Patent ID: 6803905
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a system having a processor, a display for producing a visual representation of a plurality of keys, a position sensing subsystem for providing signals indicating that an area on the display has been selected by an operator and a memory for storing programming instructions for controlling the operation of the system, an apparatus for providing improved visual feedback to the operator that an area in the visual representation has been selected, said apparatus comprising:(a) a circuit responsive to signals provided by said the position sensing subsystem to provide an key-identifying signal indicating that a particular key in the visual representation of said plurality of keys has been selected by the operator; said the circuit providing a first type called key-identifying signal when signals from the position sensing subsystem indicate an upper portion of a key is being selected and a second type of key-identifying signal when signals from the position sensing subsystem indicate a lower portion of a key is being selected, and (b) display control logic responsive to the key-identifying signal to alter the visual representation of the selected key by enlarging said the visual representation and by changing said visual representation to have the appearance of a depressed key, said enlargement and change in the visual representation of the selected key occuring substantially simultaneously and said altered visual representation providing visual confirmation of the key selection, said display control logic further including color controlling logic for changing the coloration of the visual representation of the selected key to provide further visual confirmation of the key selection.