Patent TW-200802462-A (TW)
Title: Modification of keyboard input device
Inventor: WANG KEH-HONG
IPC: H03M11/08
Filed: 2006-06-30
Abstract: The style and key number for the universal standard computer keyboard have not changed for a long time. There are 104 keys and 3 indicating lights (Cap Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock). The Chinese-English dual-purpose keyboard has maximum of four characters on each key, such as symbol, number or function characters. They are distributed at four corners or up and down positions. However, the keyboard has no indication at present. The position or which corner for the present or next input character, symbol, or number key can only watch the display status on screen. Therefore, it is rather inconvenient for most users. There are plenty of character, symbol, or number keys on present keyboard. If we do not improve, the user cannot reduce the difficulty of operation, especially when using bilingual keyboard. Here the inventor brings up an invention patent application to improve the problem. It adds character, symbol, or number with two to four or more on each key in present keyboard. It is also installed two to four or more position indicating lights and/or two to four or more position keys at relative positions. Therefore, it can see directly and clearly to choose the position or which corner for next input character, symbol or number. At present it is needed to install character, symbol or number of four or more on a key only on bilingual keyboards. For single language keyboard it can reduce the number of keys greatly if all the character, symbol or number are placed four or above on a key. The area of keyboard will be reduced greatly. However, it must co-operate with position key and indicating light to make the design complete. This design principle can be applied not only in hardware keyboard design but also in software keyboard design. The position key can decide directly the position of next input character, symbol or number. While pressing the present or next key on the keyboard, the position indicating light can further display directly the position or which corner of the key for the output of character, symbol or number. When the key is pressing, the position indicating light will flash if the input character, symbol or number is under normal input status; otherwise, the position indicating light will not flash if the input character, symbol or number is not under normal input status. The user only needs to see the indicating light on the keyboard. It is not necessary to see the screen again for confirmation. Therefore, it can increase the input efficiency. The position key and position indicating light can also become unity for considering the factor of space saving, cost and others. The position key can also have the function of position indicating light. At present the universal keyboard has a problem of large area. The working or living space for common user is smaller. The keyboard will appear unusual heavy and occupying space if we don't think up a method to reduce the area of keyboard. Another advantage for installing position key and position indicating light is to reduce the number of key on the keyboard largely and furthermore to reduce the area of keyboard.