Abstract:
An ambidextrous, hand held data management device that has been ergonomically optimized to facilitate multiple key per character input, chording while holding a hand-held computer. The device has an arrangement of multiple keys which are so situated that the device can be operated in either the left or the right hand and data can be quickly and conveniently input, that is, any combination of keys can be quickly and conveniently indicated without a hand strap and without dropping the device. The ergonomic arrangement of keys and the shape of the frame allows for the device to remain comfortably stationary relative to the palm of the hand while in use. The device is primarily a mobile data input device, enabling keying of characters with the hand concurrently holding the device around the periphery, maximizing the hand-held screen availability dowards displaying content.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is in the technical field of electronic input devices, or data input systems. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of keying devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of chording keying devices. 
     Data input devices to date, suitable for use with portable, hand held computers typically known as PDAs (Personal Data Assistant) or “Smart Phones” have required that the hand held computers be larger, or thicker, in order to accommodate small physical keyboards, commonly of the QWERTY type as standard on larger laptop or desktop computers, or have had a compromised viewing space on the hand held computer in use, as a portion of the touch sensitive screen is utilized to display the keyboard during input. Hand held chording type keyboards have required a method of operation which uses both hands together, or they have employed a physical configuration not readily suited for use with a hand held computer. Further, for the chording solutions, the mappings of finger combinations to the alphabet have been difficult to learn. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an ambidextrous hand-held and operated electronic input device for a user to input characters using separate finger or thumb presses, or combinations of digit presses. 
     The present invention is a data input device for users to type data to a hand held computer (PDA, “smart phone”), operating with the hand holding the present invention also supporting the hand held computer in a comfortable and natural grip. 
     The present invention is a hand held chording data input device which, when mounted on the perimeter of a hand held computer, positions the input keys to enable operation with the hand remaining in a relaxed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a left side perspective view of a data input device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side perspective view of a data input device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a data input device of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an un-pressed pushbutton of a data input device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a partially pressed pushbutton of a data input device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a fully pressed pushbutton of a data input device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of a pushbutton of a data input device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a chord-to-text translation table of a data input device of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       1  data input device 
       2  two-stage DPST pushbutton [DPST=double pole single throw] 
       3  standard convention circuit diagram [for a two-stage DPST pushbutton] 
       4  mapping of digit chord values to corresponding characters 
       10  frame 
       12  thumb pushbutton 
       14  index finger pushbutton 
       16  middle finger pushbutton 
       18  ring finger pushbutton 
       20  little finger pushbutton 
       22  alternate thumb pushbutton 
       24  track ball mouse button 
       26  micro-processor 
       28  cable 
       30  alpha-numeric character display 
       32  curved finger edge 
       34  palm edge 
       36  palm rest 
       38  plunger 
       40  middle electrically conductive section 
       42  bottom electrically conductive section 
       44  non-conducting sleeve 
       46  side contacts 
       48  bottom contacts 
       50  coil spring 
       52  thumb column 
       54  index finger column 
       56  middle finger column 
       58  ring finger column 
       60  little anger column 
       62  row A 
       64  row B 
       66  row C 
       68  row D 
       70  row E 
       72  row F 
       74  row G 
       76  row H 
       78  row I 
       80  row J 
       82  row K 
       84  row L 
       86  row M 
       88  row N 
       90  row O 
       92  row P 
       94  row Q 
       96  row R 
       98  row S 
       100  row T 
       102  row U 
       104  row V 
       106  row W 
       108  row X 
       110  row Y 
       112  row Z 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a data input device  1  having a frame  10 , holding an index finger pushbutton  14 , a middle finger pushbutton  16 , a ring finger pushbutton  18  and a little finger pushbutton  20  mounted within a curved finger edge  32  of one side of the frame  10 . A thumb pushbutton  12  and an alternate thumb pushbutton  22  are mounted within the frame  10  along the palm edge  34 . The palm edge  34  is on the opposite side of the frame  10  from the curved finger edge  32 . A track ball mouse button  24  is mounted along the top surface of palm edge  34 . The palm edge  34  includes a palm rest  36  portion which includes a microprocessor  26  within the interior. All pushbuttons and the trackball are wired to the microprocessor  26 . A means to provide power to the microprocessor  26  and to convey the data signals generated by the invention is provided by a cable  28 . Alternatively, a battery and a form of wireless communication with the hand-held computer, as Bluetooth, may be deployed in lieu of cable  28 . 
     In more detail, still referring to the invention of  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , in the preferred embodiment, the index finger pushbutton  14 , the middle finger pushbutton  16 , the ring finger pushbutton  18 , the little finger pushbutton  20 , and the thumb pushbutton  12 , are two-stage double-pole, single-throw normally open momentary pushbuttons. The two-stage button functionality may alternatively be emulated using analog, continuously variable pressure type switches. The alternative thumb pushbutton  22  may use a simple, single-pole, single-throw momentary normally open push button, and is employed to provide different translation tables, such as capital letters, and different punctuation. Multiple alternative buttons, or a button type supporting multiple states may be used to expand characters to numerals, foreign language character sets, as examples. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  to  FIG. 6  for operational detail of two-stage double-pole, single-throw normally open momentary pushbuttons. The two-stage DPST pushbutton  2  is comprised of a plunger  38 , containing a middle electrically conductive section  40 , and a bottom electrically conductive section  42 . The plunger  38  is contained within a non-conducting sleeve  44 , which contains a pair of side contacts  46  and a pair of bottom contacts  48 . The plunger  38  is of dimension such that it may slide freely when pushed down into the sleeve  44 , until stopped when the bottom electrically conductive section  42  comes into contact with the bottom electrical contacts  48 . When the plunger  38  is released, it is returned to its initial position by a coil spring  50 , as in the operation of a standard pushbutton. 
     In more detail  FIG. 4  shows the two-stage DPST pushbutton  2 , when the plunger  38  is not pushed. The middle electrically conductive section  40 , of the plunger  38 , is not in contact with the pair of side contacts  46 , of sleeve  44 , and the bottom electrically conductive section  42 , is not in contact with the bottom contacts  48 , of sleeve  44 . 
     In more detail  FIG. 5  shows the two-stage DPST pushbutton  2 , when the plunger  38  is partially pushed. The middle electrically conductive section  40 , of the plunger  38 , is in contact with the pair of side contacts  46 , of sleeve  44 , and the bottom electrically conductive section  42 , is not in contact with bottom contacts  48 , of sleeve  44 . 
     In more detail,  FIG. 6  shows the two-stage DPST pushbutton  2 , when the plunger  38  is fully pushed. The middle electrically conductive section  40 , of the plunger  38 , remains in contact with the pair of side contacts  46 , of sleeve  44 , and the bottom electrically conductive section  42 , is in contact with bottom contacts  48 , of sleeve  44 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  for a standard convention circuit diagram  3  of such a two-stage, double-pole, single-throw momentary normally open pushbutton. 
     In further detail, referring again to the invention of  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the index finger pushbutton  14 , the middle finger pushbutton  16 , the ring finger pushbutton  18 , the little finger pushbutton  20 , and the thumb pushbutton  12 , will each have two separate electrical connections to the micro-processor  26 . A partial-push, (or partial closing), of the index finger pushbutton  14 , the middle finger pushbutton  16 , the ring finger pushbutton  18 , the little finger pushbutton  20 , or the thumb pushbutton  12 , will result is a switch from an “off” to an “on” state at the first of its two corresponding input pins on the micro-processor  26 . Similarly, a complete-push of any of the index finger pushbutton  14 , the middle finger pushbutton  16 , the ring finger pushbutton  18 , the little finger pushbutton  20 , or the thumb pushbutton  12 , will have both electrical connections to the micro-processor  26 , switched to an “on” state. Every complete-push “on” state also has a partial-push “on” state. This enables an intended chord to be recognized by logic running on the micro-processor  26 . The logic reads all the pushbutton partial-push “on” states, triggered when a complete-push “on” state is detected. After reading the intended chord, the corresponding value is sent to the accompanying hand-held computer over the cable  28 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 8 , for the preferred mapping of digit chord values to corresponding characters  4 . Thumb column  52  indicates a pressed pushbutton with a circle. Index finger column  54  indicates a pressed pushbutton with a circle. Middle finger column  56  indicates a pressed pushbutton with a circle. Ring finger column  58  indicates a pressed pushbutton with a circle. Little finger column  60  indicates a pressed pushbutton with a circle. Row A  62  shows the keying for letter “A”. Row B  64  shows the keying for letter “B”. Row C  66  shows the keying for letter “C”. Row D  68  shows the keying for letter “D”. Row E  70  shows the keying for letter “E”. Row F  72  shows the keying for letter “F”. Row G  74  shows the keying for letter “G”. Row H  76  shows the keying for letter “H”. Row I  78  shows the keying for letter “I”. Row J  80  shows the keying for letter “J”. Row K  82  shows the keying for letter “K”. Row L  84  shows the keying for letter “L”. Row M  86  shows the keying for letter “M”. Row N  88  shows the keying for letter “N”. Row O  90  shows the keying for letter “O”. Row P  92  shows the keying for letter “P”. Row Q  94  shows the keying for letter “Q”. Row R  96  shows the keying for letter “R”. Row S  98  shows the keying for letter “S”. Row T  100  shows the keying for letter “T”. Row U  102  shows the keying for letter “U”. Row V  104  shows the keying for letter “V”. Row W  106  shows the keying for letter “W”. Row X  108  shows the keying for letter “X”. Row Y  110  shows the keying for letter “Y”. Row Z  112  shows the keying for letter “Z”. 
     This relationship map is designed to combine the common learned order of the Latin alphabet (ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ) with the order of digits commonly used to count to five. (Thumb=1, index=2, middle=3, ring=4, little=5). This generally accepted order convention is continued as more than one digit needs to be combined to produce all possible combinations of the five digits. That is, thumb=A, index=B, middle=C, ring=D, little=E. This exhausts digits being used singularly. The next letter, F, will require two digits together. As the thumb was the first digit, it will be included until all pairs of digits which may be formed in combination with a thumb have been exhausted. That is, thumb+index=F, thumb+middle=G, thumb+ring=H, thumb+little=I. At this point all digit pairs which include the thumb have been exhausted and the pattern continues with the next digit (after the thumb), the index now being used for all possible pairs that can be formed with it. That is, index+middle=J, index+ring=K, index+little=L. This exhausts the pairs which may be formed with the index. The pattern continues until all pairs of digits has been assigned to a letter, then continues with the first combination requiring three digits; thumb+index+middle=P. For the pattern requiring three digits, the ordering of two of the three digits comprising the triplet remains consistent with the order in which pairs were formed. That is, the next triple after P will also keep the thumb and index (the first pair) and take the digit after the middle. That is, thumb+index+ring=Q. All combinations of three are formed recognizing the order in which pairs were formed. After triplets are exhausted, all combinations requiring four digits will be assigned, recognizing the order in which triplets were formed. By this fashion, the letter “Z” is formed with the first instance which requires four digits as shown in  FIG. 8 . This allows assignment of the remaining four possible quads and the chord formed by all digits, totaling five additional chords, to be used as punctuation marks as period, comma, space or delete. This rule of ordering supports rapid learning of this “chord alphabet”, as letters may be “counted” up or down from known (learned) letters, following the generally known order of the Latin alphabet. 
     The construction details of the invention as show in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3  are that the frame  10  is of a size and shape to surround a hand-held personal computing device and support the holding hand in a relaxed position such that the fingers and thumb are comfortably engaged with their respective pushbuttons. A suitable size is about 3 inches wide and 5 inches high and about a half inch thick, constructed as a frame with space in the interior for the hand-held computer. The curved finger edge  32  is fashioned to accommodate the differing lengths of the fingers. The opposing palm edge  34  of the frame  10  has the palm edge  34  fashioned to engage the thumb-extension portion of the palm (along the thumb metacarpal) when held. In this fashion, the thumb does not actively hold the frame  10 . The thumb may be used to press the thumb pushbutton  12 , the alternative thumb pushbutton  22 , and operate the track ball mouse button  24 , all in turn, without need to shift the hand grip on the data input device  1 . The frame  10 , containing the hand-held computer, may be comfortably cradled by the hand, engaged by the top portion of the intermediate phalanges of the fingers and the palm-edge of the thumb metacarpal. A frame  10 , fashioned in this way will allow the top of the fingers (the distal phalanges) and the thumb to move substantially freely, without the need to shift the grip on the frame  10 . In operation, any small twisting, or torquing forces generated by any single finger or thumb press, or any combination of concurrent presses, will be minimal, supporting comfortable, relaxed usage. 
     The construction details of the invention as shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3  are that the frame  10  may be made of wood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, metal, and the like. Further, the various components comprising the data input device  1  can be made of different materials, especially as needed to accommodate electrical requirements. 
     The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that chording data input may be produced comfortably by the same hand used to hold a hand-held computer, PDA, “Smartphone”, etc. The invention, in use, supports the hand-held computer around the perimeter, providing a shape which supports a natural cradling hold, not requiring any portion of the screen be dedicated to data input. A further advantage is that the present invention, when used with an optional integrated alphanumeric character display will display the intended character before it has been sent to the hand-held computer, allowing for adjustment, avoiding the need to erase and replace the mistakenly produced character. 
     In broad embodiment, the present invention is an ambidextrous hand held keying device. 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.