Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for locking out the keys of a personal computer keyboard such that information conveyed by pressing certain keys are not processed by the PC. The method includes the steps of selecting certain keys to be locked out. A lockout routine is addressed which is used to lock out the selected keys. During the lockout procedure keys are identified which are to be locked out. Keys which are not capable of being locked out are used to change the lockout status of a key or to exit the lockout routine.

Abstract: A reconfigurable remote control transmitter can be used with a plurality of remotely controlled products, each of which is normally controlled with one or more signals from an associated remote control transmitter. The reconfigurable transmitter has a plurality of input keys and operates either in a Learn mode in which it may store indications of signals generated by the remote control transmitter from one or more of the products or a Run mode in which it selectively transmits stored signals in response to one or more keyed inputs. During the Learn mode a selected sequence of operations to be performed by one or more of the products in response to a first selected key sequence may be stored and during the Run mode stored signals are transmitted in a predetermined order in response to the performance of the selected key sequence to cause the selected sequence of operations to be performed.

Abstract: A primary object of the present invention is to provide a remote control apparatus commonly usable to various devices, made in a smaller size and yet provided with no small area of the display portion for displaying operation status of the device. The invention provides a remote control apparatus using a touch panel, which is capable of sensing coordinates of a specified point for inputting the remote control command and also as a display of various images for inputting the operating command and of operation status of the remote controlled device. The invention also provides a remote control apparatus which puts a transmitting portion, receiving portion and image display control portion thereof in an enabled state for a predetermined period of time after the touch panel is pressed thereby to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: Calculator having a keyboard in which one or more keys have labels created by a display and subject to changing interactively as the user desires. Typically, advanced scientific-programmable calculators may have too many functions to be adequately included on the keys of the keyboard associated therewith. In such calculators, certain functions require a plurality of keys to be actuated in order to be performed. Thus, such keyboards tend to be cluttered an confusing to the user. Thus, a keyboard is proposed having a small number of keys labeled with different functional labels as the user proceeds through a menu or tree structure containing all the desired functions. Keys in a certain group of keys on the keyboard are thereby subject to redefinition or relabeling so as to provide a variety of functions.

Abstract: A miniaturized single-hand keyboard for computers or electronic word processing systems comprising alphabetical, numerical, and programmable keys. The keyboard is used in conjunction with a keypointer which presses any of the keys on the keyboard. The keypointer has a number of keys such as a shift key, control key and an alternate key, which are activated by pressure of the thumb or the index finger.

Abstract: A touch panel input device includes a sensor for detecting that an operator's finger has approached toward a touch input key, to prevent the operator from performing an erroneous key input operation. The sensor includes a multiplicity of optical element pairs each made up of a light emitting diode for emitting a light beam and a photodetector receiving the light beam from the light emitting element. Light beams generated by the optical element pairs are arranged in the form of a matrix to form a detection plane. When the operator's finger traverses the detection plane, a cursor is displayed on the display screen at a position corresponding to the position of the finger on the detection plane. Accordingly, the operator can correct the movement of the finger toward a desired key position by observing the cursor.

Abstract: An illuminated membrane keyboard 18 includes a light beam matrix, which when broken by the shadow of a stylus, operates logic to turn on illumination for a preset time rendering a normally dead front appearing keyboard visible. This feature conserves energy required to power illumination, lengthens the life of the illuminating source and limits access to the keyboard.

Abstract: An input device comprises key input means having a plurality of keys, specifying means for specifying functions of the plurality of keys of the key input means and display means for displaying key denominations representing the key functions specified by the specifying means. The key input means includes a transparent keyboard arranged on the display means.

Abstract: A data terminal interface device for use with personal computers having small or limited display capacities. A plurality of specific node setting capabilities of the computer. Designated keys are associated with the display to enable the operator to easily step through one general format or another.