10 Inventions on Special Type of Keyboards

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

A keyboard is the most important input device for a computer. It is used with various types and sizes of computer. But the same standard keyboard will not work efficiently with different types of computers at different environments. There is a need to develop special keyboards to meet special requirements.

This article illustrates 10 inventions on special types of keyboards. The special keyboard are used in special computers or computers used for special purposes. A special keyboard is to be understood as a keyboard having features beyond a normal keyboard.

           

The example of special keyboards are, a children’s keyboard which may be colorful and attractive, a keyboard in public place need to be more robust, the keyboard in a palmtop may have less number of keys, the keyboard for a game station may have special attachments, a multimedia keyboard may have CD ROM and speakers, a wireless keyboard may have remote control features, a touch sensitive keyboard may have sensors on the keys and so on.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard design, keyboard inventions, portable keyboard, adjustable keyboard, ergonomic keyboard, ComfyKeyboard, KidBoard, Hands-free keyboard, wireless keyboard, transparent keyboard, programmable keyboard, PDA keyboard

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=932275

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.932275

http://arxiv.org/abs/1310.3145

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258120146_10_Inventions_on_special_type_of_keyboards_-A_study_based_on_US_patents?ev=srch_pub

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/15

Inventions on Laptop Keyboards

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

A desktop keyboard has several sections like character key section, navigation key section, numeric key section, and function key section etc. each consisting of several number of keys. However, a laptop computer does not have so much of space to accommodate all these keys into the keyboard. There are several considerations while designing a laptop keyboard.

This article illustrates 10 inventions on keyboards for laptop and portable computers. The inventions are selected from US patent database. The inventions try to improve various aspects of a laptop keyboard, such as reducing size, folding and concealing, ergonomic features, improving quality and reducing cost.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard design, keyboard inventions, Laptop keyboard, portable keyboard, adjustable keyboard, ergonomic keyboard, expandable keyboard, collapsible keyboard, folding keyboard, sliding keyboard

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=932274

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.932274

http://arxiv.org/abs/1310.3849

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258120142_10_Inventions_on_Laptop_Keyboards?ev=srch_pub

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/14

10 Inventions on Keyboard Key Switch Mechanism

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

The key switches of the keyboard of a computer system are generally comprised of a key cap having a plunger, conductive rubber disposed above a membrane circuit and compressed by the plunger to trigger the membrane circuit causing it to produce an electric signal to the computer.

           

Some key switches use springs. Some other keyboards use rubber domes or a dome sheet, which do the function of springs. When the user depresses the key button the spring or domes collapse. The key switch depresses the key stem, which actuates the button on the membrane circuit. When the user releases the button the springs or rubber domes push the button up to the rest position.

           

This article illustrates 10 inventions on different key switch mechanism. The inventions are selected from US patent database. The inventions try to simplify the mechanism, reduce manufacturing cost, increase accuracy and reliability, and increase strength and robustness of the keys.

Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware, Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard design, keyboard inventions, Key switch, plunger, membrane circuit, rubber domes

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=932273

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.932273

http://arxiv.org/abs/1310.3140

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258120218_10_Inventions_on_keyboard_key_switch_mechanism_-A_study_based_on_US_patents?ev=srch_pub 

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/13