User input device

Abstract

An input device that alleviates repetitive stress injuries by eliminating static repetition in the use. The input device includes a plurality of zones, the zones being adapted to move. The zones are moved by moving elements. The zones move when any one or more of predetermined conditions occur such as a set time, number of keystrokes, time interval, keystrokes in a zone or area, preprogrammed injury status, preprogrammed injury prevention, programmed diagnosed condition, key temperature, vibration, manual adjustment, and user pattern or preference.

1 . An input device configured to provide a control signal comprising:
 at least one input mechanism configured to receive a user input;   an output configured to output a signal responsive to the user input;   at least one motor configured to vary a position of at least a part of the input device;   at least one sensor configured to sense a position of the input device;   an infared sensor configured to monitor user position; and   a controller configured to drive the at least one motor to vary the position of the at least part of the input device in a non-predefined pattern based at least in part on data received from the infared sensor,   wherein the non-predefined pattern is based at least in part on the predetermined condition and the data received from the infared sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one input mechanism is at least one key for a keyboard. 
     
     
         3 . The input device of  claim 1 , further comprising an output configured to provide an onscreen status displayed to the user. 
     
     
         4 . The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one motor varies the position of at least a part of the input device to accommodate different users. 
     
     
         5 . The input device of  claim 2 , wherein the key is a projected key. 
     
     
         6 . The input device of  claim 1 , wherein the input mechanism comprises a plurality of keys. 
     
     
         7 . The input device of  claim 6 , wherein the plural keys are projected keys. 
     
     
         8 . A method of operating an input controller comprising:
 at least one input mechanism configured to receive a user input;   an output configured to output a signal responsive to the user input;   at least one motor configured to vary a position of at least a part of the input device;   at least one sensor configured to sense a position of the input device;   an sensor configured to monitor user position; and   a controller configured to drive the at least one motor to vary the position of the at least part of the input device, the method comprising:   receiving a user input provided by the user;   monitoring a position of the user; and   varying a position of an input mechanism in a non-predefined pattern based at least in part on a predetermined condition and the position of the user.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 providing a display status to the user based at least in part on the monitored position of the user.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 recognizing inactivity of the user;   ceasing operation of the input controller; and   waiting for the input controller reactivated.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the display status is a display status for a specific input mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the display status is a status of a specific key of a keyboard.