Abstract: A key for transmitting data to an electronic apparatus includes a key top, a sound generating mechanism connected to the key top for generating a predetermined sound without any electrical power supply when the key top is depressed, and an outer sleeve receiving the sound generating mechanism. The outer sleeve has an opening portion for outputting the sound to the outside so that the sound can be received by the electronic apparatus. The acoustic communication system between an input unit and the electronic apparatus may dispense with any cable there between and also dispense with any electrical power supply for the input unit.

Abstract: A programmable membrane switch input/output system is described. The system includes a membrane switch having a matrix layout embedded in a plastic film with a plurality of switches located at specific locations on the film. Output lines from the matrix layout are electrically connectable to a conversion unit which converts the output signals from a first code dependent on the matrix layout and the position of the switches to a second code which is independent of the position of the switches and the matrix layout. The conversion unit can convert the output signals into a serial code which can be transmitted serially from the conversion unit to a processing device located remotely from the membrane switch. By transferring the output signal serially from the conversion unit to the processing device, the cable can have fewer lines and less space is taken on the processing device for the connection.

Abstract: An improved keyboard structure comprises a base, a pan body, and a top cover. A user is supposed to turn a turnable functional pushbutton to a specified function item, then click the pan body for the computer to execute the related program.

Abstract: A computer keyboard with Z-axis input means is characterized in that at least one scrolling means compatible with that of a mouse, a cursor moving means and at least one mouse button are integrated on a keyboard with or without multimedia hotkeys. The novel keyboard consists of a traditional key matrix, a control unit, and a mouse equivalent unit. The mouse equivalent unit further consists of scrolling means, pointing means, and mouse button means, all of which are electricaly connected to the control unit. Through the all-in-one keyboard, user not only can perform typing task, operate mouse functions, but also scroll windows client area up and down, and left and right if a second scrolling means is provided.

Abstract: A microcomputer has an output port and an input port. A plurality of switches are provided between and matrix-connected to respective bits of the output port and respective bits of the input port. The microcomputer renders all of the bits of the output port in an output state, and in this state, checks whether an output of the output port is obtained at one of the bits of the input port. When an output of the output port is obtained at one of the bits of the input port, data indicating a manipulated one of the plurality of switches is acquired by rendering, in order, the bits of the output port in an output state, and then the process of acquiring data indicating a manipulated switch is again executed after a lapse of a predetermined amount of time. The acquired data is made effective if a first acquired data and a second acquired data are identical.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an audible indication during the time that a computer system has been toggled into a mode wherein all the letters of the alphabet a displayed in the upper case or the so-called capslock "ON" mode.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing key switch actuation detection which reduces the number of key switch inputs required at a key switch controller. A key scanning system for detecting the activation of keys on a key-based input device is provided, having a plurality of logic level sensors to detect and temporarily store logic levels on corresponding connection nodes. A plurality of switches, each coupled to one of the keys, provides a pattern of logic levels on the connection nodes in response to the activation of a particular key. A logic monitor is coupled to the logic level sensors to detect the stored logic levels and recognize the activation of the particular key based on the pattern of the stored logic levels. A method for performing key switch actuation detection that reduces the number of required key switch inputs is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning a triangular or trapezoidal key matrix for data input by depressing keys of a keypad. The key matrix allows an increased number of keyswitches to be provided on the key matrix while reducing the number of I/O ports on the I/O interface. The apparatus includes an I/O interface connecting the keypad to the CPU. The keypad I/O interface is provided with m I/O ports, where m is plural integer. Through detecting the voltage levels of these I/O ports, the CPU is able to determine which key on the keypad is being depressed. A triangular key matrix is constructed with a set of m code lines and at least one auxiliary code line arranged in such a way as to form a triangular array of m.times.(m+1)/2 cross-points. Each cross-point is provided with a keyswitch associated with a key on the keypad. The m code lines are connected correspondingly to the m I/O ports on the keypad I/O interface.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard entry system (100) is provided. The system (100) includes a base (200) on which is provided a set of first control keys (120) for assigning an output function selected by simultaneously operating one of a plurality of multifunction character keys. In particular, alphabetic character output functions are selected utilizing one of a set of first character keys (220), the particular assignment of alphabetic characters to the particular character keys (222, 224, 226, 228 and 230) being made to provide QWERTY compatibility. Each of the sets of keys (120, 220) are irregularly arranged on the base (200) to be located under the fingertips of a user's bent hands. Further, each of the sets of keys (120, 220) are configured about respective axes (276, 286 and 278, 288), the two axes being disposed at different angles with respect to a horizontal reference, permitting a miniaturized keyboard to be implemented with full size keys.

Abstract: A printing device (2) for printing an image on an image receiving medium which includes a controller for generating a control signal defining the value of at least one parameter for controlling the device which has at least one characteristic in accordance with which a desired value of the parameter is selected. A keyboard matrix having a plurality of key connectors arranged in rows and columns with keys (6) arranged at intersections of the rows and columns is provided. The keys (6) can be actuated by a user to input to the controller data for controlling the printing device. Intersections each have an activated state when the associated key (6) is actuated and an inactive state when the associated key (6) is not actuated. An addiitional connector is provided which defines a set of intersections with said rows or said columns of key connectors so that at least one of said set of intersections is maintained in an activated state.

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: A keyboard for use with a computer has an array of keys including a space key and modifiable keys with apparatus for detecting when keys are pressed and generating a key code corresponding to keys that are pressed, a buffer capable of holding the key code of a key, a state register having three states including a state indicating when the first key code of a word is in the buffer. The keyboard also has apparatus for comparing a key code in the buffer to a second key code and for generating a modified key code when a match is found, and apparatus for sending the key code to the host computer, the key code sent being the modified key code when the first key code of a word is in the buffer and the key code in the buffer matches the second key code of the word.

Abstract: A hand mounted keyboard, having a pair of opposed keypads for receiving the fingers of the mounting hand between, the opposed keypads operable by opposed movements of those fingers. The keyboard also has a thumb operated keypad mounted on the exterior of the keyboard. The characters and functions are grouped into generally task related modes or lanes. The lanes are divided into blocks, each block having two rows of data, each of the rows corresponding to one of the opposed keypads. The lanes are chosen by activating a first key with the thumb, and a second key with the finger. The thumb operated key is activated to chose a relationship for mapping between blocks of data in each lane and the finger operated keys. The mapping relationships assign characters and functions by row and column to opposed keypads and fingers respectively.

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: 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 multilingual keyboard system (10) including a customized keyboard unit (12) is provided to operate in conjunction with a central processing unit (14) and a logic system (16) having unique software in order to facilitate multilingual typing from a single keyboard. The keyboard (12) includes customized keys (20) which are shaped to receive label panels (70) on one of several selectable templates (18). Each template (18) corresponds to a particular character set which the user desires to utilize as an alternate character set to that appearing on the key labels (52) on the keyboard (12). The keyboard (12) also includes a keyboard mode toggle key (36) for toggling between a standard mode of operation and the selected alternate mode. The logic system (16) includes software having keymapping schemes associated with each selectable alternate mode. Changing templates (18) permits usage of multiple alternate modes with the same equipment.

Abstract: A keyboard that has two adjacent rows of emitters opposed by two adjacent rows of detectors that is environmentally sealed and has no moving parts. This said keyboard has a field changeable coded indicia so a scan pattern, ambient reference level or other application specific variables can be changed without breaking the environmental seal or powering down the keyboard. Further, the different said scan patterns can include scanning the finger position by multiple emitter detector pairs at angles other than ninety degrees to give a cross check on detection. These said scan patterns can be further optimized to scan angled sets of keys and to adjust to different ambient light conditions so errors can be detected by the emitter detector pair closest to detection of a finger. Also another said scan pattern can include, that both emitter detector pairs before and after the detected finger position must show a no finger detection condition to be a valid finger detection.

Abstract: A Bicameral Keyboard is provided for generating pictographic characters wherein twenty keys are sufficient to specify the roughly 3000 characters required for ordinary personal and business correspondence. The Bicameral Keyboard is compatible with pictographic expression and pedagogy and will permit direct access to word processors, translation machines, page editors, and printers at input rates more rapid than possible using the alphanumeric keyboard with western orthographic characters.

Abstract: The computer keyboard template selector is an apparatus which attaches to a computer keyboard to hold a plurality of computer keyboard templates. The apparatus includes a body and a lid, wherein the lid is urged upwardly to an open position by a wrap spring and held in a closed position by a detent structure. Several rotatable separator sheets with staggered laterally extending tabs are enclosed in the apparatus. Each separator sheet holds a computer keyboard template. The staggered laterally extending tabs form an inverted stair structure so that a lifting device can be positioned under a laterally extending tab so as to lift a number of separator sheets when the detent structure is released and the lid is opened thereby exposing a selected computer keyboard template.

Abstract: The position of a print head, movable back and forth over the width of a paper band, is used as an index versus parameter data in menu presentation recorded parallel to the extension of the print-head motion path in a device for the setting of operating parameters of a printer. In order to eliminate a conventional continuous and repeated printing of the operating parameters on paper, a new setting of the programming at the printer can be performed such that the operating parameters (3) are visually displayed in form of a permanent or callable display (4) at the casing (5) of the printer. A position-determining element (6) is furnished at the print head (1). The momentary position indicator (7) of the print head (1) is reproduced on the display (4) for the operating parameters (3), as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Abstract: An extensible and compressible keyboard for application in computer, calculator, typewriter, and other similar applications where storage space is a premium. The keyboard provides adjustable spacing between the keys whereby a compact storage unit is expanded to a full-size, full function, and normally spaced standard keyboard or, as importantly, to a size which best fits the fingers of an individual user.

Abstract: A serial printer comprises a movable carrier, a print head mounted on the carrier, sliders mounted to either a fixed member of the printer or the carrier and selectively slidable to a plurality of positions to select a desired print mode, a sensor mounted to the other member and movable relative to the sliders when the carrier is moved so as to sense the position of the sliders, and an initial condition control system for changing print modes in response to the position of the sliders as sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining a phantom key condition in an encoder array (10) including (1) enabling each row (R1-R14) of the encoder to a high position; (2) pulling the first row (R1) to be scanned to a low position; (3) scanning the first row (R1) of which in the low position finding whether there is a first key being closed, (4) determining whether there is second key being closed in the first column (C2) of which the first key has been closed, if there isn't a second key being closed, then outputting the signal, if there is a second key being closed, then (5) determining whether there is a third key being closed in the second row of which a second key has been closed before, if there isn't a third key that exists, output the signal, if a third key exists in the second row, (6) then the phenomenon of a phantom exists and the inputting signals will be invalid and beeper sound is emitted to warn the typist.

Abstract: A printer includes a printer body and a setting device provided with a plurality of switches which are operable for setting various operating functions of the printer. An interconnection on the printer and the setting device is operable to mechanically and electrically interconnect the setting device to the printer and to provide for mechanically and electrically disconnecting the setting device from the printer.

Abstract: An extensible and compressible keyboard for application in computer, calculator, typewriter, and other similar applications where storage space is a premium. The keyboard provides adjustable spacing between the keys whereby a compact storage unit is expanded to a full-size, full function, and normally spaced standard keyboard or, as importantly, to a size which best fits the fingers of an individual user.

Abstract: In a data processing device having a display and a keyboard, a cursor on the display is moved with each of input keys on the keyboard in a predetermined processing mode designated by a mode change key. There are two ways for determining the directions to which the cursor is moved. One is that the directions is determined in accordance with a positinal relationship between two keys successively operated. The other is that the directions is determined in accordance with a positional relationship between the operated key and a reference key determined in advance. Thus, each of keys for respectively inputting codes are utilized as cursor movement keys.

Abstract: According to the present invention, setting contents of a specified mode are selected in accordance with positions to which a printing head shifts, and the setting contents are set by operating switches in those positions. A switch for shifting the printing head and a setting switch serve as switches for executing other functions peculiar to a printer.

Abstract: An optical switch having a pair of optical fibers which has a stopper projected on the inner surface of a housing, the paired large diameter optical fibers being formed at the ends thereof, inserted into the housing and contacted with the ends thereof opposed on the same axis with both ends of the stopper at a predetermined interval between relative end faces thereof, and a light shielding plate disposed telescopically in or out between the end faces of the optical fibers in the housing for conducting or interrupting an optical path over both the optical fibers, and an optical keyboard utilizing the optical switch.

Abstract: Described is a data entry keyboard having a small number of keys, each key being a ternary device having three possible positions. In the preferred embodiment, each key is adapted to move towards or away from the operator, and has a central "off" position. A spring detent makes the key return to the central position in the absence of pressure from the finger. The three positions of each key are indicated electrically by switches which produce distinctive signals for each of the three states. The top of each key is formed to provide a secure grip. The preferred embodiment comprises eight ternary keys in two sets of four. The two sets are arranged so that the fingers of the operator's right hand rest on the keys of a rightmost set, and the fingers of the operator's left hand rest on the keys of the leftmost set. The only key combinations which represent valid characters are those in which one finger of the right hand operates its key, and one finger of the left hand operates its key.

Abstract: The assignment of user entered strings to blank softkeys within a node or menu is automatic. As the user enters a command string, the new information is checked against the information on all of the softkeys in the node. If a match is found, and that match is not associated with a user definable softkey, nothing is done. If a match is found, and that match is associated with a user definable softkey, the age parameter on the string to be stored with respect to that softkey is set to 0 (0 is the youngest age character). The age of all of the other stored user defined strings for the menu is incremented by one.If no match is found, a search is made for a blank user definable softkey, searching from left to right (f1 to f8). If a vacancy is found, the information will be assigned to that softkey with an age of 0, and the age of all of the other user assignable softkeys in the menu will be incremented.

Abstract: An acoustic keyboard comprises a plurality of keys arranged in a matrix. A plurality of reflector members, each one associated with a different one of the keys, reflect acoustic energy when the associated key is actuated. Acoustic energy is emitted from a transducer for reflection from the actuators. The reflected energy is detected, and the actuated key is identified based upon the transit time of acoustic energy from the transducer to the detector via reflection off of the reflector member associated with the actuated key.

Abstract: A photoelectric keyboard for typewriters and similar machines comprises two parallel plate modules spaced one above the other, the upper plate module comprising a plate of transparent material having holes supporting and guiding light transparent depressible key stems, and having cutouts supporting light sources, and the lower plate module comprising a printed circuit board supporting photo elements opposite the ends of key stems. The ends of the transparent key stems are, in normal position, spaced a predetermined optical distance from the photo elements arranged on the lower plate such that the light radiated from the ends of the key stems is insufficient to activate associated photo elements. On depressing a key, the distance between the end of the key stem and an associated photo element is reduced and the light beam radiated from the end of the key stem is sufficient to activate the associated photo element. Thus only the corresponding photo element is activated by a depressed key.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly (FIG. 1, 11) is constructed of first light transmission members (13) second light transmission members (15), a key actuation assembly (17) having a matrix of keybuttons (25), plural light source assembly (19) and plural sensor assembly (21). Each light source on assembly (19) is exclusively and sequentially energized causing its light to be transmitted through the first light transmission member (13) to be split up and deflected downwardly by the surfaces (43) and then rightwardly by the surfaces (45) to emanate through the surfaces (47) to enter the surfaces (49) of the second light transmission member. Actuation of a keybutton (25) causes its associated interrupter (29) to assume a light blocking position between the first light transmission member (13) and a second light transmission member (15). Light passing through the second light transmission member (15) to the sensor array indicates that none of the interrupters (29) have blocked the light path.

Abstract: A keyboard having a plurality of selectively operable matrix elements, each having an actuated and an unactuated state. The state of each matrix element is sequentially scanned and sensed and temporarily stored in a memory. A level detector is coupled to the matrix elements and to the memory means for comparison of the sensed state to a threshold level and for producing an output representative of each comparison. Feedback circuitry is coupled to the memory means for transmitting a feedback signal representative of the previous scan state of each matrix element. The level detector responds to the feedback signal to vary the relative levels of each of the sensed states and its respective threshold level in response to the previous scan state of the matrix element currently scanned.

Abstract: An improved acoustic transport member for use in a keyboard having key operated strikers individually actuatable for inducing acoustic energy in the form of sound waves which propagate through the member from selected inducing positions therealong. A first portion of the member is fabricated in the form of a series of tabs to provide discrete impact positions for generating sound waves in response to impact actuation of related strikers. A second portion integrally connected with the first portion links all of the tabs and functions as a sound corridor for receiving and transporting all sound waves generated as a result of the selected striker impacting its related tab. An aperture is provided through the tabs. A peripheral rim of the aperture provides sound reflecting boundaries that define sound passages on the tabs for directing the sound waves in different directions in communicating the sound waves from the tabs into the corridor.

Abstract: An interface for converting standard computer character code, in either serial or parallel form, into a sequence of simulated acoustic wave pattern signals. These wave pattern signals are then applied to an acoustic bar operated typewriter, like the typewriter sold under the mark "Typetronic" by the SCM Corporation, duplicating the acoustic wave fronts that are generated by the keyboard. Thus the typewriter is conformed to operate as a data processing printer without any reduction in the functions thereof.

Abstract: An acoustic transport member for use in a keyboard having key operated strikers individually actuatable for inducing acoustic energy in the form of sound waves which propagate through the member from selected inducing positions therealong. A first portion of the member is fabricated to provide discrete impact positions for generating sound waves in response to impact actuation of related strikers. A second portion integrally connected with the first portion links all impact positions for receiving and transporting all sound waves generated by the first portion. A step joins the first with the second portions to allow communication of the sound waves from the first portion into the second portion yet thereafter provides unidirectional acoustic separation therebetween which effectively minimizes wave dispersion by substantially isolating the propagating sound waves in the second portion from coming into contact with successive impact positions of the first portion.

Abstract: An acoustic member mounting means for use in typewriters and similar machines wherein the mounting means includes first and second vibration insulating means which prevents undesired sound waves from being generated in the acoustic member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel shift lock actuation mechanism useful, for example, in keyboard apparatus wherein a key stem supporting a key is shaped to mate with apertures in the keyboard supporting arrangements or as individual switches and as such contains oppositely disposed, inwardly deformable, flanged members for captivating the key stem within the key apertures and further includes a shift lock cam operably associated with a single turn C-shaped torsion spring member, one end of the C-shaped spring engaging key stem while the opposite end of the C-shaped spring is captivated by the cam, effective upon movement of the key stem to move the cam into one or the other of two positions effective to lock the key stem in a desired position so as to block or unblock light from light emitter-receptor apparatus indicating the position of the key.

Abstract: An electronic switch keyboard for typewriters or office machines includes a multiple switch at selected key positions to provide two signal inputs to a utilization device. A first capacitor switch is actuated to provide a first signal upon initial key depression and a second contact switch, common to all selected key positions, is actuated to provide a second signal upon further key depression at the selected key positions. A ground plane forms a portion of the contact switch and further serves to reduce parasitic capacitance and to shield the capacitive switches from stray electrical noise occasioned by the contact switch or other electrical inputs. A dielectric material is used to accurately separate the ground plane from the capacitive switch and further serves as a force spreading device for the contact switch.

Abstract: An optically coded keyboard arrangement has a plurality of key units arranged to be individually actuated; an actuation sensing arrangement that includes a plurality of light emitters generating light beams and a plurality of detectors each placed in the path of a respective light beam. Each key unit includes a key arranged to be depressed and a coded mask coupled to the key for movement with the key in unison upon displacement of the key and for movement relative to the key in a direction transverse to the path of motion of the key. Each key unit further has a switching spring which, in the position of rest of the associated key has an arcuate shape bulging in one direction and engages at one end a countersupport. As the key is depressed, the switching spring is deformed into a more bulging shape, carrying the mask into a position where it is ready to interrupt the light beams.

Abstract: In a key-operated machine in which actuation of a key moves code elements of an associated code card into the path of a photoelectric sensing system, each code card is moved by a drive mechanism so as to cause the code elements to traverse the sensing system path only once, and at a speed which is independent of the speed of key movement, in response to each key actuation.

Abstract: A moldable, impulse operation synthetic resin keyboard, and a method of fabricating the same, are provided wherein the keyboard achieves essentially standard, tactile feed and feedback, mechanical N-key rollover protection and precise, reliable output. The keyboard includes a synthetic resin base plate having a plurality of elongated, cantilever mounted flippers, along with a plurality of elongated, laterally spaced, inwardly and opposedly extending, pivotal, key-supporting arms. Upon depression of a key, the associated flipper is deformed until a release point is reached, whereupon the flipper is disengaged, allowing the flipper to quickly return to its rest position. A keyboard output is developed as the flipper, during overtravel thereof past its rest position, strikes a signal-generating assembly.