Braille input device
View Patent ↗A Braille input device includes eight keys for entering dot information that forms a Braille character. The device further includes a space key and eight function keys, with a separate function key arranged above each dot key. This allows a user to rapidly and accurately select any desired function key without removing his or her hands from the Braille keyboard. A cursor router key and a Braille display including a plurality of Braille cells may also be provided.
1. A Braille input device, comprising:
a left-hand group of four dot keys aligned substantially in side-by-side relation to one another in a single left row and a right-hand group of four dot keys aligned substantially in side-by-side relation to one another in a single right row, said single left row and said single right row being in substantial left-to-right alignment with one another for inputting dot information for forming Braille characters;
each dot key of said left-hand group and each dot key of said right-hand group having a flat, generally rectangular structure;
a left-hand group of four function keys positioned in close proximity to said left-hand group of dot keys and a right-hand group of four function keys positioned in close proximity to said right-hand group of dot keys;
each function key of said left-hand group of four function keys being positioned above and in spaced apart relation to an associated dot key of said left-hand group of four dot keys to facilitate location of each of said four function keys;
each function key of said left-hand group of four function keys and each function key of said right-hand group of function keys having a point-like structure to distinguish it from said flat, generally rectangular structure of said dot keys;
each function key of said right-hand group of four function keys being positioned above and in spaced apart relation to an associated dot key of said right hand group of four dot keys to facilitate location of each of said function keys of said right-hand group of four function keys;
a cursor router key positioned between said left-hand group of four dot keys and said right-hand group of four dot keys in side-by-side alignment therewith so that a user can access said cursor router key with a left band or a right hand without reaching above or below the dot keys.
2. A Braille input device, comprising:
a left-hand group of four dot keys aligned substantially in side-by-side relation to one another in a single left row and a right-hand group of four dot keys aligned substantially in side-by-side relation to one another in a single row, said single left row and said single right row being in substantial left-to-right alignment with one another for inputting dot information for forming Braille characters;
each dot key of said left-hand group and said right-hand group having a flat, generally rectangular structure;
a Braille display including a plurality of Braille cells positioned in a row;
a left-hand group of four function keys positioned in close proximity to said plurality said left-hand group of four dot keys and a right-hand group of four function keys positioned in close proximity to said right-hand group of four dot keys;
each function key of said left-hand group of four function keys being positioned above and in spaced apart relation to an associated dot key of said left-hand group of four dot keys to facilitate location of each of said four function keys of said left-hand group of said four function keys;
each function key of said left-hand group of function keys and each function key of said right-hand group of function keys having a point-like structure to distinguish it from said flat, generally rectangular structure of said dot keys;
each function key of said right-hand group of four function keys being positioned above and in spaced apart relation to an associated dot key of said right-hand group of four dot keys to facilitate location of each of said four function keys of said right-hand group of four function keys;
a cursor router key being positioned between said left-hand group of four dot keys and said right-hand group of four dot keys in side-by-side alignment therewith so that a user can access said cursor router key with a left hand or a right hand without reaching above or below the dot keys.