Load and Control Device-Keyboard

The invention is related to computer engineering and control and information input technologies. It can be used for information input in mobile phones, smartphones, palm computers, notebooks, personal computers, computers and it can be used for the control of electronic and technical devices of any complexity as well.

The known load devices such as sensor displays designed by the TouchTek technology contain a visual input device - display connected to a computer, the surface of the display is covered by a transparent layer of a resistive plane. Each sensor of the resistive plane is sequentially connected to a computer through the electronic controller with the possibility to define the coordinates of touching points of the surface of this plane. (Yeliseyev D. Hardware and software of palm computers. St. Petersburg, «BHV-Petersburg» 2003, p.11).

Sensor displays are also known input devices that are created according to the ClearTek technology and contain a visual output device – display connected to a computer which surface is covered with a transparent layer of a capacitive plane. Each capacitive sensor of the plane is sequentially connected to a computer through the electronic controller with the possibility to define the coordinates of touching points of the surface of this plane. (Yeliseyev D. Hardware and software of palm computers. St. Petersburg, «BHV-Petersburg» 2003, p. 11).

Another known device is the sensor indication device that contains the display being scanned and connected to a computer. In front of this display the plate of transparent material is placed and the detector is placed by the side edge of the plate and connected to a computer through the electronic controller with the possibility to define the coordinates of touching points of the transparent plate and a scatterer. (application of France ¹ 2554261,IPC G06K 11/06, published 03.05.1985).

Disadvantages of the above known devices are low ergonomic properties, namely inconvenience of usage and limited possibilities of a user as for insufficient number of the commands being transmitted to a computer and low speed of user’s communication with a computer.

When using sensor displays designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies for inputting information in smartphones, mobile phones, palm computers and dialogue stalls different keyboards, control panels and dialogue boxes are simulated on the display, then to input information corresponding to each object on the display the surface of display is being touched in the area corresponding to the chosen object. Here the resistance of the plate placed on the surface of the display is changed in the touching area and the input controller is processing this information by sending a computer the information about the touching in the area with coordinates corresponding to the position of the object chosen on the display. At that time the information corresponding to the chosen object is being input. A user by means of the sensor display can send a computer only three main unambiguously identified by a computer and a user himself messages referred to each corresponding graphical image and simulated in the field of visual graphical interface:

•   the first message is touching the working surface of the sensor display in the area with coordinates corresponding to the image of a certain symbol, action or some virtual object;
•   the second message is lateral moving of touching and stopping this action on the working surface in the areas of graphical interface with corresponding coordinates;
•   the third message is releasing of this working surface in the area with coordinates corresponding to the image of a certain symbol, action, or some virtual object.

Here the identifying by means of the sensor display the increasing of the contact spot, for example an operator’s finger, on the working surface of the sensor display as a result of increasing the touching force as an additional message – pressing - is unacceptable since each operator has his own anatomic distinctive features of fingers structure different from other operators defining different size of the contact spot of a finger and the working surface by equal touching efforts. As a result it is impossible for a computer and an operator himself to identify clearly and unambiguously the moment of conversion from one message – touching to another one – pressing. Along with this even simple change of the position of the operator’s finger on the working surface of sensor display without changing touching force can cause both increasing and decreasing of the contact spot, and as a result it is impossible for a computer and an operator himself to identify clearly and unambiguously the moment of conversion from one message – touching to another one – pressing. Moreover by means of the sensor display it is impossible to send a computer except lateral moving of touching the next message – lateral moving of pressing as the contact spot of a finger surface and the working surface of sensor display changes many times in the process of lateral moving of pressing and does not give clear unambiguous identifying of moment of transmission from the lateral moving of pressing to the lateral moving of touching and conversely to a computer and an operator.

Also when using sensor displays in mobile devices and devices that have not large size for input of information by means of a user’s fingers only you need simulation of objects of too large size and with distance between these objects, which is large for mobile devices in order to identify exactly the touching area of a finger and the display. Thus, it is impossible to input textual information in the known devices in the mobile conditions by means of fingers or one hand only using the virtual textual keyboard, that is reflected on the display in the mode “one symbol – one touching”, as virtual keys of this keyboard are of little size, and it is impossible to work with one hand or with fingers only with small objects reflected on this display as well. In this connection in mobile devices equipped by sensor displays a special pen – stylus is additionally used for work with small objects and when performing operations similar to operations of a computer mouse. The stylus is used for touching the surface of the plate placed on the display in the points corresponding to different objects shown on the display. Thus, information is input with the help of stylus and sensor display. At that in the mobile conditions it is necessary to use two hands for inputting information, one holds the device and another holds the stylus, that makes difficult inputting information in moving conditions in means of transport (in particular, at jolting and rocking).

The closest analog of the declared device having been chosen as a prototype is input and control device-keyboard that contains at least one button having at least one working surface available which a user touches and presses and which is connected to one pressing sensor having the possibility to change the condition of electrical or optical circuit when pressing the working surface of the button. A pressing sensor is connected to the circuit; the button is also connected to at least one elastic element for returning the button and the pressing sensor connected to this button after its releasing  by a user to the initial position. At that the pressing sensor interacting with the button is connected to the computer and its operation system with the possibility to define facts of pressing and releasing the button. (Lomakin P., Shrein D. Illustrated encyclopedia of computer hardware, M., Major, «Publisher Osipenko A.I.», 2002, p. 224, 229, 230).

Disadvantages of the known device – keyboard chosen as a prototype are low ergonomic capabilities, in particular inconvenience in usage and user’s limited possibilities as for insufficient number and speed of the commands being transmitted to a computer. User can send only two messages – pressing and releasing referred to one unchangeable symbol or action fixed at the corresponding button. The signal for information input corresponding to a certain symbol or action is the fact of pressing and releasing the button that is fixed at this symbol or action in the following mode: one symbol or one action – one pressing or releasing. In the mentioned device each button corresponds to one fixed to it symbol or action input, that requires the availability of such a number of buttons as it is accepted in a standard keyboard, that makes it difficult to place such a keyboards in mobile devices. In addition each button has unchangeable symbols, that are put on its surface for visual identifying. In those cases when the limited number of buttons is assigned by number of functions, when you need to press the button several times for inputting one symbol, that is inconvenient for a user.

Also the known device can not operate as a manipulator by means of that the mouse cursor is controlled or as a digitizer by means of that graphical information is input. The disadvantage of sensor display is also impossibility of controlling the game process in a great number of computer games on the sensor display by means of fingers or a stylus. Here the capability of buttons and controlling joystick of mobile devices is very limited for game control.

It is impossible to send a computer simultaneously at least four or more messages, that are related to different virtual objects with the help of at least two or more operator’s fingers that considerably decreases the operator’s speed of communication with a computer.

The invention is based on the objective to create a device for load and control – keyboard being used as a universal portable input device that has improved ergonomic capability, convenience of usage and enlarged user’s possibilities as for increasing speed and volume of commands transmitted to a computer in particular.

The problem put by is solved by the known load and control device - keyboard that contains at least one button having at least one working surface which a user touches and presses, and which is connected to one pressing sensor that has a possibility to change the condition of the electrical or optical circuit by pressing the working surface of the button. The pressing sensor is connected to this circuit. The button is also connected to at least one elastic element for returning the button and the pressing sensor connected to this button to the initial position after releasing it by a user. At that the pressing sensor interacting with the button is connected to a computer and its operation system which has the possibility to identify facts of pressing and releasing the button. In accordance with the invention the button is connected to at least one additional pressing sensor. Here this pressing sensor connected to this button is encoded by its own identifying scan-code with the possibility to transmit a computer and its operation system the scan-code identifying this additional pressing sensor. At that the elastic element or number of elastic elements are connected to a button with the possibility to return the additional sensor equipped by pressing and the button to the initial position, when pressing the working surface of the button in any area and subsequent releasing. At least one device of visual output for creating visual graphical interface on at least one working surface of the button is additionally built-in in the keyboard. The keyboard is also equipped by at least one scanning coordinate input device for providing scanning and identifying position of the contact surfaces of material bodies controlled by a user with regard to the working surface of the button and visual graphical interface formed on the working surface of the button. Here the scanning coordinate device and the device of visual output are connected to a computer and its operation system, the pressing sensors corresponding to this button and interacting with it are connected to.

The mentioned construction of the load and control device provides the possibility to send simultaneously a computer additional messages with the help of several user’s (operator’s) fingers by touching, pressing, lateral moving of touching, lateral moving of pressing, stopping pressing with keeping touching in the field of different graphical images created on the working surface of the button and related to each corresponding graphical image having been formed on the working surface of the button. As a result the speed and information density of an operator’s communication with a computer is increased. That is, you are provided with the possibility to transmit simultaneously with the help of several operator’s (user’s) fingers without any additional means concerning every graphical image formed on the working surface of the button in addition to three unambiguously identified by a computer and a user messages – touching the working surface of the button, lateral moving of touching the working surface of the button, letting off the working surface of the button as in the known devices – sensor displays, at least three more unambiguously identifying by a computer and a user messages – pressing the working surface of the button, lateral moving of pressing the working surface of the button, stopping pressing with keeping touching in those areas of the working surface, keyboard, that coordinates correspond and fixed to these graphical images. As a result a user is provided by the possibility to transmit more messages related to each certain graphical image shown on the working surface of the buttons practically by one sequential movement of a finger, that creates an efficient universal portable input device and at the same time to increase speed of operator’s communication with a computer.

A user is provided with the possibility by means of at least two fingers to transmit for a computer at least four different unambiguously identified by an operator and a computer user messages simultaneously referred here to different virtual objects having been formed by means of a device of visual output on the working surface of the button. As a result the communication speed of an operator and a computer is increased. This possibility of the declared device is irreplaceable when using it as a game manipulator.

The proposed device allows an operator by means of at least two fingers simultaneously to transmit a computer and its operation system additional messages which belong to graphical images formed in the field of visual graphical interface on the working surface of the button, shown on the additional built-in device of visual output in accordance with touching, pressing, lateral moving of touching, lateral moving of pressing, stopping touching, stopping pressing this working surface of the button in those areas of the working surface of the button, which coordinates correspond and fixed to these graphical images due to the combination and interaction in the one device of the button provided with at least two pressing sensors, each of which is provided with its own scan-code identified by a computer and also a sensor coordinate device that identifies with the help of a computer and its operation system facts of touching, coordinates of touching and coordinates of pressing the working surface of the button, and a device of visual output provided with the possibility by means of a computer and its operation system to form visual graphical interface on the working surface of the button.

Using the additional at least one pressing sensor connected to one button that has its own scan-code, fixed to a certain area of the working surface of the button allows working on the one button at least with two fingers simultaneously without letting off the surface of this button. At that a computer is provided with the possibility to identify what finger the fact of pressing, lateral moving of pressing, stopping pressing with keeping touching belongs to, that in turn as a result provides increasing the number of messages being sent simultaneously to a computer and acceleration of operator’s communication with a computer, especially when using the declared device as a game manipulator with keeping clearness and unambiguity of the messages sent by an operator by means of operator’s fingers. In this version when the construction of the pressing sensor is performed as mechanical the user’s organs of touch allow to identify additionally if the corresponding message has been sent to a computer or not, or if the input command has performed or not.

Usage of at least one visual output device additionally built-in into the declared device with the possibility of forming images on the working surface of the button which a user touches and presses allows to simulate on this working surface any symbols and images that provides interchangeable dialogue visual interface of the keyboard, complexity and multifunctionality of which is limited only by the software of the device the declared keyboard interacts to. Usage of at least one additionally built-in scanning coordinate input device allows to identify facts of touching, coordinates of touching and lateral moving of touching, coordinates of pressing and lateral moving of pressing the working surface of the button concerning virtual objects having been formed on the working surface of the button and in relation to the chosen coordinate system of the working surface of the button, and provides a computer the possibility by means of corresponding software to identify these events as messages related to these virtual objects. In addition the smooth control by virtual objects in the computer games is provided as distinct from the four- or more- button joysticks. At that the possibility to simulate three-dimensional movements is provided, for example, a flight control lever of a plane with the corresponding control commands – lateral moving of touching and lateral moving of pressing, and it provides the mouse cursor control as well. Here the sensor coordinate device provides an operator the possibility in accordance with the certain software to control the game process or input the required information related to each graphical image having been formed on the working surface of the button, identify the coordinates of these events on this working surface and compare these events by means of a computer to the coordinates of these virtual objects of visual graphical interface.

Besides, in connection with the development of SMS – messages in the nets of mobile communication the proposed construction allows to integrate in one or several buttons, for instance in the phone keyboard, a number of keys of textual keyboard in the mobile phone, and at the same time to keep the usual algorithm of typing texts in the mode one symbol input – one pressing. This allows inputting SMS-messages quickly by usual movements by means of at least two operator’s fingers simultaneously. Here in the cases when the declared device has a minute size a user is provided the possibility using the declared device by touching to designate the required virtual buttons which are smaller in size than the surface of an operator’s finger and to identify visually them on the textual virtual keyboard shown on the information display of a mobile phone or a computer, and then to give the command to input symbols or actions corresponding to these designated touchings of buttons, by sequential pressing. At that the observing of the given algorithm one symbol input – one pressing is provided. The realization of such a way of inputting textual messages by means of the declared device provides the speed of inputting textual messages in portable devices. Thus, one is provided with the possibility of visual output on the minute device, for example on the mobile phone by touching to designate at least two symbols or virtual buttons simultaneously, which are smaller in size than the surface of an operator’s (user’s) fingers, and then by the following sequential movements – pressings give the command of inputting the designated symbols or actions fixed to the designated virtual buttons with clear identifying by a computer what finger the fact of pressing belong to, so the communication speed of an operator (a user) with a computer increases.

In the course of development of wireless networks of short-range telecommunication the proposed device provides simulating any address distance control panels for different devices on the one control device. The most usual algorithm of control is kept.

The proposed construction can also be used as a mouse manipulator in the minute mobile phones, moreover left and right buttons and a scrolling button can be placed on the one button. Here using cursors (pointers) that appear at the moment of touching the working surface of the button and disappearing at the moment of letting off the working surface of the button in the area of touching, the declared device provides the performance of functions of the right and left buttons of the mouse manipulator by means of at least two user’s fingers and one button by identifying stopping touching (letting off the working surface) after the designating by each of cursors the required by a user object in the field of visual graphical interface – as an action of the right button of mouse manipulator. As a result the functionality of the one button of the declared device enlarges and the communication speed of an operator and a computer increases.

Unlike the sensor panels used in the notebooks for mouse cursor control the proposed device allows to give a command to input the designated object by direct pressing the button without letting the surface off by a finger whereas in the known device – the sensor panel it is necessary to perform two movements for this, first to designate the object and then to put the finger off the surface of the sensor panel and to touch its surface again.

The declared device can be used the most efficiently as a game manipulator in which the possibility to change the contents and size of its own visual interface concerning each corresponding computer game is provided; and in addition to change contents and size of this virtual interface and control objects on the display of a computer in accordance with touching, pressing, lateral moving of touching, lateral moving of pressing, stopping touching, stopping pressing this working surface of the keyboard in those areas of the working surface of the keyboard, which coordinates correspond and fixed to certain graphical images shown on the visual interface of this game manipulator.

Thus, the proposed device provides the possibility of creating the portable game manipulator for pocket television game devices or game joysticks providing the location of any virtual control panel by means of which and one or at least two operator’s fingers the virtual or real automobile or plane is controlled with the help of the virtual steering control or virtual flight control lever. At that one has the possibility to simulate three-dimensional movements of this flight control lever of the plane in accordance with the control commands – lateral moving of touching, and simultaneously by the same fingers pressing the working surface of the button a computer is sent additional messages related to other objects or characters of the computer game, for example shooting, launching rockets, braking, speeding-up, etc. at the same time one continues to control with the virtual flight control lever in the mode of lateral moving of pressing. As a result the portability of a game manipulator is provided along with simultaneous increasing of speed, information density, functionability and convenience of an operator’s communication with a computer in the portable game devices for control in the computer games. Thus, the proposed device provides the possibility by means of at least two operator’s fingers to send a computer simultaneously at least four different from each other messages which are related moreover to the different virtual objects or characters with keeping clear unambiguity of the messages transmitted and simplicity of control and input of these messages for an operator.

The proposed device is universal and can be used in an operator’s communication with a computer that is equipped by both a device of tactile input and a device of visual output.

This peculiar feature of the declared device allows using it for control of computer games in the portable devices. For example, the virtual flight control lever is controlled by lateral moving of touching and at the necessary moment the pressing gives the command providing shots of the virtual weapon and at the same time continues to control the virtual flight control lever by lateral moving of pressing, and simultaneously the lateral moving of pressing continue to control, for example the sight of a virtual pilot, and at the necessary moment pressing gives the command to launch a rocket and in the meantime one continues to control the sight in the mode of lateral moving of pressing.

Taking into consideration the above the proposed device uses already known tuned technologies as a result of what the industrial net cost of the production of the declared device will not be high.

The essence of invention is explained by the Fig.s that show as follows:

• Fig. 1 – a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile having been integrated into one button with a disconnected contact (pressing sensor) in the version of built-in scanning coordinate input device in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies;
• Fig. 2 - a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile having been integrated into one button with a connected contact (pressing sensor) in the version of built-in scanning coordinate load device in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies;
• Fig. 3 – a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile, consisting of several buttons that have a transparent case, each of which contains its own contact (pressing sensor), and one common for several buttons built-in device of visual output and one common for several buttons built-in scanning coordinate load device in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies;
• Fig. 4 - a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile provided with two pressing sensors connected to one button in the version of built-in scanning coordinate load device in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies;
• Fig. 5 - a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile provided with many pressing sensors connected to one button, one of the sensors placed in the centre of the button contains an additional pin hinge on which the button is swinging, and its own harder elastic element that returns the button to its initial position, in the version of built-in scanning coordinate load device in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies;
• Fig. 6 – a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile with the common built-in scanning coordinate load device in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies, in which the functions of pressing sensors or buttons and contacts interacting with them are performed by the second additional self-contained resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies that has the harder elastic element that returns the plate to its initial position, than in the plate that performs functions of the scanning coordinate load device, and is placed under the scanning plate;
• Fig. 7 – a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile with the built-in optical scanning coordinate load device designed in accordance with the application of France ¹ 2554261, G06K 11/06, published 03.05.85;
• Fig. 8 – a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile that contains its own built-in optical scanning coordinate output device and its own built-in scanning coordinate load device and the additional light source. The case of the button is connected to several contacts one of which being placed in the centre of the button contains an additional pin hinge on which the button is swinging, and its own harder elastic element that returns the button to its initial position;
• Fig. 9 and 10 –possible ways of connecting the declared device are shown in three-dimension elevation in the version of one button to several contacts (pressing sensor and additional pressing sensors) for possible work on the one button with two fingers simultaneously;
• Fig. 11 – a layout of the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile, in the version of number of buttons that have transparent cases. In these buttons own separate optical scanning coordinate load devices and a visual output device common for the number of buttons and a light source, lightening this device and creating a light flux necessary for the forming of an optical coordinate signal on the built-in scanning coordinate devices, are built-in;
• Fig. 12 – an outline of the pocket computer equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard. At the bottom of the outline a textual keyboard is simulated at the moment of simultaneous work by two operator’s fingers on the working surface of the declared device;
• Fig. 13  - an outline of the mobile phone with a clamshell case equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard. At the bottom of the outline a textual keyboard is simulated and at the òîð of it additional control buttons are shown. Here the picture of a virtual textual keyboard with the equipped designated virtual button is doubled on the own informational display of the phone;
• Fig. 14 - an outline of the mobile phone with a clamshell case equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard. At the bottom of the outline a digital keyboard is simulated and at the òîð of it additional control buttons are shown. Here the picture of a virtual phone keyboard with the equipped designated virtual button is doubled on the own informational display of the phone;
• Fig. 15 – a layout of the pocket personal computer (PPC) equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile;
• Fig. 16 – outlines of the PPC of Palm type equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard interacting with a virtual helmet in the version of usage of PPC as a game manipulator for at least two operator’s (user’s) fingers;
• Fig. 17 – a layout of a game joystick – manipulator, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile;
• Fig. 18 – an outline of a game joystick – manipulator, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard;
• Fig. 19 – a layout of the pocket personal computer equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile;
• Fig. 20 – an outline of the pocket personal computer equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard;
• Fig. 21 – a layout of the pocket television game device of SONY PSP type, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile;
• Fig. 22 – an outline of the pocket television game device of SONY PSP type, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard;
• Fig. 23 – an outline of the pocket television game device of SONY PSP type, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard;
• Fig. 24 – a layout of the pocket television game device of Nintendo DS type, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard in profile;
• Fig. 25 – an outline of the pocket television game device of Nintendo DS type, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard;
• Fig. 26 – an outline of the pocket television game device of Nintendo DS type, equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard;
• Fig. 27 – an outline of the smartphone equipped by the declared load and control device – keyboard in the version of the work of the declared device as a game console containing the virtual flight control lever of a plane with the doubled virtual interface of this game console on the display of the smartphone. 

The declared device as shown on Fig. 1, 2, contains at least one button 2 having at least one working surface 25 which a user touches and presses and which is connected to one pressing sensor 3 provided by the possibility when pressing this working surface 25 to change the condition of electrical or optical circuit, which this sensor 3 is connected to. Button 2 is also connected to at least one elastic element 4 provided with the possibility to return button 2 and connected to it sensor 3 after letting off the button by a user to the initial position. Here pressing sensor 3 interacting with button 2 is connected to a computer and its operation system provided by the possibility to identify facts of pressing and letting off button 2.

Besides, in accordance with the invention as shown on Fig. 3,4,5,6,7,8,11,15,17,19,21,24, where different versions of the performance of the declared device are shown in profile and on Fig. 20 where an exterior configuration of the declared device is shown, the declared load and control device – keyboard contains at least one additional pressing sensor 8 which is connected to button 2 of the declared keyboard, that has at least one working surface 25 which a user touches and presses. Each of additional pressing sensors 8 connected to button 2 is encoded by its own identifying scan-code with the possibility when pressing button 2 on the working surface 25 to transmit a computer and its operational system the scan-code that identifies a certain pressing sensor 3 or additional pressing sensor 8. Elastic element 4 or a number of elastic elements 9 are connected to button 2 with the possibility when pressing button 2 on the working surface 25 in any its area and subsequent letting it off to return equipped by pressing sensors 3, 8 and button 2 to the initial position. As shown on Fig. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,11,15,17,19,21,24, where different versions of the performance of the declared device are shown in profile and on Fig. 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23,25,26,27, where the exterior configuration of the declared device in different versions of performance and its application are shown, the declared load and control device keyboard contains additionally at least one device of visual output 5 provided by the possibility to form visual graphical interface at least on one working surface 25 of button 2 of this keyboard, which a user touches and presses. This device of visual output 5 is connected to a computer and its operation system, which pressing sensors 3, 8 corresponding to this at least one button 2 are connected to. These sensors interact with this button 2. Besides, this keyboard additionally contains at least one scanning coordinate device 6, provided with the possibility of scanning and identifying the position and movement of the surfaces of material bodies, controlled by a user in relation to at least one working surface 25 of button 2, which a user touches and presses, and in relation to the visual graphical interface formed on this working surface 25 in the contact points of these bodies with the working surface 25, This scanning coordinate load device 6 is connected to a computer and its operation system which pressing sensors 3, 8 corresponding to this at least one button 2 and additional built-in device of visual output 5 are connected to. These sensors interact with this button 2.

As shown on Fig. 1,2,3,4,5,6,15,17,19,21,24, scanning coordinate load device 6 is performed in the form of a resistive or capacitive plate designed by TouchTek or ClearTek technologies.

As shown on Fig. 5,7,8,9,10,15,19,20,24, the declared device contains additional pin hinge 7 which allows the button 2 case swinging for distribution of efforts between pressing sensors 3, 8.  Pin hinge 7 is placed in the central part of button 2 and contains its own harder elastic element 4 or 9 that returns button 2 to its initial position.

As shown on Fig. 7,8,11, scanning coordinate load device 6 is performed in the form of an optical scanning coordinate load device designed in accordance with the application of France ¹ 2554261, G06K 11/06, published 03.05.85. Besides, as shown on Fig. 7,8,11, optical scanning coordinate load device 6 in the form of transparent plate 12 is built-in into case 2 or number of cases 2 over the display of built-in device of visual output 5. On the side edges of plate many light sensors 11 are placed, that are sequentially connected to a computer through the controller of the coordinate load device. Visual output device 5, scanning coordinate load device 6 and contacts or sensors 3 are connected and interact to each other by means of a computer.

As shown on Fig. 7,8,11, the declared load and control device – keyboard contains light source 10 for lightening, for example liquid-crystal display of built-in device of visual output 5. As shown on Fig. 11, the case of button 2 contains transparent part 13, providing the transmission of light waves necessary for creating coordinate signal through case 2 and display of device of visual output 5 to transparent plate 12 of optical coordinate load device 6.

As shown on Fig. 7,8,11, the declared device contains elastic transparent protective film 14 placed over transparent plate 12 that provides protection and possibility of increasing a contact spot between transparent plate 12 and material bodies having acute or fine ending.

As shown on Fig. 6 the declared device contains the case of button 2 in the form of two layers of a transparent resistive plate working on the basis of TouchTek technology or two layers of a transparent capacitive plate working on the basis of ClearTek technology, that are placed in case 1 of the device. The first upper transparent plate has a softer and more plastic element that returns the plate to the initial position after pressing it by a user, than the second plate that is placed under the first one. This first upper plate functions as scanning coordinate load device 6. Further, as shown on Fig. 6, the declared device contains in addition to one pressing sensor 3 a number of additional pressing sensors 8, built-in into the second self-contained resistive or capacitive plate designed in accordance with TouchTek or ClearTek technologies, each of sensors is provided by its own scan-code fixed to the certain area of the working surface 25 of button 2. This second plate is located under the first one and contains elastic element 4 that returns the plate and its sensors 3 and 8 to the initial position. This elastic element 4 is harder than analogous elastic element in the first plate that performs the function of scanning coordinate load device 6. Further, as shown on Fig. 6, the declared device contains built-in into the keyboard device of visual output 5 with the possibility to show different symbols and images on working surface 25 of button 2 that, as it is said above, consists of two layers of transparent resistive or capacitive plates. Scanning coordinate load device 6, pressing sensors 3 and 8, device of visual output 5 are connected to a computer and interact together by means of a computer and its operation system.

The declared load and control device-keyboard operates in the following way.

Example 1. Load and control device-keyboard as virtual keyboard. As shown on Fig. 12,13,14,20 on working surface 25 of button 2 by means of a computer and corresponding software and built-in into the keyboard device of visual output 5 one can simulate a virtual picture of any keyboard where each virtual keyboard has its own coordinates in the chosen coordinate system of working surface 25 and its own scan-code. Further as shown on Fig. 12, 20 one touches working surface 25 of button 2 at the distance defined by the special computer program to the required by an operator (user) virtual buttons at least by two fingers. Working surface 25 of button 2 is combined with the working surface of built-in into the keyboard coordinate load device 6 consisting of a resistive plate of capacitive plate made of transparent material TouchTek or ClearTek technologies. Or as shown on Fig. 13, 14 one touches over the required to an operator (a user) virtual buttons at least by two fingers working surface 25 of button 2 combined with the working surface of built-in into the keyboard coordinate load device. Here the first sensors of a sensitive plate that changed their position as a result of touching define the coordinates of touching in the corresponding areas of contact spots 16, and the controller of coordinate scanning load device 6 processes this information by sending the operation system of computer information about touching in points with Õ – Ó coordinates. Further the computer compares the coordinates of touching points to the sensor plate of the scanning coordinate load device 6 and the coordinates of virtual buttons shown on working surface 25 by means of device of visual output 5 which are placed as shown on Fig. 13, 14 under the contact spot 16 to plate 6, or as shown on Fig. 12 or 20 it moves these coordinates of touching points to the distance from contact spot 16 defined by a special computer program. In case the coordinates of touching points coincide with the coordinates of virtual buttons the computer identifies these virtual buttons as enabled ones and as shown on Fig. 13, 14 designates them by graphical abstraction 15 on virtual keyboard 23 placed on additional information display 18. Or, as shown on Fig. 12, using special program that provides appearing cursors (pointers) 19 on device of visual output 5 at the moment of touching working surface 25 on button 2 in touching area 16 and disappearing cursors (pointers) 19 when letting off working surface 25 of button 2 in touching area 16. An operator designates the required to him virtual buttons 17 that are smaller in size that touching areas 16 and fingers surfaces making these touchings. Or as shown on Fig. 20, an operator designated required virtual buttons 17 by means of a special program that provides changing the position of an active virtual point or contact spot, which position is designated beyond the bounds of touching corresponding to this point or spot.

In case if designated virtual buttons 17 are chosen after the first touching correctly an operator presses working surface 25 in the area of required virtual button 17 by one of the fingers and thereby changes the condition of sensor 3 or one or several additional pressing sensors 8. Besides, as a certain area of working surface 25 is fixed to each of sensors 3 or 8 an operator pressing by a finger the certain area of working surface 25 changes the condition of only those sensor 3 or 8 which corresponds to just this touching area. A computer identifies this event as a command to load the scan-code corresponding to designated virtual button 17 in which area the fact of pressing has taken place that has changed the condition of sensors 3 or 8. In the meantime the rest designated by touching of other fingers virtual buttons 17 are abstracted graphically but they are not output.

In case when designated virtual button 15, 17 or a symbol are chosen by a user incorrectly after the first touching a user does not put his finger off working surface 25 continuing touching it by a finger but not pressing button 2 and not changing the condition of sensors 3 or 8 moves the finger towards the necessary to him virtual buttons. Here a computer calculates distance and direction of the moving of the virtual contact point on working surface 25 and devices of visual output 5 and 18 proportional to the moving of contact spot 16 on working surface 25. In each case of appearing of this virtual point of in the field with coordinates corresponding to any of virtual buttons or symbols shown on devices of visual output 5 or 18 a computer designates by visual graphical abstraction 15,17 this virtual button or symbol on devices of visual output 5, 18. In each case of designation of necessary to a user virtual button or symbol 15, 17 on devices of visual output 5, 18 a user presses button 2 in those areas of working surface 25 which correspond and are fixed to the required virtual buttons 17. The condition of sensors 3 or 8 changes, which correspond and are fixed to this part of working surface 25, as a result the scan-code is input that corresponds to the designated virtual button or symbol in which area the fact of pressing takes place.

Example 2. The version of game manipulator. The declared device operates in the following way. A virtual game control console is simulated on device of visual output 5, as shown on Fig. 22, 23, of the pocket television game device of SONY PSP type, or as shown on Fig. 25, 26, of the pocket television game device of Nintendo DS type or as shown on Fig. 16 of the pocket computer of Palm type, or as shown on Fig. 27, of smartphone, or as shown on Fig. 18, of the self-contained game manipulator or control console by means of a special computer program. Then a user touches, does lateral, circular movings of touching, presses, does lateral, circular movings of pressing working surface 25 of button 2, lets off working surface 25 or makes an action – stopping pressing with keeping contact with working surface 25. Scanning coordinate load device 6 defines coordinates, dimension and direction of these events relative to the chosen coordinate system of working surface 25 and transmits this information to a computer and its operation system. In the process of these procedures scanning coordinate load device 6 and sensors 3 and 8 change their condition and are sending in that way messages about these changes to a computer. A computer and its operation system compare the coordinates of these events in relation to working surface 25 and visual graphical interface by means of the corresponding software. The visual graphical interface contains virtual control tools, for example virtual buttons 17, steering wheels, rudders, etc., each of which has its own coordinates in the chosen in accordance with the given program coordinate system of working surface 25. Further according to the input program, a computer, if necessary, changes the contents and dimensions of the visual graphical interface that is formed on working surface 25 in the mode of real time and also organizes, for example animation game process on the own or common with keyboard 2 device of visual output 5 and provides the control of objects on device of visual output 5 according to these events on working surface 25 as well. Thus, when touching, pressing, etc. performed in the area of working surface 25 and corresponding to any button or other control tool 17, a computer organizes and provides actions and commands corresponding to these virtual control tools. Here as shown on Fig. 16, it is possible to use, for example PPC of Palm type in the interaction with virtual helmet 20 as a self-contained game manipulator, where a user has the possibility to see on device of visual output 18 of virtual helmet 20 and on doubled virtual control console 24 the position and movement of his fingers in relation to the virtual control tools on working surface 25 of button 2 and corresponding changes of the virtual interface. This possibility is provided by coordinate load device 6. Besides, for example in the mode of touching and lateral moving of touching one controls by the virtual control tools and then as shown on Fig.s 15,17,19,21,24, by pressing working surface 25 and corresponding change of condition of sensors 3 and 8 one gives additional commands or messages that correspond to any other virtual object, and in the meantime continuing to control by the virtual control tools in the mode of the lateral moving of pressing, etc. Since each of sensors 3 and 8 is fixed to its own part of working surface 25, a computer using the interacting to each other coordinate scanning load device 6 and device of visual output 5 identifies, which of fingers and virtual objects, shown and not displayed in the area of visual graphical interface on devices of visual output 5 and 18, each corresponding fact of pressing and lateral movement of pressing belongs to.

Example 3. The version of keyboard. As shown on Fig.s 7,8,11, and on Fig.s 12,13,14 and 20, on the display of built-in into the keyboard of device of visual output 5 a virtual picture of any keyboard is simulated. Each virtual button of this keyboard has its own scan-code. Further, fingers or any material objects are put on working surface 25 of button 2 integrated with the working surface of built-in into the keyboard coordinate load device 6, performed in the form of transparent plate 12, on side edges of which a number of light sensors 11 sequentially connected to a computer are placed. Light waves from the display of device of visual output 5 in case, when the display itself is in the form of radiating element of light waves, or light waves from additional light source 10 necessary for highlight, for example a liquid-crystal display, pass through device of visual output 5 and transparent plate 12, and being reflected in contact spot 16 of plate 12 and material object in accordance with laws of optics at a certain angle, are reflected from the interior sides of the transparent plate, and as a result fall to light sensors 11 placed on side edges of plate 12. Thus light sensors 11, which are sequentially connected to a motherboard of computer through the electronic controller, change their condition and a computer reads off the information coming from sensors 11 with a certain vertical frequency. As a result, a computer identifies longitudinal and cross coordinates of contact spot 16 and transparent plate 12. Then a computer compares coordinates of touching transparent plate 12 of scanning coordinate load device 6 and coordinates of symbols or virtual buttons 17 shown on the display of device of visual output 5, which are placed under or next to the touching spot 16 to transparent plate 12, and when these coordinates coincide, identifies these symbols or virtual buttons 17 as enabled ones. Further a user presses button 2 in the required area of working surface 25 and thereby changes condition of sensors 3 and 8, corresponding to this area of working surface 25. This event serves as a command to a computer for loading a scan-code that corresponds to the enabled symbol or virtual button, which coordinates correspond that area of working surface in what the fact of pressing has taken place.

INVENTION FORMULA

Load and control device-keyboard, that contains at least one button, having at least one working surface, which a user touches and presses, which is connected to one pressing sensor that has the possibility when pressing the working surface of the button to change the condition of electrical or optical circuit to which this pressing sensor is connected. The button is also connected to at least one elastic element for returning the button and connected to it pressing sensor after letting it off by a user, to the initial position. Here pressing sensor interacting with button is connected to the computer and its operation system that has the possibility to define facts of pressing and letting off button, which is distinguished by that at least one additional pressing sensor is connected to the button. Here each of pressing sensors connected to this button is encoded by the own identifying scan-code with the possibility when pressing the button in the area of working surface of the button that corresponds to any of the pressing sensors, of transmitting to a computer and its operation system the scan-code that identifies the given pressing sensor. Besides, an elastic element or a number of elastic elements are connected to the button with the possibility when pressing the working surface of the button in any part of it and subsequent letting it off, of returning the enabled by pressing sensor and button to the initial position. Also at least one device of visual output for forming the visual graphical interface at least on one working surface is built-in into this keyboard. Besides, the keyboard is provided with at least one scanning coordinate load device for giving the possibility of scanning and identifying position of contact surfaces of material objects, being controlled by a user in respect to the working surface of the button which a user touches and presses, and in respect to the visual graphical interface formed on the working surface of the button. At that the scanning coordinate device and the device of visual output are connected to a computer and its operation system to which pressing sensors, corresponding to this button and interacting to it, are connected.

ABSTRACT

1. Object of invention: load and control device - keyboard.

2. Field of application: computer engineering, mobile computers, smartphones, control consoles, pocket television-game devices.

3. Essence of invention: the keyboard contains at least one button 2, having at least one working surface 25, which a user touches. Button 2 interacts to pressing sensor 3 connected to a computer and its operation system, identifying facts of pressing and letting off button 2. Button 2 interacts to elastic element 4, which returns button 2 and sensor 3 after letting it off to the initial position. In the keyboard the following part interacting with each other with the help of a computer are built-in: pressing sensor 8, which has its own scan-code fixed to a certain part of working surface 25 of button 2, device of visual output 5 with the possibility of forming different images on working surface 25 in that part where a user touches and presses, and scanning coordinate load device 6 with the possibility of scanning the position and moving of material objects relatively to working surface 25 of button 2 and images on this surface 25, having been simulated on the built-in device 5 in contact points of material objects and working surface 25 of button 2.

4. Technical result: providing the increasing of number of messages simultaneously transmitted to a computer referred to different virtual objects, having been formed on the working surface of the button, and speeding-up the communication of an operator with a computer by means of at least two operator’s fingers operating on this working surface of the button simultaneously.

This invention is protected. The owner of the patent offer the interested persons to conclude the license agreement on use of the invention.

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