Abstract: Key patterns configured to accommodate the handicaps of the disabled user are imprinted or embossed on a sheet of conformable material. A matrix of sensing circuits for a keyboard are placed under the sheet to detect when and where the sheet is depressed and provides an output to a keyboard controller indicating which portion of the keyboard has been contacted. The keyboard controller relates the position data to the keyboard pattern on the sheet and provides key signals to the computer interface connector of the keyboard that are indistinguishable by a computer system from the QWERTY outputs of a standard keyboard. This enables the disabled user to carry this keyboard from one computer system to another and simply exchange it for the standard keyboard for the computer. Since the keyboard can be configured to accommodate the users handicap, no changes need be made to the operating system or any software of the computer in order to allow the disabled user to use the computer.

Abstract: An arm mounting mechanism comprising an arm wrap (11) which fits under the user's shirt sleeve and a cantilever shaft (13) which is attachable to a PDA or other device to be removably attached so that it rests over the user's sleeve. The mechanism may be used to mount display monitors, keyboards, bar code scanners, magnetic strip readers, GPS receivers, pagers, wireless phones, microphones and other electronic devices as well as non-electronic equipment such as clip-boards or tool racks.

Abstract: In a conventional 8×17 drive line/sense line keyboard switch matrix, a one-to-one correspondence between keyboard key switches and drive line/sense line pairs, together with a sequential driving of the drive lines, permits discrimination between 8×17=136 keyboard keys with 25 I/O pins. In contrast, the present invention utilizes drive line/sense line combinations to discriminate between keyboard keys with fewer total drive and sense lines, thereby reducing the number of required IC pin connections. In addition to achieving a reduction in the number of required pin connections, particular drive line/sense line contact patterns (e.g., a 2/2 pattern), and an associated subtraction algorithm, allow for efficient layouts of the drive lines and sense lines on respective membrane switch layers, a reduction of detection errors arising from inadvertent illegal simultaneous key presses, and discrimination of “special” simultaneous key press conditions.

Abstract: A computer input device including a keyboard with built in pointing device, and left- and right-pointer control buttons operable by the thumbs includes additional left- and right-pointer control buttons located to each side for easy operation by the outer edge of the hands.

Abstract: A device and method for operating and controllling a cursor by a foot. The foot-operated input control device includes a first pedal for controlling a cursor along an x-axis and a second pedal for controlling a cursor along a y-axis. The first pedal is supported by a first base and further connected to a first motion detector which determines an angular motion of the first pedal. The second pedal is supported by a second base and further connected to a second motion detector which determines an angular motion of a second pedal. The angular motion of the first and second pedals are combined together and translated into the direction and velocity of motion of the cursor on a screen.

Abstract: A USB-compliant keyboard device is provided that is capable of preventing malfunctions, operation failure and the like due to static noise by a simple method. The keyboard device has a keyboard main body with a large number of key tops on its upper surface, an upper case and a lower case accommodating the keyboard main body, a control circuit board on which a control circuit to control the keyboard main body is mounted, and USB connectors connected to the control circuit board. Further, a shield plate covering the control circuit board from a lower position is provided. The shield plate is electrically connected to frame ground members of the USB connectors and a shield line of a cable connected to a personal computer main body.

Abstract: A navigation aid for a refreshable Braille display and similar products for the visually impaired. A navigation wheel is located adjacent at least one end of the refreshable Braille display. Rotation of the wheel by an increment moves the displayed text forward or backward by a predetermined increment, such as by one word, or one line or one paragraph. In a preferred embodiment, the function performed by rotating the wheel can be changed by depressing the wheel. A separate navigation wheel may be located at opposite ends of the refreshable Braille display and the two navigation wheels may perform the same or different functions when rotated.

Abstract: A personal computer for a handicapped person includes an input panel that is subdivided into a group of fields, with one of the fields designated as a central field for the group. Each field is, in turn, subdivided into nine elements (spaces) comprised of a neutral central element surrounded by eight output elements. Each of those eight output elements has an output character representing a respective output signal. A mark (cursor) is moved across the panel by a control stick that is manipulated by a user. The cursor is always initially located at the center element of the central field. In order to move the cursor to a desired output element, the user: (a) identifies the field in which the desired output character is located, (b) moves the cursor in a first direction to the central element of that identified field, and (c) moves the cursor by one space directly to the desired output element in a second direction oriented either orthogonally or diagonally to the first direction.

Abstract: A method for reading a position of a wiper on a potentiometer, comprising the steps of (A) charging a capacitor connected to a wiper terminal of the potentiometer, (B) discharging the capacitor through a particular terminal of the potentiometer, (C) measuring a first time taken to discharge the capacitor from a first voltage to a second voltage, (D) recharging the capacitor, (E) discharging the capacitor through another particular terminal of the potentiometer, (F) measuring a second time taken to discharge the capacitor from the first voltage to the second voltage, (G) reading the position of the wiper by calculating a ratio of the times measured in steps (C) and (F).

Abstract: A computer-based system permitting a visually impaired user to interact with tactile graphic-based interactive software applications is provided. The system includes a host computer having a data processor and a drive for running the interactive software applications and a pressure sensitive work pad. The work pad has X and Y pressure sensitive members disposed in a grid array for providing unique location output signals corresponding to each different location on the grid array. The work pad is operatively connected to the host computer and an overlay comprising a sheet is placed over an upper surface of the work pad. The overlay having a work space which bears tactile indicia which corresponds to a selected one of the interactive software applications and also includes a tactile graphical user interface (TGUI) formed thereon. The TGUI has a plurality of tactile control members which generate location output signals when pressed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for motion activated control of an electronic device. The method activates a function, such as a backlight feature, of an electronic device, by storing at least one motion sequence and a function corresponding to each motion sequence. Motion of the electronic device is monitored, and when it is determined that the monitored motion corresponds to a motion sequence, the stored function that corresponds to the stored motion sequence is activated. The apparatus has a motion transducer that senses motion of the electronic device, and a device controller in communication with the motion transducer that activates the corresponding function when a motion processor determines that the stored motion sequence has been sensed by the motion transducer.

Abstract: Key patterns configured to accommodate the handicaps of the disabled user are imprinted or embossed on a sheet of conformable material. A matrix of sensing circuits for a keyboard are placed under the sheet to detect when and where the sheet is depressed and provides an output to a keyboard controller indicating which portion of the keyboard has been contacted. The keyboard controller relates the position data to the keyboard pattern on the sheet and provides key signals to the computer interface connector of the keyboard that are indistinguishable by a computer system from the QWERTY outputs of a standard keyboard. This enables the disabled user to carry this keyboard from one computer system to another and simply exchange it for the standard keyboard for the computer. Since the keyboard can be configured to accommodate the users handicap, no changes need be made to the operating system or any software of the computer in order to allow the disabled user to use the computer.

Abstract: An additive device which improves the function of a computer mouse. More specifically one that appends to the form of a round, or otherwise characteristically non-axial computer mouse, such that the user is afforded the axial tactile registration (between hand, mouse, and by extension, on-screen cursor) associated with the more commonly produced elongated-type mouse. A thin shell, flexible plastic (or other) material is cast into a generally elongated form, and is at least partially hollow on the underside so as to clip snugly over and onto the body of the circular mouse. The shell is held in place by friction and/or by the use of tapes, either adhesive or hook & eye type. The button(s) of the host circular mouse remain accessible to the hand of the user, either directly or through the provision of extensions built into the additive shell.

Abstract: A stealthy, one-hand keyboard suitable for pedestrians is implemented as a frame held between thumb and palm, to which is attached an adjustable array of keyswitches. The configuration is such that the fingers play no part in supporting the keyboard against gravity, nor in retaining it within the hand. This property facilitates faster typing. The keyboard is strapless and leaves the fingers near their relaxed positions. The hand hides the keyboard on one side and chords are entered by small motions of the fingers, actuating contact being via the flesh on the palm sides of the middle and distal phalanges. These properties reduce the keyboard's observability.

Abstract: A portable keyboard enables touch typing with both hands without external support. The keyboard includes a first array of keys and a second array of keys on opposite sides of the keyboard. The keyboard is held between the hands and is supported against the palm of one hand for touch typing with both hands.

Abstract: A touch screen system for the vision-impaired provides a speed list in which each of the virtual buttons on a screen are duplicated in a line along one edge of the screen to provide rapid access to the virtual buttons while taking advantage of their logical grouping among multiple screens to assist both vision-impaired and fill-sighted individuals.

Abstract: An input device with page turning used with a set of communication cards, and driven to record input voice, to reproduce recorded voice signal or send recorded voice signal to an external computer through a transmission line when the user presses on one of the communication cards, the input device including a casing having an operating surface area, which holds the communication cards, a clip provided at the casing to hold the communication cards for enabling the communication cards to be taken out and replaced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a pointer on a computer screen adapted for use by individuals with limited or no manual dexterity. A track ball is positioned to protrude from the upper surface of a generally partially cylindrically shaped base. A mating cradle sits on top of the base with its lower surface in contact with the upper surface of the track ball and the upper surface of the base. The upper surface of the cradle support is shaped to accept the forearm of an operator. The track ball is coupled in a known fashion to operate a pointer on a computer display. The operator can move the cursor up and down on the screen by pushing his or her arm outwardly or inwardly and can move the cursor left to right on the screen by rotating his or her arm in the cradle about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A keyboard layout for a one-handed keypad having fifteen alphabetic keys. Each key has a primary letter and a secondary letter. The primary letter is keyed by solely striking the key, while the secondary letter requires striking a secondary key first or simultaneously with the primary alphanumeric key. The layout placement minimizes finger travel and keystrokes to generate the most common letters and digraphs in the English language.

Abstract: A screen display key input unit. A screen display has a series of keys which can be operated by touching with a pen, a mouse or the like. Each of the keys are defined with first and second graphic character codes. A key input device points out a key display area on the screen while a selection processor selects one of the two graphic character codes on the key by determining the difference of key selection operations of the key input. The two graphic character codes are defined on each of the keys so that the number of keys shown on the screen is reduced as compared to conventional unit where each key is defined with a single graphic character code.

Abstract: A portable computer apparatus for assisting a cognitively impaired person to perform tasks in the person's particular living environment is disclosed. The portable computer apparatus presents a plurality of first level virtual buttons on a display for selection by the person. Each first level virtual button corresponds to a different selectable domain or selection type. The first level virtual buttons are configured to correspond to the abilities and life needs of a particular person. When selected, a first level virtual button causes a category, sub-category, task, task element or content element to be presented. A hierarchical content structure, custom-tailored to the life needs and abilities of the particular cognitively impaired individual is provided. A means is provided, by an authoring facility hosted on a separate PC, to develop the user's content and download it to the portable computer apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data input/read-out device, including at least one output element, more particularly a Braille element, for outputting Braille data by correspondingly changing the surface profile; and at least one input element for inputting data, the input element being positionable in at least two different positions to thus enter data wherein the maximum spacing between the at least one input element and the at least one output element does not exceed a specific maximum value so that the input element and the output element can be touched or actuated simultaneously by one hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for voluntary and involuntary communication by means of transmitting, receiving, interpreting, and displaying messages detected and generated by relative eyelid movement, particularly by using the differences in reflectivity of the human eye and eyelid to produce the messages.

Abstract: A printer head for a Braille printer includes a housing formed with first and second series of opposing openings. First devices adapted to receive Braille paper to be taken up in the housing and second devices arranged in the housing to apply raised dots onto the paper are accommodated in the first and second series of openings formed in the housing. The housing includes a base section designed as one piece with a channel-shaped space where the devices that apply the raised dots onto the Braille paper are accommodated in the first and second series of opposing openings. The first and second series of opposing openings in the one piece base section are formed in a same mounting so as to be substantially coaxially aligned as a mutual pair, whereby the devices are arranged mutually opposite to each other in the channel-shaped space at a predetermined distance from one another with centers of axes aligned.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems for presenting and delivering user application input choices. One-handed or vocal user input provides chords or syllables. The invention includes systems and methods for presenting user application input choices, chord or syllable based apparatus and sub-systems for generating user application input choices in response to input signals associated with chords or syllables. One embodiment of input device resembles a joystick and includes a base and a key carrier extending from the base. A single key is provided along the top of the carrier, and four keys extend widthwise along a side surface. A system presents and delivers user application input choices. An input device receives chords and syllables. A processor associated with the input device receives chords or syllables and generates input signals, a second processor for receiving and evaluating the input signals and for sending a user application signal to the user application processor of the computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and way to use a twelve button telephone keypad for alphanumeric data entry. This invention also relates to a method of alphanumeric data entry using short duration or long duration binary key actuations using a simultaneous coding system and/or sequential coding system for communicating on a standard twelve key push-button telephone keypad. Two binary keys are used for an all capital letter mode or two binary keys for a lower-case letter mode, along with three binary keys for an upper-case letter mode, for producing full alphanumeric text, including punctuation, symbols and control.

Abstract: A hand-held remote computer input peripheral is operable to be held by a human operator with one hand while both hands harmoniously manipulate a touch pad, function keys, and a click button provided with the input peripheral. The touch pad is positioned in a housing to be held by one hand while comfortably being addressed by the other hand, either with a finger or stylus, for controlling typical computer mouse functions and/or entering graphic images. The fingers of the hand holding the input peripheral rest naturally on the function keys and the click button such that keys and button can be activated simultaneously, or in conjunction with, activities of the hand manipulating the touch pad. The input peripheral is advantageously used in electronic meeting room applications having a computer and communication peripherals such as electronic white boards, presentation projectors, and video conferencing systems.

Abstract: A portable computer apparatus for assisting a cognitively impaired person to perform tasks in the person's particular living environment is disclosed. The portable computer apparatus presents a plurality of first level virtual buttons on a display for selection by the person. Each first level virtual button corresponds to a different selectable domain or selection type. The first level virtual buttons are configured to correspond to the abilities and life needs of a particular person. When selected, a first level virtual button causes a category, sub-category, task, task element or content element to be presented. A hierarchical content structure, custom-tailored to the life needs and abilities of the particular cognitively impaired individual is provided. A means is provided, by an authoring facility hosted on a separate PC, to develop the user's content and download it to the portable computer apparatus.

Abstract: A user input having a first mode of operation relating to the entry of a command is indicated on a display device prior to the actual execution of the command, afterwhich a second mode of operation may be entered wherein the command is actually executed using the displayed information for confirmation purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the user input device takes the form of a hand-held remote-control unit, and the display is a television monitor. In this case, the invention is operative to determine the position of a user's finger relative to one or more keys of the keypad on the remote-control unit, and display, on the TV monitor, information relating to the user's relative position.

Abstract: A touch operation information output apparatus is provided in a position at which a driver can operate it, and detects a touched position with respect to the input pad and outputs its coordinate data to the display device. Here, protruding brackets are provided at 16 positions on the input pad. A first group of protruding brackets that are in 4 positions at a center of the input pad are formed in a “+” shape, a second group of protruding brackets that are in four corners of the input pad are formed in an “L” shape and a third group of protruding brackets are formed in a “T” shape. Because of this, the driver can recognize the touched position with respect to the touch operation information output apparatus and blind operation becomes possible.

Abstract: An input device for a computer system includes a keyboard, a pointing device embedded in the keyboard, operational buttons, including a button for selecting an operating mode for the pointing device. The mode selection button is located adjacent left- and right-buttons. In one embodiment, an alternative pointing device operating mode is available when the mode button is held depressed. In another embodiment, a depress-release sequence permits the user to sequence through a menu of predetermined pointing device operating modes. The placement of the mode button with respect to the left- and right-buttons facilitates improved performance of certain eye-hand coordination tasks.

Abstract: An arm-mounter mechanism affording users almost unlimited mobility, alternately adaptable to personal computers, digital assistants, cellular phones, cameras, audio recorders, barcode scanners, multimedia remote controls, MIDI controllers, gaming devices and others. One embodiment, utilized with speech recognition technology, provides monitor and/or keys on an arm-mounted first element movable attached to allow rotation, swiveling and/or tilting of this element relative to the arm. A second, optional element rests on projections from the arm-mounting mechanism, allowing interface with the hand of the device-bearing arm. Data processing, transmission, reception and storage equipment typically resides within the first element. The second element may be retractable to fit under sleeve. Another embodiment is a laptop PC reconfigurable for arm use. An alternative mechanism arm-mounts pre-existing devices.

Abstract: A workstation comprising a keyboard for inputting data, a braille reading line having a number of braille cells located side by side, and a first switch device comprising a number of switch elements located side by side, wherein the first switch device is arranged in or parallel to the braille reading line, and wherein the workstation further comprises a second switch device comprising number of switch elements located side by side, wherein the second switch device is arranged in or parallel to the braille reading line, so that the first and the second switch device can each be operated by a visually handicapped person without the orientation of the hand relative to a braille cell of the braille reading line being lost.

Abstract: A system and method for communication using movement of a person's eye, including an emitter for directing light towards an eye, a sensor for detecting emitted light from the emitter, and a processor coupled to the sensor for converting sequential light intensity signals received from the sensor into a stream of data, and/or for converting the signals into an understandable message. A radio frequency transmitter transmits the stream of data to a remote location, such as to a receiving and processing unit, which may store the stream of data, display a message in the stream of data, or use a command in the stream of data to control a piece of equipment. A self-contained detection device is also provided that includes a frame adapted to be worn on a person's head, and an emitter and a sensor, such as a solid state biosensor, on the frame for directing light towards and detecting light reflected off of the eye, respectively.

Abstract: A data input glove including a gloved body at least some of whose fingertip portions have conductive fingertip pad elements thereon, operatively connected to an output connector, and at least one conductive palm pad positioned on a palm portion of the gloved body and operatively connected to an output connector, wherein contact between a finger pad and a palm pad generates a signal. The signal may be processed by computer processor to provide a desired output, e.g., synthesized speech or other analogue or digital output in a suitable medium. The data glove is useful for inputting data in a covert manner, as well as communicationally enabling disabled persons with the aid of a computer, such as a handheld, wearable, or desktop computer.

Abstract: A two-way remote control unit with a graphical user interface controls various audio/video devices interconnected in a multimedia system. The remote control unit includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving control commands to/from multimedia components, which are displayed in the user-friendly format on a display of the remote control unit. The user can scroll, select, browse, etc. through various menu items on the display, and activate any desired function on the multimedia system component by selecting the desired representation of that function on the display. In addition, the remote control unit communicates, also through wireless transmission, with a personal computer and obtains information from remote or local databases for either controlling or enhancing the operation of the multimedia system devices.

Abstract: A portable terminal apparatus including a main body with display unit capable of displaying a character or other patterns on an upper surface side thereof and a key display on a lower surface side thereof, and a lid which can be mounted on and detached from the main body and which has a transparent touch panel arranged at a position to cover either one of the display means and the key display when the lid is mounted on the main body.

Abstract: Keyboard for one-handed touch typing derived from a normal Sholes keyboard, where each character-key is assigned two characters (for instance T/Y), thereby reducing the number of keys to approximately half the number of keys on a normal Sholes keyboard. The choice between the two alternative characters of a specific key is based on the mode of depression of that particular key, and hence no separate key for choise between the two alternatives is needed. The characteristics of the keyboard can either be set once and for all or can be particularly adapted to the specific user of the keyboard, such as for instance to the user's writing speed.

Abstract: A handheld remote controller device that may be manually programmed while the keypad is conveniently supported in an easy to actuate and readily viewable position in front of a user. Individual keybutton entries are temporarily stored until the entry sequence is complete. Each keybutton entry may be visually displayed for review by the user. When the entry sequence is completed the remote controller device is then aimed at a remotely controlled television set, video tape or video disk player, cable or satellite signal converter. The user initiates a SEND command and the stored entries are retrieved and transmitted from the remote controller device to the receptor of the remotely controlled device as a packet of data which acts to change channel selection or accomplish other tasks in the remotely controlled device. A keybutton entry filter reduces a likelihood for accidental multiple entries which may be caused by tremors and other physical or mental maladies.

Abstract: A touch screen system for people with disabilities provides an access screen presenting multiple paths of communication and multiple methods of input for a variety of disabilities. People with disabilities communicating with this access screen configure the touch screen for their particular communication needs, allowing use of the touch screen efficiently both for individuals with disabilities and for individuals without disabilities. Individuals with occasional difficulty in interpreting written legends on particular virtual buttons may use a distinct access button to provide an augmented legend for those buttons on an "as needed" basis.

Abstract: A combination keyboard/mouse is realized using a touch-sensitive member. The touch-sensitive member (or an area of a larger touch-sensitive member) may be approximately the size of a business card (2".times.3.5"). Data obtained from a touch sensor array is software manipulated to achieve a simple, powerful method of user interaction in which the traditional keyboard and mouse disappear, being replaced by a display window (manipulable like other display windows) overlaid by the touch sensor array. The resulting input window allows for realization of a sketch-pad computer having essentially no external moving parts but providing keyboard/mouse interaction (as opposed to pen-only interaction, for example). The window need not obscure underlying text and graphics but need only delineate its extent. The keyboard/mouse may instead be housed in a housing in the same manner as a conventional mouse.

Abstract: A touch pad such as a keypad or a touch screen is mounted with at least one vibrator to produce a tactile feedback sensed by the user as the pad is touched with a finger or a pointer. The vibrator is controlled by a processor such that it will vibrate for a predetermined length of time in the range of 50 to 1000 ms and at a predetermined amplitude. The vibrator is also selected to vibrate at a frequency between 100 and 5000 hz. The touch screen may be any of the analog resitive, infrared, accoustic, capacitive or electromagnetic inductive type operated devices.

Abstract: An input apparatus capable of controlling a plurality of electronic devices including a set-top box includes comprises: a first operation key part having a plurality of operation keys; a second operation key part having a plurality of operation keys; a control key part having at least one control key; a control unit for generating operation information for a first electronic device when any operation key of the first operation key part is operated, the control unit further generating operation information for the first electronic device when, with no control key of the control key part operated, any operation key of the second operation key part is operated, the control unit further generating operation information for a second electronic device when, with any control key of the control key part operated, any operation key of the second operation key part is operated; and a transmission unit for transmitting the operation information generated by the control unit.

Abstract: A keyboard according to the present invention, which includes one or more keys and corresponding electromechanical converting elements, is characterized in that it includes a film construction (42) which includes an electret film with a bubble construction known as EMF by which said electromechanical converting elements corresponding to the keys are formed, and a solid, stiff cover plate (43) which covers the EMF construction (42) and in which an area (A-D) in the vicinity of each electromechanical converting element forms a key. In one embodiment of the present invention, a frame of the keyboard forms the cover plate and the EMF construction affixed behind the cover plate is covered with a sufficiently thick and stiff layer of plastic. The cover plate may be steel or aluminum, for example, and other materials such as plastic, glass or ceramic materials can be used. The thickness of the cover plate may be approximately 2 mm, for example.

Abstract: A computing device having a human/machine interface is disclosed. An input device (10) has a plurality of keys (T, 1, 2, 3, 4) each corresponding to a separate digit of the human hand. The keys (T, 1, 2, 3, 4) are arranged to match the relative sequential relation of the digits. The input device (10) is coupled to a processor device (3) in turn coupled to a visual display device (5). The processor device (30) receives instructions or data from the input device (10) and output information to be displayed to the display device (5). The processor device (30) is programmed to cause the visual display of indicia (60-70) wherein each indicium represents a user initiated instruction of data input and is displayed in one-to-one correspondence with the sequential relation of one or more of the keys (T, 1, 2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A foot-operated keyboard device comprises a support structure and a plurality of switch elements. The support structure extends along a centrally-disposed longitudinal axis and includes an upper panel member. The upper panel member has a first surface with a foot resting region disposed thereon. The foot resting region has a forward toe resting section and a rear heel resting section. The plurality of switch elements are mounted to the support structure and are accessible from the first surface. The plurality of switch elements include at least a first array of switch elements extending traversely to the longitudinal axis in the vicinity of the forward toe resting section of the foot resting region and a second array of switch elements extending transversely to the longitudinal axis in the vicinity of the rear heel resting section of the foot resting region.

Abstract: An apparatus enables the blind and the severely visually handicapped to recognize images by way of the tongue. Optical image information, in the form of video images, is processed electronically and transferred as an image representation to flat monitor matrix which is worn in the oral cavity in the tactile region of the tongue. Electrical current density, temperature or relief images are used to create the representations, whereby the images can be scanned by the tongue and recognized. High image resolution is attainable over the matrix region, and the tip of the tongue can be concentrated on any image detail, thus approximating sharp vision perceived by the normal eye.

Abstract: A keyboard for lowering the power consumption for key code transmission and enhancing the reliability in code transmission. When key codes corresponding to an operated key in the laid out keys are transmitted to a signal processing unit, a status code indicating whether a function key (Shift, Control or Alt key) has been operated is also transmitted at the same time, transmitting no key-on repeat code that is obtained when one key is operated continuously as with a conventional keyboard.

Abstract: A silent communicator for persons who are incapable of communicating their needs. The communicator is comprised of a display panel mounted on an arm which is in turn mounted on a bed rail or other surface accessible to the patient, and a control pad which fits in the patient's hand . The control pad has a rocker switch and two button switches for the patient to manipulate to display a message on the display panel.

Abstract: A foot operated mouse for controlling a computer, providing similar functions as a conventional hand operated mouse. The novel foot operated mouse has a base which rests on a horizontal pad or surface, and a separate platform for supporting the foot. A ball for generating positional signals based upon an x-and-y coordinate grid is fixed to the base. The foot platform is attached to the ball and can wobble, or simultaneously rotate and incline, thereon. Switch operators corresponding to conventional finger operated control buttons of a conventional hand operated mouse are provided. Preferably, these switch operators are hinged to the foot platform, and incline when depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the foot platform and switch operators are integral. In the latter embodiment, switch operation results from contact of the platform with the base. Preferably, the upper surface of the platform is inclined, thereby establishing a toe position and a heel position.