Patent ID: 6076133
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G06F,H03M

Abstract:
A computer system that includes an array of buttons for selecting certain system functions, said system comprising:at least one initially low voltage line;at least one initially high voltage line;an array of switches, wherein each switch is associated with one of said buttons and each of said switches connects electrically to one of said low voltage lines and to one of said high voltage lines;wherein said one of said low voltage lines and said one of said high voltage lines are not electrically connected in their steady states, but are electrically connected when said associated switch is activated; anda line state detector connected to said low voltage lines and to said high voltage lines, said line state detector configured to determine which button of said array of buttons has been depressed by placing fewer than all of the low voltage lines into a high-impedance state at the same time.