ISO/IEC 15412:1999

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 15412
First edition
1999-09-15
Corrected and reprinted
2000-09-15
Information technology — Portable
computer keyboard layouts
Technologies de l'information — Dispositions de clavier pour
ordinateur portable
Reference number
bc
ISO/IEC 15412:1999(E)

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ISO/IEC 15412:1999(E)
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©  ISO/IEC 1999
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© ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC 15412:1999(E)
Contents
1 Scope . 1
2 Conformance. 1
3 Normative references . 1
4 Definitions . 2
5 Layout requirements . 2
5.1 Alphanumeric section . 2
5.2 Numeric section. 2
5.3 Editing section. 2
5.3.1 Editing keys. 2
5.3.2 Cursor control. 3
5.4 Function section. 3
5.4.1 Escape key . 3
6 Physical requirements . 3
6.1 Key legend size. 3
Annex A (informative) Design guidelines related to keyboards for portable computers . 4
A.1  Cursor control and pointing device . 4
A.2  Escape keys. 4
A.3  Flexibility. 4
A.4  Keying noise. 4
A.5  Portable controls. 4
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© ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC 15412:1999(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission)
form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the
respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees
collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
International Standard ISO/IEC 15412 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information
technology, Subcommittee SC 35, User interfaces.
Annex A of this International Standard is for information only.
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© ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC 15412:1999(E)
Introduction
The portable computer is used in a wide range of business environments. A significant number of users use a
portable computer either as their primary working computer or in association with an office desktop computer; many
users alternate between a portable and a desktop computer. For these reasons, the overall appearance and
functional layout of a portable computer keyboard (together with its ergonomic characteristics) should be such as to
allow the user to make a smooth transition between desktop and portable work environments to maintain adequate
levels of productivity and satisfaction.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD  © ISO/IEC ISO/IEC 15412:1999(E)
Information technology — Portable computer keyboard layouts
1 Scope
For the purposes of this International Standard, a portable computer is defined as a computer with a screen and an
attached keyboard that is capable of running on battery power for extended periods of time and is relatively easy to
transport from one location to another by a single individual.
This International Standard gives design guidance for product designers; this International Standard indicates those
requirements and recommendations contained in ISO/IEC 9995 and ISO 9241-4:1998 that are to be considered in
designing porta
...