GB2473260A

GB2473260A - Input device with keypad on rear surface

Info

Publication number: GB2473260A
Application number: GB0915563A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Damien Kidner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-05
Filing date: 2009-09-05
Publication date: 2011-03-09
Also published as: GB0915563D0

Abstract

A system of inputting text, keeping all fingers and thumbs in the same position, utilising the rear of the unit for two banks of four recessed buttons, ergonomically positioned for the fingers of each hand. A corresponding fingerprint will be displayed on the screen highlighting letters, numbers and punctuation, depending on the screen selected. Whilst each screen display will incorporate a number of character options, selection will be adjusted according to the thumb buttons on the front of the unit. May especially be used for inputting text into a PDA or mobile phone.

Description

ImlDroved Method and Iniut Unit This invention relates to an improved method, for inputting text into many different hi-tec products, allowing bigger screen size by having a system of input, located on a rear face of an input unit.

The problem with "Blackberry type" phones, is that screen size is compromised by a miniature QWERTY keyboard, hence reducing the working screen area and visibility.

If is one of the objects of the present invention to provide an improved method of inputting text to a computer device and many hi-tech products that are currently available for communication and entertainment purposes.

If is another of the objects of the present invention to provide an improved input, unit adapted for use in effecting the improved method.

Thus, the present invention conveniently provides a method for applying text to a computer device, characterised in that the method includes the use of an input unit comprising finger buttons ergonomically positioned on a rear face of the input unit for engagement by the fingers of an operative.

Preferably, the input device comprises a screen on which are depicted, when the method is being used, fingerprint images corresponding to the positioning of the finger buttons on the rear face of the input unit.

In one convenient arrangement provided by the invention, the input unit comprises buttons on a front face of the input unit, which buttons are engaged by the thumbs of an operative when the method is being used in applying text to a computer device, the operation of the buttons on the rear and front faces of the input unit causing the fingerprint images to be highlighted on the screen of the input unit.

Conveniently, the images, depicted on the screen of the input unit return to a default condition after the input of a character has been initiated by the operative.

Conveniently, a majority of the surface area of the front face of the input unit is utilised for maximising the size of the screen in the absence of a conventional querty' keyboard.

There now follows a detailed description of the method of inputting text to a computer device as provided by the present invention together with an input unit which description is to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an input unit in a default condition; Figure 2 is a front view of the input unit of Figure 1 in a second condition; Figure 3 is a front view of the input unit of Figure 1 in a third condition; Figure 4 is a front view of the input unit of Figure 1 showing new screen images; Figure 5 is a front view of the input unit of Figure 1 showing further screen images; and, Figure 6 is a rear view of the in put unit of Figure 1.

The invention relates to a new keyboard solution, ideally suited to the mobile phone and Palmtop or PDA computer industries, which solution overcomes or at least mitigates the disadvantages of known input units.

One's thumbs remain on the front of the unit, with all fingers sat, on the rear, in engagement with finger tip shaped buttons. This allows the palms to rest gently on the sides of the unit, clamping it into place.

Whilst in the inputting of text, a slight shadowy fingerprint appears on the screen, corresponding to the position of one's actual fingers, on the rear. These fingerprints will incorporate all letters A-Z, punctuation marks and numbers. These screen fingerprints will appear as an opaque adjustable image, set behind the darker inputting text, so clearly distinguishable and not distracting. As one becomes more intuitive with the keyboard and less reliant on seeing the position of the particular letters, one will have the option to further reduce the opaqueness of these screen fingerprints.

When inputting text the screen will always start in the Default Position (see Figure 1), and unless "locked" (by pressing the lock key down), will always revert to this screen after every letter, number or punctuation mark is inputted.

So whilst in the Default Position all middle letters (i.e. B,E,H,K,N,R,UIX) will have a blue mask highlighting them, and will be actioned by simply pressing the corresponding finger button on the rear. The Second Position (see Figure 2) will highlight letters A,D,G,J,M,P,T,W by pressing the left hand SPACE button. This can be pressed before, or simultaneously to, pressing the respective rear finger button, that correspond to one's choice of those letters. As previously stated, as this character appears on the screen, the Default Position will reappear. The Third Position (see Figure 3) will highlight letters C,F,I,L,O,S,V,Y by pressing the right hand SPACE button. This can be pressed before, or simultaneously to, pressing the respective rear finger button, that correspond to one's choice of letter. And again as this character appears on the screen, the Default Position will reappear.

For letters Q, Z, and full punctuation the Function button will need to be pressed once (seeFigure 4), and then following the same system of character selection, as already described. For the Number screen the Function Screen will need to be pressed twice (see Figure 5). This screen is as intuitive as counting on one's fingers, i.e.Thumb left hand equates to 1, through fingers 2-9, and finishing Thumb right hand equates to 0.

A space between words is actioned by pressing both SPACE buttons at the same time.

To move around the screen one uses the ENTER button, which will be a roller and soft press button in one (similar to Blackberry) Figure 6 shows a reverse view of the PDA or mobile phone

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for applying text to a computer device, characterised in that the method includes the use of an input unit comprising finger buttons ergonomically positioned on a rear face of the input unit for engagement by the fingers of an operative.
2. A method according to Claim L characterised in that the input device comprises a screen on which are depicted, when the method is being used, fingerprint images corresponding to the positioning of the finger buttons on the rear face of the input unit.
3. A method according to claim 2, characterised in that the input unit comprises buttons on a front face of the input unit, which buttons are engaged by the thumbs of an operative when the method is being used in applying text to a computer device, the operation of the buttons on the rear and front faces of the input unit causing the fingerprint images to be highlighted on the screen of the input unit.
4. A method according to Claim 3, characterised in that the images, depicted on the screen of the input unit return to a default condition after the in put of a character has been initiated by the operative.
5. A method according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the visibility of the fingerprint images can be diminished to zero as an operative becomes intuitively aware of the positions of the buttons on the rear and front faces of the input unit.
6. An input unit for use in the method of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the input unit comprises two banks of four buttons on the rear face of the input unit, which buttons are engaged by the fingers of the operative when effecting the method of Claims 1 to 5.
7. An input unit according to Claim 6, characterised in that the input unit is held in both hands, when in use in effecting the method of Claims 1 to 5, the thumb of each hand being used to operate space, function, backspace, shift and enter buttons on the front face of the input unit.
8. An input unit according to either one of Claims 5 and 6, characterised in that a majority of the surface area of the front face of the input unit is utilised for maximising the size of the screen in the absence of a conventional querfy' keyboard.
9. An input unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
10. A method for applying text to a computer device substantially as hereinbefore described.