DE9004566U1 - Computer keyboard - Google Patents

Description

Chicony Electronics GabH

Computer keyboard

i^ The invention relates to a Corsputsx keyboard.

When working with programs , a so-called "mouse" is often used in addition to the command buttons on a keyboard. The ^mouse is a device that is independent of the keyboard and can be used to control a mouse on a screen by moving it on a flat surface. Instead of a "mouse", a so-called "trackball" can also be used.

The use of a "mouse" or "trackball" has the disadvantage that, in addition to the space for the keyboard, there must be an area on the workstation on which the "mouse" or "trackball" can be moved. This space is often not available, especially on portable computers that are also intended to be used in confined spaces. Furthermore, controlling the pointer on the screen with a "mouse" is made more difficult by the fact that the movements of the "mouse" are carried out on an area that has no external boundaries that correspond to the boundaries of the screen.

The invention is based on the object of creating a keyboard with which the functions of a "mouse" can be performed without requiring additional space. The object is achieved by a computer keyboard having a digitizer board (touch pad) that consists of a writing surface and "mouse buttons".

-2-

£ The invention achieves that only with the

p no keyboard existing functional elements can also be processed "mouse" controlled programs. The use of

t use of a separate "mouse" or "trackball" is

Ij not required. A particular advantage is that

f that the user can use the digitizer board (touch pad) as

ef write or draw on a normal sheet of paper

Ii can. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are in

t: as specified in subclaims 2 and 3.

% An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the

&iacgr; ing figure.

1) A keyboard 1 has, in addition to the usual keys 2 and its

right side has a digitizer board 3 with a writing surface 4. By pressing on the surface with your finger

■fi or a pen, a "mouse pointer" can be placed on a

I screen can be controlled.

μg/cm² Above the writing surface 4 there are three "mouse buttons" 5.

- arranged. The digitizer board can be used in both two-button and

&igr; also work in three-button mode. This makes it compatible

Compatible with all known "mouse" systems.

A locking button 6 is arranged below the writing surface 4, with which the "mouse button" can be locked in the working position. If, for example, you are working with graphic programs in which the "mouse button" must be permanently pressed down to draw lines or create frames, the start and end of the work process is determined by pressing the locking button 6. The locking button 6 is advantageously arranged in such a way that it can be operated with the thumb of the hand with which the user is working.

The keyboard shown in the figure does not have a digital keyboard. If this is required, it is possible to integrate it additionally into the keyboard or to combine it in a separate block 7 which can be connected to the keyboard via a line 8.

Claims (3)

Protection claims 1. Computer keyboard, characterized in that a digitizer board (3) consisting of a writing surface (4) and "mouse buttons" (5) is arranged on one side. 2. Computer keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that a locking button (S) for locking the "mouse button" (5) in the working position is arranged below the writing surface (4). 3. Computer keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking button (6) is arranged so that it can be actuated with the thumb of the hand with which the user works.