10 Inventions on Keyboard attachments: A TRIZ based analysis

Author: Umakant Mishra
Abstract:
Although the primary objective of the keyboard to input data into the computer, the advanced keyboards keep various other things in mind, such as, how to use the same keyboard for various other purposes, or how to use the same keyboard efficiently by using various other attachments to the keyboard. This objective led to various inventions on keyboard attachments, some of which are illustrated below in this article.

           

This article illustrates 10 inventions on various keyboard attachments from US patent database. Each different attachment improves the usability of the keyboard in some way or other. Some attachments illustrated are template holders, paper holders, pointing device attachments, mouse pad attachments, wrist rest attachments, storage device attachments, and multimedia attachments.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard design, keyboard attachments, keyboard extensions

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=931232

 http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.931232

http://arxiv.org/abs/1307.5431

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250917858_10_Inventions_on_keyboard_attachments-A_TRIZ_based_analysis

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/3

10 Inventions on improving keyboard efficiency: A TRIZ based analysis

Author: Umakant Mishra
Abstract:
A keyboard is the most important input device for a computer. With the development of technology a basic keyboard does not want to remain confined within the basic functionalities of a keyboard, rather it wants to go beyond. There are several inventions which attempt to improve the efficiency of a conventional keyboard.

This article illustrates 10 inventions from US Patent database all of which have proposed very interesting methods for improving the efficiency of a computer keyboard. Some interesting inventions include, adding toolbar buttons on the keyboard, power saving method, keyboard-cooling mechanism, robust keyboard for public use, keyboard enhancement for children’s use.

           

Each of these inventions have been analyzed from TRIZ perspective, in many cases formulating the Ideal Final Result, contradictions and highlighting the Inventive Principles used in the solution.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard design, keyboard layout, keyboard efficiency

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=931230

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.931230

http://arxiv.org/abs/1307.5426 (or arXiv:1307.5426 [cs.HC])

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250917853_10_Inventions_on_improving_keyboard_efficiency_A_TRIZ_based_analysis

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/2

10 Inventions on Keyboard key layout: A TRIZ based analysis

Author: Umakant Mishra
Abstract: 
The standard QWERTY keyboard was developed in the late 1800’s for the typewriters. As people were acquainted with that the same layout was retained for the computer keyboards. Many people feel that the QWERTY layout is not very efficient layout and there have been many inventions on different layouts of character keys.

In order to improve the key arrangement, two major issues should be addressed. (i) The improved key arrangement should offer significantly improved productivity. (ii) The training time for learning the improved key arrangement should be minimized.

This article analyzes 10 inventions from US patent database each of which have proposed a new layout giving us some specific advantage. The inventions try to achieve one or more of the following advantages, viz., to reduce finger movements during typing, to achieve speed in data entry, to reduce errors in typing, making keyboard easy to learn, making easy for children to find keys, reduce stress in hands and finger and suitability for special purpose computers.

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=931227

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.931227

http://arxiv.org/abs/1307.5423 (or arXiv:1307.5423 [cs.HC])

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256068986_10_Inventions_on_Keyboard_Key_Layout

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/1/