Abstract:
An apparatus and a method for entering data into a computerized navigation system of an aircraft is described. The device is strapped to the thigh with a connection provided to the aircraft avionics. To facilitate safety, quick release of the device from the avionics is provided. Alternatively, instead of a hard wired connection, a wireless connection is disclosed utilizing radio frequencies or infrared light. Alternatively, a pull away release is provided on the strap. The device consists of the keyboard that is ergonomically designed to provide one handed operation. Key layout on the keyboard is ergonomically designed to facilitate operation of the avionics being controlled. Backlighting of the keyboard provides illumination so that operation in low light conditions is possible. The keyboard may be equipped with a cover attached by a hinge that may be removed. The cover provides a convenient writing surface for the operator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/145,078 filed Jul. 21, 1999, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The amount of avionics hardware present in an aircraft cockpit has increased dramatically. This is because of technical advances that continually increase the features available on an airborne platform. Flight crews are faced with having to perform an increasing number of complex tasks in a limited space. In general, cockpit space has not increased to accommodate the additional avionics. This means that the pilot and other crew members are faced with having to flip an increasing number of switches and carry out added tasks, such as operating the aircraft controls, in a cramped environment. In order to safely operate the aircraft, the FAA requires that the controls are accessible without interference. The FAA may evaluate an equipment layout and order the removal of equipment deemed to interfere with the control of the aircraft. This problem becomes acute with the continuing efforts to squeeze increasing amounts of equipment into a limited volume available in the cockpit to take advantage of newly available avionic functions. 
     However, even with increased automation of aircraft functions, the simple activity of logging certain events, or pieces of information on paper remains. Entries into a printed log, is still an integral part of the required tasks of a crew member. The paper log is often kept on a clipboard that is strapped to the crew member&#39;s thigh. This keeps the clipboard secure and within easy reach. 
     In a common helicopter cockpit configuration, the pilot (or other member of the flight crew) has to log information on an appropriate printed form, and also operate instruments on the control panel. With the introduction of various types of on-board computer systems, the use of an input device is required to enter data into the computer. 
     The equipment used to achieve these tasks comprises individual pieces of hardware such as a notepad and a regular computer keyboard. In most cases there has to be a designated space for such a notepad, and the data input device is normally part of some type of instrumentation panel, or tray mounted. 
     One particular avionics device is an onboard navigation computer that utilizes digitized map information, such as available in a commercially available street atlas, to provide a moving map system. To locate an address, the crew member keys in the street address to be found and the navigational computer displays a map of the surrounding area with the location of the address indicated on it. Such a navigational computer is commonly used in law enforcement, where it is desirable to locate an address on a map from the air. In the prior state of the art, before the widespread use of navigational computers, the flight officer actually looked the address up on a street atlas or on a map and told the pilot where to go. 
     In one particular navigation system, the keyboard is removable and may be held by the operator while keying in information. In the cramped confines of a cockpit, this simple action is hazardous to the crew members because it interferes with their operation of the aircraft controls. 
     In summation, there are a number of drawbacks and hazards associated with the situation described above. One is that it is a very poor utilization of the cockpit space, which is severely limited. Another aspect relates to the fact that a regular or standard (PC compatible, in most cases) keyboard was designed for a general two handed desktop, and not aviation use. Because it is unsafe, cumbersome and inefficient to use a keyboard of a standardized layout in this specialized application an input device that overcomes these limitations is needed. 
     There currently exists in the state of the art a strong need for a data entry apparatus that effectively utilizes the limited space available in an aircraft, or otherwise cramped environment of a vehicle, without interfering with the operation of the vehicle or aircraft. Advantageously, the data entry apparatus of the present invention meets these needs by providing a keyboard that is ergonomically designed to be operable with one hand, is of compact dimensions, is secured to the operator&#39;s thigh, and contains a writing surface on a hinged cover. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Many of the attendant features of this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts throughout. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed toward the creation of a method and a versatile apparatus which fits naturally in the cockpit environment of an aircraft and corrects the above mentioned drawbacks of the current systems. The present invention assists users like pilots, co-pilots and flight officers in the performance of their tasks. 
     The present invention therefore provides an apparatus which can be used for logging data on printed paper forms, and inputting data to the on-board computerized navigation system of an aircraft. By optimizing the ergonomics of the design, operational safety of the aircraft is increased. 
     Additionally, the present invention does not require a user to undergo specific training or to change his/her learned way of performing the specific function as a crew member of the aircraft. 
    
    
     Many of the attendant features of this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood in a reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus for data entry in perspective view from the side; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus for data entry having a hinged cover  103  in an opened position so that access to the ergonomically designed keyboard  105  by an operator is obtained; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus for data entry being used to interface an operator to an instrument; 
     FIG. 4 shows the apparatus for data entry with the cover lowered (closed) for use as a notepad; 
     FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the apparatus for data entry equipped with a removable cover; 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the device for data entry showing a recess in the device case that tends to conform with an operators thigh that is lined with a non slip material to prevent the apparatus for data entry from shifting during use; 
     FIG. 7 is a representation of an embodiment of the invention depicting an ergonomic keyboard layout, applicable to use with a moving map system, or other instrument utilizing an operator&#39;s input; and 
     FIG. 8 is an outline view of functional key grouping in an embodiment of the apparatus for data entry. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The described embodiments of this invention are of a device that allows safe and efficient operation of an input device in a cramped environment. While secured to the leg of the user, this device facilitates a more comfortable execution of the required operations performed by a user, and minimizes the motions of the user in performing the required operations. Another important aspect is that this invention is that it better utilizes the space available in a cockpit of an aircraft. Better space utilization is accomplished by removing the data entry portion of the hardware from an instrumentation panel to the apparatus for data entry. More room is available for other important electronic equipment to be installed in the instrumentation panel, and interference with the controls is eliminated. 
     FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus for data entry  108  in perspective view from the side. In the embodiment shown the apparatus for data entry includes an ergonomic housing, or body  101 , data entry electronics, a cover  103 , a strap system  102 , and a communications system  106  for coupling the data being entered into a remote instrument. 
     In the embodiment shown a user such as a flight officer in a helicopter straps the apparatus for data entry  108  to his thigh. The user secures the apparatus for data entry by using a strap  102  equipped with a fastener  112 . The body  101  of the apparatus for data entry has a recess, or curve at the bottom  107  to allow for the curve in the operator&#39;s thigh. The curved portion  107  of the case is lined with a material  109  that tends to prevent the apparatus for data entry from shifting position when in use. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus for data entry having a hinged cover  103  in an opened position so that access to the ergonomically designed keyboard  105  by an operator is obtained. When the cover is closed the keyboard is protected and the cover serves as a writing surface. The hinge  104  that secures the cover is removable in an alternative embodiment. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus for data entry being used to interface an operator  114  to an instrument  113 . In an embodiment, the apparatus for data entry  108  is interfaced to the on-board navigation system, or other instrument  113 , of the aircraft. Any instrument utilizing data entry via a keyboard, track pad, mouse force stick and so on may advantageously utilize the apparatus for data entry. 
     A cable  106  provides data communication and electrical power to the unit in the embodiment shown. The cable is supplied with a connector  115  that couples the apparatus for data entry  108  to the instrument  113 . In the embodiment shown the connector  115  utilizes a standard pin out of signal connections utilized by any conventional personal computer. However, any pin out may be utilized equivalently as required by the instruments being coupled to. In alternate embodiments, the cable  106  is replaced by a wireless connection to the above mentioned navigation system or instrument. Power is supplied to the unit via an internal battery pack within the apparatus for data entry. The wireless connections may be provided by an IR or RF link. 
     A strap system provides a safe way to secure the apparatus for data entry to an operators thigh. The apparatus for data entry  108  is designed to securely and comfortably strap to the thigh of the operator by utilizing a special belt or strap  102 . In the embodiment shown, a fastener  112  secures the strap  102  around an operators thigh with a quick release mechanism. The bottom of the body  101  is curved  107  to accommodate the operator&#39;s thigh. An operator places the apparatus for data entry  108  on the top of his thigh in preparation for using it, typically when in a seated position. The operator passes the strap around his thigh, encircling it, and then secures the ends of the strap together. 
     Quick release straps promote operator safety. In embodiments retaining the cable  106 , a quick release system is provided for operator safety. It is unsafe to have a crew member tethered to the aircraft and having to perform some operation in order to free himself quickly. In the embodiment shown, the operator may disengage himself by releasing the quick release fastener  112 . Release is accomplished by a tug on the quick release cable  116 . When the operator moves to the end of the cable&#39;s  106 &#39;s travel the pull is transferred to a release mechanism of the fastener  112 . The pull opens the fastener and frees the operator. 
     In alternative embodiments hook and loop tape such as “velcro” provides a quick release fastener. A tug on one end of a strap, having either the hooks or loops at the end being pulled on, is enough to pull the ends apart releasing the operator. In the hook and loop tape arrangement, the cord is attached to one end the strap so that when the cord receives a pull, such as would occur when it reaches its end of travel, it pulls on one end of the hook and loop tape strap causing a quick break away of the strap from around the operator&#39;s thigh. Alternatively quick release through the cable is provided by a break away connector. 
     FIG. 4 shows the apparatus for data entry with the cover lowered (closed) for use as a notepad. At the top of the notepad a clip mechanism  201  is provided for holding printed forms, or other papers to the cover. In the lowered position with the notepad clipped to the cover by a clamping device  201 , logging notes on specially designed printed paper forms or regular paper may be conveniently done by the operator. When the notepad  103  is lifted in the upright position, access to the keyboard  105  is obtained. In an alternate embodiment the cover is removable. In a second alternative embodiment the hinge is disposed on a side of the ergonomic housing. The hinge may be disposed on either side so that the cover opens to the operator&#39;s right or left as a book opens, depending on the side the hinge is disposed on. 
     FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the apparatus for data entry equipped with a removable cover. The cover is made removable by the substitution of a removable hinge for the previously described fixed hinge  104 . Such a cover may be removed by opening it fully as shown. A fully opened position disengages the cover from a locking device of the hinge. Once disengaged, the cover is removed by sliding the cover off of the hinge pin laterally. When installed on the hinge pin, the cover is locked keeping it from coming off. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the input device  105 , or keyboard is supplied without a cover equivalently other types of removable hinges known to those skilled in the art are equivalently utilized to secure the cover to the apparatus for data entry. 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the device for data entry showing a recess in the device case that tends to conform with an operators thigh  107  that is lined with a non slip material  109  to prevent the apparatus for data entry from shifting during use. 
     An ergonomically designed housing  101  having a concave curved bottom  107  allows the ergonomically designed housing to be in substantial contact with a persons thigh when the ergonomically designed housing is strapped to the thigh, as shown in FIG.  3 . The concave bottom surface tends to prevent the apparatus for data entry from slipping from side to side during use. For additional stability a non slip surface is added in an embodiment that tends to prevent slipping. 
     The non-slip surface is disposed on the ergonomic housing to keep the apparatus for data entry on top of the operators thigh. The apparatus  108  is secured in place by providing a non-slip surface  109  on the curved part of the body  107  that contacts the thigh and is secured by the strap  102 . The non slip material may be any suitable material. For example, sponge rubber, hook and loop tape (with the mating half secured to the operator) silicon rubber and the like may be equivalently used. 
     Keyboard electronics disposed on one or more printed wiring boards (PWB&#39;s)  117  are mounted within the housing  101 . Such electronics include the printed wiring board containing the switches actuated by the keys of the keyboard, buffer chips, display driver chips and the like. The cord  106  enters the housing  101  and is coupled to the printed wiring board  117 . 
     FIG. 7 is a representation of an embodiment of the invention depicting an ergonomic keyboard layout, applicable to use with a moving map system, or other instrument utilizing an operator&#39;s input. The keyboard layout addresses two important design goals: 
     First, the keyboard layout should fit the space constraints while providing the desired ergonomic design. This is accomplished by a vertical orientation of the layout, giving an overall size to the device so that it can be strapped to the thigh of the operator. 
     Second, the layout ergonomically provides for one-handed operation. The layout takes into account the input requirements of the navigational (mapping) equipment technologies currently available. 
     FIG. 8 is an outline view of functional key grouping in an embodiment of the apparatus for data entry. In accordance with the considerations discussed above, the keyboard layout is divided into four sections, or groups. Breaking the layout of the keys on the keyboard into functional groups allows the ergonomic arrangement of keys for functional operation to be achieved. The sections are an alphabetical section, a numeric section, a cursor movement section, and a special function section. 
     An alphabetical key section, or group  301 , is provided for text entry. On the lower portion of the key layout  119  is a large central section  301  which is the alphabetical portion of the layout. For easier operation, this section preserves the standard layout of a computer (PC compatible) keyboard. Equivalently other key arrangements may be provided in this section, as desired by the user to enter text. On the upper portion of the key layout  118  there are three more sections of keys. 
     A numeric keypad section allows data entry of numbers. The right hand section  302  provides a customized numeric keypad. As shown some mathematical operators are disposed in this area as desired to achieve a given functionality. 
     The cursor movement section  303  is advantageously placed in the center of the layout. In the embodiment shown the central section contains the arrow keys to move a cursor, and the “ENTER” key. In alternative embodiments a track ball, force stick, glide pad or other cursor movement device are utilized to move a cursor. For example a force stick such as one in the series  105 ,  106  or  108 , manufactured by CTS Corporation, or its equivalents provides cursor movement by sensing a direction of force applied to the force stick and moving the cursor. Driver electronics associated with cursor movement are advantageously disposed on the PWB  117  of FIG.  6 . 
     A special function key section  304  is provided. The left hand section is dedicated to keys used for special functions. For example “f” keys or user defined functions may be implemented with keys disposed in this area. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that varying the arrangement of the four sections described will equivalently provide the ergonomic functionality described depending upon user preferences and the degree of functionality desired on the keyboard. For example in an alternate embodiment the alphanumeric section is oriented at the top of the keyboard, with the remaining three sections disposed at the bottom of the keyboard. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a keyboard embodiment having an integral data display  118  present in the keyboard. The data display enables an operator to verify correctness of information, such as an address, prior to entering it into an attached instrument. Alternatively messages or prompts from the instrument may be displayed in this area. The display may be equivalently implemented by a LED device or a LCD, such as a backlit type for ease in night viewing. An exemplary data display device is the part number PRD250LPW, manufactured by OPTREX Corporation, or its equivalents. 
     Back-lighting of the keyboard is provided in the embodiments shown. The backlighting utilized is an adjustable back-lighting of the keyboard  105 . This feature is necessary in order to enhance the safe operation at night or in case of insufficient ambient light. In an embodiment of the invention, backlighting of the keyboard may be continuous or provided by a photosensitive device that activates the lighting mechanism once the ambient light falls below a predetermined level. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, when the notepad is lifted illumination of the keyboard is activated. In alternate embodiments of the invention, backlighting may be provided by an electro luminescent (EL) board disposed beneath a keyboard overlay. In an alternative embodiment, backlighting is provided by a fiber optics panel carrying light to a membrane switch. 
     Key activation is provided by multiple keyboard embodiments. An embodiment of the keyboard utilizes a membrane switch which provides an economical solution to implementing a keyboard layout, and is easily fabricated. A further alternate embodiment utilizes a stamped steel keyboard. This type of keyboard has bubbles where the key locations are, providing a tactile orientation to the user. A stamped steel keyboard may also be backlit. In addition to possessing a long life, the stamped steel keyboard possesses the advantage of allowing smaller circuit components to be used in the construction of the device for data entry. However, this type of keyboard possess a high tooling cost and is not amenable to rapid design changes. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the key activation of the functions presented by the keyboard layout may be implemented by any conventional method known by those skilled in the art. 
     While several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.