A brief history of the computer keyboard. History of creation and types of keyboards. Note: sometimes the CAPS LOCK key is used for other purposes, for example to switch to the Russian alphabet

There are three ways to apply symbols to keys: gluing, overprinting and laser engraving. The first is used only by “handicraftsmen” (mainly for localizing non-standard or marking reconfigured keyboards), the second is typical for inexpensive models, the third is typical for devices of the middle and high price categories and is also the most practical: engraved symbols, unlike paint, do not wear off even with prolonged use. intensive use of the keyboard.

QWERTY and YTSUKEN

The keyboard layout is a model that determines the correspondence of keystrokes to certain commands, and these, in turn, to the characters that are displayed on the screen or paper. Simply put, a layout is a standardized arrangement of symbols on a “board.”

The American engineer Christopher Sholes began developing a keyboard layout for the Latin alphabet back in 1860 - of course, for typewriters, computers were not yet in the project. Previously, such a task had not arisen: printed text was typed exclusively using a typographic method for mass printing. On the very first typewriters, the consonant letters were arranged in alphabetical order (this is evidenced, in particular, by the sequence of letters DFGHJKL, which has survived to this day in the middle of the second row of the standard English layout), and the vowels - with the exception of “A” - were placed in the top row ( which was not subsequently changed). The alphabetic principle was quickly rejected as unergonomic, and research continued. As a result, the QWERTY layout, which has survived almost unchanged to this day, was created, named after the first six letters of the top row. Thanks to the Remington typewriter company, it has been the official standard since 1873.

The most commonly used letters in the English language in this layout are scattered throughout the keyboard, but whether this decision was accidental is not known for certain, since Sholes' notes have not survived. According to a popular version, the most frequently used letters were specially placed in the corners so that the typewriter levers were less likely to interlock at high typing speeds.

The standard keyboard layout for other languages using the Latin alphabet differs slightly from English. For example, in Germany they use keyboards with the QWERTZ layout, and in France - AZERTY. However, it was QWERTY, due to its popularity and due to the fact that the manufactured equipment “communicates” with the user primarily in English, which was taken as the basis for the design of keyboards for laptop computers, communicators and other gadgets.

What about languages that use alphabets other than Latin? The first typewriters with Cyrillic keyboards appeared at the end of the 19th century. But not where the equipment was supposed to be used, but overseas - in the USA (in our country, Russian-language typewriters were not produced until at least 1930). The author of the Cyrillic layout YTSUKEN (before the language reform it was YIUKEN) is unknown, the exact date of its appearance is also not recorded anywhere... However, the variant turned out to be so successful that it existed almost without changes for more than a century. Arabs, Japanese and Jews were much less fortunate in this regard. Layouts for typing hieroglyphs and right-to-left printing appeared much later, already in the mid-to-late twentieth century, and typewriters for typing, for example, in Hebrew were a huge rarity.

Typewriter keyboards contained only one alphabet. Likewise, the first Soviet computers (“Iskra”, “Mikrosha”, etc.) had keyboards, even if equipped with Latin letters, but initially “tailored” specifically for the Cyrillic alphabet. They were larger than American and European ones, and all 33 letters of the Russian alphabet could easily fit there. Punctuation marks were in lower case (i.e., you did not need to press to type them), just like on typewriters, which is completely justified and convenient when typing. It is difficult to say when and why it was decided to abandon the traditional “machine” layout, but the fact is clear: with the advent of “personal keyboards,” the Russian alphabet was “laid out” on a QWERTY keyboard, where it simply could not fit optimally (in the Latin alphabet there are only 26 letters) , sacrificing the convenience of typing in Russian to the English-language industry standard. The letter “е” also became a victim of unification, which was moved to the number row, and, more importantly, the comma symbol, which ended up in upper case.

Alternative layouts

There are many optional layouts for various alphabets and languages. It is impossible not to mention, in particular, the Dvorak layout (pictured below) - the most famous among alternative layouts for the Latin alphabet. It was developed in 1936 by A. Dvorak and V. Dilley and is famous for its ergonomics: if you type with ten fingers, you may notice that on a QWERTY keyboard your left hand is used more than your right, and there are a lot of other “inconveniences” there. In addition, Dvorak developed layouts for typing with one hand - only the right and only the left. Support for Dvorak layouts has been included in Microsoft since Windows 98 and in Mac OS since version 8.6.

Among other alternative layouts for Latin, let's name Colemak, in which some service keys are extremely successfully reassigned, and Maltron (pictured below) - so ergonomic that special keyboards have to be made for it, with a special body shape and an unusual arrangement of keys. This brand also produces specialized keyboards for disabled people who type with one finger or even with a pencil clenched in their teeth. They are rare and do not yet have Cyrillic versions.

The situation with alternative layouts for the Cyrillic alphabet is worse: often only the “typewritten” one is found (like the Dvorak layout, it is supported by modern operating systems). Its main advantage is the placement of basic punctuation marks in lower case, which is certainly much more convenient than in QWERTY. A so-called “phonetic” layout has also been developed, in which similar-sounding letters (Latin “e” and Russian “i,” for example) are on the same key. The practical value of such solutions is very, very doubtful.

All alternative layouts are based on the same principles, aimed at achieving maximum typing comfort and maximum typing speed.

The characters must be typed alternately with both hands, for which the most frequently used characters must be distributed evenly between the two halves of the “clave”. Although the main part of the load should still fall on the right hand, because most people are right-handed.

In addition, fingers must alternate, for which letters that often appear together should not be on adjacent keys of the “board”.

To achieve maximum printing speed and efficiency, frequently used characters should be placed in the most convenient places - that is, in the middle row and closer to the center. Accordingly, the more rarely the sign is used, the further it is placed from the center, falling into the bottom row and under the less dexterous fingers - the ring and index fingers.

Many specialized keyboard layouts (both those mentioned in the text and those that were left outside the scope of our review) do have ergonomic advantages, but you will have to get used to them, which will take a lot of time and require some effort on yourself.

If you use the same keyboard for all your data entry, mastering a “non-standard” layout may be worthwhile. If you alternately work on different computers (for example, in the office, at home and while traveling), then it’s probably not worth relying on a keyboard that has a modified layout - even if it is obviously more convenient than others: you will simply confuse the keys, switching from one “clave” to another.

It should also be taken into account that alternative keyboard layouts are a serious thing: they are not created for entertainment and each serve their own purposes (there are layouts that are optimal for cryptographers, programmers, designers, etc.). There are specialized layouts for Macintosh and Linux users...

The keyboard layout of Apple Macintosh computers is different from that of regular PCs. First, the placement of the Russian period and comma keys is similar to that of typewriters (1): they are uppercase on the number row, and therefore easier to press than on a Windows keyboard. As a result, the speed of text printing increases. In addition, in the Mac layout the letter “е” is given a more “decent” place than in Windows (2).

There is a very useful ability to choose between a short hyphen and an em dash - they “hang” on the same key and are separated using case (3). Another difference between the Macintosh keyboard: there are as many as 16 (4) function keys versus 12 in Windows. Well, of course, in Mac OS the “Windows” and “Context Menu” keys are not needed, so they are not on the “keyboard” either; the “Cmd” (5) key is used instead. There is no “Insert” key, which is used in Windows to switch text input mode.

Key block of a standard computer keyboard

Most keys on a standard PC keyboard can be divided into several main blocks.

The typing block (1) includes keys designed for entering letters, numbers and commands, placing punctuation marks and various service symbols. The standard Russian-Latin layout allows direct typing of 26 letters of the Latin alphabet (from A to Z) and 33 letters of the Cyrillic alphabet (from A to Z), 10 Arabic numerals, as well as more than 30 characters and symbols. This block was inherited from typewriters into the PC keyboard with minimal changes.

Digital block. It is compactly located on the right side of the keyboard (3) and simultaneously duplicates the number keys from the top row of the typing block, as well as symbols of arithmetic operations and service keys “Insert”, “Del” and “Enter”. At the same time, cursor keys are duplicated (modes are switched with the “ key NumLock").

Function keys. Keys from F1 to Fl2 (4) - are intended for issuing operating system and application commands. Some keyboards have function keys on the left side rather than in the top row; There are even models with two blocks of function keys: one on the left, and the second on the top (5).

Modifier keys. This group includes the “Shift” and “CapsLock” keys that change the case of characters. This block also includes the “Ctrl”, “Alt” and “Enter” keys. With the exception of the “CapsLock” key, modifier keys are installed in pairs, but on mobile device keyboards they are often made single.

“Legacy” keys (6) were used in programs of the past: “Insert” controlled the mode of displaying text on the screen, “Break” interrupted the execution of a command, and “PrtScr” was used for printing. Now these keys, if used, are not for their “direct” purpose.

Teaching the ten-finger touch typing method

Many people have heard at least once about the existence of the ten-finger blind typing method on a keyboard. True, many are convinced that it was invented by V.V. Shahidzhanyan, who developed the famous method of teaching “touch typing”...

We will have to disappoint them: the ten-finger set replaced the two-finger set much earlier - at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Typists (this was originally a predominantly female activity, and there is a psychological reason for this) learned to quickly press the necessary keys without looking at the keyboard or changing the position of their hands - moving only their fingers.

Of course, it worked out much faster this way, and my hands got less tired. If you systematically type large amounts of text on a computer, you should learn how to touch-type. It's not as difficult as it might seem. But don't be upset if you still don't succeed.

As practice shows, having gained some experience, PC operators, even with four or five fingers, type text a little slower than professional typists. Another thing is that the ten-finger method allows you to type not only faster, but also easier on your hands. In addition, once you learn to type incorrectly, it will be very difficult to unlearn.

For the same reason, you need to initially type “touch” - even after achieving high typing speed, you will find that you do not remember the location of a single key when you take your eyes off the “key board”. There is no need to sign up for special courses to teach the blind ten-finger method: everything you need can be found on the Internet, purchased in the form of books and/or on CDs, and practiced on your own - all you need is a computer and a certain amount of perseverance. The ComputerBild website contains trial versions of three time-tested and well-deserved keyboard simulators. “Bombina” (for children) and Qwerty (for adults) allow you to master both Cyrillic and Latin (QWERTY) layouts. Full versions of these applications can be ordered on the website www.bombina.com/ru_soft.htm, they are also sold on CD.

However, don’t be in a hurry to breathe a sigh of relief: getting the most out of your keyboard doesn’t come down to typing quickly and ergonomically. In addition to alphabetic keys, there are others. Why each of them is needed, how to use them within various applications, how to reassign the functions of some keys, we periodically tell you and plan to tell you in the future.

We recommend that you pay more attention to the capabilities of “hot” keys: often with their help it is possible to perform labor-intensive and “multi-step” operations faster and easier than using a mouse. Knowledge of keyboard commands will provide invaluable help to owners of laptop computers for whom a mouse is often inaccessible.

Functional and service keys - at your fingertips! Learn to use them as efficiently as possible. Corresponding reference books for Windows and Mac OS are systematically published by many publishers (keyboard commands may change from OS version to OS version).

The first part of the article "Interesting about keyboards" is located

In 1890, they came up with the “QWERTY” layout, which we still use when typing text in Latin letters. The name of the “QWERTY” layout comes from the first six Latin letters on the keyboard, starting from the upper left corner from left to right. And the Russian keyboard layout, paradoxically, was invented in America at the end of the 19th century. Since then, she has not undergone major changes.

The key moment in the transformation of the typewriter into a computer keyboard was the invention of the Baudot typewriter at the end of the 19th century. This method replaced the telegraph. Baudot communication used a code to encode letters of the alphabet, with which complex electromechanical devices printed the received text onto paper. The communication was synchronous, and the telegraph operator had to press the button only when receiving a special sound signal.

In 1948, the development of UNIVAC and BINAC computers began, intended not for individual production, but for relatively more mass production. Special attention was paid to input/output devices in these machines. The means of input and output for them were teletypes or tabulators-punchers. BINAC could record information on magnetic tape.

The year 1960 is a turning point in the history of the development of computer keyboards - an electric typewriter enters the market. It had a capacitive keyboard. The capacitive keyboard was produced on printed textolite boards. This keyboard allowed you to enter text at a speed of up to 300 characters per second. Its main advantage was the ease of entering text - now, in order to type, you did not need to put in as much effort as, for example, on a classic Scholz typewriter. 1960

1965 - creation of a new user interface - video terminal display. 1980s and early 1980s - manufacturers began to produce personal computers. The keyboards of these machines were superior in function and number of keys to electric typewriters.

1980s – development of modular PCs. The keyboard was connected to the computer using a cord and looked like this: a total of 83 keys, divided into two blocks. Late 1980s - extended keyboard. The layout of the keys on it has been changed. Their number was also increased, and the new keyboard acquired a look that is already familiar to us today - 101 keys.

Manufacturers always try to reduce the cost and simplify production. New technology has come to the aid of the consumer. In a hard-touch keyboard, each key acts like a small switch. When you press a key, an electric current begins to flow in closed conductors, and a special circuit detects its presence.

Thanks to this keyboard, the computer can be turned off and on programmatically. As you know, laziness is the engine of progress, and in order not to reach for a button on the case or not to perform several operations with the mouse, a Power key, a Sleep button and others were added to the keyboard.

Not only with the development of hardware, but also with the improvement of software, they tried to cram more and more keys into the keyboard. Microsoft, which has been producing software all its life, began producing keyboards and also had a hand in the emergence of new keys.

Computer keyboard- a device for entering information into a computer and supplying control signals. Contains a standard set of typewriter keys and some additional keys - control and function keys, cursor keys and a small numeric keypad.

Birth of the keyboard

The roots of the modern computer keyboard go back to the 19th century. It all started with the advent of a simple typewriter. In 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes patented his design as a collection of symbols arranged in alphabetical order. As it turned out later, this was, to put it mildly, inconvenient, since rarely used symbols were in the most prominent places and vice versa. In 1890, they came up with the “QWERTY” layout, which we still use when typing text in Latin letters. And the Russian keyboard layout, paradoxically, was invented in America at the end of the 19th century. Since then, she has not undergone major changes.

The name "QWERTY" comes from the first six Latin letters on the keyboard, starting from the upper left corner from left to right.

The key moment in the transformation of the typewriter into a computer keyboard was the invention of the Baudot teleprinting machine at the end of the 19th century. This method replaced the telegraph, in which information was encoded using a two-bit method (“dot-dash”, and later “signal present-signal absent”). Baudot communication used a five-bit code to encode letters of the alphabet, with which complex electromechanical devices printed the received text onto paper. The communication was synchronous, and the telegraph operator had to press the button only when receiving a special sound signal. Later, data transfer became asynchronous, and this method of communication was called “teletype” (literally “printing at a distance”). In the 1920s, the teletype was already widely used to transmit financial and political information. Later, receiving devices became electronic, and in order to save paper, text was displayed on the screen and printed only when necessary.

The first computer keyboards

The year 1943 was marked by the appearance of the ENIAC computer, which created a sensation in the world of science. This computer was used by the military for ballistic calculations. He received source data through punched cards and teletype tapes. Software control of operations was carried out by switching plugs and dial pads.

Capacitive keyboard

The year 1960 marks a turning point in the history of the development of computer keyboards - the electric typewriter enters the market. It had a capacitive keyboard.

The capacitive keyboard was produced on printed textolite boards. The name of the technology speaks for itself - this type works using capacitors located in the device. Two pads made of tin and nickel-plated copper, which, by the way, are not connected to each other in any way, either mechanically or electrically, form each key. Let's look at how this works. We press the key - the distance between the pads increases, and the electrical capacitance changes, which when pressed is approximately 2 picofarads, and when not pressed - 20 picofarads. The decrease in capacitance creates a stream of charged particles that is processed by the keyboard controller, which in turn generates a code for the key pressed. It seems long, but this keyboard allows you to enter text at a speed of up to 300 characters per second.

So, let's go back to our typewriter. Its main advantage was the ease of entering text - now you don’t have to put as much effort into typing as, for example, on a classic Scholz typewriter.

New era

The next stage is associated with the development of multi-user systems, the division of computer time and the emergence of terminals. Computers were equipped with graphic displays and teletypes.

In 1965, the laboratories of Bell and General Electric teamed up to create a fundamentally new type of multi-user operating system, MULTICS, which later led to the emergence of the UNIX operating system. The main feature of the project was the creation of a new user interface - video terminal display. Now users could see what text they were typing, and at the same time had the opportunity to edit it right away.

Around the late 1970s and early 1980s, manufacturers began to produce computers that could be afforded not only by the offices of large companies, but also by ordinary people for home use. There are plenty of varieties and different lines that have been developed. Maybe your house once had, for example, an Amiga or Spectrum. These computers were a regular keyboard, into which the computer itself was built (processor, ROM, RAM and several modules for additional devices). All this was done compactly and did not take up much space. Of course, the keyboards of these machines were superior in function and number of keys to electric typewriters.

For example, a number of keys like Control and Alt were added. The curved arrow key became known as Enter and served not only as a carriage return, but also to complete data entry. To work with electronic documents, cursor control arrows were added, but for now they were on numbers. These elements found their active use in graphical interfaces and, of course, computer games, which began to actively develop as soon as personal computers became widespread.

The next stage is associated with the development of modular PCs that were upgradeable. Their most prominent representatives are Apple computers (Apple PC), Commandore, IBM PC. All main components, such as processor, RAM, were hidden in a separate case, and, accordingly, the keyboard was made separately from them, that is, it became a full-fledged device. It was connected to the computer using a cord through a Din-5 connector and looked like this: a total of 83 keys, divided into two blocks. The first block is alphanumeric, it also contained control arrows, and the second block is service (for system keys). This keyboard did not have the function of indicating the position of the capital keys Caps Lock, as well as blocking the service numeric keypad Num Lock and scrolling lock Scroll Lock. The main drawback was the placement of the controls. You had to reach for the function keys, and typing became simply inconvenient, and the Enter button hung somewhere in the corner and did not stand out among the rest in its size. This period can also be considered a key period in the history of keyboards - after all, the keyboard became a full-fledged device.

Apple specialized mainly in office computers, and it was the company that invented the mouse.

The recent past

During the period when only 286 processors were released for AT, manufacturers adjusted to the standards. But in order to at least somehow stand out, and perhaps fearing criticism (it turns out that there were also opponents of the “QWERTY” layout who wanted an alphabetical arrangement), manufacturers began to make some adjustments: for example, changing the layout right on the go was implemented , they even came up with a separate key for this. Some companies developed universal keyboards, for example, a two-standard AT keyboard turned into a PC/XT-compatible device by simply switching a toggle switch. But with the advent of new technologies, PC/XT was forgotten.

Several years have passed, and manufacturers have taken another step towards standardizing the AT keyboard. Many new functions have been added, including a new Sys Req key. But the main difference between the new keyboard and its predecessors was the control unit. The keyboard could be programmed with its own commands, which made it completely incompatible with PC/XT, although they had the same connector. Yes, by the way, the Enter key has become much larger, and in general the device has become much more convenient to use.

Extended keyboard

Not much time passed, and although the production of AT keyboards continued, a new development was put on the conveyor. It became known as the extended keyboard. Despite the fact that in terms of electronics this device was a copy of its parent AT, the layout of the keys on it was changed. Their number was also increased, and the new keyboard acquired the look that is already familiar to us today - 101 keys. “F11” and “F12” were added (by the way, all “functionalities” were moved to a separate top row), the cursor control keys were separated into a separate block, the Ctrl and Alt keys were duplicated and spaced on both sides of the main block.

Hard contact keyboard

Manufacturers always try to reduce the cost and simplify production. Here comes a change in technology. The new product is called a “hard-contact keyboard.” The production of a capacitive keyboard was a complex process and, accordingly, quite expensive. New technology has come to the aid of the consumer. In a hard-touch keyboard, each key acts like a small switch. When you press a key, an electric current begins to flow in closed conductors, and a special circuit detects its presence. Next, the signal is transmitted to the microprocessor of the keyboard itself and a code is generated that is sent to the computer’s central processor. Simplicity of execution makes this type of keyboard very cheap. For example, the PCjr keyboard has become the standard of simplicity. It even used rubber pads (instead of springs) to return the keys to their original position. The main disadvantage of this solution is the fragility of the device itself, but it is cheap and cheerful. This technology is used in most modern keyboards.

By the way, for the PCjr, IBM made an attempt to create a wireless keyboard: it placed an infrared sensor in it: the emitter on the back of the keyboard sent a signal, and the receiver connected to the port received it. The device required 4 AA batteries to operate. The keyboard could be used with or without a cord. When the wire was connected, the power supply from the batteries stopped, which allowed saving power.

User Protection

It's no secret that it works better with a cup of coffee and a fresh donut, so users often have a snack in front of the computer, and, naturally, spill sweet liquid and drop fatty food on the unfortunate keyboard - it's closest. This causes the contact film to stick together and the keys to stop being pressed. Manufacturers began to add another layer of plastic between the film and the keys, the keys acquired long pins, and the holes for them were raised above the surface. Thus, filling a modern keyboard with jelly is not easy, although if you try really hard, it is still possible.

ATX - keyboard

New computers brought us, first of all, an improved power management interface. The computer can now be turned off and on programmatically. As you know, laziness is the engine of progress, and in order not to reach for a button on the case or not to perform several operations with the mouse, a Power key was added to the keyboard, by pressing which you could turn off the power. The Sleep button puts the computer into and out of sleep mode. At one time, these buttons spoiled a lot of nerves for users who were accustomed to a 101-button keyboard, until they decided to make them smaller, rounded and recessed more into the body.

The keyboard connector has also changed. The second “birth” was PS/2, developed in the first half of the 1980s immediately after the IBM PC standard. It is much smaller compared to its Din-5 AT keyboard counterpart.

Multimedia keyboards

Not only with the development of hardware, but also with the improvement of software, they tried to cram more and more keys into the keyboard. Microsoft, which had been producing software all its life, began producing keyboards and also had a hand in the emergence of new keys. She placed them between the Control and Alt keys. One key opens the Start menu, and the other emulates a right-click. I had to “bite off” a piece of the spacebar. Some keyboard models have a built-in touchpad to control the mouse cursor.

Multimedia control buttons have also appeared, for example, using the multimedia keyboard you can adjust the sound with one click or gain full control over Windows Media Player. Around the same time, the main browser control functions were transferred to the keyboard.

Keyboard ergonomics

For those who do not know, let us explain: ergonomics is the adaptation of a device to the biological characteristics of a person. This is how we feel, how comfortable we are, how effectively we can use the device, and how beautiful it all looks. The Cherry company was the first to produce ergonomic keyboards, and this despite the fact that, like no one else, it always followed the classic style, right down to the color of the device. Its structure looked like this: the main letter block is divided in half, these halves are slightly apart at a slight angle (this angle of fixation could be adjusted), and there is a hump in the center. From that moment on, a new fashion for creating ergonomic keyboards began. The baton was picked up by Microsoft, Logitech, BTC (Behavior Tech Computer) and to this day they are leaders in the production of such devices.

Looking to the future

Some keyboards now have smart card readers built into them. They supposedly serve for security, performing the function of a key: inserted - you entered the operating system, did not insert - did not enter.

User-to-interface devices have also appeared, in particular, the DataHand System is not quite a keyboard - it is more reminiscent of a spaceship control terminal. There are no buttons as such, but there are ten holes where you need to stick your fingers. You can move your fingers in five directions, which is how you type. While you learn this method, and even with a new layout... The developer set himself the goal of reducing to a minimum the number of movements performed with the fingers, but at the same time maintaining the ability to work with both the keyboard and the mouse, and at the same time.

The new generation touch keyboard is no longer a keyboard at all. There are only two sensors that need to be worn on both hands and printed through the air. If you get used to it, it will be very convenient to use the device for mobile solutions. This futuristic development works as follows: the device combines sensor technology with an artificial neural network, with the help of which the receiver accurately tracks the movements of the typing person's fingers. Sensors respond to finger movements and convert them into letters. The new product supports the QWERTY layout.

Content:

Introduction.

1.1 Stages of keyboard development.

1.3 Capacitive keyboard.

1.4 First personal computers.

1.5 Recent past - AT.

1.6 ATX keyboards.

3.2m In the world of interesting things.

Conclusion.

Application.

Introduction.

Relevance . It is difficult to say whether there could be a more important and universal device for entering information into a computer than the keyboard. It is quite possible that in the near future, when a person communicates with his computer through gestures, facial expressions, graphic images, video images and speech, the keyboard will be replaced by other means of entering information. However, today, when text and symbols as carriers of valuable information are still so important, a keyboard is necessarily included in the configuration of supplied personal computers. A computer without a keyboard is not a full-fledged computer!

Target – study the history of the development of the keyboard.

Tasks:

1. Study the evolution of the computer keyboard.

2. Identify the stages of keyboard development.

3. Learn about the first computer keyboards.

4. Get to know the capacitive keyboard.

5. Study the first personal computers.

6. Types of modern computer keyboards.

7. Practical part of the project.

Object - keyboard

Item – history of the keyboard development

1. The evolution of the computer keyboard.

Whatever you do on the computer, play or program, type a document or just chat, you use one of the most indispensable devices - the keyboard. Like any thing, the keyboard has its own history.

Birth

The roots of the modern computer keyboard go back to the 19th century. It all started with the advent of a simple typewriter. In 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes patented his typewriter. The main key moment of this stage was the emergence of the first layout. It looked like a collection of symbols arranged in alphabetical order. As it turned out later, this was, to put it mildly, inconvenient, since rarely used symbols were in the most prominent places and vice versa. In 1890, they came up with the “QWERTY” layout, which we still use when typing text in Latin letters. And the Russian keyboard layout, paradoxically, was invented in America at the end of the 19th century. Since then, she has not undergone major changes.

The name "QWERTY" comes from the first six Latin letters on the keyboard, starting from the upper left corner from left to right.

Teletype

The communication was synchronous, and the telegraph operator had to press the button only when receiving a special sound signal. Later, data transfer became asynchronous, and this method of communication was called “teletype” (literally “printing at a distance”). In the 1920s, the teletype was already widely used to transmit financial and political information. Later, receiving devices became electronic, and in order to save paper, text was displayed on the screen and printed only when necessary.

1.1 Stages of keyboard development.

The emergence of the ENIAC computer

As input devices - punched card and teletype tape

1948

Development of UNIVAC and BINAC computers

Input/output means: teletypes or tabulators/punchers.

1960

Electric typewriter with capacitive keyboard.

The main advantage is the ease of text entry. It didn't require as much effort as on a typewriter.

1965

Users were able to see what text they were typing, and at the same time had the opportunity to edit it immediately.

1980

Extended keyboard. The layout of the keys on it has been changed. Their number was also increased, and the new keyboard acquired the look that is already familiar to us today - 101 keys.

1990

Hard contact keyboard. In it, each key works like a small switch. When you press a key, an electric current begins to flow in closed conductors, and a special circuit detects its presence.

1995

ATX KEYBOARD. The computer can be turned off and on using software. A Power key, a Sleep button, etc. have been added to the keyboard.

1997

Multimedia and Win-keyboards. Microsoft has added new keys for managing multimedia.

1998

The Cherry company began to develop ergonomic keyboards. The keyboards have the main letter block divided in half, these halves are slightly apart at a slight angle (this fixation angle could be adjusted), and there is a hump in the center.

2000

Flexible keyboard. Not only are they easy to bend, roll and fold, but they are also waterproof, i.e. they can be washed

2011

1.2 The first computer keyboards.

Capacitive keyboard

The decrease in capacitance creates a stream of charged particles that is processed by the keyboard controller, which in turn generates a code for the key pressed. It seems long, but this keyboard allows you to enter text at a speed of up to 300 characters per second.

So, let's go back to our typewriter. Its main advantage was the ease of entering text - now, in order to type, you did not need to put in as much effort as, for example, on a classic Scholz typewriter.

New era

The next stage is associated with the development of multi-user systems, the division of computer time and the emergence of terminals. Computers were equipped with graphic displays and teletypes.

In 1965, the laboratories of Bell and General Electric teamed up to create a fundamentally new type of multi-user operating system, MULTICS (Multiplexed Information and Computing Service) (http://www.multicians.org), which later led to the emergence of the UNIX operating system. The main feature of the project was the creation of a new user interface - video terminal display. Now users could see what text they were typing, and at the same time had the opportunity to edit it right away.

The first personal computers

The curved arrow key became known as Enter and served not only as a carriage return, but also to complete data entry. To work with electronic documents, cursor control arrows were added, but for now they were on numbers. These elements found their active use in graphical interfaces and, of course, computer games, which began to actively develop as soon as personal computers became widespread.

Keyboard compartment

The next stage is associated with the development of modular PCs that were upgradeable. Their most prominent representatives are Apple computers (Apple PC), Commandore, IBM PC. All main components, such as the processor, RAM, were hidden in a separate case, and, accordingly, the keyboard was made separately from them, that is, it became a full-fledged device. It was connected to the computer using a cord through a Din-5 connector and looked like this: a total of 83 keys, divided into two blocks. The first block is alphanumeric, it also contained control arrows, and the second block is service (for system keys). This keyboard did not have the function of indicating the position of the capital keys Caps Lock, as well as blocking the service numeric keypad Num Lock and scrolling lock Scroll Lock. The main drawback was the placement of the controls. You had to reach for the function keys, and typing became simply inconvenient, and the Enter button hung somewhere in the corner and did not stand out among the rest in its size. This period can also be considered a key period in the history of keyboards - after all, the keyboard became a full-fledged device.

Apple specialized mainly in office computers, and it was the company that invented the mouse.

Recent past – AT

In the early 1980s, the IBM PC architecture standard was developed, computers lost their specific brand, and the backbone-modular construction principle was already fully established. Now manufacturers were not producing specific computers, but were inventing and improving more and more new devices. Of course, this also applied to keyboards. Companies such as Cherry, Focus Electronic, KeyTronic and others have been and are currently producing these devices. Progress does not stand still - new computers, and therefore new keys.
During the period when only 286 processors were released for AT, manufacturers adjusted to the standards. But in order to at least somehow stand out, and perhaps fearing criticism (it turns out that there were also opponents of the “QWERTY” layout who wanted an alphabetical arrangement), manufacturers began to make some adjustments: for example, they implemented a change of layout directly to In fact, they even came up with a separate key for this. Some companies developed universal keyboards, for example, a two-standard AT keyboard turned into a PC/XT-compatible device by simply switching a toggle switch. But with the advent of new technologies, PC/XT was forgotten.

Extended keyboard

Hard contact keyboard

User Protection

It’s no secret that it works better with a cup of coffee and a fresh donut, so users often have a snack in front of the computer, and, naturally, spill sweet liquid and drop fatty food on the unfortunate keyboard - it’s closest, after all. This causes the contact film to stick together and the keys to stop being pressed. Manufacturers began to add another layer of plastic between the film and the keys, the keys acquired long pins, and the holes for them were raised above the surface. Thus, filling a modern keyboard with jelly is not easy, although if you try really hard, it is still possible.

1.3 Capacitive keyboard.

The year 1960 marks a turning point in the history of the development of computer keyboards - the electric typewriter enters the market. It had a capacitive keyboard.

The name of the technology speaks for itself - this type works using capacitors located in the device. Let's look at how this works. When the key is pressed, the electrical capacitance changes, which when pressed is approximately 2 picofarads, and when not pressed - 20 picofarads.

The decrease in capacitance creates a stream of charged particles that is processed by the keyboard controller, which in turn generates a code for the key pressed. So, let's go back to our typewriter. Its main advantage was the ease of entering text - now, in order to type, you did not need to put in as much effort as, for example, on a classic typewriter.

In 1965, Bell and General Electric laboratories teamed up to create a fundamentally new kind of multi-user operating system. The main feature of the project was the creation of a new user interface - video terminal display. Now users could see what text they were typing, and at the same time had the opportunity to edit it right away.

1.4 First personal computers.

Around the late 1970s and early 1980s, manufacturers began to produce computers that not only the offices of large companies could afford, but also ordinary people for home use. There are plenty of varieties and different lines that have been developed. Maybe your house once had, for example, an Amiga or Spectrum. These computers were a regular keyboard, into which the computer itself was built (processor, ROM, RAM and several modules for additional devices). All this was done compactly and did not take up much space. Of course, the keyboards of these machines were superior in function and number of keys to electric typewriters. For example, a number of keys like Control and Alt were added. The curved arrow key became known as Enter and served not only as a carriage return, but also to complete data entry. To work with electronic documents, cursor control arrows were added, but for now they were on numbers. These elements found their active use in graphical interfaces and, of course, computer games, which began to actively develop as soon as personal computers became widespread.

1.5 Recent past - AT.

In the early 1980s, manufacturers were not producing specific computers, but were inventing and improving more and more new devices. Of course, this also applied to keyboards. Progress does not stand still - new computers, and therefore new keys. But in order to at least somehow stand out, and perhaps out of fear of criticism (it turns out there were also opponents of the “QWERTY” layout who wanted an alphabetical arrangement), manufacturers began to make some adjustments: for example, they implemented a change of layout directly on the go, they even came up with a separate key for this. Several years have passed, and manufacturers have taken another step towards standardizing the AT keyboard. Many new functions have been added, including a new Sys Rq key. The Enter key has become much larger, and in general the device has become much more convenient to use.

1.6 ATX keyboards.

Multimedia and Win keyboards

Keyboard ergonomics

The Cherry company was the first to produce ergonomic keyboards, and this despite the fact that, like no one else, it always followed the classic style, right down to the color of the device. Its structure looked like this: the main letter block is divided in half, these halves are slightly apart at a slight angle (this angle of fixation could be adjusted), and there is a hump in the center. From that moment on, a new fashion for creating ergonomic keyboards began. The baton was picked up by Microsoft, Logitech, BTC (Behavior Tech Computer), and to this day they are leaders in the production of such devices.

2. Types of modern computer keyboards.

Multimedia keyboards

Not only with the development of hardware, but also with improvements, they tried to cram more and more keys into the keyboard. Microsoft, which had been producing software all its life, began producing keyboards and also had a hand in the emergence of new keys. She placed them between the Control and Alt keys. One key opens the Start menu, and the other emulates a right-click. I had to “bite off” a piece of the spacebar. Some keyboard models have a built-in touchpad to control the mouse cursor.

Keyboard ergonomics

Looking to the future

3. Practical part of the project.

3.1 Basic characteristics of groups of keys on the keyboard.

According to their purpose, the keys on the keyboard are divided into main groups:

alphanumeric keys;

numeric keypad keys;

control keys, modifier keys;

function keys;

Additional groups:

specialized keys.

A certain number (twelve in a PC/AT keyboard) of function keys are located in the top row of the keyboard. Below is a block of alphanumeric keys. To the right of this block are the cursor control keys, and at the very right edge of the keyboard is a numeric pad, which can be removable.

Alphanumeric block

Alphanumeric keys are also called alphanumeric keys, data keys, data keys. The basis of this block is a set similar to . Typically, a single data key has multiple letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols associated with it. Which letter will be entered is determined by the specified keyboard case - the keyboard operating mode set by the control keys or case switching keys.

The alphanumeric block includes keys for entering letters, numbers, punctuation, and arithmetic symbols, as well as special characters. In a standard PC/AT keyboard, this block includes 47 keys. For some languages, where the number of letters in the alphabet is more than 26, keyboard manufacturers produce keyboards with additional keys in the alphanumeric block - for example, on keyboards for (33 letters) there are already 48 of them (see:). There are no special keyboards produced for the Russian alphabet with its 33 letters - all letters of the Russian alphabet are placed on the keys of a standard PC/AT keyboard.

The alphanumeric block keys are divided into rows and zones. The bottom row of the block is above the space bar and the modifier keys , . He is considered the first. Above is the second one, also called the “home” row. Even higher - the third. The topmost row of block keys - the fourth - in the Latin layout does not contain keys for entering letters, but includes all keys for entering numbers. For this reason, it is often called the digital row. A zone is a set of keys assigned in the ten-finger touch typing method to the fingers of each hand. The zones are numbered from left to right.

The effect of alphanumeric keys depends on the case (lower or upper) and level (first or second) in which these keys are pressed.

Control keys

Control keys are designed to perform specific actions. They can be used alone or in combination with other keys. TOhiminclude: Esc, Tab ↹, Ctrl, Alt, ← Backspace, ↵ Enter, PrtSc, Ins, Num Lock, Del, Scroll Lock, Break, ⊞ Win.

Modifier keys

Modifier keys include the ⇧ , ⇪ , and (right Alt) keys. They are designed to change (modify) the actions of other keys. Enabling upper case keys (with ⇪ Caps Lock disabled) is done by pressing and holding the ⇧ Shift key. Pressing and holding the AltGr key is used to move to the second level of the keyboard.

Modifier keys are the most frequently used keys, so they are larger in size. In addition, the ⇧ Shift and Ctrl keys are duplicated on both sides of the block of alphanumeric keys.

System command keys

These include: SysRq, Esc, PrtSc, Pause, Break, ≣ Menu.

Function keys

Also on a PC/AT keyboard, at the top of the keyboard there is a block of so-called function keys - from F1 to F12. (The keyboards had 10 function keys from F1 to F10, arranged in two columns on the left side of the keyboard.) The functions of these keys are determined depending on the system or application software: the motherboard configuration program (Setup BIOS) and, subsequently, the operating system running .

The functions of individual function keys, combinations of function keys with the ⇧ , and and “regular” keys form part of and, as a rule, are constant for a particular type of software. There are a number of universal assignments that are most widely used: often pressing F1 will display the program's built-in reference manual (often already open on the page corresponding to the program mode it is in), and pressing ESC will interrupt the current operation.

Special key combinations

There are key combinations that are processed in a special way: Ctrl + Alt + Del – (pressed simultaneously) restarts DOS, ends the current program in Windows (pressing these keys twice causes Windows to restart)

PrtScr (or Shift PrtScr) - print a copy of the screen contents in DOS on a printer, place an image of the screen or the current window on the Windows Clipboard.

3.2 In the world of interesting things.

The Keyboard Monument is the first land art sculpture in Yekaterinburg dedicated to a computer keyboard, located on the second tier of the Iset River embankment, from Gogol Street. Opened on October 5, 2005. Author - Anatoly Vyatkin.

“Monument to the Keyboard” became the first landscape sculpture in Yekaterinburg. Critics see it as a combination of Europe and Asia. A technical tool for communication between people, such as a keyboard, is presented in the form of an Asian rock garden, where people come for creative purposes. However, this is probably not the only thing that attracts local residents. Unlike other sculptures, you can sit on the “Keyboard”, you can walk on it and jump from one letter to another. Parents claim that thanks to this sculpture, children learn the alphabet faster, and active computer users believe in another practical meaning. Urban legends say that if you make a wish and “type” it on the keyboard, jumping from letter to letter, and then “press” “Enter,” it will certainly come true. And if difficulties arise, you need to jump to “CTRL, ALT, DEL”, after which life will “reboot”.

The sculpture influenced not only the emergence of new urban myths, but also the names of neighboring buildings. Thus, local residents jokingly call the river Iset by analogy with the name of computers “Iset”. The old building nearby is called the "system block".

The popularity of the sculpture is so great that it was included in the “Red Line of Yekaterinburg” route, which runs a line of paint along the asphalt through 30 major cultural sites in the city center. Each of them weighs at least 80 kg.

Conclusion.

Attempts to make the keyboard more perfect do not end there. Various letter layout options are offered that would make it possible to balance the load on the hands and reduce typing stress. According to research, frequently used letters should be placed at the top and in the middle of the keyboard, with vowels on the left side of the device and consonants on the right.

Due to the later introduction of typewriters in Russia, the Russian version of keyboards turned out to be more rational. The Cyrillic alphabet is arranged according to the principle - frequently used letters are concentrated in the center. As you can feel, this method is convenient and easy to learn touch typing.

List of sources used.

All about keyboard keys

Keyboard creation dates

History of the keyboard

Application.

How to clean your keyboard

What is a keyboard for you? Is this a panel connected to the system unit containing more than a hundred keys? Everything is true, but not quite. Modern keyboards are a true crown of the art of engineering and design.

And yet, any keyboard should be comfortable to use so as not to be broken.

The keyboards that you and I use are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Wireless keyboards have become widespread. But that's not all. These devices can have very different shapes and button layouts. They can be divided into two parts for right and left hands. All these innovations are the result of many years of research by specialists. The trends in the development of touch screens have also not spared keyboards. If desired, anyone can now purchase a touch keyboard. Of course, it’s not cheap, but it has one huge advantage: you won’t have to worry about the headache of how to clean the keyboard.

Not everyone can afford such pinnacles of engineering, and some simply don’t want to spend money, so let’s look at the procedure for cleaning this peripheral device.

There are many ways, I will tell you the simplest and most original. The first one will tell you the secret of how to clean your keyboard with a vacuum cleaner. There's no point in vacuuming your keyboard right where it lies. But it will be very effective if you do this while holding the keyboard with the buttons facing down. Ideally, someone should help you. He should hold the keyboard and lightly tap the top of the lid. A powerful vacuum cleaner will probably remove all large particles of debris, but will not be able to remove dirt stuck to the buttons.

A more elegant way will help with this. We take a thin ruler or a screwdriver in our hands (any other flat and thin object will do too) and begin to pick out the buttons. Do this carefully and do not forget to mark the position of the keys (take a photo or sketch of them). After removing all the buttons, clean all debris from the device. The buttons themselves can be cleaned by hand, or you can put them in a sock and tie them. The bundle can be thrown into the washing machine with the rest of the laundry, don’t be afraid, nothing bad will happen.

After washing, dry the buttons and replace them in their places.

Ministry of Education of the Penza Region

State Autonomous Penza Educational Institution

Penza Region

"Penza College of Transport Technologies"

Individual project

" Keyboard. History of development."

Completed by: Plakhov.K.Yu

1st year student of group 16floor 17

Specializing in Transport Operations

electrical equipment and automation

Grade:______________________

Checked by: Tsybuzina E.Yu

G.Penza

2017

Who created the keyboard………………1

Beginning of development………………….2

What are the keys on the keyboard responsible for…………………3

Keys for cursor control………………..4-5

Types of keyboards……………………….6-9

Service keys………………….10

The keyboard is……………………….11

Who created the keyboard

The history of the computer keyboard goes back more than 150 years.

The prototype of the modern keyboard was typewriters, which appeared in the middle of the 19th century. The first typewriter was patented by Christopher Latham Sholes; its keys with letters were arranged in alphabetical order.

Over time, users realized that this arrangement was inconvenient, since the letters that were used frequently were located far from the center. A little over 20 years later, the Latin keyboard layout called “QWERTY” was invented. It is still in use today.

It is interesting that the Russian keyboard layout was invented in America at the dawn of the 19th century and has survived almost unchanged to this day. The name “QWERTY” comes from the first 6 keys of the top letter row of the layout.

Beginning of development

The Baudot machine used a five-bit code to encode letters of the alphabet, with the help of which complex electromechanical devices printed the received text onto paper.

The year 1960 marks a turning point in the history of the development of computer keyboards - the electric typewriter enters the market. It had a capacitive keyboard. The capacitive keyboard was produced on printed textolite boards.

The name of the technology speaks for itself - this type works using capacitors located in the device. Two pads made of tin and nickel-plated copper, which, by the way, are not connected to each other in any way, either mechanically or electrically, form each key. This keyboard allows you to enter text at speeds of up to 300 characters per second.

Of course, the keyboards of these machines were superior in function and number of keys to electric typewriters. For example, a number of keys like Cntrl and Alt were added. The curved arrow key became known as Enter and served not only as a carriage return, but also to complete data entry. To work with electronic documents, cursor control arrows were added, but for now they were on numbers.

What do the keys on the keyboard do?

The keyboard keys are divided into several groups, depending on their functions:

Alphanumeric:

The main purpose of alphanumeric keys is to enter character information and commands that are typed by letter. Each key can operate in two modes (registers) and, accordingly, can be used to enter several characters.

Functional:

The function keys F1-F12, located at the top of the keyboard, are programmed to perform certain actions (functions). So very often the F1 key is used to call up help. The functions of these keys depend on the specific program running at a given time, and in some cases, on the operating system. There is no fixed meaning for the keys.

F1 - help
F2 - insert key name
F3 - select line fragment
F4 - cancel selection
F5 - shift window left
F6 - shift window to the right
F7 - left paragraph border
F8 - centering
F9 - Russian/Latin alphabet
F10 - enter the menu
Each of these keys is associated with a menu command. The action of almost all function keys can be modified with three special keys: Alt(from ALTernative - additional), Ctrl(ConTRoL -manager) and Shift(SHIFT-shift).

These keys are used like the shift key on a typewriter: you press one of them and then, without releasing it, press the function key.

In the future, such a joint press of two keys will be denoted by a line or a plus. For example, Alt-F3 means that the F3 key must be pressed together with the Alt key, Ctrl-F9 - F9 must be pressed together with the Ctrl key, etc.

Numeric keypad convenient for quickly entering numbers. The keys are grouped in a block, like on a regular calculator or adding machine.

The numeric keypad contains numbers from 0 to 9, the arithmetic operators + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication) and / (division), and a decimal point as on a calculator or adding machine.

Although these characters are duplicated by other keys, their placement on the numeric keypad allows you to quickly enter numeric data or math operations with one hand.

To work in this block, you must press the Num Lock key in the upper left corner of the block. In this case, the dot on the indicator light should light up.

Keys for cursor control:

The cursor control keys provide commands to move the cursor across the monitor screen relative to the current image. A cursor is a screen element that indicates where character information is to be entered. These keys allow you to control the data entry position. The exact meaning of the cursor keys may vary depending on the program. However, the most common use of the arrow keys is to move the cursor in the direction indicated by the arrow or scroll text across the screen.

Home- move the cursor to the beginning of the line.

End- move the cursor to the end of the line.

PgUp- move one “page” up.

PgDn- move one “page” down.

Delete- delete

Service:

Service keys are used for various auxiliary purposes, such as changing case, insert modes, forming combinations "hot" keys, etc.

At the bottom of the keyboard there is a large longitudinal key ( Space Bar) without symbols on it. It's called the spacebar. She moves the cursor one space to the right.

Key Enter(input) - ends command input and causes it to be executed. When typing, serves to complete a paragraph.

A key Baskspace(return) - deletes the last character to the left of the cursor.

Control keys are used very often. They are not collected in one group, but are placed so that they are convenient to press.

Key Esc located in the upper left corner of the keyboard. Usually serves to abandon an action just completed.

Keys Shift, Ctrl, Alt adjust the action of other keys.

Caps Lock- is an uppercase key that locks capital letters. When a key is pressed, the keyboard indicator light in the upper right corner lights up. When you press the key again, the indicator light goes out, after which you can enter lowercase letters.

Shift- called the case change key. It is used in the same way as on a typewriter. Shift keys are located on both sides of the keyboard. If you hold down the Shift key and press the Caps Lock key at the same time, uppercase letters will be replaced with lowercase ones.

Alt, Ctrl- have no independent meaning, they work together with other keys.

Ins (Insert)- switching the insertion and replacement mode when entering information in text editors and editors without data.

Del (delete)- deleting the character under which the cursor is located.

Three Mysterious Keys:

So, we have looked at almost all the keys that can be used. But for the more curious, we’ll explore the three most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PRINT SCREEN, SCROLL LOCK and PAUSE/BREAK.

PRINT SCREEN (or PRT SCN)

Once upon a time, this key actually did what it said - it sent text from the screen to the printer. Today, pressing PRINT SCREEN takes an image of the entire screen (a "screenshot") and copies it to the clipboard in the computer's memory. From there, you can paste (CTRL+V) this image into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if necessary, print it from there.

Even more incomprehensible is SYS RQ on the same PRINT SCREEN key on some keyboards. Historically, SYS RQ was intended as a system request, but this command is not included in Windows.

SCROLL LOCK (or SCR LK)

In most programs, pressing SCROLL LOCK has no effect. In some programs, pressing the SCROLL LOCK key changes the behavior of the arrow keys and the PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys; Pressing these keys allows you to scroll the document without changing the cursor position or the selected fragment. The keyboard may have a SCROLL LOCK indicator light.

This key is rarely used. In some older programs, pressing this key paused the program or, in combination with CTRL, stopped it from running.

Keyboard shortcuts are a way to perform actions using the keyboard. They are called keyboard shortcuts or "hot keys" because they speed things up. Indeed, almost any action or command performed with a mouse can be performed faster with one or more keys.

In Help topics, a plus sign (+) between two or more keys indicates that those keys must be pressed in combination

Types of keyboards.
The ergonomic keyboard was invented to relieve the stress of constant typing and provide certain convenience. Constant use of a keyboard can cause carpal tunnel (tendon) syndrome and constant pain from tension. An ergonomic keyboard with a special shape and design is very useful in such cases and is even recommended by doctors.

Although there are no design specifics to an ergonomic keyboard, it usually has a special shape design for a more comfortable typing experience, unlike a standard keyboard.

Membrane keyboard

Membrane keyboards are the most common implementation of this input device. The design of a membrane keyboard is very simple and consists in the fact that a rubber membrane under the key, when pressed, closes two contacts. As a result, a key press is registered. Next, the rubber membrane, straightening, returns the key to its place.

This operating principle is very simple to implement technologically. No complex mechanisms are used. Everything is extremely simple, as a result of which membrane keyboards are very cheap.

Virtual keyboard

The operating principle of the virtual laser keyboard is simple and clear without much explanation. The design uses two semiconductor diode lasers - a “red” one to create a projection of the keyboard and an invisible infrared with an IR photodetector to determine the key that your finger has touched. While you are typing comfortably on the laser projection of the keys - just like on a regular keyboard, an invisible beam analyzes the coordinates of the position of your fingers and processes the information received accordingly. Add to thisdesigns wireless Bluetooth interface and virtual keyboard for all types of stationary and mobile devices - PCs, laptops, pocket PCs or smartphones, ready

Mechanical keyboard

A mechanical keyboard has a more complex key locking mechanism. The contact is not closed by pressing itself. The contact closes when the key passes a certain line. The key is returned by an ordinary spring.

A mechanical keyboard is more expensive than a membrane keyboard. The locking mechanism is more complex, and mechanical keyboards have many more elements made of metal.

In terms of tactile sensations, a mechanical keyboard is much superior to its membrane counterpart. When you press a key, you clearly know at what moment the key is pressed. This keyboard is perfect for touch typing. It is quite difficult to accidentally underpress a key, since the key stroke has one peculiarity. At first the move is relatively heavy, but at a certain moment it becomes very light and during this light move the key will be pressed.

The main difference is that the key return is responsible forspring . This solution is designed to increase durability and improve tactile sensations when typing, especially when typing quickly.

Rubber keyboard

The rubber keyboard consists of two parts. The bottom part is usually the circuit board of the device. At the locations of the keys there is a grid of conductive paths on it. The upper part is a rubber plate with keys on dome-shaped protrusions, in the center of which there are pads made of conductive rubber. When you press a key, the dome is pressed through, creating tactile feedback (the feeling of overcoming the mechanical resistance of the key) and the conductive rubber closes the tracks. The reliability of a rubber keyboard is not very high, since moisture and dirt can accumulate between the board and the rubber plate, disrupting contact

Service buttons

Let's now study the rarely used, but very necessary in some cases, service buttons. These include SCROLL LOCK and PAUSE. The first key is designed to change the mode of use of the control arrows. So, for example, so that when you press the “right” or “left” buttons, the active window moves to the corresponding side. The PAUSE key can be useful if you are running a program or process on your PC that has a pause function. For example, before Windows loads, various types of system information are displayed on the PC screen. If the user is interested in reading it, but does not have time to do this because the computer is quickly switching to boot Windows, then he can “slow down” the process by pressing the PAUSE key. If, of course, the software interface allows this to be done - its algorithms are laid down by the manufacturer of the computer or motherboard. To continue the execution of the program, it is usually enough to press any button on the keyboard.

Ctrl, Alt, Escape, Win, PrintScreen, ScrollLock, Pause/Break, AppsKey are special keys, they are used alone or in combination with other keys (so-called hotkey combinations) to perform all sorts of tasks. For example, the combination Ctrl + C will copy the selected element, and clicking on Escape- causes the action to be canceled or the dialog box to close.

The keys of this group do not have a specific place on the “keyboard”; for ease of use, they are located in all corners.

Ctrl And Alt- these are modifiers - they are used only in conjunction with other keys.

PrintScreen- designed to take a screenshot (screenshot).

ScrollLock- used to fix the cursor position. When ScrollLock is enabled and you are navigating the page using navigation keys(see the purpose of this group a little below) your screen will move. If disabled, the cursor will move. This mode is now used very rarely and does not work everywhere; in particular, it is present in Excel.

Pause/Break- to interrupt a running process. For example, you can pause the download of the program and even the download of OS Windows itself (you can see what your PC is writing), press pause in the game. Also, sometimes (for example, Punto Switcher) can be used to quickly change the language.

AppsKey- analogue of RMB (right mouse button). The button is located between the right Ctrl and the right Windows checkbox. It shows a cursor and a menu.

Windows- opens the Start menu.

Keyboard

The keyboard is the main device for manual input of information. There are full-size (desktop PCs) and smaller (portable PCs). Pressing a key transmits to the processor the code (conventional number) of the pressed key, which, depending on the program used, can be interpreted differently. For this reason, the same keyboard can be used to enter Latin characters, Cyrillic, Japanese, Chinese and other characters. But this requires appropriate programs. Some keys do not form an independent code and are usually used in conjunction with other keys.

The keyboard is one of the standard features of a personal computer. Its main functions do not require support from special system programs (drivers). The necessary software to get started with your computer is already included in the ROM chip as part of the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), so the computer responds to key presses immediately after it is turned on.

References

1.http://yandex.ru/clck/jsredir?from=yandex.ru%3Bsearch%2F%3Bweb%3B%

2. http://yandex.ru/clck/jsredir?from=yandex.ru%3Bsearch%2F%3Bweb%3B%3B&