Abstract: A plurality of elongated flexible strips are provided including opposite longitudinal margins. One set of corresponding margins of the strips are secured together in registered superposed relation and to the rear surface of a computer keyboard and an equal number of function key templates or indentity strips are secured to the other set of corresponding margins of flexible strips in a similar manner by adhesive coatings. The flexible strips support the function key templates or identity strips for swinging movement between superposed positions closely juxtaposed with the function keys of the computer keyboard and out of the way positions disposed behind the rear surface of the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A modular keyboard apparatus allowing users to reconfigure the keyboard for their particular applications and convenience. The modular keyboard allows the user to place modules such as alphanumeric keypads, numeric keypads and trackballs into the keyboard housing in positions which are most convenient to the user and to the applications being used. The keyboard can be reconfigured with, for example, a numeric keypad on the right hand side for a right handed user and the numeric keypad on the left hand side for a left handed user. Another example would allow the keyboard to be configured with a trackball assembly instead of the numeric keypad for applications which benefit from use of the trackball over use of the numeric keypad. Apparatus for coupling the various input devices with the keyboard housing assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A data input device for an electronic data processing device such as a personal computer includes an input keyboard, which has a key field, a casing and a plug-in receptacle for a keyboard plug on a circuit connector; and a connector, such as a junction cable, which has a keyboard plug which fits into the receptacle on the keyboard, a circuit connector which is a connection wire, a plug at the end of the connection wire connecting with the electronic data processing device, and programmable encoder electronics for encoding unique signals corresponding to each key in the key field on the keyboard. A portion of the encoder electronics, in which the program relating the keyboard to the electronic data processing device is encoded, is located within the keyboard plug and not within the keyboard itself.

Abstract: A keyboard having the ability to predictively display different characters in association with its various keys within a variety of predefined character set layouts, based upon either the character preceeding an insertion point in a corresponding text field on a display or the last character entered from the keyboard is disclosed. Although each key of the keyboard is capable of displaying numerous different characters, each key represents only one character at a time and each character is displayed at only one key location. The user can also manually change character set layouts. When a user selects a particular key or selects an insertion point within the text field, all keys are updated to display a character set layout that corresponds to the set of characters from which the user would be most likely to want to select a character from next, based upon the frequency of that particular character combination being used in either a particular language or application.

Abstract: Status and control panel for a remotely located printer. The panel includes input keys and a display device which can display various text strings, icons, screens, and multiple screen sequences. Each display format is prestored in volatile memory in the panel and addressed by display instructions from the associated device over a serial communications line. The display formats are pre-loaded in the memory at the time the device is first powered-up. Some of the input keys on the control panel are defined by the display on the LCD. Icon description language is used to store data about standard icon images, and an interpreter on the panel is used to convert these descriptions into dot-matrix format for use by the LCD.

Abstract: A work station for a computer terminal, or the like, comprises a display screen, a work document viewing area, and a keyboard which comply with five physiological functions (a quintad) to reduce the operator's strain. The keyboard and viewing area are angled with respect to the horizontal, and the keyboard comprises two sections angled with respect to each other. The angular excursions in horizontal and vertical directions are thus limited to be within physiological comfort limits. The keyboard is mounted for movement along the face of the screen to minimize the angular difference between the screen and keyboard and to allow the upper limit of the keyboard to become an underscore for any particular portion of the screen. The keyboard provides transverse surfaces for the keys and the space bar, respectively, to reduce strain on an operator's hands by providing for a natural "grasping" motion of the thumb toward the fingers.

Abstract: Electronic telephone set, comprising a transmission circuit arranged for being coupled to a telecommunication network and for receiving and transmitting speech signals, a keyboard means comprising a first matrix with respective numbers of intersecting first and second conductors and at the intersections of the first and second conductors key switches coupled to the respective first and second conductors for producing dial information and status information and including a second matrix with one intersecting first and second conductor or a plurality thereof respectively, and having setting circuits conducting current in one and the same direction coupled to the respective first and second conductors at selected intersections of the latter first and second conductors, whereas all second conductors of the second matrix are arranged common to those of the first matrix, and including a control circuit arranged for generating dialling signals compatible with the telecommunication network in response to the dialling

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit for converting scan data comprising a key matrix switch having multiple keys and multiple mode selecting switches for producing scan data when one of said keys is activated, a scan decoder for decoding said scan data to produce a mode selecting signal, first scan data, second scan data, and first and second clock signals respectively synchronized with said first and second scan data, first and second latch circuits for latching said first and second scan data according to said first and second clock signals, and a mode selecting adder for converting the first and second latched output data of said first and second latch circuits into the first and second converted scan data according to the mode selecting signal of said scan decoder, whereby scan data of a different modes may be produced according to the operation of said mode selecting switches.

Abstract: A switch input device has an operation input switch endowed with a plurality of kinds of input functions. An indication member movably provided near the switch and having the indications of the plurality of kinds of input functions discretely provided at different regions of the surface thereof, and a cover member having transparent portions and opaque portions and covering the indication member, and by the indication member being moved, one different kind of indications among the indications of the plurality of input functions are just opposed to the transparent portions of the cover member in conformity with the position of the indication member and the other kinds of indications are just opposed to the opaque portions, whereby the indications of the input functions of the switch are changed over.

Abstract: A remote control unit which is simple in structure and free from the possibility of disconnection and has a stabilized illumination function. The remote control unit comprises a body case having a recess and having a plurality of push-button switches disposed thereon, and a door mounted for pivotal opening and closing motion on the body case and having a plurality of push-buttons thereon in an opposing relationship to the push-button switches so that, when the door is closed, they are each operated by operation of a corresponding one of the push-buttons. The body case has a rising portion having a light admitting hole perforated in a side wall thereof adjacent the recess, and a light emitting element is accommodated in the rising portion.

Abstract: A control panel includes electronically addressable display means and a removable opaque overlay. The overlay has transparent graphics indicating machine options for primary functions. The machine options are selectively backlit by the display means to indicate a particular option. When the overlay is removed the display means operates in its conventional manner to guide the operator through more complex special features.

Abstract: In the transmitter for remote control, a frequency at which an individual key switch is operated is counted, and a display formation of operation contents corresponding to the individual key switches is changed in accordance with the frequency. The changed operation contents are displayed by a display panel. The display formation includes the size, density, color, and sequence of operation menu displayed in the display panel. By using a transparent touch panel type display panel, an arrangement formation of the individual key switches can also be changed in accordance with the frequency at which they are used. The arrangement formation of the individual key switches includes the size and sequence of the individual key switches. In this way, an operator can easily find the operation menu on the display panel and easily operate key switches corresponding to frequently used key switches.

Abstract: An optically activated keyboard having key members, each with a key pad having illuminated symbols at the keypad surface and for contact with the finger of the operator. A plunger is secured to the key pad for operating a device to indicate which key has been depressed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plunger is formed of light transmitting material to transmit light from the interior of the keyboard to the key pad. The key pad has a light transmissive portion with a symbol thereon which is illuminated by the light passing through the plunger to provide the desired illuminated symbol. As a second embodiment, the symbol can be disposed in the light conducting plunger or therebeneath whereby the light entering the transparent key pad is in the shape of the desired symbol in either a negative or a positive representation thereof to project the desired symbol from the key pad.

Abstract: A bar code reading device includes a code reading section for reading a bar code attached to an article by emitting a light beam through a window and receiving therethrough the light beam reflected from the bar code, and a manual input section for inputting article information by operation of a keyboard. In the bar code reading device, the manual input section includes a transparent liquid crystal display panel, a transparent touch sensor panel disposed on the liquid crystal display panel, and a control circuit for selectively setting one of a manual input mode and an automatic reading mode, driving the liquid crystal display panel so as to display an image of keyboard in the manual input mode and to erase the image of keyboard in the automatic reading mode, and reading key-in data entered by touching portions of the touch sensor panel with reference to the image of the displayed keyboard in the manual input mode.

Abstract: In an information input device for inputting information in an information processing apparatus by means of contact on an input surface provided on a display picture, an input-prohibiting area is provided on the input surface in response to setting a cleaning mode of the input surface, and the input-prohibiting area and an input-enabling area are discriminately displayed. At the same time, the brightness of the input surface is made high during the cleaning mode.

Abstract: A housing includes a liquid crystal display, a keypad and a three ring notebook a plurality of pages therein. Each page includes a plurality of descriptors. A touch sensitive linear potentiometer is affixed to the housing adjacent a page bay into which the book pages can be received one at a time. Data concerning an observed characteristic of a geological core sample is entered into a computer memory by selecting a page and thereafter depressing the strip adjacent the descriptor of interest.

Abstract: In an exemplary data entry terminal, the keyboard, display module, and terminal processor board form respective subassemblies which can readily be disconnected from each other electrically and slidably removed from respective channels of a U-shaped housing extrusion. A cathode ray tube of the display module may be viewed through a window forming part of the keyboard subassembly. In the case of a pizza home delivery system, bar codes identifying the orders are printed out for facilitating handling, and order handling and delivery are computerized for optimum speed and accuracy.

Abstract: The application describes how the control of entertainment electronics apparatus or combinations thereof can be simplified to the point that even an unpracticed user can make all necessary or desired adjustments as easily as possible. Even in a large combination, all functions can be controlled from a single control unit. The control unit has only a limited number of clearly arranged, distinct control elements.

Abstract: According to the invention, the keyboard consists of a matrix of keys and variable visible indicia. Each of the variable visible indicia is associated with a key. Upon each keystroke on the keyboard, the system randomly changes the positions of all of the indicia on the matrix. Because the true value of any particular key is independent of the value displayed on the variable visible indicia, a casual observer can not learn the keystrokes being entered into the keyboard. If the code entered at the keyboard matches a stored value, the user is granted access.

Abstract: An information processing system inputs information by touching the surface of a touch panel provided on the screen of a CRT display. This apparatus includes a mode setting device to set the cleaning mode of the touch panel on the screen of the CRT display, and an input controller to set an input inhibition area of information on the touch panel when the cleaning mode is set. An inhibition area display device displays on the screen of the CRT display that the information input inhibition area is set on the touch panel by the input controller, and an inhibition area changing device changes the input inhibition area set by the input controller on the touch panel. With this apparatus, the cleaning mode can be set or cancelled on the screen of the CRT display even in the cleaning mode. The touch panel can be cleaned without causing an erroneous input due to touching the touch panel during the cleaning.

Abstract: A control panel face for mounting at least one control member. The control panel face includes a base having a face surface onto which at least a portion of the control member is positioned, at least a portion of the face surface being magnetic; a flexible magnetic sheet for being removably attached to the face surface of the base over the control member; and a flexible cover sheet for being attached to the magnetic sheet and for covering the aperture through the magnetic sheet, the cover sheet including indicia for identifying the control member.

Abstract: A foldable data collecting device includes a first case and a second case mutually connected in a foldable manner, and a plate hinged between the first case and the second case by an opening/closing support. A sheet-like keyboard is disposed on the surfaces of the plate and one face of each of the first case and the second case. In case a key on the plate is to be depressed, the plate is folded down toward either the first case or the second case so that the side having the key to be depressed is directed upwardly.

Abstract: A handheld pocket terminal (22) having a display screen (40) and a bar code reader (42).

Abstract: An input apparatus for computers is interposed between a keyboard and the computer. This apparatus comprises: an area designating device on which a desired visible information sheet having predetermined visible information can be disposed and which outputs a designation area signal indicative of the designated area of the visible information; a receiver to receive registration data comprising the area of the visible information and the key code of one or a series of plurality of keys corresponding to this area, the registration data being sent from an external system; a registering memory to store the registration data received by the receiver; a data fetching circuit to take out the corresponding key code from the registering memory by reference to the registration data in response to the designation area signal which is given from the area designating device; and a transmitter to transmit the fetched key code to the computer.

Abstract: One of a pack of flexible cards is removed from a container and placed in a recess in a telephone set. The cards serve as small, portable directories for a plurality of subscriber numbers. Four repertory buttons take the form of a touch-sensitive keypad and are disposed in the bottom of the recess under the respective inscription areas of the card. An electronic telephone number memory is built into the telephone set together with a microprocessor and a line and dialing unit. The cards further include either a combination of notches as a four-bit card identification or an optical three-bit identification. The notches are detected by electromechanical feelers in the recess and, together with the repertory buttons, determine the storage addresses of the telephone numbers. In the case of optical identification, each card comprises an inscription carrier and, adhering thereto, a transparent cover film which can be removed and replaced a number of times.

Abstract: A touch controlled display device has, in one embodiment, two displaying segments disposed on the inside of a front cover window in an LCD unit. Further to causing the segments to display different sign information by providing them with different feeds, they are both utilized as sensing means included in a capacitative sensing circuit which is activable by the finger of an operator.

Abstract: An interactive optical scanner system for use with a host computer or terminal comprising a central processor and a keyboard having a plurality of keyboard character and function keys to allow entry of keyboard character and function data to the central processor in accordance with predetermined keyboard codes. The system includes a camera enclosed in a camera housing suitable for hand-held use. The camera comprises an opto-electronic transducer array disposed within the housing for capturing successive images of characters on a medium surface and providing digital video signals representative of the images. The camera includes a plurality of tactilely-operated camera function keys disposed on the housing for providing respective camera function key token signals corresponding to each camera function key in dependence on the user manipulation thereof.

Abstract: The key comprises a movable part guided in a fixed support on a base plate and contacts which are closed when the key is depressed against the action of a return spring. The symbol associated with the key is displayed through a window in the key top by an LCD device with a matrix of display areas controlled by an integrated circuit bonded to the underside of the LCD device and fed with signals from the CPU via conductors which enable the integrated circuit to be programmed to define the symbol to be displayed, whereby the keys of a keyboard can be set to match the language currently being used. In an alternative embodiment the key is supported by a flat cable connected with an input circuit of the keyboard and the terminals of the LCD device.

Abstract: A flat panel visual display system having orthogonally disposed display electrodes which are provided by display command signals from a computer to cause activation of portions of the display is provided with additional electrodes. The additional electrodes are orthogonally disposed in a plane parallel to the display electrodes and are interconnected so that an operator touching the additional electrodes will shunt at least a portion of the display command signals to ground or back to the computer. The computer is provided with sensor circuitry for sensing the shunting and providing an indication of the location of the simultaneous occurrence of the display command signals and the operator's touch.

Abstract: A compact electronic apparatus comprises a main unit having at least a power supplying section and a display, at least one of several processing units having a key input section and a memory adapted to be removably attached to the main unit and a connecting section for connecting one of said processing units to the main unit. Each one of said processing units to the main unit. Each of the processing units has a different function.

Abstract: A display and keyboard panel for an electronic device such as a handheld or desktop calculator, the panel having a keyboard area and an indication area located in the vicinity of the keyboard area. The indication area has a plurality of key sections each having at least two component areas each for indicating a single piece of information. Each of the key sections is typically formed by a touch sensor switch area having at least two adjacent areas corresponding respectively to the aforesaid component areas, each of the adjacent areas of the touch sensor switch area including at least one segment or plural segments of a conductor.

Abstract: Reprogrammable or softkeys are employed in a manner allowing significant flexibility in the display of information on a computer display means. Areas on the display corresponding to the softkeys are used to display the possible set of values of a parameter characterizing a function of a system or apparatus. Subsets of the set of values can also be displayed. Additionally, different variables can be displayed at the same location of the display at different times. The softkeys are further adapted to alter the state of the system or apparatus by affecting the parameter associated with each softkey when that softkey is activated in accordance with a prescribed pattern.

Abstract: A multi-function key input device having a touch panel serving as a key input means, which is operated separately according to different operational modes to display different symbols or matters with the aid of a central processing section, a memory section, a digital shift register and LCD drivers operating a liquid crystal device.

Abstract: A transparent touch panel mounted on the screen of a display CRT of an automatic transaction device used for banking business detects push down of one of keys displayed on the screen. Among a number of keys displaying an operation manual and numbers, those which are to be pushed down by an operator are displayed with an emphasis so that the operator can recognize them easily.

Abstract: A flat keyboard arrangement includes a color of blocks. Each block corresponds to a key unit and is liquid crystal display having a screen divided into a number capable of producing any natural color. A table is provided for storing color data of the blocks, and for storing function data representing the function assigned to blocks. A driver circuit is provided for driving the color liquid crystal display to illuminate one or more colors in accordance with the data stored in the table. A transparent touch switch arrangement is placed on the color liquid crystal display. The transparent touch switch arrangement has transparent sheet in which a plurality of transparent touch switches are located correspondingly to the blocks of the screen to define touch keys.

Abstract: A general purpose keyboard for a central processing unit with microprocessor 9, characterized in that it includes at least one set 300 of variable allocation keys, a removable booklet 2 comprising at least two pages 20, 21 specifying allocation of the keys, photoelectric receiver R0, R1 for detecting the position of the pages 20, 21 of the booklet 2 and a keyboard processing unit 40 for supplying, in response to the detection of the position of the pages 20, 21 of the booklet 2 and to the activation of a key 32 of the keyboard belonging to the central processing unit or set 300, a different ASCII code according to the position of the pages of the booklet 2.

Abstract: The remote control device is equipped with at least one movable panel arranged rotatably to cover an operation panel having a plural number of operation keys arranged thereon, so composed as to permit manipulating the operation keys from an upper side of the movable panel and having function markings imprinted thereon, and is composed in such a manner that, when the operation panel is covered with the movable panel, a remote control transmitter is switched to the function mode displayed on the movable panel and transmits, upon operating the same keys, signals different from those sent out while the operation panel is not covered with the movable panel. The movable panel is made of a flexible material or equipped with windows formed at the positions corresponding to the operation keys, and locked when it is set at the position covering the operation panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telephone subset which incorporates a high resolution electrophoretic display on the surface of a subset housing. The telephone subset includes a microprocessor which operates under the control of a mode selector. In this manner the display is employed to generate various keyboard formats and operates in conjunction with a position sensitive overlay to enable a subscriber to place telephone calls in a conventional manner when the keyboard display is implemented on the electrophoretic display. The telephone subset in conjunction with various subset buttons which control the mode selector is capable of operating in different modes. Due to the high resolution and large capacity of the display one can now present pages of stored telephone numbers which essentially enables a user to select any number by the use of a movable cursor and by pressing another subset button can immediately dial that number.

Abstract: A telephone has a first keypad provided with conventionally numbered touch tone keys. A second keypad has a plurality of transparent keys, each provided with a slot for the insertion of a small picture or symbolic representation. Optical fiber may be embedded in each of the transparent keys for illuminating the pictures. The telephone is provided for use with a conventional handset or as a speaker phone. Each of the keys in the second keypad are connected to actuate the speaker phone section of the telephone. The keys of the second keypad are each associated with a memory for the assignment of a telephone number associated with the picture or symbolic representation inserted within the key slot. A large emergency 911 key is also provided. The telephone is designed for use by small children.

Abstract: Disclosed is an input device or keyboard for inputting into an electronic appliance, comprising stroke keys and touch keys disposed on a common circuit matrix of a flexible printed circuit board. Preferably, data inputting keys such as character keys are composed of stroke keys and function keys for inputting command signals are composed of touch keys. In order to judge precisely ON/OFF actions of stroke keys and touch keys, key scanning control applied commonly to these keys is provided.

Abstract: For use in access-control apparatus, the character-to-key assignment in a keypad for inputting an authorization or identification code is changed at specified events so as to scroll the array of assigned characters. The security offered by the device against the inputted characters being surreptitiously "read" by observation of the keys actuated is thereby enhanced but without the operating difficulties encountered with keypads in which the character-to-key assignment is changed on a purely random basis.

Abstract: A multi-device remote control transmitter has a first plurality of keys for controlling functions of a TV, a VCR and a Text service. A pair of slidable covers is provided in the housing for movement to two overlapping positions in which different second and third pluralities of keys dedicated to VCR and Text are exposed. Movement of the covers also operates switches which change the coded signals associated with a group of keys in the first plurality of keys for controlling different devices.

Abstract: In construction of a keyboard for word processors and computer machines, character patterns of different key arrangement modes are stored in different memories for selective read-out so that any key arrangement mode chosen by an operator should be visually indicated on keys, thereby enabling use of a keyboard in various modes.

Abstract: A keyboard having a series of parallel bars capable of mechanical displacement by downward thrust under the pressure of the user's fingers, and a luminous display system in which a tactile electric control screen forms the top of the bars. Circuits are used for producing control orders from at least bar data and key data, with the bar data being selected according to the bars depressed. Specific key functions are assigned electronically to screen zones disposed at intervals along each bar, and a controller provides the display system with a visual representation related to each key function in the corresponding screen zone.

Abstract: A programmable, multifunction keyboard system in which the key configurations and the relationships between key configurations are fully specified by a data base. The keyboard system comprises a keyboard (16) having a plurality of keys (18), each key comprising a switch (68) and display means (66) for displaying a legend visually associated with the switch, and actuation control means (46) for monitoring the switches and providing an actuation signal identifying an actuated switch. The system further comprises a processor (12) that includes means for storing a data base (80). The data base comprises a plurality of control pages (82), each control page (90) including legend data (96) and next page data (98). The legend data specifies a legend for display in association with at least one of the switches, and the next page data specifies a next control page associated with at least one of the switches.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a vibration pen for generating a vibration, a transmission propagation member with which the vibration pen is brought into contact so as to propagate the vibration generated by the vibration pen, sensors for detecting the vibration propagating in the vibration propagation member, a CPU for calculating a contact position of the vibration pen from detection times of the vibration detected by the sensors, a mercury switch for detecting an obverse or reverse surface of the vibration propagation member, and a memory for storing coordinate values calculated by the CPU in different memory areas according to a detection result of the mercury switch. Coordinate data may be input selectively from either the obverse or the reverse side of the vibration propagation member, which thereby functions as a reversible input tablet.

Abstract: A self-contained data terminal or typewriter keyboard completely operable by a single human hand for the input of information into a computer or other electronic device. The keyboard comprises five sets of keys, each set aligned respectively with the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and small finger of an extended hand. Complementary orientation and positioning of the sets are determined by whether the terminal is to be used by a right-handed or left-handed user. The control keys may be used to manipulate text or other information entered into the attached device and are operated by the thumb. The character keys consist primarily of letters of the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation sets and are positioned below the remaining four fingers. The terminal is operated in a single keystroke character input mode. Several data control keys can also be mounted to the terminal to perform additional text manipulation functions, similar to the control keys, or any other necessary commands.

Abstract: A system for controlling and displaying the printing format of dot matrix printers includes a microprocessor, a memory which is loaded with programs from replaceable software cards, and a control panel having a plurality of control buttons, an aligned display, and a rotary control coupled to the microprocessor. In a first mode, depression of a selected control button accesses the corresponding one of the parameters of the most commonly used print parameters and repeated actuation of the selected control button cycles through the options contained within the parameter, the parameter and current option being sequentially presented on the display. In a second mode under microprocessor control, each one of the parameters in a printing parameter menu is sequentially accessed and rotation of the rotary dial provides scrolling through each option contained within the parameter. Sets of selected parameter options can be saved under specified designations for later retrieval and use.

Abstract: Several different symbols may be assigned to each key of the keyboard as requested by the operator. All the various symbols of the keys are recorded in a memory where they are organized in a certain number of pre-defined, distinct configurations of the keyboard. The configuration chosen by the operator is recorded in a display memory and displayed by means of a graphic unit on a flat panel, for example a liquid crystal display panel. The key actuated by the operator is identified by a decoding circuit to determine its symbol by means of the display memory and to display it on the flat panel.

Abstract: An operator panel for printers which includes visible function indicators as well as trigger elements for controlling printer functions has a single function operating and indicating field arranged in a matrix fashion with lines and columns wherein the lines indicate classes of functions and wherein a particular column includes designations as well as indications for the classes of functions; there is at the most one indication and/or one designation in any matrix intersection, a single key is associated with each of the columns; a second panel field is disposed alongside the first one, having a single operating key, and being individually organized commensurate with the lines and in a single column but being independent from said designations of the particular column.