are light cream/grey. The Control keys of the standard 101/102 key-group are a grey/brown. The Directory Enquiry keys are mustard/orange.

The International Directory Enquiry keys are sage green.

The Operator System Software (OSS) keys are pale mushroom.

The Call Termination keys are dark chocolate brown. The Emergency key is pillar box red.

The choice of legend colour depends upon the colour used for each particular key. The main requirement is that there is at least a 3:1 level of contrast between the key colour and the legend colour. For the examples outlined above, the following legend colours are appropriate. The Alphanumeric, Control, Directory Enquiry and OSS keys have black legends, whereas the International Directory Enquiry, Call Termination and Emergency keys have white legends.

The keyboard of the illustrated embodiment is arranged to conform to the appropriate British Standards requirements. In particular, the keyboard slope is arranged to be varied in at least two increments within the range 0 to 25 . The height of the home row of keys shall not exceed 30 mm measured from the work surface to the centre of a key top of a key located in the home row at the lowest height setting. The keyboard is arranged to be stable during normal keying operations and is provided with secure, non-slip feet. The keyboard housing and key caps are provided with a matt finish and the specular reflection of the surfaces advantageously does not exceed 45 gloss units according to the measurement technique defined in British Standards 3900 Part D5. The key caps strikesurface width shall be within the range 12 mm to 15 mm.

For non-square key caps however, an area of at least 113 mm2 shall be provided. The force required to depress a key is between .25 N to 1.5 N and the key travel is arranged to be between 1.5 mm and 6.0 mm. The keys are mounted so as to be stable and to have a substantially similar resistance to movement. Audio feedback is arranged to accompany each key stroke. Finally, a clear indication of dual state keys shall be provided by way of green LED's located within the actual key.

Further, the above mentioned compatibility allows for the OS keyboard to replace a 101/102 key keyboard directly, using the standard Windows software driver, but wherein only the keys corresponding to the standard 101/102 keys are arranged to function. The extra keys do not produce a response. Also, a standard 101/102 key keyboard can replace the OS keyboard and can employ the OS driver so as to produce normal 101/102 key keyboard functionality.

The compatibility with current standard requirements for keyboards is a particular feature of the present invention and the illustrated embodiment of the invention is arranged to be electrically, and plug, compatible with the requirements of a standard AT 101/102 key keyboard.

Also, the illustrated embodiment of the invention is arranged to behave in a manner compatible with AT 101/102 key keyboard with respect to the power-on self-test requirement.

Also, the illustrated embodiment is arranged to be compatible with DOS and Windows requirements, both electrically and with respect to data communications. The keys of the illustrated embodiment of the keyboard that correspond to the 101/102 keys of the standard keyboard are arranged to generate unique scan codes that are identical to a standard 101/102 key keyboard. The additional keys found in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention are also arranged to generate scan codes, and these are unique across the whole keyboard.

A Windows 3.1 compatible keyboard driver can be provided that supports the extended scan code set of the illustrated keyboard. The driver is arranged to conform to the Windows 3.1 standard Applications Program Interface (API) for keyboard drivers and as specified in the Windows 3.1 keyboard driver tool kit.

The keys corresponding to the standard 101/102 keys are arranged to be compatible with standard DOS keyboard drivers such that the keyboard is still operational even when Windows 3.1 is not being run.

To assist operation, the keys that are additional to the standard 101/102 keys are arranged to produce extended keyboard prefixes (El HEX) prior to a standard key code.

The Accent key found in key-group 14 is arranged to produce the appropriate Windows 3.1 key stroke messages for the accented characters found in key-group 12 and as discussed above.

The construction and layout of a keyboard embodying the present invention can therefore be clearly seen from the above. The layout of the five key-groups and the particular arrangement of the keys within those groups allows for a particular advantageous use of the keyboard.

To further illustrate this, and as will be appreciated from the above, the keyboard 10 enables at least six sets of major operator service applications to be executed using the same keyboard. These applications are Operator Assistance and Call Control, Directory Enquiries, International Directory Enquiries, Sales Enquiries and Processing, Fault Enquiries and Processing, and Billing Enquiries.

All of the keys are colour coded and grouped in position according to their function. These particular groupings and positions employed were arrived at having regard to the most frequently required tasks, particular high-priority tasks which are not necessarily the most frequently required, any fixed sequences of tasks and any relationships between tasks.

As an example, the task of relinquishing a call, i.e.

the task involving the operator terminating involvement with a call, is a frequent, and high-priority, task.

Accordingly, the Relinquish key is uniquely coded by label, shape, size and colour to facilitate ease of identification and operation, and a high priority is given to its location and isolation from other keys. The key is however protected from accidental activation by arranging for its location away from the edges of the keyboard 10. In view of its associated high frequency of use, it will be appreciated that the Relinquish key is larger than the majority of keys found on the keyboard 10.

Alternatively, the task initiating a threatening call procedure is an infrequent, but high priority, task. Thus, the key to activate this procedure is uniquely coded by colour and position such that it can be easily and quickly identified and accessed. In view of its infrequent use however, the Emergency key is not necessarily larger than the majority of keys found on the keyboard 10.

For a task that requires sub-tasks to be carried out in sequence, the keys that relate to that sub-task are located together in a logical spacial grouping. For example, the Call Control keys for the incoming and outgoing circuits are matched in colour and located together.

One particular high-frequency sub-task is the input of numbers via the keyboard. A user of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is likely to have extensive prior knowledge and experience of working within a telecommunications environment and of inputting numbers on telephone handsets. In view of this, the numericalinput keys found in key-group 16 are arranged to correspond to the layout of a telephone key pad and also to include the star and gate keys. Thus, whilst the illustrated keyboard presents all the functionality of a standard 101/102 key keyboard, additional functionality is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner.

The following describes the functionality to be invoked when a user presses the keys identified in the drawings.

Accent - This key acts as a "dead key" to produce the ANSI character set accented characters in conjunction with the top row of the QWERTY keyboard block. The key works in two ways: (i) Keys "'" to "7" produce the following characters using one keystroke - A Ö U pQA (ii) Keys "8" to "=" and "I " are used to place diacriticals/accents on characters by pressing the key followed by the character to be assigned that mark, and vice versa. The diacriticals available are - " -^ . Note that as well as placing a grave accent on valid characters the "-" key is also used to create the 'D' character (in conjunction with "D") . The 'D' character is created using the "I " and "P" keys.

Upper and lower case accented characters are produced using the shift key when keying the character to be accented.

Accept OSS - Accepts an incoming call from another operator.

Account - Requests the generation of a charge record.

Add Mask - Invokes the additional mask dialogue box.

Address - Tabs to the first of the Address data entry fields.

Audio Release - Delivers numbers to the caller via a voice platform.

BM - Sets the locality to Birmingham area.

Business - Triggers a search on the business database.

Call 1 - Selects the first call of potentially 3 calls in progress.

Call 2 - Selects the second call of potentially 3 calls in progress.

Call 3 - Selects the third call of potentially 3 calls in progress.

Call Connect - Sets up a call connect.

Call OSS - Displays the Call Operator dialogue box.

Call Window - Switches focus to the call handling window.

Charge - Starts charging the current call.

Clear - Clears all fields to default values ready for the next directory search.

Clear OSS - Causes an incoming Operator call to be rejected.

Delete Field - Deletes the contents of the current data entry field.

Directory - Used to tab between the Directory/Area data entry fields.

E - Sets the locality to the East of England area.

EH - Sets the locality to the Edinburgh area.

Plain red key - Causes the immediate recording of the active call.

Expand Local - Expands the last search to the surrounding locality.

Expert Jump - Used when searching the QST database.

Full Set - Used to show the primary directory entries on each page.

Government - Triggers a search on the government database.

GW - Sets the locality to the Glasgow area.

Hits Pg Dn - Displays the next page of search match 'hits".

Hold - Toggles the 'Hold' state for the active call.

Ineff - Marks the currently active call as ineffective.

Local Menu - Triggers a localities search based on the contents of the Locality field.

Locality - Tabs to the Locality data entry field.

LV - Sets the locality to the Liverpooi area.

M - Sets the locality to the Manchester area.

Monitor - Toggles the state of the speech circuits between Speak and Monitor for the current call.

MR - Sets the locality to the Midlands Region.

Name - Tabs between the Name data entry fields.

NE - Sets the locality to the North East England Region.

New Enq - Clears all fields to their default settings ready for the next search.

NI - Sets the locality to the Northern Ireland region.

Note - Displays the current Notices file.

NW - Sets the locality to the North West England region.

QST - Invokes the QST database.

QWERTY/Shift/ - Normal 101/102 key keyboard Ctrl/Alt/Edit Keys functionality.

Read File - Initiates the reading of switch data files.

Ready - Toggles the states "Ready" and "Not Ready".

Release Dest - Releases the destination circuit of the currently active call.

Release Origin - Releases the origin circuit of the currently active call.

Relinquish - Relinquishes (releases) the currently active call.

Requeue - Causes the Requeue of the active call.

Residential - Used to trigger a search on the residential database.

Rest of Zone - Triggers a broader search within the directory area around the currently set-up locality.

S - Sets the locality to the Scotland region.

SE - Sets the locality to the South East England region.

Setup Dest - Sets up an outgoing call using the Destination circuit.

Setup Origin - Sets up an outgoing call using the Origin circuit.

Speak Dest - Enables the speech path to the Destination circuit.

Speak Origin - Enables the speech path to the Origin circuit.

Special List - Used to trigger a special list search.

SW - Sets the locality to the South West England region.

Trans - Used when searching the QST database..

WM - Sets the locality to the Wales and Marches region.

Wrap Up - Causes the wrap up dialogue box to be displayed.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment. For example, the invention can be provided as part of any appropriate form of tactile interface apparatus such as a touch-screen or touch-panel.

Also, the invention can be provided in environments other than a telecommunications environment and, in particular, where tactile interface apparatus is required to control a wide variety of operations and functions. Also, the said plurality of input areas may be provided on an appropriate screen and the tactile selection of an area may be achieved by way of a remote device such as a mouse arranged for selecting the appropriate area or areas.

Claims (20)

1. Tactile interface apparatus for data input, having a face region divided into a plurality of discrete input areas arranged for tactile selection, wherein said plurality of discrete input areas comprise at least two areas which have different relative dimensions in accordance with the frequency with which each of said at least two areas is to be selected, a first sub-set of areas located together and providing related functions and having common indicia so as to indicate said related functions, a second sub-set of areas located together and arranged to be selected in sequence and having common indicia to indicate use of said second subset in the same sequence.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least two areas of different relative dimensions are arranged such that an area which is to experience a relatively high frequency of selection is larger than the majority of areas on the face region and is located for quick and easy selection, and the second of said at least two areas which is required for less frequent selection is arranged to be smaller than the majority of areas on the face region and is marked with indicia means which provide for ease of identification.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said areas are colour coded such that the indicia for identifying areas providing for a common function, or as part of a related sequence or for allowing ease of identification, comprise particular colours.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein any key that provides for an important but infrequently required function is marked with a particularly noticeable colour.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and comprises a keyboard in which said plurality of discrete input areas comprise a plurality of discrete keys.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said keyboard comprises 101/102 keys that correspond to the keys of a standard 101/102 key keyboard and wherein the apparatus also comprises specific function keys.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the specific function keys may provide for functions required by a telephone operator.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said keyboard comprises an operator services keyboard.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein keys relating to major operator services applications are provided in colour-coded groups, keys relating to operator control functions are grouped together and keys relating to certain specific tasks are grouped together.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein 64 specific function keys are provided.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said specific function keys have a different colour from the keys corresponding to the 101/102 keys of a standard keyboard.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein said keyboard is arranged for compatibility with the requirements of a standard keyboard.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said keyboard is arranged to be compatible with the plug requirements of a standard keyboard.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein said keyboard is arranged to be compatible with the power-on self-test requirement of a standard keyboard.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein said keyboard is arranged to be compatible with the keyboard-driver requirements of a standard keyboard.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said keyboard is arranged to be interchangeable with a standard keyboard so as to provide the functionality thereof.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of discrete input areas are provided for the input of numerical information and which are positioned in a manner corresponding to a telephone key pad.

18. An operator services keyboard having a plurality of keys,wherein keys relating to major operator services applications are provided in colour-coded groups, keys relating to operator control functions are grouped together and keys relating to certain specific tasks are grouped together.

19. Tactile interface apparatus for data input substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.

20. An operator services keyboard substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.