WO2008045010A1

WO2008045010A1 - Method for entering text and instructions in a portable digital device and a wrist computer for carrying out said method

Info

Publication number: WO2008045010A1
Application number: PCT/UA2007/000061
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vadim Romanko
Original assignee: Vadim Romanko
Priority date: 2006-10-11
Filing date: 2007-10-11
Publication date: 2008-04-17
Also published as: RU2007141388A; UA84458C2

Abstract

The inventions relate to computer engineering and communications. The inventive wrist computer comprises a body (1), a screen (2), control elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) in the form of nine-position joysticks, which are embodied on the side surface of the body (1), an element (8) which is fixable to the arm is provided with a layout pattern of symbols and instructions (9). Said invention makes it possible to enter a text and instructions in the portable digital device with one hand, the second hand being completely free, to work during movement and perform other actions, to arrange the control elements in such away that they do not occupy a useful surface area on a face panel, to fully or partially simulate a standard keyboard, to work with standard layouts 'QWERTY' and 'YETSUKE', to enter a text by a touch type method with a speed which is comparable with input speed of a standard keyboard, to form touch type reflexes automatically during the text entry, when inputting by visual contact, to avoid that hand closes the markings of control elements, to simulate a mouse pointer, to operate with A-sheet documents and to be used in the form of a multi-purpose monitor panel for controlling a digital home.

Description

A method of entering text and commands into a portable digital device and a wrist computer for its implementation

The invention relates to the field of computer technology and communications. The claimed method is intended for quick text entry and convenient control of wrist (pocket) computers, communicators, smartphones, UMPC platform devices and other portable digital devices. A wrist computer is intended for mobile work with documents and multimedia, work on the Internet, use as a telephone (videophone), organizer, etc., as well as remote control of a desktop computer and other devices of a digital home.

There is a method of entering text and commands into a personal digital assistant, whereby fingers are used to input mechanical presses “directly” on the keyboard key (see Nadezhdin N.Ya. Handheld computers. St. Petersburg. 2002. p. 181-189).

However, the implementation of text input using a standard keyboard in portable digital devices such as a personal digital assistant or smartphone requires a large number of controls (keys) and leads to an increase in the overall dimensions of the device.

It is difficult to learn how to precisely hit the keys of the keyboard without visual contact with it. Due to the lack of a strict relationship between the key and the finger that presses it (one character can be entered by pressing the key with different fingers), reflexes of the automatic blind input method are difficult to produce. There are also difficulties with input with visual contact, as the hands constantly close the key signatures. In order to see which key to press next, you will have to take your hands off the keyboard, then return them to their original position for pressing the key. The possibility of entering while driving on the street and performing other actions is practically eliminated. There is no way to control the pointing device. In addition to reducing the size of the keyboard, it leads to a sharp decrease in the input speed, and the inability to work with the blind ten-finger input method.

The known communicator HP IPAQ HW6915, which has a housing on the front panel of which there is a small screen and a smaller keyboard of forty

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) three one-position keys, as well as a joystick to control the cursor (see Digital Journal N ° 5 in 2006, K. p. 48).

However, the keyboard occupies most of the front surface of the device, significantly increasing the dimensions of the device. Due to the miniaturization of the keyboard, difficulties arise with input, which is expressed in the inconvenience of pressing the keys, the need for mandatory visual contact with the device, and it is also impossible to use the blind input method. To work with the device, you need a base (table, arm, etc.), which makes it difficult to work while moving.

A small pocket-oriented communicator screen, unsuitable for working with most documents that have the standard A4 format, as well as for working with most Web sites on the Internet, oriented at a screen width of at least 800 pixels.

Another inconvenience inherent in all handheld devices, in order to answer a call or perform other actions with a handheld device, you need to open the bag or pull it out of your pocket, and after the conversation return it to your bag or pocket. When using the headset Nap Frе the wires with which the headset is connected, cause inconvenience when working with the communicator. If you use a wireless headset, the problem is that the Blue Power interface consumes a lot of power, in addition, the headset needs its own power source, and there are also problems with its electromagnetic radiation. The Blue Headset is close to the brain.

The technical task to decide which method of entering text and commands into a portable digital device that is claimed is aimed at is providing the ability to enter a complete list of the necessary characters and commands by finger movements of one hand through a minimum number of controls by the number of fingers.

The technical task for which the wrist computer that is claimed is aimed at is to reduce the number of controls placed in the control zone while expanding the functionality of each control and providing the ability to enter text and commands during movement without mandatory visual contact with the wrist computer.

The stated technical problem is solved by the fact that when implementing the method of entering text and commands into a portable digital device, in which the input

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) carried out by the fingers, by pressing directly on the controls, according to the invention, a portable digital device is attached to one of the hands so that each of the fingers can act on the controls, and the input is carried out by each of the fingers using additional taps on the control: left, right , up, down, left up, right up, left down, right down.

The stated technical problem is also solved by the fact that when implementing the method of entering text and commands into a portable digital device, the latter can be attached to the forearm of one of the hands from the palm of the hand with the possibility of physiological movements of the hand.

The technical problem is solved in that in a wrist computer that contains a case with front, back and sides, a screen placed on the front of the case, and the controls according to the invention, the controls are made for the number of fingers, while the controls are made nine , besides this, an attachment element to the hand is installed on the housing with the possibility of access of each finger to the corresponding control element and ensuring the movement of the hand relates controls, and the computer is provided with a table of layouts of characters and commands.

The stated technical problem is also solved by the fact that in the wrist computer the controls can be performed on the side surfaces of the case, and the wrist computer can be additionally provided with mobile communications, in addition, the fastening element to the hand can be configured to transfer the wrist computer from input mode to folded state.

The technical task can also be solved by the fact that the controls are performed on one side of the wrist computer in the form of a touch panel on which a plastic mask is glued with nine-position slots for the number of fingers.

Implementation of the proposed method for entering text and commands into a portable digital device and a wrist computer for its implementation allows to achieve the following technical result:

- the ability to enter text and commands into a portable digital device with one hand, while the second hand remains completely free;

- allows you to work while driving and performing other actions;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) controls do not occupy the useful area on the front panel of a portable digital device;

- fully or partially imitate a standard keyboard;

- allows you to work with standard keyboard layouts "QWERTY" and "YTsUKE";

- allows you to enter text “blind” method with a speed that competes with the input speed on a standard keyboard;

- the formation of reflexes of the “blind” input method occurs automatically during typing;

- when entering with visual contact, the hand does not close the signatures of the controls;

- allows you to control a portable digital device "blind" method;

- allows you to simulate a pointing device "mouse";

- the width of the screen of a wrist computer, which is limited only by the length of the forearm, can reach the width of a standard A4 document format;

- a wrist computer mounted on the hand is always in a ready state, and there is no need to pull it out of a bag or pocket to answer a call, and perform the necessary actions, and then return it back;

- when connecting a wire headset Nap Freer to a wrist computer fixed by the claimed method, the headset wires do not create inconvenience during operation;

- a wrist computer allows you to work with A4 documents in MS Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader and other programs;

- a wrist computer can be used as a universal control panel for a digital home.

Attaching a portable digital device to one of the hands, ensuring that each of the fingers can act on the corresponding control elements, makes it possible to enter a complete list of the necessary symbols and commands with the movements of the fingers of one hand using the minimum number of controls.

Using additional types of clicks on a control to enter: left, right, up, down, left up, right up, left down, right down allows you to reduce the number of controls to the number of fingers (up to five), which allows you to enter a complete list

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the necessary characters and commands with the movements of the fingers of one hand using a minimum number of controls.

Implementation of nine-position controls for the number of fingers, and providing a table of layouts of characters and commands for controls allows you to reduce the number of controls placed in the control area while expanding the functionality of each control and providing the ability to enter text and commands.

The installation on the body of the element 8 of the fastening to the hand with the possibility of access of each finger to the corresponding control element and the movement of the hand relative to the control elements allows you to enter during movement without mandatory visual contact with the wrist computer.

Making the screen wide with a width close to the width of the A4 sheet format, as well as using the claimed input method, allows you to conveniently edit documents with the A4 sheet format in the MS Word editor, work on the Internet, and other programs.

In FIG. 1 shows a wrist computer that is in input mode, mounted on the user's hand. In FIG. 2 - also when folded. In FIG. 3 shows a variant of a fastening element that does not fold in the form of a cover. In FIG. 4 shows a device for a variant of a control element of a nine-position joystick. In FIG. 5 shows a plastic mask for a touch input device. In FIG. 6 schematically shows the control element and the direction of action on it, which are listed in the demo table describing the operation of the joystick. In FIG. 7 shows a variant of the table of layouts of characters and commands.

The wrist computer includes a housing 1, a screen 2, controls 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 in the form of nine-position joysticks, which are called L, J2, J3, J4, J5, respectively, and made on the side surface of the housing 1, the arm mount member 8 with a table of layouts of characters and commands 9.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a non-folding fastening element based on a protective case comprising: a protective case 11, a wide strap 10 with a table 9 of layouts of symbols and commands.

The control element is a nine-position joystick, contains a housing 1, a lever 12, an elastic plastic 13 (elastic band) with four locking contact pads 14, a film 15 with conductors and contact pads.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) A possible embodiment of the controls based on the touch panel (Fig. 5), which is located on the back of the wrist computer, and on which a plastic mask 16 is glued with nine-position slots 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, which simulate the joystick control elements L, J2, J3, J4, J5, and slot 22, which mimics the pointing device “mouse”. The thickness of the mask should be such that the controls are well felt by the fingers in the range from 0.3 to 3 mm. For a better feel of the control around the perimeter of the cut, a border from 2 to 5 mm wide can be made

Work controls. In FIG. 4 shows a nine-position joystick device. The minimum number of buttons that provide the joystick is four. The joystick works this way. When moving the joystick up, down, left, right, the two snap-on buttons that stand side by side, depending on the direction. When moving the joystick diagonally in one of four directions, one of the four latched buttons corresponds to this diagonal direction. When you press the joystick, the four buttons are directly latched. Together, four buttons provide all nine types of clicks on the joystick.

As an alternative to the joystick, for the implementation of the claimed method, a touch panel can be used on which a plastic mask is glued (Fig. 5) with cuts and borders around them, which direct finger movements like the joysticks described above. The touchpad with a mask completely simulates the operation of joysticks.

The joystick keyboard consists of five joystick controls. Each joystick captures nine types of clicks corresponding to eight directions up, down, left, right and diagonally, as well as pressing directly. The modes of operation of each joystick (Fig. 6) are displayed in the form of a table describing the operation of the joystick in size 3x3. The symbols in the joystick operation description demo table mean: L - left, R - right, U - up, D - down, S - straight, diagonal directions are indicated by a combination of these symbols. Joysticks are numbered from left to right from L to J5. Joystick L is controlled by the little finger of the right hand, and the separately located J5 joystick is controlled by the thumb. This order is recommended, and mandatory only with the “blind” dialing method.

Table layouts of characters and commands. The tables describing the operation of joysticks are summarized in a single table, the columns of which correspond to the joysticks A, J2, J3, J4. Lines (layouts) are selected using the J5 joystick, and respond

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) English and national keyboard layouts, control keys, function keys, and so on.

Layouts of characters and commands include: English “QWERTY”, national layouts (Russian, Ukrainian “YTsUKE”), digital-functional layout “F1”, cursor control “Move”, as well as a layout of pointing device emulation. The table of layouts of characters and commands is strengthened in such a way that it would be visible in the input mode (Fig. 1), and when folded (Fig. 2), it can be closed by the device case.

Switch layouts and keyboard shortcuts. The thumb-operated J5 joystick is used to switch keyboard layouts, and to emulate the cryptographic keys (Ctrl, AIt, Shift) of a standard keyboard. When kept pressed, the joystick works like a Shift key, temporarily moving to another keyboard layout. If no other presses were made while pressing the J5 joystick, the switch works like the Los key, fixing the new layout. This fixation also works with Ctrl, Shift, AIt, which allows you to enter complex keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl + Shift + E or Ctrl + Alt + Del. The shift combination is reset when the J5 joystick selects any other non-cryptographic state.

Location of symbol layouts and commands. The table is positioned so that it is visible in input mode. In the folded state, while reading from the screen, visual contact with the layout table is optional. The close proximity of the table of layouts and joysticks is optional, as well as their spatial orientation is the same as for manipulations with joysticks visual contact with fingers is not needed.

Blind dialing method. Joysticks L and J2 correspond to the left half of the standard keyboard, and J3 and J4 correspond to the right. The letters “F” and “J” in the English layout or in the Russian-Ukrainian layout “A” and “O” are the basis for the “blind” typing method, and when using the joystick keyboard, they respond directly by pressing the joysticks J2 and JЗ.

Since keyboard layouts are standard, people who use the “blind” typing method can quickly adapt their skills to work with the joystick keyboard.

Regarding people who don’t own blind typing. Since with this typing method, one character can be entered with only one type of movement of a certain finger (this is how they work with the “blind” typing method, as well as

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) learn to work with this method), and visual contact with fingers is not needed, then reflexes will quickly form automatically without special training.

The “blind” typing method will provide a very high typing speed, which can compete with the speed of the “blind” typing method on a standard keyboard.

Placing the cursor control commands, function keys, and so on in the form of standard layouts will allow the "blind" method not only to enter text, but also completely control the wrist computer.

To make it easier and faster to get used to the new input method, it is necessary to supply a training program together with a wrist computer. The curriculum will ensure from the very beginning the correct operation of users during input.

Pointing device mode. In this mode, the joystick keyboard simulates the mouse. This mode is activated by the J5 joystick, and is the default mode when turned on. Joystick J4, in this mode, works as a pointing device. Joysticks L and J3 correspond to the left and right mouse buttons. Joystick J2 corresponds to the control Scroll, and provides vertical and horizontal scrolling. A possible embodiment of a wrist computer in which the pointing device is made in the form of a separate control element located on the device’s body in the reach of the user's fingers.

Wrist computer mount. To ensure the operation of the joystick keyboard during movement, the wrist computer must be rigidly attached to the forearm of the hand from the palm of the hand, so that the fingertips easily reach the joysticks located on the side of the wrist computer (Fig. 1). So that the wrist computer fixed in such a way does not interfere with work, it is advisable to provide for the ability to remove it by moving up the forearm of the hand (Fig. 2). The wrist computer may be in input mode when the fingers touch the joysticks, and when folded. In the folded state, information can be read from the screen, and you can also control the wrist computer with the other hand, but it does not interfere with the work of the hand to which it is attached. A wrist computer can be folded forward or rotationally.

For hard mounting the wrist computer to the hand, a guide plate is used, fixed to the hand with two straps or a wide bracelet over the clothes. On the top of the plate is a table

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) layouts of characters and commands, it is visible in the input mode, but it is hidden by a wrist computer when it goes into a folded state.

In inexpensive models of a wrist computer, the folding function may not be available. In FIG. 3 depicts a non-collapsible wrist computer mount - made on the basis of a protective case. The wrist computer is attached to the forearm of the hand with a wide strap or bracelet. The table of layouts of symbols and commands are located on the main strap or bracelet. It is possible to place a table of layouts of symbols and commands on an additional strap, which is mounted on the opposite side from the joysticks. With this type of fastening, the wrist computer is put into a folded state by moving it to the back of the hand with a relaxed strap or bracelet.

Work in the mode of telephone and videophone. A portable digital device is mounted on a hand in the claimed way convenient to use, since it is literally always at hand. Structurally, the speaker system is located in the area of the joysticks, and the microphone is on the opposite side. To conduct a conversation, it is enough to bring a hand to the ear on which a portable digital device is mounted.

Regarding the work in the videophone mode, on the wide screen of a wrist computer the user sees two images: the image of the interlocutor and his own. Since the wrist computer is already mounted on the user's body, it is possible to use Napd Free wire headset to transmit the sound series. The wire that connects it to the wrist computer passes at hand and does not interfere with work.

Work with documents. To work with documents, a wrist computer needs a large screen. The width of the screen of a wrist computer can be quite large, and is limited by the size of the forearm. For comfortable work with documents, for example, in the Microsoft Word editor or reading books in the Adobe Acrobat Reader, as well as for working with most websites on the Internet, the screen width should be close to the width of the standard A4 sheet. The height of the screen may depend on the embodiment of the wrist computer, for example: male version, female version. For comfortable work with documents, the entire area of the front panel should be occupied by a screen. Design, brand names, a table of layouts of symbols and commands are located on the fastener. When attaching a wrist computer to the forearm, the distance from the eyes to the screen will always be equal to the optimal reading distance, approximately 35 cm.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Work with the left hand. So that you can work with a wrist computer with your left and right hand, its variant is possible, in which there is another joystick located on the side opposite to the J5 joystick. It is also possible that a wrist computer has a small height when the joystick L is located on the lower side panel symmetrically to the J5 joystick. In such embodiments, the wrist computer can be mounted on both the right and left hand. In very thin and small portable digital devices, input elements can be located on the front face panel.

Digital home management. Using a wrist computer, you can control all the devices of a digital home: a desktop personal computer, a media center, a TV, a refrigerator, and so on. A wrist computer communicates with them using the Blue Tooth interface, Wi-Fi, and other networks. The control panels of digital home devices are presented in the form of character layouts and commands for a wrist computer. The layouts of the controls of the digital home devices can be displayed on the screen of a wrist computer or printed and inserted into the mounting element 8.

To control the desktop personal computer, “connection to a remote desktop” can be used, the joystick keyboard will provide high input speed, and the wide screen of the wrist computer attached to the forearm will provide quite comfortable work. If the personal computer screen is in the user's field of view, then to control the personal computer A driver for directly emulating input devices can be used.

Five independent joysticks provide ample opportunities for managing virtual reality in games and simulations. And they also provide the ability to control other mechanical devices with a large number of degrees of freedom.

Thus, a wrist computer can act as a universal control panel for a digital home.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

Claim

1. The method of entering text and commands into a portable digital device, in which the input is carried out by the fingers of the hand, by pressing directly on the controls, which is characterized in that the portable digital device is attached to one of the hands so that each of the fingers can act on its corresponding controls, and input is carried out using additional types of clicks on the controls of each of the fingers: left, right, up, down, left-up, right-up, left-down, right-down.

2. The method of entering text and commands into a portable digital device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the portable digital device is attached to the forearm of one of the hands from the side of the palm with the possibility of physiological movements of the hand.

3. A wrist computer that has a case with front, back and sides, a screen placed on the front of the case, and controls are characterized in that the controls are made according to the number of fingers of the hand, while the controls are nine positional, in addition to the housing has a fastening element to the hand, which allows each finger to access the corresponding control element and provides physiological movement of the hand relative to the controls, the computer is equipped with a table of layouts of characters and commands for controls.

4. The wrist computer according to paragraph 3, which is characterized in that the controls are made on the side surfaces of the case.

5. The wrist computer according to claim 3, characterized in that the controls are made on one side of the wrist computer in the form of a touch input device onto which a plastic mask is glued with nine-position slots according to the number of fingers.

6. The wrist computer according to paragraph 3, which is characterized in that it is additionally equipped with mobile communications.

7. The wrist computer according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the screen is made with a width not exceeding the length of the user's forearm.

8. The wrist computer according to paragraph 3, which is characterized in that the fastening element to the hand is configured to transfer the wrist computer from the input mode to the folded state.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)