Keyboard with variable-sized keys
AssigneeOQO, Inc.
InventorJonathan Betts-LaCroix
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computer keyboard is provided having keys that vary in size based on the keys' frequency of use. The keyboard may, for example, be modeled after the standard QWERTY keyboard, but modified such that keys for letters of the most-commonly used letters in the alphabet (such as ETOANIRSH) are larger, and keys corresponding to seldom-used letters (such as YWGBVKXJQZ) are smaller. Such a keyboard may advantageously increase overall ease-of-use and accuracy compared to a keyboard of similar size with constant-sized keys.
Claims28
A keyboard comprising a first plurality of N keys designated K(n) having a plurality of M sizes designated S(m), wherein the first plurality of keys K(n) are characterized by a plurality of I frequencies of use designated F(i), and wherein S(m) is a monotonic function of F(i).
A keyboard comprising a plurality of N alphanumeric keys designated K(n) having a plurality of M sizes designated S(m), wherein the plurality of keys K(n) are characterized by a plurality of N frequencies of use designated F(n), wherein S(m) is a monotonic function of F(n), and wherein the plurality of keys K(n) are arranged in a QWERTY layout.
A keyboard comprising a first plurality of N keys designated K(n) corresponding to a plurality of J characters, wherein the first plurality of keys K(n) has a plurality of M sizes designated S(m), wherein the plurality of J characters are characterized by a plurality of I frequencies of use designated F(i), and wherein S(m) is a monotonic function of F(i).
A keyboard comprising a plurality of N alphanumeric keys designated K(n) corresponding to a plurality of J characters, wherein the plurality of keys K(n) has a plurality of M sizes designated S(m), wherein the plurality of J characters are characterized by a plurality of N frequencies of use designated F(n), and wherein S(m) is a monotonic function of F(n), and wherein the plurality of keys K(n) are arranged in a QWERTY layout.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.