Variable Key Legends Patents (Class 341/23)
  • Patent number: 6130628
    Abstract: In a keyboard with a restricted number of input keys, shifting between upper-case and lower-case character letters is effected with a key which is otherwise available for character or symbol entry. The upper case shift is accomplished by actuating a control element while observing a particular timing condition. Toggling the control element allows for comfortable caps shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Schneider-Hufschmidt, Rainer Volland
  • Patent number: 6114978
    Abstract: A method is described for the selection and assignment of keyboard access mnemonics and accelerator key combinations as part of the application software development process. After determining application functions and categories that require assignment, mnemonics and accelerators are assigned using pre-established recommendations, assignment rules and/or user assignment. If the assignments are made automatically, each function is first evaluated on the basis of usage likelihood and then prioritized before assignment begins in order to maximize the number and quality of successful assignments. In the alternative, assignments can be made on a function-by-function basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: LaVerne L. Hoag
  • Patent number: 6104319
    Abstract: A data entry keypad assembly is provided for a system controlling a plurality of components. The keypad assembly includes a plurality of key zones arranged in an ordered matrix and each having a label identifier, and a plurality of key switches, provided in corresponding key zones. The keypad assembly also includes a plurality of light source means, each one of the light source means also provided in the corresponding key zones. Input controller connected to the key switches is provided for receiving data in the form of a sequence of key presses of the switches, and information displaying controller connected to the light indicator is provided for indicating a state of some of the components each associated with some of the label identifiers. When the data entry keypad assembly is used for a security system, it controls a plurality of detectors and warning devices, and displays a detection state of the detectors, while allowing activating/deactivating commands to be entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Shmuel Hershkovitz
    Inventor: Pinhas Shpater
  • Patent number: 6104317
    Abstract: A data entry device with a digitizer (20) having key input regions (21) for receiving stroke inputs. Key input region have multiple characters indicated on them. The digitizer has an output providing x and y co-ordinate data for stroke inputs. A computational device (30) accepts x and y co-ordinate data from the digitizer, identifies a key input region in which a stroke is entered and measures parameters of the entered stroke. A memory (31) has correlation information correlating stroke parameters for a given key input region with characters indicated on that input region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Panagrossi
  • Patent number: 6043761
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: James W. Burrell, IV
  • Patent number: 6014092
    Abstract: The remote control device comprises: A microprocessor including a CPU and a memory; a keypad including a set of keys coupled to the microprocessor; lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor; circuitry for generating IR signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry; code data for executing command functions for a plurality of devices of different manufacturers stored in the memory; a Key Reassignment table in the memory containing key identity, device ID, mode data and command function data; and a program stored in the memory for reassigning a different function for the same or different device to a key on the keypad upon the inputting of a predetermined keystroke sequence on the keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul V. Darbee, Don G. DuPerault, Qiuju Luo, Kimthoa T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6014131
    Abstract: An interface circuit for interfacing a relegendable liquid crystal display (LCD) keyswitch to a controlling processor. The interface circuit is adaptable for use with data input devices and point-of-sale devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Feltscope Limited
    Inventors: James Anthony Barry, William Peter Roger Bannon, John Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6005495
    Abstract: A method and system for intelligent text entry on a keypad. First, a user selects a key on a keypad. Then, an application predicts which character of those corresponding to that key is intended by the user. The predicted character is then presented to the user for confirmation. If the user confirms the selection, the character is stored. If the user rejects the character, the application presents a new character to the user until a character is finally confirmed. It is only when the predicted character is not the intended character that the user is required to iterate through character choices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Connolly, David H. Lundy
  • Patent number: 6005488
    Abstract: The software and hardware resources of an electronic system are organized in an architecture which creates a single data table in program memory for the assignment of user controls to system functions. User controls can be reassigned through appropriate modifications to this table. Thus, minor changes to the user controls can be implemented without modifying the software or hardware of the system, thereby avoiding significant development cost. Furthermore, standard products can be developed which can be customized to the needs of particular applications of the products or variations for local markets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David Anthony Symanow, David Bryan Gulau, Paul Michael Progar, Jeffrey Neil Golden, Douglas Brian Gillespie
  • Patent number: 6005498
    Abstract: A reduced keypad entry method and apparatus provides a method and apparatus for entry of words using a small number of keypresses on a reduced keypad (210) having multiple symbols associated with at least one key. The method and apparatus uses validity rules (242) to rearrange the order of presentation of the multiple alphabet symbols associated with a single key on the keypad (210), automatically eliminates the presentation of invalid alphabet symbols, and allows the entry of additional information such as a tone markers. Additionally, the method and apparatus uses a dictionary (244) to convert phonetic syllables into Chinese characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Deshan Yang, Jianlin Chen, Changzheng Kang, Wayne Huang
  • Patent number: 5999104
    Abstract: The software and hardware resources of an electronic system are organized in an architecture which creates a single data table in program memory for the assignment of user controls to system functions. User controls can be reassigned through appropriate modifications to this table. Thus, minor changes to the user controls can be implemented without modifying the software or hardware of the system, thereby avoiding significant development cost. Furthermore, standard products can be developed which can be customized to the needs of particular applications of the products or variations for local markets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David Anthony Symanow, David Bryan Gulau, Paul Michael Progar, Jeffrey Neil Golden, Douglas Brian Gillespie
  • Patent number: 5982302
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. Ure
  • Patent number: 5977887
    Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a memory (11) in which both a telephone number and an associated name can be stored. The telephone includes a visual display (8) and a keypad (9) with a plurality of keys (9a) each having a number and several (eg three) alphabet characters associated therewith. In a first data entry mode a telephone number may be entered into the memory (11) by pressing the respective numeric keys (9a) once in turn. In a second data entry mode a name may be entered and appended to the telephone number by pressing the relevant key (9a) an appropriate number of times. For each key one key press displays the first letter, two key presses displays the second letter, and three key presses displays the third letter associated with that key. In a data retrieval mode, however, a data item to be searched is entered by pressing only once for each character the respective keys (9a) having the desired character associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventor: Alan Grimmett
  • Patent number: 5959557
    Abstract: An autoclavable remote control unit for controlling the operation of a surgical device. The remote control unit has a plurality of Hall effect sensors arranged on a printed circuit board hermetically encased within a polymeric housing molded from an autoclavable material. Each Hall effect sensor may be activated by an associated magnet which is resiliently supported within a panel which can be closed against the housing or hinged away from the housing. In the closed position, the magnets may be momentarily depressed to activate the associated Hall effect sensor to thereby control the operation of a selected function of the surgical device. The disclosure also includes the method of remotely controlling a surgical device by providing at least one non-contiguously activatable switch element in a hermetically sealed housing and activating the element by bringing into its proximity an activating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Linvatec Corporation
    Inventor: Joepert R. Lim
  • Patent number: 5949348
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing and using a variable format, configuration and location keyboard image which enables a digitizing device to present a different keyboard configuration and/or location to each user so that detection by an unauthorized viewer of a personal identification number (PIN) or other secret identification number during entry will become significantly more difficult. The presentation may include a random or scrambled keyboard entry image for each customer, and a single or set of customer preselected images that will be tied to the customer's account number which is read from the magnetic strip on a personal card. In addition to the keyboard, the device provides a single write surface for capturing a signature entry so that the two security features are incorporated in a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Kapp, Floyd Jones, Tom Donnelly, David A. Ellis, David M. Allgeier, Robert L. Protheroe
  • Patent number: 5943042
    Abstract: To virtually connect an object stored on a computer with real work as if they were physically connected and to make easy the operation of a computer. In one embodiment, visitors to a museum which incorporates a computer system according to the present invention are given a wireless mouse in which an ID is stored corresponding to an object stored in the computer. The visitor simply operates the mouse near a terminal computer provided in each exhibition booth of the museum to display a file corresponding to the ID the monitor of the terminal. The displayed file is under the exclusive control of the visitor to and may include an edit function. In an edit booth, the visitor may finally edit the information recorded in each exhibition booth, print it out, return the wireless mouse, and exit the museum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Itiro Siio
  • Patent number: 5914676
    Abstract: A mobile phone keypad having a plurality of special function keys each of which is provided with an LCD screen for displaying the function of the key in one of a plurality of languages. The display data for the LCD screens is stored in a PROM and a microprocessor reads out the display data in a selected language for all of the function keys at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Marcellin Akpa
  • Patent number: 5911485
    Abstract: A predictive data entry method permits a user of a device to efficiently enter data using a keypad where each of a plurality of keys represents a plurality of different characters. When the user presses one of the keys representing multiple characters, the predictive data entry method determines the character within the multiple characters most likely desired by the user. Thus, in most instances, a single key stroke is sufficient to select the desired character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Unwired Planet, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Rossmann
  • Patent number: 5870035
    Abstract: An instrument panel for co-operation with a microprocessor storing selectable functions and selectable numerical information, comprises a knob (2'), a first switch (3'), an alphanumerical indicator (1'), and a second switch (4'). The knob (2') is rotatable to, in a first operating mode of the microprocessor, select a desired function and, in a second operating mode, selected the desired numerical information. By means of the first switch (3'), the selected function is accepted, the microprocessor is transferred to the second operating mode, the selected numerical information is accepted, and the microprocessor is returned to the first operating mode. The alphanumerical indicator (1') displays both the selected functions and the alphanurnerical information. By means of the second switch (4'), a selection is discarded and the microprocessor is returned to the first operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Pharmacia Biotech AB
    Inventor: Olle Bjernulf
  • Patent number: 5861821
    Abstract: A keyboard-type input apparatus has a main key area consisting of at least fifteen keys arranged in a three-line and five-column state to include a basic side either on right or left side of the column, of which two-column belongs to the basic side being provided as a vowel sound area to input vowel sounds and other columns composed of three-column being provided as a consonant sound area to input consonant sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignees: Misawa Homes Co., Ltd., Yoshiya Kato, Syunji Kato
    Inventors: Yoshiya Kato, Syunji Kato
  • Patent number: 5841374
    Abstract: An improved key and keyboard arrangement for a compact word processor, the keyboard arrangement consisting of only twelve toggle keys with each key capable of seven functions, six of the keys being operated in a tactile manner by the finger tips of each hand. Additional keys are provided along a vertical edge adjacent to the twelve keys for operation by the users thumbs. A second embodiment includes a pair of similar keyboards hinged together, each keyboard having a single row of six toggle keys movable in six directions and a center depressable function, and a plurality of keys perpendicular to the six toggle keys located along a vertical edge adjacent to the six toggle keys, each of the six toggle keys having seven functions operated by tactile manipulation. The six toggle keys on each keyboard portion and the associated perpendicular keys represent all of the functions of one half of a standard QWERTY computer keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph N. Abraham
  • Patent number: 5838775
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive interface having selectable graphical elements that represent the numbers of a telephone keypad. The interface is selected by the user for a screen telephone. A user sends an interface request to an interface platform using a multimedia user interface on the user's screen phone. The interface platform retrieves interface data from a connected interface database and sends the requested interface to the screen phone. The screen phone stores the interface data on a connected screen phone database, and presents the interface to the user. The interface comprises at least one from the group of textual, graphic, animation, audio and video media. Visual elements of the interface are selected by the user when the user touches the visual element on the screen of the screen phone. The selectable features incorporate telecommunications, interface selection and editing, and information request features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventor: John Richard Montalbano
  • Patent number: 5828323
    Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard utilizing ten keys which are activated in pairs to produced coding signal representing alphabetic symbols of a conventional computer keyboard. The keyboard is operated as a replacement or in parallel with a conventional computer keyboard. Each key corresponds in position with each finger on a hand. By pressing two keys, unique letters and functions are produced. As the number of unique binary combinations of ten elements is 45, the ten-key keyboard system is capable of representing at least 26 characters plus the function keys of a standard 101-key computer keyboard. The structure enables greater speed through efficiency in finger movement and easy learning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Juan F. Bartet
  • Patent number: 5821872
    Abstract: A panel 15 has a plurality of keys 12 and associated LEDs 14. The panel 15 is divided up into product characteristic columns 16 and at least one recommended product column 18. The array of product characteristic selection keys are used for inputting at least one selection of a plurality of product characteristics. The LEDs associated with the product characteristic selection keys indicate selected ones of the plurality of product characteristics. A logic controller interprets the key presses and accordingly controls the illumination of the LEDs. Selection of a product characteristic from each of the categories 16 will typically cause at least one recommended product to be indicated in the group of products 18. Pressing on one of the keys 12 in column 18 can optionally cause an automatic indication of all product characteristics which can be associated with the selected product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Allan M. Brown, Ann Seymour, James Anglehart
  • Patent number: 5818361
    Abstract: A display keyboard including a conventional keyboard having an upper edge, lower edge, and pair of side edges. A plurality of display keys are situated on the keyboard. Each display key has a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, or any future state of the art display invention situated thereon for depicting alphanumeric characters and indicia. Finally, for controlling the operation of the present invention, a conventional computer is connected to the keyboard and adapted to depict via the display keys characters and indicia relevant to the function of the key during a current software application. To prevent confusion and eliminate clutter, the display keys that are not relevant to the software are rendered blank. In essence, all of the keys of the display keyboard have display capabilities, but it is at the discretion of the manufacture which keys should be able to display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Elkin Acevedo
  • Patent number: 5815095
    Abstract: A surveying instrument including an operating portion having a number of keys including specific keys which are assigned specific functions, an indicator which produces an indication corresponding to the specific keys, an indication mode switching device which changes the indication from a first indication mode to a second indication mode when one specific key is actuated once, and a controller which performs the specific function only when the associated key is actuated in accordance with a predetermined operation pattern during the indication of the function at the second indication mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5815083
    Abstract: With confidential information being composed of authenticating signs which belong to a first series, a second series of signs or designating symbols is defined, the first and second series of signs are displayed in a relatively random position, and this placement in correspondence is used to enter the confidential information in such a way that a third party who observes the entry operations cannot determine the confidential information. The invention also relates to the terminal associated with this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Bull CP8
    Inventors: Jacques Patarin, Michel Ugon
  • Patent number: 5805145
    Abstract: The operator manipulated rotary knob, sliding knob, depressible button or the like of an electrical circuit control device is situated at the face of an image display screen within the image display area. This enables display of calibration marks and/or other graphics pertinent to operation of the control including at locations immediately adjacent to the operator manipulated component. The graphics may change instantly when the function of the control is changed. Conductors for connecting the control device with the controlled circuit extend along a front or back surface of the transparent cover plate of the display or an overlay cover plate within the image display area. The conductors, which may be opaque or transparent, are positioned to avoid or minimize obscuring of images by the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Intertactile Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Denny Jaeger
  • Patent number: 5786776
    Abstract: Texts including required message are entered with a small number of keys such as those of a cellular telephone. In this case, a conversion table is unnecessary and the number of key operations is reduced. The number of input characters or input character strings composed by sequentially selecting one from a plurality of alphabets distributed to sequentially entered keys is relevant to the number of operation keys (N) raised to the number of distributed character (M) power (=NM) including meaningless characters or character strings and, with respect to these, character conversion is executed by referring to a dictionary means, through the operation of the conversion next candidate key. The dictionary means stores numeric strings and words of meaningful characters or character strings among the said characters and character strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kisaichi, Nobuhiro Inoue, Toshihiko Nannichi, Jitsu Iwaki, Toshiro Nose, Katsunari Sasaki, John Riley
  • Patent number: 5786811
    Abstract: Operator interaction with electrical systems is facilitated by providing electromechanical control devices, which have switch buttons, rotary knobs or the like, with flat panel displays that convey information pertaining to the controls that can be changed instantly by a display controller. The display may identify the function of the control, the current setting, create calibration marks or provide other graphics. The images change automatically if the same control is used for multiple functions. In one form of the invention, the display screen has openings in the image area and the controls extend through and protrude from the screen enabling display of graphics in close proximity to the controls. In another form, the settings of controls which are secured to the face of a display screen are optically or magnetically detected by sensors located behind the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Intertactile Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Denny Jaeger
  • Patent number: 5784008
    Abstract: A method and system for inputting text in a word processing system. A set of words is assigned to predetermined specific keys for later quick input. The set of words is dynamically changed during the input of the text, taking into account variable parameters such as the frequency of the words within the text and the difficulty of typing of the words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventor: Domenico Raguseo
  • Patent number: 5784009
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a manipulation element having an undefined communication function to be defined in connection with the manipulation element, and registration element for defining a communication function executable by the communication apparatus, for the undefined manipulation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Wada, Takehiro Yoshida, Takeshi Ono, Tomoyuki Takeda, Masaya Kondo, Makoto Kobayashi, Takahiro Kato
  • Patent number: 5777603
    Abstract: A flat panel display facilitates operation of one or more electrical circuit control devices by providing changeable images which convey information pertinent to operation of the circuit. The manually movable member of the circuit control device, such as a turnable knob for example, is attached to the face of the display within the image area of the display. The display has a light transparent zone within the image area which extends to the back of the display to enable photoelectric detection of the setting of the movable member by a detector which is situated behind the flat panel display. Row and column busbar conductors within the flat panel display, which control light intensity at image pixels, are routed around the light transparent zone to prevent optical signal degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Intertactile Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Denny Jaeger
  • Patent number: 5774115
    Abstract: Circuit control devices of the kind having operator manipulated control members are disposed at the face of an electronically controlled flat panel display within the image display area. This enables display of calibration marks and/or other graphics that can change instantly and automatically in response to changing operating conditions. Operating power for the control devices is inductively transmitted from the back of the display or from the back of the transparent cover plate of the display through spaced apart coils. Control signals produced by the control devices are inductively transmitted to the back of the display or to the back of the cover plate through the same coils or through additional coils. This provides for coupling of the control devices with the controlled circuit without internal modifications of the flat panel display and without requiring that conductors extend across displayed images at the front surface of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Intertactile Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Jaeger, Kenneth M. Twain
  • Patent number: 5764164
    Abstract: An ergonomic hand-attachable controller for providing command signals to control movement of at least one object responsive to hand movement. The ergonomic hand-attachable controller includes a base with a top surface configured to support a palm of a user's hand. A plurality of planar finger members may be provided which incorporate at least one finger pad which is operable to control movement of a remote object. At attachment member is provided to secure a hand of a user with the top surface of the controller. Electronics within the ergonomic hand-attachable controller convert movement of a user's hand and fingers to command signals for controlling the movement of a remote object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Reality Quest Corp.
    Inventors: Michael C. Cartabiano, Kenneth J. Curran, David J. Dick, Douglas R. Gibbs, Morgan H. Kirby, Richard L. May, William J. A. Storer, Adam N. Ullman
  • Patent number: 5757292
    Abstract: A removable keyboard cap extension apparatus for a data processing system entry keyboard having a number of data entry keys which are constructed to electronically convey data. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus includes a keyboard cap adapted to fit onto a key among a plurality of keys for use by a user of a particular data processing application among a number of data processing applications. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus has a body that includes an upper planar surface, wherein the body and its upper planar surface are elevated above the data entry keys such that the upper planar surface is enhanced larger than the data entry key. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus can be connected to an individual data entry key, or can replace the data entry key. A depression at any point on the upper planar surface will actuate only the individual data entry key which the removable keyboard cap extension apparatus is connected or replaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hatim Yousef Amro, Dan Le Dao, John Paul Dodson
  • Patent number: 5748115
    Abstract: A method is proposed that is used to input directional information into a radio unit or into a navigation unit with a calculation apparatus, by means of a numerical keypad. With the method, cardinal points are allocated to the externally located keys of the numerical keypad. Directional information is input by actuating the corresponding keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gert Siegle
  • Patent number: 5748114
    Abstract: A flat input keyboard for data processing machines or the like has the following successive layers, starting from the side facing away from the operation side: a supporting layer (10), an electric switching system (12, 16, 20) with electric contact spots that correspond to a keyboard pattern, a buffer layer (24) and a flexible elastic covering layer (26) provided on the operation side facing away from the electric switching system with a keyboard pattern (28). The supporting layer, the electric switching system, the buffer layer and the covering layer are interconnected at least along their circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Matthias-Reinhard Koehn
  • Patent number: 5748107
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for finding an available parking lot, when information about an available parking lot is requested, a locating system first determines the current motor vehicle position, and finds the possible parking lots in a search area on the basis of this position. The data about parking lots are preferably transmitted using the TMC channel of the Radio Data System (RDS). If there are several cities in the search area, then a corresponding selection for a city can be made using an input device. Furthermore, districts with parking lots located in these districts can be selected, in order to find a parking lot as close to the destination as possible. In the case of P+R lots, the connections to the public transit system are also output, along with additional information, for example the train frequency. The apparatus is integrated into a car radio, so that the receiver part, input device, and displays of the car radio can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Kersken, Hinrich Claussen
  • Patent number: 5736976
    Abstract: The present invention is described as a computer data entry apparatus having a keyboard comprised of a keypad assembly and equipped with one or multiple motion sensing devices, and having a motion monitoring visual aid display. The motion sensing device is included to the apparatus to detect and sense the motion of operator finger locations before or after keys are actuated for data entry. A map with a keypad layout and sensed finger locations is interactively generated and displayed on a window of the computer display screen to provide the data entry visual aid. The combined function of motion sensing and visual aid displaying advantageously constitutes an easy operation computer data entry apparatus or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Nina T. Cheung
  • Patent number: 5736942
    Abstract: An keypad facilitates communication between an operator and a microprocessor of an operator-controlled machine, such as a printing press, that is used to monitor and record real time data for the machine. The keypad includes a plurality of function keys and a light guide associated with each function key. The lighting guides are activated by the microprocessor that correspond to selectable function keys by the operator in response to the status of the machine. The lighting guides thereby assist the operator in deciding which function key to choose. The function keys of the keypad are also color and a pattern coded and light indicators are included with the keypad which are activated by the microprocessor to broadcast a lighting status for the status of the machine. The light indicators and function keys are coordinated so that an operator, by observing the colors and patterns of a particular function key, will know what lighting status will be broadcast when that particular function key is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Glenn Edgar Randolph
  • Patent number: 5721542
    Abstract: A data entry keypad assembly is provided for a system controlling a plurality of components. The keypad assembly includes a plurality of key zones arranged in an ordered matrix and each having a label identifier, and a plurality of key switches, provided in corresponding key zones. The keypad assembly also includes a plurality of light source means, each one of the light source means also provided in the corresponding key zones. Input controller connected to the key switches is provided for receiving data in the form of a sequence of key presses of the switches, and information displaying controller connected to the light indicator is provided for indicating a state of some of the components each associated with some of the label identifiers. When the data entry keypad assembly is used for a security system, it controls a plurality of detectors and warning devices, and displays a detection state of the detectors, while allowing activating/deactivating commands to be entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Shumel Hershkovitz
    Inventor: Pinhas Shpater
  • Patent number: 5699065
    Abstract: A remote control transmitter capable of transmitting a coded signal for actuating a device connected to a remote receiver. The remote control transmitter includes an electronic control device which controls the operation of the transmitter. A transmitter activation switch is connected to the electronic control device and acts to energize the transmitter. A first code generating device is capable of creating a first code and a second code generating device is capable of creating a second code. The two code generating devices are connected to the electronic control device. The electronic control device contains means for automatically selecting between the first and second codes for transmitting within the coded signal. A transmitting device is connected to the electronic control device for transmitting the coded signal to the remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Stanley Home Automation
    Inventor: James S. Murray
  • Patent number: 5682151
    Abstract: A computer input device, i.e. a keyboard, employs a reduced number of keys for entering words, numbers and commands. A novel and economical data encoding technique is employed which assigns single four bit code words (known as cuytes) to the Arabic numerals 0-9, two cuytes to the letters of the alphabet, and three or more quytes to various "sipher" represented commands. This encoding technique not only decreases memory space requirements, but also increases processing speed. To enable an operator to select virtually any number of sipher represented commands, a plurality of additional function keys is provided, and these can be operated in a sequential manner along with the arrow, period and comma keys to generate a sipher represented command comprised of any number of cuytes. The end of a sipher command is signified by the actuation of a letter or numeral key. Each sipher can be represented by an icon which graphically combines all of the key symbols that are necessary to invoke it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Ernesto Vidal Oliveros
  • Patent number: 5661476
    Abstract: A method for selecting a symbol using an M-key keyboard in a personal information device (PID) divides the M keys into a first key group and a second key group. Each symbol to be recognized from the input key-strokes on the keyboard is assigned a unique two-keystroke sequence in which the first key and the second key of that two-keystroke sequence are selected from different key groups. When receiving keystrokes from the keyboard, two-keystroke sequences received from the keyboard are matched to the symbol assignments to derive which symbol is selected. This method is applicable not only for selecting letters from a European alphabet, such as the English or the Cyrillic alphabets, this method is applicable to selecting from a phonetic alphabet, such as the Pin-Yin system for Chinese characters and other phonetic systems in the Korean and Japanese languages as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: General Wireless Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Weijia Wang, Chuan David Ai, Michael M. Y. Tsai
  • Patent number: 5659308
    Abstract: Scan code generation for portable personal computers (PCs) using a matrix keyboard operates to produce keyboard output scan codes corresponding to IBM.RTM. compatible PC/AT scan codes. Key numbers are assigned to one or the other of two classes (simple and complex). Two classes of scan code translation tables (simple and complex) are stored in memory, either ROM or internal RAM memory. Whenever a simple key is operated, the simple table is accessed. The complex scan code table is addressed, in accordance with a set of seven edit rules, utilized in conjunction with the state of operation of multiple keys on the keyboard, to determine the appropriate translation. All of the logic needed to generate the necessary scan codes is collapsed into a structured table-driven mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie C. Goff
  • Patent number: 5657052
    Abstract: A keypad dialog terminal in particular for dialog with a programmable automatic controller, comprising a casing (1) carrying a dialog screen (12) and a set of contacts (32) associated with a keypad (22), characterised in that the casing (1) comprises a casing body (11) carrying the fixed contacts and a removable dialog module (2) comprising a frame (21) closed by a visible top membrane (22) which forms various projecting keys and carries the mobile contacts (26), this frame (21) having removable locking apparatus (24, 25) adapted to cooperate with conjugate locking apparatus (14, 15) on the lateral sides of the casing body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: AEG Schneider Automation
    Inventor: Gerard Lerude
  • Patent number: 5652579
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus having two or more functions includes a nonvolatile store in which the identities of two or more keys are stored and two or more functions are classified into groups, each group being distinguished by two or more of the keys. A controller is coupled with the nonvolatile store and enables a function that is selected by operating a key, which function matches an identification number to be entered by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiya Yamada, Satoshi Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 5649223
    Abstract: On word starts, the system displays sets of very frequent words and attributes in locations which associate them with input actions. Possible attributes include letters, phonetic sounds, character strokes or parameters as appropriate for the language. Attributes inputted select word sets from a vocabulary which has N sets of a plurality of word sets in which the words of each set share a unique set of one to N attributes. The display presents accessed word sets which the user may search for wanted words. Vocabulary words include codes to select inflection sets when they are selected. For alphabetic languages, spelling rules and a store of modified word ends and inflection starts are used in the application of inflections. Selected words, with or without inflections, are outputted by input actions which may append `Space` or punctuation endings. User actions on keyboard and/or stroke sensing apparatus input attributes and select, inflect, and output words with endings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Alfred B. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5631643
    Abstract: This invention provides a key-code outputting apparatus for a data processor of the type wherein two or more kinds of characters are assigned to each key of a keyboard connected to the data processor, and different kinds of characters can be inputted from one key by using a character input mode or by using conjointly a function key and a shift key. The key-code outputting apparatus includes a memory for managing a correspondence for each character input mode so that a key-code generated by a key address of the same character inputted from a keyboard of a different kind becomes the same as a key-code generated by the key address inputted from a keyboard having a key arrangement assumed by a data processing program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Hisamori, Shigeo Shiratori