Inventions on Integrating Pointing Devices with Computer Keyboard

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

A keyboard is the most essential input device for the computer. Although a keyboard contains navigation keys, in most cases we use a pointing device like mouse to operate the cursor. There are many kinds of pointing devices like mouse, track ball, touch pad, touch stick, joy stick and so on each used for different purposes.

           

Although each of these pointing devices have specific advantages, the disadvantages of using all these pointing devices is that they occupy lot of desk space, clutter the table by using several cables and makes the place messy. Many inventors have tried to integrate one or more of these pointing devices with the computer so that the user can save space and get operating comfort as well.

This article illustrates 14 inventions on integrating various pointing devices to the keyboard. The patents are selected from US patent database. The inventions try to combine a mouse, joystick, stylus, touch pad and other pointing devices with the keyboard to get the advantage of cost, space and convenience.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Computer accessories, computer keyboard, Pointing devices, mouse, trackball, touch pad, joystick, stylus

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=932278

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.932278

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/18

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258120360_Inventions_on_integrating_Pointing_Device_with_Computer_Keyboard_-A_study_based_on_US_patents  

10 Inventions on Ergonomically Developed Computer Accessories

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

The height, shape and habit of every human being are different. In large workplaces, the construction of computer furniture and accessories cannot be of that user.

           

The major made according these peculiarities of every human being. As a result every computer user has to work on standard computer furniture and standard computer accessories that may not match with his physical construction and peculiarities physical problems caused by prolonged computer usage can be categorized as neck pain and stiffness, low back pain and stiffness, and strain of the wrists. These problems are caused by chairs, computer desks, and keyboard support stands that are unsuitable for the particular computer user.

           

This article illustrates 10 inventions on ergonomically developed computer accessories including keyboard stands, monitor accessories, stands and tables which attempt to substantially reduce these problems caused by uncomfortable positioning of computer devices.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Computer accessories, computer stand, computer table, ergonomic accessories

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=932277

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.932277

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/17

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256069217_10_Inventions_on_Ergonomically_Developed_Computer_Accessories

10 Inventions on Key Guides and Keyboard Templates

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

A keyboard has many function keys and each function key can have multiple functions when used with control, shift and alt keys, it is difficult for a user to remember the functionality of the function keys. We need a mechanism to indicate the operations assigned to each function key for different software programs. A keyboard guide or template is used for this purpose.

This article illustrates 10 inventions on keyboard key guide and function key templates selected from US patent database. Various mechanisms of keyboard templates have been proposed, including static, dynamic, manual, mechanical, onscreen display and others.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard design, keyboard inventions, key guides, keyboard templates, keyboard extensions, software template, function key guide

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=932276

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.932276

http://arxiv.org/abs/1310.3165

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/16

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258120271_10_Inventions_on_key_guides_and_Keyboard_templates_-A_study_based_on_US_patents?ev=srch_pub