초록 ▼

A keyboard for use with a computer is disclosed. The keyboard has an array of keys made up of four rows such that all keys are accessible by a user using finger and thumb movements of the user's hands without moving the hands from a central location. All modes and functions of the keyboard are acces

A keyboard for use with a computer is disclosed. The keyboard has an array of keys made up of four rows such that all keys are accessible by a user using finger and thumb movements of the user's hands without moving the hands from a central location. All modes and functions of the keyboard are accessible using finger movements also in that the character keys on the keyboards are capable of producing different characters or performing different functions when actuated in combination with other mode and function keys on the keyboard. The keyboard has a space bar and an enter key that are accessible by the user's thumbs. The space bar and enter key are actuated by pressing either key horizontally rather than vertically as in standard keyboards. The keyboard also includes dual mode keys which allow the user to access additional modes. This feature expands the capability of the keyboard to interact with more software functions. The keyboard also includes a trackball that is accessible using either of the user's thumbs with its three buttons accessible by the index finger of either hand. The front surface of the trackball lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the keyboard. The keyboard also includes visual aids on each key so that the user can correlate a given mode with the function it produces when used in conjunction with a multiple character function key. The keyboard also includes an accessory platform extending from below the array of keys and towards the user. The accessory platform can accommodate an electronic notepad and audio speakers. The keyboard also includes a detachable antenna that can be mounted on the keyboard for use or stored within the keyboard when not in use. The keyboard also includes a microphone mounted within the keyboard.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What I claim is:] [1.] A keyboard for use with a computer, the keyboard including a surface in a first plane and a surface in a second plane, the first plane substantially perpendicular to the second plane, the keyboard having an array of keys in which some of the keys are actuated by movement sub

[ What I claim is:] [1.] A keyboard for use with a computer, the keyboard including a surface in a first plane and a surface in a second plane, the first plane substantially perpendicular to the second plane, the keyboard having an array of keys in which some of the keys are actuated by movement substantially perpendicular to the first plane and some of the keys are actuated by movement substantially perpendicular to the second plane, the keyboard also including a platform extending away from the array of keys said platform including an upper relatively flat surface lying in a plane substantially parallel to said first plane with an indented area in said upper surface, with the keys actuated by movement substantially perpendicular to the second plane extending into said indented area.