Abstract:
A computing device, including a processor, a screen, and at least one chord keyboard. The screen is coupled to be driven by the processor to display data to a user of the device, and is arranged so as to be viewable by a user of the device while holding the device with both hands, one at either side of the screen. The at least one chord keyboard comprises keys, and is fixed to a side of the screen in such a position as to be gripped by the user while holding the device so as to view the screen, and is coupled to provide input to the processor responsive to pressure exerted on the keys by the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/237,653, filed on Oct. 3, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of inputting data to computers, particularly methods and apparatus for inputting information and control signals to a portable computer.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Portable computing devices such as laptop computers typically contain an input device for a user to communicate with them, and to input information and control signals thereto. Examples of such input devices include a keyboard; a touch screen with stylus and character recognition software; and a microphone and voice recognition software.  
           [0004]    Laptop computers typically fold open to expose an internal keyboard and display screen. The regular, fully functional keyboard requires approximately 100 keys each the width of a finger. These size requirements of the keyboard in effect double the size of the portable computer. To use the keyboard of a laptop computer, the keyboard is generally opened and rested on a surface at least the size of the keyboard. Where space is limited, or in the absence of a flat surface, for when example sitting on a bus, use of conventional laptop computers becomes impractical. Use of a conventional laptop computer while standing, without a surface on which to rest the computer, is virtually impossible.  
           [0005]    Some portable computing devices use a touch screen and stylus to input information. The stylus is typically used with either character recognition software, such as Graffity in the Palm Pilot™ family of products, or with a “soft” keyboard, i.e., an image of a keyboard shown on a touch screen, enabling the user to select the desired characters. Input of characters using a stylus is slow and relatively inaccurate, and thus is not an effective substitute for typing.  
           [0006]    Voice activation and dictation systems require substantial computing power and as yet are still not entirely accurate. Furthermore, while voice input of data may be practical in private areas such as a private office or the home, it is not suitable for public areas where the background noise level is high, or where privacy is required.  
           [0007]    The chord keyboard is an alternative to the standard “qwerty” keyboard. The chord keyboard is a compact input device, usually for one-handed operation, that replicates the functions of a full-size keyboard, with fewer keys than the full-size keyboard. On a chord keyboard there are a limited number of keys, often, although not always, one for each finger. As in a normal keyboard, pressing a single key makes one character. Chording, the pressing of combinations of keys simultaneously produces different characters. Ease of use, accuracy and typing speed are increased and muscle strain is reduced when using a chord keyboard as compared to a regular keyboard.  
           [0008]    The state of the art of chord keyboards is believed to be represented in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,017,030; 4,360,892; and 5,432,510, incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,030 to Crews discloses a two-handed peripheral chord keyboard for connection to a computing device.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,892 to Endfield describes a word processing device designed to be held in the palm of one hand, and which comprises a miniature screen of limited functionality, and four finger keys and at least one thumb key for use by the other hand, that act as a chord keyboard for inputting data to the device. The word processing device disclosed by Endfield is not suitable for holding with both hands while in use, and data cannot be inputted into the device by the same hand which is holding the device.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,510 to Matthews describes a computing device designed to be held in the palm of one hand, and which comprises a miniature screen of limited functionality, and keys for use by the holding hand, that act as a chord keyboard for inputting data to the device. The device disclosed by Matthews has very limited computing functions and is described as being a data management device in the field of computer peripheral equipment. Data inputted into the device by a user is usually uploaded to a computer. Although data can be inputted into Matthews&#39;s device by the hand which is holding the device, it is not suitable for holding with both hands while in use, nor is it suitable for inputting data by both hands while holding the device.  
           [0012]    The Bat Chord Keyboard by NanoPAc, Inc. (http://www.nanopac.com/keyboard.htm) is a commercially available example of a chord keyboard that replaces a conventional keyboard. The Twiddler by Handykey Corp. (http://www.handykey.com/over.html) is a commercially available example of a combined chord keyboard and mouse, that replaces both of these devices. Both the Bat Chord Keyboard and the Twiddler are peripheral devices that connect to computers and are not standalone functional devices.  
           [0013]    The disclosures of each and every one of the publications mentioned in this section and in other sections of the specification, are incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention seeks to provide a novel input mechanism and method for a portable computing device, which can be operated comfortably while holding the device in two hands and viewing a full-size display screen of the device. The portable computing device, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises the display screen and at least one chord keyboard input assembly, attached at one or both sides of the display and configured with its keys at least partially at the rear of the device. This configuration allows the user to hold the device in both hands, while standing or sitting, with the thumbs adjacent to the screen and the remaining four figures behind the screen and able both to support the screen and operate the keys located there. While chord keyboard designs known in the art can ergonomically accommodate only a very small display, and thus very limited functionality, the novel configuration of the present invention enables full-size, full-function computers to be used with chord keyboards in a way that has been hitherto unknown.  
           [0015]    The input mechanism and method described herein may replace traditional input methods to a computing device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computing device does not have an input mechanism, such as a regular keyboard, voice recognition, and stylus or touch-screen, in addition to the chord keyboard. In an alternative embodiment, the computing device does have such an input mechanism in addition to the chord keyboard.  
           [0016]    In a preferred embodiment, the processor, and preferably other components of the computing device, are located behind the screen, so that the size of the device does not have to substantially exceed the dimensions of the screen.  
           [0017]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the input keys positioned to be pressed by a user&#39;s fingers behind the screen, the chord keyboard comprises at least one input key, button or other control, such as a pointing device, positioned at the front of the computing device to be pressed by the user&#39;s thumb.  
           [0018]    In a preferred embodiment, the chord keyboard comprises a plurality of keys or buttons, each of which is typically positioned to be preferentially pressed by a particular respective digit of the user. Preferably, a single key is positioned to be preferentially pressed by each particular respective digit. In an alternative embodiment, more than one key is positioned to be preferentially pressed by each particular respective digit.  
           [0019]    In a preferred embodiment, the computing device comprises two chord keyboards positioned one at either side of the device. The device can be comfortably held in both hands so as to view the screen, by gripping the chord keyboards one in each hand. Each of the two chord keyboards may be used independently as input devices for the processor, which will typically increase the rate of input to the processor. Alternatively, the two chord keyboards may chord in coordination such that the pressing of a combination of up to ten keys simultaneously generates an input representing different characters or instructions, which allows a much greater range of characters and symbols to be input to the processor.  
           [0020]    Additionally or alternatively, one of the two chord keyboards may be used to generate signals representing alphanumeric characters, while the second chord keyboard generates processing or control signals, in an analogous manner to the “shift”, “alt” and “control” keys on a standard keyboard.  
           [0021]    In another preferred embodiment, the computing device comprises a single chord keyboard positioned on one side of the device, for input to the processor by a single hand. To comfortably hold the device in both hands, so as to view the screen, the device preferably also comprises a handgrip located on the opposite edge of the device from the chord keyboard, for gripping with the other hand. The handgrip is typically ergonomically designed for comfortable holding of the device. The handgrip may also comprise a pointing device, which functions like a mouse for manipulating a cursor on the screen. The pointing device may comprise any pointing device known in the art, such as a joystick, a thumb button (a depressed button for control by rotational pressure of the thumb), or a pressure-sensitive knob, such as the TrackPoint device provided in some portable computers, such as the IBM ThinkPad™.  
           [0022]    In a preferred embodiment, the at least one chord keyboard may be slidable, or otherwise movable, along the edge of the computing device, so as to be positioned at a desired position relative to the screen. Additionally or alternatively, the chord keyboard may be attachable to and detachable from the device.  
           [0023]    A computing device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, does not have to be laid on a flat surface for use, and may be used while being held. It is appreciated that the lower edge of the device may be rested on a support to minimize muscle strain to a user. The lower edge of the device may have a protective coating, to protect against damage to the device.  
           [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the device may also comprise one or two armrests, attached to the edges of the device and positioned on either side of the screen, to support the lower arms, wrists or hands of a user holding the device at the chord keyboard or handgrip. The armrests may be slidable, or otherwise movable, along the edge of the computing device, so as to be positioned at a desired position relative to the chord keyboard or handgrip. Additionally or alternatively, the armrests may be attachable to and detachable from the device.  
           [0025]    There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computing device, including a processor, a screen, which is coupled to be driven by the processor to display data to a user of the device, and which is arranged so as to be viewable by a user of the device while holding the device with both hands, one at either side of the screen, and at least one chord keyboard comprising keys, which is fixed to a side of the screen in such a position as to be gripped by the user while holding the device so as to view the screen, and which is coupled to provide input to the processor responsive to pressure exerted on the keys by the user.  
           [0026]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one chord keyboard comprises two chord keyboards, one at either side of the screen.  
           [0027]    Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device also includes a handgrip, fixed to the side of the screen opposite the chord keyboard.  
           [0028]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device also comprises at least one armrest, which is fixed to a side of the screen in such a position that the user can rest an arm, wrist or hand thereupon, while gripping the at least one chord keyboard.  
           [0029]    Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one chord keyboard is configured to be detached from the screen and reattached thereto by the user.  
           [0030]    Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one chord keyboard is configured to be moved along an edge of the screen by the user, so as to provide input to the processor from multiple positions along the edge.  
           [0031]    There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computing device, including a processor, adjacent first and second screens, having respective inner and outer edges, wherein the screens are connected to one another at the inner edges thereof, wherein the first and second screens are coupled to be driven by the processor to display data to a user of the device and are arranged so as to be viewable by the user while holding the device with both hands, one at either side of the device at the outer edges of the first and second screens, and at least one chord keyboard comprising keys, fixed to at least one of the outer edges of the screens in such a position as to be gripped by the user while holding the device so as to view the first and second screens, and which keyboard is coupled to provide input to the processor responsive to pressure exerted on the keys by the user.  
           [0032]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data displayed on the second screen is different from the data displayed on the first screen.  
           [0033]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device includes two chord keyboard, fixed to the respective outer edges of the first and second screens.  
           [0034]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, pressure exerted on the keys of both chord keyboards in coordination generates an input signal to the processor representing an alphanumeric character or processing instruction.  
           [0035]    Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two keyboards are operable in alternation to input alphanumeric characters or processing instruction to the processor.  
           [0036]    Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the two keyboards further includes a pointing device.  
           [0037]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pointing device is operable by a thumb of the user while gripping the one of the two keyboards.  
           [0038]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keys are positioned at the rear of the screen for operation by the user&#39;s fingers.  
           [0039]    Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keys are positioned so that each of the keys is preferentially operated by a specific one of the user&#39;s fingers.  
           [0040]    Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one chord keyboard includes at least one thumb key positioned at the front of the screen for operation by the user&#39;s thumb.  
           [0041]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one thumb key comprises two thumb keys.  
           [0042]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, pressure exerted on the keys generates an input to the processor representing an alphanumeric character or processing instruction.  
           [0043]    Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a single chord keyboard positioned at the outer edge of the first screen and a handgrip positioned at the outer edge of the second screen.  
           [0044]    Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handgrip includes a pointing device, which is operable by the user while gripping the handgrip.  
           [0045]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pointing device is selected from the group consisting of a joystick, a thumb-button, a pressure-sensitive knob, and a pressure sensitive hand-grip.  
           [0046]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device also includes at least one armrest, which is fixed to the at least one outer edge of the screens, in such a position that the user can rest an arm, wrist or hand thereupon, while gripping the at least one chord keyboard.  
           [0047]    Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one chord keyboard is configured to be detached from the at least one outer edge of the screens, and reattached thereto by the user.  
           [0048]    Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one chord keyboard is configured to be moved along the at least one outer edge of the screens by the user, so as to provide input to the processor from multiple positions along the outer edge.  
           [0049]    There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of inputting and displaying data on a computing device that includes a processor and a display screen coupled to be driven by the processor to display data to a user of the device. The method includes fixing at least one chord keyboard to a side of the screen so as to be gripped by the user while holding the computing device with both hands, one at either side of the screen, and viewing the screen, sensing pressure exerted by the user on the keys of the at least one chord keyboard so as to provide input to the processor, and displaying data on the screen, to the user of the device, responsive to the input to the processor.  
           [0050]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing the pressure includes generating the input to the processor representing an alphanumeric character or processing instruction.  
           [0051]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes resting at least one arm, wrist or hand on at least one corresponding armrest, which is fixed to a side of the screen. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0052]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 1A is a schematic, overhead view of a user holding a computing device with a single chord keyboard and a handgrip, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 1B is a schematic rear view of the computing device of FIG. 1A, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a computing device with two chord keyboards, one on either side of the screen, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a computing device with a chord keyboard and a pointer handgrip, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of a computing device having two connected adjacent screens and two chord keyboards on the non-connecting edges of the adjacent screens, in an open position, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 4B is a schematic view of the computing device of FIG. 4A in an almost closed position; and  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of the computing device of FIG. 2, with armrests positioned on either side of the screen, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0060]    Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a simplified schematic illustration of a user  22  holding a computing device  20  with a single chord keyboard  40  and a handgrip  35 , one on either side of a screen  30 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Computing device  20  is preferably similar in capabilities and computing power to computing devices known in the art, such as portable or laptop computers, in that it comprises a processor (not shown) and screen  30  for displaying information, such as verbal, pictorial, graphical or mathematical information, to user  22 . Screen  30  is located on the front exterior side of computing device  20 , with the processor typically positioned inside the device, behind screen  30 . The screen preferably has a resolution of at least 500×500 pixels, so that the user can conveniently run substantially any personal computer application on the device. Chord keyboard  40  also acts as a handgrip, allowing a user to hold device  20  in both hands, at handgrip  35  and at chord keyboard  40 , so as to be able to view screen  30  while holding device  20 . Chord keyboard  40  preferably is ergonomically shaped so as to allow a secure and comfortable grip to users with a range of hand-sizes.  
         [0061]    User  22  typically holds computing device  20  from the front, so as to view screen  30 , with four fingers of each hand gripping behind device  20  and the thumbs gripping at the front. Chord keyboard  40  preferably comprises a plurality of keys located both at the front and the rear of device  20 . Shown in FIG. 1A are thumb keys  45 ,  46 ,  47  positioned to be pressed by the thumb of user  22  while holding device  20  at chord keyboard  40 , with his right hand.  
         [0062]    Reference is now made to FIG. 1B which is a schematic rear view of the computing device of FIG. 1A, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. On the rear of chord keyboard  40 , at the rear of device  20 , are finger keys  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  positioned to be pressed by the fingers of a user while holding device  20  at chord keyboard  40 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, chord keyboard  40  comprises four finger keys  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53 , each positioned to be pressed by a specific one of a user&#39;s fingers. In an alternative embodiment, chord keyboard  40  comprises more than four finger keys, with more than one finger key positioned to be pressed by a specific one of a user&#39;s fingers.  
         [0063]    Chord keyboard  40  functions as an input mechanism for the processor in device  20 , for use by the user while holding device  20  with both hands at handgrip  35  and at chord keyboard  40 , so as to be able to view screen  30 . The user inputs characters via chord keyboard  40  using any suitable coding system for chording of the characters, such as the systems used in chord keyboards known in the art, such as those described in the Background of the Invention.  
         [0064]    Optionally, chord keyboard  40  and handgrip  35  may be detachable from, and attachable to, device  20 . Once detached, chord keyboard  40  may be attached in place of handgrip  35 , or handgrip  35  may be attached in place of chord keyboard  40 , allowing interchangeability between left-handed and right-handed use of chord keyboard  40 . Additionally or alternatively, chord keyboard  40  may be movable along the edge of device  20  so as to be fixed in place at a user&#39;s preferred position relative to screen  30 .  
         [0065]    Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which is a simplified schematic front view of computing device  20  with two chord keyboard handgrips  40 , one on either side of screen  30 , constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each of chord keyboards  40  may be used independently as an input device for processor  25  as described above. The user may operate the two keyboards in alternation in order to increase the rate of input to processor  25 .  
         [0066]    In an alternative embodiment, the two chord keyboards  40  may chord in coordination such that the pressing of a combination of up to ten keys simultaneously generates an input representing different characters or instructions. This embodiment allows a much greater range of characters and symbols to be input to the processor. Preferably, a hardware or software switch is provided to switch between the independent and coordinate modes of two-handed operation.  
         [0067]    In a further alternative embodiment, one of chord keyboards  40  is used to generate signals representing alphanumeric characters, while the second chord keyboard generates processing or control signals, in an analogous manner to the “shift”, “alt” and “control” keys on a standard keyboard.  
         [0068]    Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which is a schematic front view of computing device  20  with chord keyboard  40  and a pointer handgrip  55 , one on either side of the screen, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Device  20  can be held by a user in both hands, at pointer handgrip  55  and at chord keyboard  40 , so as to be able to view screen  30  while holding device  20 . Pointer handgrip  55  typically comprises a pointing device  60 , which functions like a mouse for manipulating a cursor on screen  30 . Pointing device  60  may comprise any suitable pointing device known in the art, such as a joystick, a thumb button (a depressed button for control by rotational pressure of the thumb), or a pressure-sensitive knob such as the TrackPoint device provided in some portable computers, such as the IBM ThinkPad™. Alternatively, the pointer handgrip may comprise a pressure sensitive hand-grip, which responds to directional pressure by the entire hand.  
         [0069]    In another preferred embodiment, pointer handgrip  55  may comprise a functional mixture of a chord keyboard and a pointing device. For example, pointer handgrip  55  may comprise finger keys at the rear of device  20 , as shown above in FIG. 1B, while the thumb keys of chord keyboard  40  are replaced by pointing device  60 .  
         [0070]    Prior art portable or laptop computers typically fold open vertically to expose an internal keyboard and display screen. Computing devices comprising at least one chord keyboard at the edge thereof, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, do not require that a regular keyboard be attached thereto. This reduces the weight and size of computing devices of preferred embodiments of the present invention relative to conventional prior art computing devices, which allows the addition of extra functionalities to portable computers, while maintaining portability.  
         [0071]    Alternatively, computing devices of preferred embodiments of the present invention, may comprise a regular keyboard, preferably detachable from the computing device, in addition to the at least one chord keyboard.  
         [0072]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B which are schematic illustrations of a computing device  80  which folds open to expose two connected adjacent screens  85 ,  90  and two chord keyboards  40  on the non-connecting edges of adjacent screens  85 ,  90 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4A the computing device is shown in an open configuration, while in FIG. 4B, the same device is shown in an almost closed configuration. Device  80  may comprise two chord keyboards  40  as shown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, device  80  may comprise one chord keyboard  40  and one handgrip  35  or pointer handgrip  55 . Device  80  can be held by a user in both hands, so as to be able to view screen  30  while holding device  80 .  
         [0073]    The displays on the two screens of the computing device of FIGS. 4A and 4B are typically different from each other. For example, one screen may show icons and text, while the second screen displays graphic application data, such as images.  
         [0074]    It is appreciated that computing devices comprising at least one chord keyboard attached at the edge thereof, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, do not need to be opened on a flat surface for use, and can be used in minimal spaces while being held by a sitting or standing user. Such computing devices are typically held in a very comfortable and natural position, such as that used when holding as book. It is further appreciated that to take some of the weight of the computing device from off the arms or shoulders of its user, the lower edge of the device can be rested on any convenient surface. To support the arms of the user, the computing device may also comprise at least one arm-rest as described below with reference to FIG. 5.  
         [0075]    Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which is a simplified schematic illustration of the computing device of FIG. 2, with armrests  120  positioned on either side of the screen, to support the lower arms, wrists or hands of user  22  while holding chord keyboards  40 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, device  20  may comprise one chord keyboard  40  and one handgrip  35  or pointer handgrip  55 . Armrests  120  may be detachable from device  20 . Alternatively or additionally, armrests  120  may be flexibly-connected to the edge of device  20 , and may fold over in front of, or behind, device  20  when not in use.  
         [0076]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereto which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the above description and which are not in the prior art.