10 Inventions on keyboard attachments-arxiv

A keyboard is the most important input device for a computer. It is quite essential for almost all types of computers ranging from servers, desktops, and laptops to small handheld computers like palmtops and PDAs. Generally larger computers have separate keyboards while portable computers have in-built keyboards. The keyboard consists of a set of keys, a key pressing mechanism and a connection to the computer. Although the primary objective of the keyboard to input data into the computer, the advanced keyboards keep various other things in mind, such as, how to use the same keyboard for various other purposes, or how to use the same keyboard efficiently by using various other attachments to the keyboard. This objective led to various inventions on keyboard attachments, some of which are illustrated below in this article. Background problem Computer games are played with keyboard, mouse, joystick or other input devices. A joystick is a specialized input device for the purpose and often more suitable and preferred for gaming than other devices. Joystick is typically large to be comfortably held and operated by the player. This objective of a joystick does not allow it to be smaller. But practically it occupies lot of desk space. A computer table is hardly left with any space when a monitor, keyboard and joystick are in place. Solution provided by the invention Thomas Lugaresi disclosed a method of (Patent 4575591, Issued in March 86) attaching a joystick with a keyboard. The objective is to have a new and novel joystick attachment to the keyboard which can be attached and detached as required. A joystick attachment for a computer keyboard which includes a bracket on which is supported a housing for a joystick assembly, the bracket being detachably mounted on a computer keyboard. The joystick is placed above the keyboard but with some gap from the upper surface of the keys for safety. The attachable and detachable feature gives the dual benefit of a keyboard and joystick without loosing extra space. TRIZ based solution The same keyboard is changed to a joystick when the user wants to play a game and changed to a keyboard when the wants to input characters (Ideal Final Result). The invention uses a joystick attachment to the keyboard, which is mounted on top of the keyboard without using additional table space (Principle-7: Nesting). Background problem The computer keyboard is exposed to moisture, dust, smoke …