Abstract: This invention provides a switch panel device capable of changing indicia for identifying switch elements in a short time. The switch panel device comprises a transparent frame holding switch elements such that the operating ends of the switch elements project forwardly from the frame, a diffusion sheet applied to the front surface of the frame, and an LCD projector for projecting images of characters identifying the respective switch elements below and in juxtaposition to the corresponding operating ends of the switch elements.

Abstract: A printer device with facsimile function including: a printer for printing printing data; a facsimile for transmitting data input from a scanner to another party's facsimile using a telephone line; an operation panel provided with an operation command input device having a plurality of command input keys, including a first switch for selecting either a facsimile function or a printer function and a second switch for switching some of the plurality of input keys to numerical data input keys; a memory for storing reservation data input from the input keys for communication with a facsimile; and a control section for setting some of the plurality of operation command input keys to the numerical data input keys when the first switch is operated to select a facsimile function and the second switch is operated to switch to the numerical data input keys, for converting numerical data input from the numerical data input keys to dial data, and for controlling a write/read operation of the reservation data to the stori

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.

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 of the processing units has a different function.

Abstract: A computer keyboard including a keyboard body that has a top side, a bottom side, and a pair of short peripheral walls with a pair of long peripheral walls therebetween. The top side of the keyboard body has a keyboard mechanism located thereon. A wrist pad is positioned on the top side of the keyboard and is perpendicular one of the long peripheral walls. Included are a plurality of keys that are positioned on the keyboard mechanism and comprised of a space bar, function keys and alphabet keys. A pointing stick is positioned from the space bar and between the alphabet keys of the keyboard mechanism. The pointing stick controls all movement of a cursor on a display screen of a computer. Lastly, a pair of mouse buttons are provided and spaced from the space bar on the keyboard mechanism. The pair of mouse buttons form a right button and a left button that functions in accordance with the pointing stick when the user positions the cursor on an icon.

Abstract: A user configurable control device is particularly suitable for household devices such as remote control transmitters. A variety of function control elements in the form of keys are provided to the consumer who selects a desired set of the control elements. Each of the control elements has a unique pattern of projections molded into the bottom surface. These projections are in operative alignment with an array of membrane switches disposed on a switching substrate within the control device. The control device includes a front panel that is perforated with a pattern of slots. Each of the control elements has a pair of projecting tabs that lock the element onto the control panel so that it is securely retained thereon, but may be released if desired. The projections on the bottom of the element extend through the slots in the front panel to the switching substrate below.

Abstract: An improved user interface for use in interactive electronic devices. The user interface eliminates the complexity and ambiguity problems encountered in conventional interfaces through the incorporation of a physical overlay designed for use in cooperation with a contiguous touch screen or a plurality of individual touch screens. The physical overlay delineates the touch screen or screens into a plurality of context sensitive task and information display regions which may be accessed by direct user manipulation.

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.

Abstract: Adjacent tactile modules (10) together define a row of modifiable Braille cells (11), opposite a row of micro-switches (50), and opposite a row of covers (30). Each of the latter defines a pivoting tab (32) controlling the corresponding micro-switch, a tab connected by an undercut hinge (36) to a fixed part (31) bearing a fixed Braille information display area (40). At the free end of each tab (32), a bent lug (35) forms a stop with the underside of the associated micro-switch (50). On the back of each tab (32), a cylindrical transverse embossing ensures in-line contact with the micro-switch (50). Considered transversely, the series of pivoting tabs (32) exhibits a sinusoidal shape, this enabling a single tab to be actuated selectively with a broad finger. Also, each tab (32) is furnished with a longitudinal guiding rib, for steering the finger.

Abstract: A multifunctional microprocessor device includes a mainframe, a lower slide plate made to slide on the mainframe in the transverse direction and having a forked contact metal spring inserted through a first through hole on the mainframe and series of longitudinally aligned windows to show character codes around the keys on the mainframe, an upper slide plate made to slide on the mainframe in the longitudinal direction and having a forked contact metal spring inserted through a second through hole on the mainframe and series of transversely aligned windows to show character codes around the keys on the mainframe, wherein moving the upper and/or lower slide plates longitudinally or transversely causes the forked contact metal spring of either slide plate to contact either contact on the electronic circuit of the mainframe, and therefore the microprocessor unit is switched to the function modes corresponding to the character codes shown through the windows on the upper and lower slide plates.

Abstract: Multi-status data entry key and keyboard capable of a one-to-one correspondence between each key status and a pre-assigned signal or state, with the neutral position or status being one of the states. Each non-neutral key status is associated with a unique pre-determined signal and corresponds uniquely to a specific symbol function or operation. The implementation of this keypad in telephones, computers, cash registers and other devices is shown. Its implementation in telephones is extensively covered.

Abstract: Upon selection of an application/process on a computer system, an input device is appropriately mapped/remapped to correspond to the language selected by a user. Thus, a user can switch from one language in a first application to another language in a second application without having to change the entire system.

Abstract: A multipurpose optical intelligent key board apparatus permitting a plurality of key tops made of transparent materials in an optical dot matrix arrangement to be moved upward and downward. It forces the corresponding positions of the optical dot matrix to be turned on or off, so that a computer or an electronic appliance can be operated by predetermined key inputs. Therefore, the function command words and characters appearing on the key tops are displayed by a display device supported by its software.

Abstract: A membrane switch having a rotary motion detection function comprises a flexible sheet, in which movable electrodes are formed that correspond to multiple keys, and a printed wiring board, in which fixed electrodes are formed that correspond to the movable electrodes. The flexible sheet and printed wiring board are arranged in layers so that the movable and fixed electrodes face each other with a prescribed spacing between them. When any key on the membrane switch is pressed and thus turned on, that key's signal is detected. When multiple keys are turned on in succession within a prescribed time interval, codes are sent that correspond to the direction and speed of movement of the sequence of turned-on keys. The rotary motion keys are arranged in a circle. The codes that correspond to the direction and speed of shift of the turned-on keys are preset in a microprocessor. The rotary motion keys can be arranged on the same board with other general keys to make up a remote control device.

Abstract: A one hand, QWERTY keyboard angles the rows of keys away from the top and bottom parallel axes of the keyboard so as to eliminate ulnar-deviation of the actuating hand. This permits the orientation of the device to be parallel to the frontal plane of the body. Further, by positioning one or more keys on a front vertical surface of the keyboard, the thumb can actuate these keys in a natural-grasping, prehensile movement towards the fingers. The keyboard operates in two basic function modes. In a first mode, textual letters and symbols are input and in a second mode, numbers or symbols as for mathematical or scientific calculation are input. Once the user has turned on the device, the user can either press the "L" portion of a switch for letter usage or the "N" portion of the switch for number usage.

Abstract: A hand held data entry terminal that, upon initialization of a data entry program downloaded from a host computer, is capable of capturing product data, through either a terminal scanner or a data entry keypad, at locations remote from the host computer. A data entry program is downloaded to a battery-powered data entry terminal from a central host computer via an RF data transceiver located in the terminal. If the terminal scanner is functional and the product contains the necessary coded representations of data, the scanner may be enabled, through a first trigger located on a terminal handle, to scan the coded representations of data. Alternatively, the terminal operator may enter alpha/numeric product data through the terminal keypad. The data entry program contains a stack of key definition tables for the terminal keypad, allowing the terminal to be designed with a minimum number of data entry keys and a terminal display of maximum size.

Abstract: A small, stylus-based keyboard in which the arrangement of the keys is a function of predetermined estimated probabilities of the occurrence of various possible sequences of keystrokes. Sequences of keystrokes which are estimated to have a high likelihood of occurrence result in the associated keys being placed adjacent to one another. In this manner, the ease, speed and accuracy of use of small, stylus-based keyboards may be improved. Multiple keys representing the same character may be provided to increase the likelihood that keys included in high probability sequences will be adjacent. The probability estimates may be determined based on a statistical analysis of a preselected sample of text. In addition, keys may be color-coded for ease of identification and grooves may be cut into the housing between adjacent keys for ease of stylus operation. Lights (e.g., light-emitting-diodes) may also be inserted between adjacent keys or beneath the keys for purposes of word identification or next letter prediction.

Abstract: A ergonomic customizeable user/computer interface system for wireless computer control. A hand-attachable user interface device transmits control information upon activation of switches on the interface device. A base interface device receives the transmissions, decodes the information and provides control signals to the computer. The interface system allows for security authorization control and multiple computer or LAN operations with each user interface device. Greater functionality is provided by the use of personality modules in the user interface device for different modes of operation.

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 means of a movable cursor and by pressing another subset button can immediately dial that number.

Abstract: An operation guide system is disclosed which is able to inform an operator only of input operations presently available for a computer, a word processor or the like, and guides operation automatically in case of invalid operation. When an operator taps one of the keys arranged on a keyboard, a key signal is sent out to a key comparison section. The key comparison section determines whether the input key signal is from a key assigned to an available operation in a current operation state or not by referring to information in a key table storing unit. When it is determined that the key signal is not from a presently valid key, it is determined whether a condition for outputting the guide is satisfied or not with reference to a guide condition setting section. If the condition is satisfied, an instruction is given to an operation guide output section to output the operation guide. Further, if the condition is not satisfied, another key signal is awaited.

Abstract: A multimodal hand-held remote control device is disclosed which may be utilized for selecting designated functions in a plurality of multimedia processing units. Multiple user selectable keypads are provided for initiating transmission of control signals utilizing a wireless transmission system, such as an infrared transmitter. An electrically alterable graphic designation is provided in association with each user selectable keypad so that a function associated with each particular keypad for a given multimedia processing unit may be visually determined. The electrically alterable graphic designation is then varied in response to selection of an alternate mode of operation wherein the functions associated with each user selectable keypad for an alternate multimedia processing unit may be displayed. In one depicted embodiment a liquid crystal display is provided and a touch overlay is mounted in an overlying relationship with a portion of the liquid crystal display to provide the user selectable keypads.

Abstract: 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 means of a movable cursor and by pressing another subset button can immediately dial that number.

Abstract: A computer keyboard having an output port through which scan codes are directed to a computer CPU over a cable, the keyboard of the kind having a touch activated membrane switch onto which one of a plurality of key layout overlays can be installed. Each of a plurality of different stored data tables is operable when selected to determine the particular scan code that is directed through the keyboard output port over the cable in response to a membrane switch being activated. Each overlay being coded in a way that can be read by an overlay code identification device which automatically operates in response to a coded key layout overlay being installed onto the keyboard to read the overlay code, which is then used by a data table selector to select a particular data table for use with the installed overlay.

Abstract: A channel selector used in a television set, video cassette recorder and the like includes a key pad having tens key corresponding to the decimal numbers zero through nine. A microcomputer is also included therein, which is operated in response to the key pad output and controls on screen display circuit, a tuning voltage generator. A desired channel number is easily selected by the microcomputer which is operated by the program therein. As a result, a user may operate easily and quickly the channel selector without feeling a tedium due to a delay time between the activation of a first key and the activation of a second key.

Abstract: An operational panel capable of expanding the number of function menus to be selected. The operation panel has a cover 8 which is formed with display window 7a to 7d and equipped with push buttons 10a to 10d, respectively, at the side of the display windows 7a to 7d. The operation panel cover 8 is arranged on its back with two slide sheets 3 and 4 which are superposed one on the other but allowed to slide independently of each other. In accordance with the sliding movements of the slide sheets 3 and 4, micro-switches are turn ON/OFF. The upper slide sheet 3, as located just behind the operational cover 8, is formed with both indicators for indicating the function names and transparent portions. These transparent portions are positioned to face all tile display window 7a to 7d of the operational panel cover 8, when the upper slide sheet 3 is in a predetermined slide position. On the other hand, the lower slide sheet 4 is formed with display portions for displaying the function names.

Abstract: An electronic device including a switch member which has a multiplicity of switch contacts provided thereon, a film liquid crystal display unit disposed above the switch member and having openings provided at positions opposite to the respective switch contacts, and operation members disposed in the corresponding openings so as to depress the operation members from above the film liquid crystal display. By the depression of the respective operation members, the corresponding switch contacts are switched. According to this structure, the switching operations are performed on the film liquid crystal display unit, so that the operability of the switches is improved and the device itself is miniaturized.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying or enhancing the operation of a palmtop computer which intercepts keystrokes from the keyboard, reads the keyboard characters corresponding to the keystrokes, reads display data, and based on the current state of the display, the sequence of previous keystrokes, and other variables, either delivers the current keystroke character to the application program without change, with additional or replacement characters, or dumps the current keystroke character. The system and method alters the "look-and-feel" of the computer by providing easier ways to interact by the keyboard with the built-in application programs. The system and method may monitor display data between keystrokes and determine the identity of the particular active application program based on what the display screen is displaying. Keystrokes and the display state are monitored to determine if there are additional functions to be executed for the active application program.

Abstract: An identification code input board for activating electrical equipment such as an electrical lock includes: a display panel crosswise arranged in the form of M lines X N rows while including a plurality of display sections to display a group of codes of which number is represented by a numeral of m X n, a transparent key switch sheet superimposed on the front surface of the display panel while including a plurality of switches arranged corresponding to the display sections, a display converter for selecting one of plural kinds of display formats, of which number is represented by a numeral of (M-m+1) X (N-n+1), every time the electrical equipment is actuated, and a code reader adapted to output a digitized code signal for distinguishing a selected code, wherein each of m and n is a positive integral number of two or more and each of M X N is a positive integral number larger than that of m and n respectively.

Abstract: A manual entry data input terminal is provided having a keyboard including a set of key switches including one-half of a standard keyboard. A selector circuit is interposed between the key switches and an encoder circuit for enabling input of data bits to the encoder circuit in accordance with a first indicia series correlated to the conventional indicia display of the one-half keyboard or a second indicia series correlated to a mirror image indicia display of the opposite one-half of a standard keyboard. A mode selector switch connected with the selector circuit is selectively operable to enable input of data bits alternatively for either the first or the second indicia series to enable operation of the terminal by one hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote commander for remote-controlling a video device, audio device, etc., and can send various control data corresponding the operating cards according to demand, by providing an operating card receiving space below transparent and plate like coordinates input means and sending the control data determined by a coordinates detection result of the coordinates input means according to an identification result of the operating card received in the operating card receiving space by exchanging the operating card. Therefore, it is possible to, for example, set an operating card every control object and easily remote-control various control objects.

Abstract: An interactive medical test selector for use by a patient is about the size of a book and has a screen for displaying questions to a patient, a limited number of keys by which the patient can enter answers, and a memory device for storing the patient's answers. The test selector is battery-powered for portability and uses a low-power liquid crystal display or the like to display instructions and medical questions to the patient. Only four keys are seen or used by the patient for answering the questions: YES, NO, NOT SURE, and NEXT QUESTION. Additional control keys used by the medical staff are hidden from the patient. The device is controlled by a pre-programmed microcomputer on a chip, and a ROM-based, removeable and replaceable control program which not only collects, but also analyzes the patient's answers and makes appropriate recommendations based on those answers, and drives a remote printer or computer terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of a standard push button telephone keypad into a data entry terminal permitting full alphanumeric DTMF entry through a telephone system to a file server for delivery to a service provider computer. The alphabetical letters are prearranged to enable single or adjacent keypairs to be defined for each alphabetical letter. DTMF signals are generated by the keypairs and are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities of the central computer for later or simultaneous delivery to a service provider computer such as a facsimile machine, an E-mail system, a paging system, and/or any data base connected to a telephone line.

Abstract: An intuitive operator panel for machines is provided. A listing of possible functions on a transparent face is located adjacent to each multiple function control or display. A colored background viewable through the transparent face, reduces the readability of the items in the list. A moveable opaque field is located between the transparent face and colored background and increases their readability. The opaque field can be moved by the operator to highlight a desired function from the list. The desired function is highlighted in the list and the machine senses the opaque field's position to determine the function selected. Such a configuration reduces the visual clutter associated with function lists which accompany multiple function controls or displays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for keypads, for conveying audible, visual or tactile information to a user regarding the identity, function, proper usage or potential utility of a given key or group of keys. The information being invoked by the user through superficial or proximal manipulation of the given key without having pressed or manipulated it in a way that would invoke its normal function. The primary concern of the system is as an informational adjunct to a more traditional keypad.

Abstract: A method of encoding alphabetic characters and inputting electrical signals defining those characters to a computer includes the use of a keyboard having five individual alpha input keys, one alpha input key being operatively associated with an operator's thumb and the remaining keys each being dedicated for operation by one finger of the operator's hand. The keys are actuable either individually or in chord combinations for encoding the alphabetic characters and inputting electrical signals to the computer. Each of the alpha input keys are designated to represent one of the five vowels. Therefore, when these keys are actuated individually they generate electrical signals corresponding to the vowels. The consonants of the alphabet are designated to correspond to chord combinations of key actuations. Unique electrical signals are generated in response to the actuation of one or more of the alpha keys to selectively input the electrical signals defining the alphabetic characters to the computer.

Abstract: Reduced indicia keyboards for, and high security locks utilizing, key entry of a selectable lock code using a number of keys for the entry of each code element, which number of keys is less than the number of possible variations of that code element. Associated with each key is a code element display, viewable only by one operating the lock, to identify which particular value or variation of the code element is associated with that key at any particular time. By varying the association of the keys and the variations in the code elements, the sequence of key depressions and other observations with respect to the operation of the system without knowledge of the specific indicia associated therewith makes such observations useless in later attempting to operate the lock.

Abstract: A keyboard unit with several ergonomically arranged keys, the keyboard unit consisting partly of a knob having an upper surface suitably shaped for the support of the inside hollow palm of the guiding hand, the knob having a frontal surface with a row of keys ergonomically operational by the fingers of the hand, and on an inside surface a minimum of one key to be actuated by the thumb, the knob being mobile in two coordinate directions, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the arm and perpendicular to it, covering an entire area of input positions, giving the final choice to the finger selection of the proper key for the intended input.

Abstract: A calculating device and related method for accessing and selecting among multiple key functions with a minimum of keystrokes. The keyboard includes menu keys corresponding to menu labels displayable on the display and a multi-function key having a primary function and a secondary function. Which of the key functions is selected depends on the duration of the key press. The calculating device executes the primary function if the key is pressed for a short time. However, if the key is pressed for longer than a given time period, the calculating device displays a set of menu labels and assigns a function associated with a displayed menu label to a menu key. If the key continues to be pressed, the display scrolls to show additional sets of menu labels. A menu function may then be selected by releasing the multi-function key and pressing the appropriate menu key.

Abstract: A peripheral unit is provided with a control panel that includes a plurality of indicators, each indicator displaying to a user a state condition of the peripheral unit. The control panel also includes a user operable key. A "state" circuit is responsive to a functional state of the peripheral unit to cause the state indicators to manifest a selected one of a set of state conditions. A controller is provided for initiating peripheral unit operations. A state logic machine is responsive to each manifested state of the set and user actuation of the key, to cause the controller to initiate a peripheral unit operations, that operation uniquely related to a state manifested by the indicators.

Abstract: An illuminated key button is disclosed which is formed of a light permeable hard resin and has on the bottom of the key a print layer which is illuminated from below and is integral with the operating portion of the key button.

Abstract: A cover for an indicator panel of an electronic apparatus which is mounted on a recess formed on the indicator panel and pivotably movable so as to cover the indicator panel in a closed state, including a frame means which has first and second openings, a pair of hinges extending outwardly from both sides thereof and a tapered portion extending outwardly from the hinge-forming side of a lower side wall thereof, a pair of touch-sensitive panels made of a transparent material which are fitted into the first and second openings, a pair of display panels made of a transparent material mounted on the first and second openings which have touch patterns printed thereon with a transparent medium, an outer panel made of translucent acrylic resin which is disposed spaced at a given distance from the display panels, and a plurality of light sources provided in the frame means, wherein the touch patterns are reflected or projected on the touch-sensitive panels by light emitted from the light sources.

Abstract: A function setting method for an audio system which is capable of changing a function of the audio system without alternation of hardware of a system controller at all and is superior in general use. The method comprises the steps of preparing, as the system controller for controlling functions incorporated in the audio system in a concentrated manner, a microcomputer which has an analog/digital conversion input port and has built therein control programs for all of a plurality of functions which can be incorporated in the audio system, and applying a selected one of a plurality of analog voltages which individually represent possible combinations of the functions including the individual functions to the analog/digital conversion input port of the microcomputer to cause the microcomputer to be prepared for one or ones of the functions represented by the analog voltage.

Abstract: A method of menu selection is provided. An applied range of force by a user on a force sensitive resistor (112) selector key is calibrated (300) to a selective range of force for selecting a range of menu items. A variable press by that user is then associated (110) to a selection of a menu item.

Abstract: Each of first and second cases has a portable size and provides an operation portion, disposed at least on its inner surface, for setting operation conditions of an appliance to be controlled. A movable joint connects the first and second cases to form a book type case which can be freely opened/closed while the operation portions oppose each other. A transmitter is disposed in the movable joint and radio-transmits transmission data representing the set operation conditions of the appliance.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard template for use with software applications programs is responsive to command signals transmitted by designated function keys on a computer keyboard. The template includes an LCD display screen for displaying icons representative of operations performed by the function keys, control circuitry, and driving circuitry for generating the display of the icons on the LCD screen. In a preferred embodiment, the control circuitry includes a microprocesor, a Random-Access-Memory, and a digital Look-Up-Table, and the driving circuitry comprises a matrix driver and a refresh sequencer. The driving circuitry may further include a DC-to-DC convertor, and a plurality of shift registers for energizing pixel locations designated within a grid system on the LCD screen. In an alternative embodiment, the control circuitry may be external to the template (e.g., within the keyboard).

Abstract: A function key guide and template (10) having a template (30) and function key guide (28) removably attached together by breakaway connectors (32) for use on a keyboard (12). The connectors (32) have preformed breaking points (66) in their first ends (62) and second ends (64) to facilitate manual separation of the connectors (32) from the template (30) and the guide (28). With the connectors (32) remaining attached to either of the template (30) or the guide (28), the connectors (32) facilitate in holding the template (30) and/or the guide (28) in alignment with the function keys (22) on the keyboard (12). The connectors (32) may also be completely removed to permit use of the guide (28) and/or the template (30) with nonconforming keyboard configurations. Ideally the guide (28) is formed of left and right halves (38 and 40) and the template (30) is formed of left and right halves (34 and 36) to enable folding of the function key guide and template (10) for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A keyboard has a plurality of key operated switches, each including a key having a manually engagable key surface. The keyboard selectively determines the function produced by operation of the key operated switches, and displays on each key its current function. The display provides a sensible output indication corresponding to the current function of each key, and includes an elongate strip symbol bearing member located alongside each key and lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of each key surface.

Abstract: A delay means in a security apparatus for identifying a code of characters to authenticate access to the apparatus by matching an entered code with a stored value by a procedure which so enciphers the coded information as it is entered into the apparatus and displayed on a keyboard that disclosure of the code by observation of the entry operation is prevented. A delay timing circuit produces a delayed signal in the matching of the entered code and the stored value so that the length of the period of time for authentication is controllable.

Abstract: Coded interchangeable key pad assemblies alternately installed on a keyboard so that one of a variety of programmable sets of keyboard functions is enabled for selection by user actuation of the keys. Each key pad assembly has a durable construction and is securely attachable to the remainder of the keyboard. Each key pad assembly is installed on the remainder of the keyboard and interacts with the system with which the keyboard interfaces, preferably a programmable system, to provide a custom key panel for the user so that key functions can be tailored to a desired selection of operations available to the user upon actuation of the keys.