Importance

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Abstract

A keyboard having a conventional set of alphanumeric keys and special function keys which are actuable by an operator using a finger and a stylus. The stylus-actuable keys have keypad areas which are less than a prescribed range of areas. Other keys which have keypads greater in area than a value in the prescribed range are designed for keystroke operation by the operator's finger. Alternatively, the stylus-actuable keys have center line spacings which are less than a value from a predetermined range of lineal dimensions, while the finger-actuable keys have center line spacings which are greater in value than a value in the predetermined range. Having been derived from human factors considerations which have been defined for finger-actuable keys, the prescribed range of areas is preferably 100 square millimeters to 162 squares millimeters and the predetermined range of dimensions is preferably 12 millimeters to 21 millimeters. As a result, the footprint is smaller than that for a standard sized keyboard while maintaining substantially the same key stroke procedures of a conventionally-sized PC keyboard. Being suitable for use with a graphical tablet, another embodiment is made with keys mounted to a surface which is angled between 30 degrees and 90 degrees from the horizontal plane of a desktop. In an effort to reduce manufacturing costs, the preferred embodiment is made with membrane type switches using conventional touch panel technology.

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First Claim