Abstract:
The present invention comprises both a system and a method for mechanically depressing a key of an underlying keyboard in response to a user input. The system preferably comprises a computer system and a mechanical interface device. The mechanical interface preferable mounts on top of the underlying keyboard and preferably includes a three dimensional representational object configured for manipulation by the user. This computer system preferably comprises a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and the underlying keyboard coupled to the processor. The computer system preferably shows a corresponding image in response to manipulation of the three dimensional representational object by the user. By utilizing the three dimensional representational object instead of a keyboard as the user&#39;s interface, the present invention gives the user a simpler, more realistic computer interface. Further, the present invention allows the existing computer system with the processor, display and keyboard to be conveniently and inexpensively customized for specific applications by placing the mechanical interface device over the existing keyboard and properly configuring the processor. These are various applications for the present invention which include in part: providing realistic and entertaining games for the user, teaching young children coordination and other skills, and training users for specific occupations.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is with U.S. application Ser. No. 09/019,489, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,817, which was filed Feb. 4, 1998, is titled “KEYBOARD INTERFACE DEVICE,” and is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of mechanical interface devices for use with an underlying keyboard. More particularly, this invention relates to mechanical interface devices that include a three dimensional representational object configured for manipulation by a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of computer keyboards is well known in the art. Typically, standard computer keyboards are electrically connected to a personal computer and utilized as an input device to efficiently enter data. For those people that possess the requisite dexterity and are skilled in typing, standard computer keyboards are well suited for quickly inputting text. However, the standard computer keyboard is not well suited for young children with limited dexterity or those not skilled at typing. 
     Today with the growth of more powerful and less expensive computers, there is an increase in graphically based applications. There are more software applications that interactively display virtual objects which represent real objects that are controlled by the user for both education and entertainment. 
     For example, a software application is capable of displaying a virtual warehouse environment which includes a virtual forklift. This particular software application preferably allows the user to control this virtual forklift like a real forklift. Further, the virtual forklift interacts with other objects in the virtual warehouse environment similar to the real forklift interacting with real objects in a real warehouse. By practicing on the virtual forklift, a user with no knowledge of forklifts is able to learn how to operate a real forklift without the expense and danger of practicing on a real forklift. Further, at the same time, this software also entertains the user by showing the realistic interactions between the virtual forklift and objects within the virtual warehouse environment. 
     Unfortunately, in many interactive applications, like the virtual forklift example above, the standard computer keyboard fails to provide the user with a realistic interface with the interactive software application. In particular, to the user, the standard keyboard does not appear as a virtual control to operate the virtual forklift. As a result, the standard keyboard does not act as a representational object in these interactive applications. Instead, this standard keyboard appears as simply an ordinary computer keyboard. 
     As an alternative to the standard keyboard, the use of peripheral input devices such as a joystick, mouse, and trackball which electrically couple to a personal computer are also well known in the art. Although these peripheral input devices offer alternatives to the standard computer keyboard, these peripheral devices are costly to purchase and maintain because of their inherent electronic complexity. Further, the joystick, mouse, and trackball are not realistic representational objects in interactive applications. Similar to the standard keyboard, these peripheral devices fail to provide the user with a realistic interface with interactive software applications. In reference to the forklift example described above, to the user, these peripheral devices do not appear as virtual controls to operate the virtual forklift. Instead, these peripheral devices appear as the respective joystick, mouse, and trackball. 
     Mechanical joystick devices which mechanically couple to an underlying keyboard are also well known in the art. While these mechanical joystick devices are simpler than their electronic counterparts, these mechanical joystick devices fail to provide the user with a realistic interface with interactive software applications. Similar to the electronically coupled joystick, the mechanical joystick device fails to appear as a representational object of the virtual object displayed by the software application. Instead, the mechanical joystick device appears an ordinary joystick. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,319 issued to Satloff on Sep. 16, 1997, teaches a mechanical keyboard interface device with enlarged, decorative buttons. Each enlarged, decorative button has a flat top surface. Additionally, each button has two dimensional pictures of objects on top of the flat top surface. However, this interface device, as taught in the Satloff reference, fails to provide the user with a realistic, three dimensional representational interface to interact with software applications. These buttons taught by the Satloff reference have merely a two dimensional surface. For example, a two dimensional picture showing a face of a cat over one of the buttons is shown in the Satloff reference. Accordingly, this particular button showing the face of the cat is not a three dimensional representation of a virtual cat. 
     What is needed is a mechanical interface device for use with an underlying keyboard. Further, what is needed is an interface device that utilizes a three dimensional representational object that is manipulated by a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises both a system and a method for mechanically depressing a key of an underlying keyboard in response to a user input. The system preferably comprises a computer system and a mechanical interface device. The mechanical interface preferably mounts on top of the underlying keyboard and preferably includes a three dimensional representational object configured for manipulation by the user. This computer system preferably comprises a processor with a sound output, a display coupled to the processor, and the underlying keyboard coupled to the processor. The computer system preferably shows a corresponding image in response to manipulation of the three dimensional object by the user. 
     Preferably, the mechanical interface device includes a depressing mechanism coupled to the three dimensional representational object. This mechanical interface device is positioned to mechanically articulate a key on the underlying keyboard. Each three dimensional object preferably corresponds to a single particular key of the underlying keyboard. Further, this depressing mechanism preferably receives an input from the three dimensional object, and based upon this input, the depressing mechanism either depresses or releases this particular key of the underlying keyboard. In use, the mechanical interface device selectively depresses and releases a particular key of the underlying keyboard in response to the user manipulating the three dimensional object. 
     The processor preferably receives input from the underlying keyboard which is coupled to the mechanical interface device. Based upon this input from the underlying keyboard which preferably originates from the user manipulating the three dimensional representational object, the processor preferably generates a corresponding sound output and a corresponding image which is shown on the display. This corresponding sound output and image which is generated by the processor directly relates to the user&#39;s manipulation of the three dimensional representational object. 
     By utilizing the three representational dimensional object instead of a keyboard as the user&#39;s interface, the present invention gives the user a simpler, more realistic computer interface. Further, the present invention allows the existing computer system with the processor, display, and underlying keyboard to be conveniently and inexpensively customized for specific applications by placing the mechanical interface device over the existing keyboard and properly configuring the processor. There are various applications for the present invention which include in part: providing realistic and entertaining games for the user, teaching young children coordination and related skills, and training users for specific occupations. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a user with a mechanical interface device that fits over an existing keyboard wherein the user manipulates a three dimensional representational object to activate a particular key on the underlying keyboard instead of directly depressing this particular key. It is another object of the present invention to generate a corresponding sound input and show a corresponding image on the display in response to the user manipulating the three dimensional representational object. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a QRTY keyboard. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a left perspective view of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a right perspective view of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway view the base of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed schematic of the spring assembly as shown in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 5B illustrates a detailed drawing of an alternate actuator embodiment of the spring assembly shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 5C illustrates a detailed schematic of a first alternate spring embodiment of the spring assembly shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 5D illustrates a detailed schematic of a second alternate spring embodiment of the spring assembly shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 5E illustrates a detailed schematic of a third alternate spring embodiment of the spring assembly shown in FIG. 5A in a depressed state. 
     FIG. 5F illustrates the detailed schematic of the third alternate spring embodiment shown in FIG. 5C in a resting state. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed cutaway view of the sprayer as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 7A illustrates a detailed side view of the saw as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 7D illustrates a perspective view of the preferred saw as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 7C illustrates a detailed side view of all alternate saw. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed cutaway view of the drill as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 9A illustrates a detailed perspective view of the screw as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom view of the screw as shown in FIG.  9 A. 
     FIG. 9C illustrates the cam portion of the screw as shown in FIG.  9 A. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the nail as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary depressing mechanism for the alternate embodiment 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a cutaway view of the base of the alternate embodiment of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises both a system for and a method of mechanically depressing a key of an underlying keyboard in response to a user. The system preferably comprises a computer system and a mechanical interface device which mounts over an underlying keyboard. The present invention mechanically interfaces with the underlying keyboard. By utilizing this mechanical interface, the present invention is configured to function with a variety of existing keyboards. Further, since the present invention utilizes no electronic components, the present invention is also preferably inexpensive to produce. 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram showing the components of the present invention. The computer system comprises a processor  4 , a display  2 , and an underlying keyboard  6 . The display  2  is coupled to the processor  4  and is configured to receive an image from the processor  4 . The display  2  shows this image utilizing conventional display techniques. The underlying keyboard  6  is also coupled to the processor  4 . However, the keyboard  6  provides the processor  4  with an input signal. As is known, this input signal depends on whether a particular key  7  of the keyboard  6  is depressed. The processor  4  preferably generates the image which is sent to and shown on the display  2 . Further, the processor  4  preferably generates this image in response to the input signal received from the underlying keyboard  6 . 
     Preferably, a mechanical interface device  8  attaches over the underlying keyboard  6 . This interface device  8  includes a depressing mechanism coupled to a three dimensional representational object. Preferably, the three dimensional representational object represents a real object and is configured to be manipulated by the user. For example, the three dimensional representational object that is part of the interface device  8  may be a toy saw which appears and is manipulated like a real saw. Detailed examples of three dimensional representational objects that are utilized with the interface device  8  are described in the embodiments which follow below. 
     In use, this mechanical interface device  8  is preferably coupled to the underlying keyboard  6 . A particular three dimensional representational object preferably corresponds to a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6 . For example, when this particular three dimensional representational object is appropriately manipulated by the user, the interface device  8  is configured such that the depressing mechanism depresses this particular key of the underlying keyboard  6 . In other words, this depressing mechanism preferably receives an input from the three dimensional representational object, and based upon this input, the depressing mechanism either depresses or releases this particular key of the underlying keyboard  6 . In use, the mechanical interface device  8  selectively depresses and releases a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  in response to the user manipulating the three dimensional representational object. 
     The processor  4  preferably receives an input from the underlying keyboard  6  which is coupled to the mechanical interface device  8 . Based upon this input, which preferably originates from the user manipulating the three dimensional representational object, the processor  4  preferably generates a corresponding sound output and a corresponding image which is shown on the display  2 . Preferably, this corresponding sound output and image directly relates to the user&#39;s manipulation of the three dimensional representational object which is coupled to the mechanical interface device. 
     FIG. 1B illustrates a sample QRTY keyboard  1 . The keyboard  1  is preferably configured such that a plurality of number keys  3  is placed towards the top edge of the keyboard  1 . This QRTY keyboard  1  is shown only for exemplary purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The following embodiments described below and shown in FIGS. 2-13 each illustrate details of the present invention as interactive toys for young children. However, these embodiments are only exemplary and should not limit the scope of the present invention. For instance, the present invention may also be configured to be utilized as a training tool for various occupations such as heavy equipment operators, surgeons, dentists, and pilots. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a toy workshop device  10  which comprises the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toy workshop  10  has an external housing  30  and a base  12 . Preferably, the toy workshop device  10  is configured to fit on top of an underlying keyboard such as the keyboard  6  as shown in FIG.  1 . More particularly, the base  12  preferably engages the underlying keyboard such that the toy workshop  10  and the underlying keyboard are coupled together. 
     As can be seen in FIG. 2, the toy workshop  10  houses a variety of three dimensional representational objects which comprise a saw  14 , screw  16 , nail  18 , sander  20 , screwdriver  22 , hammer  24 , sprayer  26 , and drill  28 . The saw  14 , screw  16 , nail  18 , sander  20 , sprayer  26 , and drill  28  are coupled to the toy workshop  10 . In contrast, the screwdriver  22  and the hammer  24  are preferably removably held in the toy workshop  10 . Further, a button  31  preferably forms a portion of the external housing  30 . The user preferably depresses the button  31  when assistance is needed. 
     Preferably, the screw  16 , nail  18 , sander  20 , screwdriver  22 , hammer  24 , sprayer  26 , and drill  28  are three dimensional representational toy objects that appear realistic to the user. The screwdriver  22  and the hammer  24  preferably function in a similar manner as a real screwdriver and hammer would function. Further, the screwdriver  22  and the hammer  24  are preferably designed to interact with the screw  16  and the nail  18 , respectively. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates a right perspective view of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway view of the base  12  of the toy workshop  10  such that internal components of the base  12  are revealed. Preferably, each representational object (ie. saw  14 , screw  16 , nail  18 , sander  20 , screwdriver  22 , hammer  24 , sprayer  26 , and drill  28 ) has an underlying corresponding depressing mechanism and is also coupled to this corresponding depressing mechanism. For example, a depressing mechanism  32  corresponds to the screw  16 , a depressing mechanism  36  corresponds to the nail  18 , a depressing mechanism  38  corresponds to the sander  20 , a depressing mechanism  40  corresponds to the sprayer  26 , a depressing mechanism  42  corresponds to the drill  28 , a depressing mechanism  44  corresponds to the button  31 , and a depressing mechanism  46  corresponds to the saw  14 . Preferably, each of these underlying depressing mechanisms is located below their respective objects and above the underlying keyboard  6 . In other words, each depressing mechanism preferably acts as a connector between each representational object and the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6 . Each spring preferably prevents the corresponding key from being depressed when the representational object is not manipulated appropriately. Conversely, when the representational object is appropriately manipulated, each corresponding depressing mechanism preferably depresses the corresponding, underlying key. 
     FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed drawing of a spring assembly  700  that is preferably utilized as the depressing mechanisms  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44 . The spring assembly  700  comprises a secondary spring  710 , a contact  720 , a primary spring  730 , an actuator  740 , and a PVC portion  750 . The primary spring  730  and the secondary spring  710  is preferably a coil type of spring constructed of either metal or plastic. Preferably, the primary spring  730  has a lower spring constant k than the secondary spring  710 . The PVC portion  750  forms a portion of the actuator  740  which depresses a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6 . 
     In use, the contact  720  receives an outside force preferably from the user manipulating a particular representational object or depressing the button  31 . When the outside force is less than a predetermined level to depress a corresponding underlying key, the primary spring  730  preferably prevents the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6  from being accidentally depressed by urging the PVC portion  750  away from the underlying keyboard  6 . When the outside force is not sufficient to depress the corresponding underlying key, the secondary spring  710  is preferably not compressed. 
     When the outside force equals or exceeds this predetermined level to depress the corresponding underlying key, the primary spring  730  preferably compresses and lowers the actuator  740 . As a result, the PVC portion  750  depresses the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6 . The PVC portion  750  is configured to securely grip the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard. 
     Additionally, the secondary spring  710  is preferably coupled between the contact  720  and the actuator  740 . When the PVC portion  750  is depressing the underlying key, the secondary spring  710  preferably prevents the PVC portion  750  from transferring too much of the outside force to the underlying key and possibly damaging this underlying key. Preferably, the secondary spring  710  absorbs this excess force directed to the underlying key from the PVC portion  750  when this corresponding key is already fully depressed. When the underlying key is already fully depressed and there is additional outside force, the secondary spring  710  preferably compresses to absorb this additional downward force thereby preventing the PVC portion  750  from exerting additional downward force on the fully depressed, underlying key. 
     FIG. 5B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the actuator described in FIG.  5 A. An adjustable actuator  800  preferably includes a threaded portion  810  and a rotatable portion  820 . The rotatable portion  820  is configured to engage the threaded portion  810 . A contact  830  receives the outside force and transfers the force to the adjustable actuator  800 . The rotatable portion  820  preferably depresses the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6 . The adjustable actuator  800  is configured to allow the user to adjust the distance between the rotatable portion  820  and the corresponding underlying key. The rotatable portion  820  is configured to adjust the distance between the adjustable actuator  800  and the underlying keyboard  6  by rotating the rotatable portion clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect to the threaded portion  810 , respectively. This allows the adjustable actuator  800  to fully depress an underlying key while preventing it from incurring any damage hereto. 
     FIG. 5C illustrates a detailed drawing of a first alternate spring assembly  100  that are configured to be utilized as the depressing mechanisms  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44 . The spring assembly  100  comprises a spring  104 , an actuator  106 , a contact  102 , a protective cushion  108 , and a pair of feet  110  which form the lower part of the spring  104 . Preferably, the spring assembly  100  is made of a flexible, resilient material such as silicon rubber. 
     In use, the contact  102  preferably receives an outside force preferably from the user manipulating a particular representational object or depressing the button  31 . Preferably, the contact  102  directs this outside force to the spring  104 . When the outside force is less than a predetermined level to depress a corresponding underlying key, the spring  104  preferably prevents the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6  from being accidentally depressed by urging the actuator  106  away from the underlying keyboard  6 . When the outside force equals or exceeds this predetermined level to depress the corresponding underlying key, the spring  104  preferably compresses and lowers the actuator  106  to depress the corresponding underlying key. In either case whether the outside force is less than or greater than the predetermined level to depress the underlying key, the pair of feet  110  are preferably in contact with the toy workshop  10  and preferably withstand the outside force exerted on the spring  104 . 
     Further, when the actuator  106  makes contact with the corresponding underlying key, the actuator preferably grips this underlying key to prevent the actuator  106  from slipping away from the underlying key. Preferably, this actuator  106  has a bottom surface  107  that presses against the underlying key when the actuator  106  is depressing the same. The bottom surface  107  is preferably flat to maximize the ability of the actuator  106  to grip underlying keys which are contoured. 
     Additionally, the protective cushion  108  is preferably mounted between the contact  102  and the actuator  106 . When the actuator is depressing the underlying key, the protective cushion  108  preferably prevents the actuator  106  from transferring too much of the outside force to the underlying key and possibly damaging this underlying key. Preferably, the protective cushion  108  absorbs this excess force directed to the underlying key from the contact  102 . When the underlying key is already fully depressed and the contact  102  further compresses the spring  104  which pushes the actuator  106  further downward, the protective cushion  108  preferably deforms to absorb thing additional downward movement thereby preventing the actuator  106  from exerting additional downward force on the fully depressed, underlying key. 
     FIG. 5D illustrates a second alternate spring assembly  112  in place of the preferred spring assembly  700  described above and shown in FIG.  5 A. The spring assembly  112  comprises a spring  118 , an actuator  116 , and a contact  114 . Preferably, the spring assembly  112  is made of a flexible, resilient material such as silicon rubber. 
     In use, the contact  114  preferably receives an outside force preferably from the user manipulating a particular representational object or depressing the button  31 . Preferably, the contact  114  directs this outside force to the spring assembly  112 . When the outside force is less than a predetermined level to depress a corresponding underlying key, the spring  118  preferably prevents the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6  from being accidentally depressed by urging the actuator  116  away from the underlying keyboard  6 . When the outside force equals or exceeds this predetermined level to depress the corresponding underlying key, the spring  118  preferably compresses and lowers the actuator  116  to depress the corresponding underlying key. 
     Further, when the actuator  116  makes contact with the corresponding underlying key, the actuator preferably grips this underlying key to prevent the actuator  116  from slipping away from the underlying key. The actuator  116  is preferably sufficiently flexible such that the actuator  116  protects the prevents excessive force from reaching the underlying key thus protecting the underlying key from potential damage. Like the protective cushion  108 , the actuator  116  preferably deforms to absorb this excess force to protect the underlying key. 
     FIGS  5 E and  5 F illustrate a third alternate spring assembly  119  in place of the preferred spring assembly  700  described above and shown in FIG.  5 A. The spring assembly includes: a contact  127 , a spring  123 , and an actuator  121 . Similar to the preferred spring assembly  100 , the contact  127  receives an outside force preferably from the user manipulating a particular representational object or depressing the button  31 . The spring  123  is a coil type of spring made from either plastic or metal and is coupled to the contact  127 . Further, the actuator  121  is coupled to the contact  127  and is configured for selectively depressing a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  depending on the outside force received by the contact  127 . 
     FIG. 5E illustrates the spring assembly  119  in a depressed state. In this depressed state, there is sufficient force to depress the contact  127  which in turn, compresses the spring  123 . As a result, the actuator  121  depresses the key of the underlying keyboard  6 . 
     FIG. 5F illustrates the spring assembly  119  in a resting state. In this resting state, the outside force received by the contact  127  is not sufficient to compress the spring  123 . As a result, the actuator  121  does not contact the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed cutaway diagram of the sprayer  26 . A shell  120  preferably gives the appearance of a real sprayer and houses various internal parts of the sprayer  26 . The shell  120  preferably houses a primary vertical connector  128 , a pair of primary stoppers  140 , a primary guide  142 , a lever  130 , a secondary vertical connector  132 , a secondary stopper  136 , a secondary guide  138 , a limiter  141 , and a spring  134 . Further, a handle  126  preferably forms an integral part of the shell  120  wherein the handle  125  preferably has a slot  124  to receive the primary vertical connector  128 . Preferably, a trigger  122  is hingedly attached to the shell  120  and configured such that the trigger  122  is aligned with the handle  126 , and the trigger  122  contacts with the primary vertical connector  128 . Further, the shell  120  also preferably has an aperture  138  for receiving the secondary vertical connector  132 . 
     The pair of primary stoppers  140  are preferably attached to the primary vertical connector  128  such that the pair of primary stoppers  140  retain the primary vertical connector  128  engaged with the slot  124  and the primary guide  142 . Preferably, the pair of primary stoppers  140  prevents the primary vertical connector  128  from rising above a first upper limit position by contacting the handle  126  and from going below a first lower limit by contacting the primary guide  142 . Further, the secondary stopper  136  is preferably attached to the secondary vertical connector  132  such that the secondary stopper  136  retains the secondary vertical connector  132  engaged with the aperture  138 . The secondary stopper  136  preferably contacts the secondary guide  138  when the secondary vertical connector  132  reaches a second upper limit. Finally, the limiter  141  is preferably attached to the lever  130  such that the limiter  141  retains the secondary vertical connector  132  when engaged with the secondary guide  138 . Further, the limiter  141  preferably contacts the secondary guide  138  when the secondary vertical connector  132  reaches a second lower limit. The lever  130  is hingedly connected to the shell  120  at a position  133 . 
     In use, to activate the sprayer  26 , a user squeezes the trigger  122  towards the handle  126 , thereby depressing the trigger  122 . By depressing the trigger  122 , the trigger  122  preferably depresses the primary vertical connector  128  downwards. Preferably, the primary guide  142  and the slot  124  through the handle  126  guides the primary vertical connector  128  in a vertical direction. As the primary vertical connector  128  moves in a downward direction, the primary vertical connector  128  preferably depresses the lever  130 . As a result, the secondary guide  138  and the aperture  138  preferably guide the secondary vertical connector  132  as the lever  130  depresses the secondary vertical connector  132 . As the secondary vertical connector  132  is depressed, the spring  134  is also preferably compressed. Finally, the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the sprayer  26  is preferably depressed by the downward moving secondary vertical connector  132 . In sum, when the user appropriately manipulates the sprayer  26  by preferably squeezing the trigger  122 , the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the sprayer  26  is depressed. 
     When no force is applied to the sprayer  26  by a user, the trigger  122  preferably contacts a first end of the primary vertical connector  128 . Further, a second end of the primary vertical connector  128  preferably contacts the lever  130 . Additionally, a first end of the secondary vertical connector  132  preferably contacts the lever  130 . Preferably, the spring  134  urges a second end of the secondary vertical connector  132  away from an underlying key. However, even with the spring  134 , the second end of the secondary vertical connector  132  may contact the underlying key in response to manipulation of the sprayer  26 . It is important to note that although the spring  134  is part of the preferred embodiment, the spring  134  is not necessary for the sprayer  26  to properly operate. In addition to the spring  134 , the depressing mechanism  40  also urges the second end of the secondary vertical connector  132  away from the underlying key. 
     The processor  4  preferably generates a corresponding, related sound and image of the sprayer  26  in response to whether the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the sprayer  26  is either depressed or upright. This corresponding, related and image of the sprayer  26  is preferably shown on the display  2 . Further, the corresponding sound is generated by the processor  4 . 
     Further, the lever  130  as shown in FIG. 6 is preferably configured to act as a multiplier. The user preferably manipulates the trigger  122  which moves the primary vertical connector  128 . Because of the location of the primary vertical connector  128  and the secondary vertical connector  132  relative to the location  133  where the lever  130  is hingedly coupled to the shell  120 , the lever  130  multiplies the movement of the primary vertical connector  128  and transfers this multiplied movement to the secondary vertical connector  132 . In an alternate embodiment, the lever  130  may be configured to act as a reducer. For the lever  130  to act as a reducer, the secondary vertical connector  132  would preferably be located between the primary vertical connector  128  and the location  133  where the lever  130  is hingedly coupled to the shell  120 . 
     FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of the saw  14  of the preferred embodiment. A handle portion  150  is preferably coupled to a blade portion  152  of the saw  14 . The handle portion  150  allows a user to comfortably grasp the saw  14 . The blade portion  152  preferably simulates the appearance of a real blade by utilizing a plurality of fake teeth  151  attached to the blade portion  152 . Preferably, the plurality of fake teeth  151  are dull and pose no safety risks to the user. Preferably, an engagement tab  158  is attached to the blade portion  152 . This engagement tab  158  couples the saw  14  to the base  12  and are preferably configured to allow the saw  14  to slidably move relative to the base  12 . 
     Further, a curved actuator  154  is preferably attached to the blade portion  152 . Preferably, a cap  156  is coupled to the base  12  and configured to engage the curved actuator  154 . In use, the saw  14  preferably slides in two directions. As the saw  14  moves, the curved actuator  154  preferably contacts the cap  156  and also depressed the cap  156  in a vertical motion downward toward the base  12 . The curved actuator  154  in conjunction with the cap  156  preferably translates the horizontal motion of the saw  14  relative to the base  12  into the vertical motion of the cap  156 . It is important to note that in alternate embodiments, the slope of the curved actuator  154  and the corresponding cap  156  may be made flatter to provide a more gradual downward movement in relation to the horizontal motion of the saw  14 . Conversely, the slope of the curved actuator  154  and the corresponding cap  156  may be made steeper to provide a quicker, more immediate downward movement in relation to the horizontal motion of the saw  14 . 
     The cap  156  is preferably coupled to the depressing mechanism  46  such that the cap  156  provides the depressing mechanism  46  with a downward force when the cap  156  is depressed. Further, when the depressing mechanism  46  receives this downward force, the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the saw  14  is preferably depressed. The depressing mechanism  46  also preferably urges the cap  156  upwards to return to its original, upright position when the curved actuator  154  is not contacting the cap  156 . 
     FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the saw  14 . The housing  12  preferably utilizes a track  160  to allow the saw  14  to slide in two directions in a controlled manner by guiding the blade portion  152  and by gripping the engagement tab  158 . Further, two stoppers  162  and  164  are preferably coupled to the track  160  and limit the distance the saw  14  is able to travel. For example, the stopper  162  preferably contacts the engagement tab  158  when the handle portion  150  is farthest away from the track  160 . On the other hand, the stopper  164  preferably contacts the engagement tab  158  when the handle portion  150  is closest to the track  160 . 
     The processor  4  preferably generates a corresponding, related sound and image of the saw  14  in response to whether the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the saw  14  is either depressed or upright. This corresponding, related image of the saw  14  is preferably shown on the display  2 . Further, the corresponding sound is generated by the processor  4 . 
     FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of a saw  1000 . The saw  1000  is an alternate embodiment of the saw  14  disclosed in FIGS. 7A and 7B. For the sake of clarity, common elements found in the saw  14  and the saw  1000  share common reference numbers. For example, the handle portion  150 , the blade portion  152 , the plurality of fake teeth  151 , and the tab portion  158  are shared among the saw  1000  and the saw  14 . 
     A semi-circle engagement portion  1010  is preferably coupled to the blade portion  152  of the saw  1000 . A lever  1020  is hingedly coupled to the base  12  and configured to engage the semi-circle engagement portion  1010 . In use, the saw  1000  preferably slides in two directions. As the saw  1000  moves, the semi-circle engagement portion  1010  preferably contacts the lever  1020  and also depressed the lever  1020  in a downward motion toward the base  12 . The semi-circle engagement portion  1010  in conjunction with the lever  1020  preferably translates the horizontal motion of the saw  1000  relative to the base  12  into the downward motion of the lever  1020 . 
     The lever  1020  is preferably coupled to the depressing mechanism  46  such that the lever  1020  provides the depressing mechanism  46  with a downward force when the lever  1020  is depressed. Further, when the depressing mechanism  46  receives this downward force, the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the saw  1000  is preferably depressed. The depressing mechanism  46  also preferably urges the lever  1020  upwards to return to its original, upright position when the semi-circle engagement portion  1010  is not depressing the lever  1020 . 
     The sander  20  is preferably implemented in the same manner as described above for the saw  14  and the saw  1000 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed cutaway view of the drill  28 . Preferably, the drill  28  has a drill housing  176  which is coupled to the base  12 . Preferably, a handle  170  is rotatably coupled to the drill housing  176  such that the user may rotate a first end of the handle  170  relative to the drill housing  176 . Preferably, a cam  172  is attached to a second end of the handle  170 . Further, a first end of a vertical connector  174  preferably contacts the cam  172 , and a second end of the vertical connector  174  preferably couples the depressing mechanism  42 . The cam  172  contacts the vertical connector  174  at two different positions: an “on” position  180  and an “off” position  178 . When the cam  172  contacts the vertical connector  174  at the “on” position  180 , the vertical connector  174  preferably moves downward and depresses the depressing mechanism  42  such that the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the drill  28  is depressed. When the cam  172  contacts the vertical connector  174  at the “off” position  180 , the vertical connector  174  preferably does not depress the depressing mechanism  42 . 
     In use, when the cam  172  contacts the vertical connector  174  at the “off” position  178 , the vertical connector  174  does not depress the depressing mechanism  42 . As a result, the depressing mechanism  42  is also preferably not depressing the particular key related to the drill  28 . Further, while in the “off” position  178 , the depressing mechanism  42  preferably urges the vertical connector  174  towards the cam  172  and prevents the particular key related to the drill  28  from being depressed. 
     Preferably, when the first end of the handle  170  is turned by the user, the handle  170  rotates relative to the drill housing  176 . As the handle  170  rotates, the cam  172  preferably rotates as well. When the handle  170  is rotated by the user such that the cam  172  contacts the vertical connector  174  at the “on” position  178 , the vertical connector  174  preferably moves downward and depresses the depressing mechanism  42 . When the depressing mechanism  42  is depressed, the actuator preferably depresses the particular key related to the drill  28 . 
     The processor  4  preferably generates a corresponding, related sound and image of the drill  28  in response to whether the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the drill  28  is either depressed or upright. This corresponding, related image of the drill  28  is preferably shown on the display  2 . Further, the corresponding sound is generated by the processor  4 . 
     It is important to note that a transition between the “on” position  180  and the “off” position  178  of the cam  172  preferably varies with the configuration of the drill  28 . In general, a quicker transition between the off position  178  and the on position  180  results in greater required user force to turn the handle  170  in order to activate the drill  28  and a shorter rotation of the handle  170  to change between the “off” position  178  and the “on” position  180 . Conversely, a slower transition between the “off” position  178  and the “on” position  180  results in less force to turn the handle  170  to activate the drill  28 , and a longer rotation of the handle  170  is needed to change between the “off” position  178  and the “on” position  180 . 
     FIG. 9A shows a top perspective view of the screw  16 . A screw head  200  preferably forms the visible portion of the screw above the housing  12 . Preferably, the screw head  200  is configured such that the screwdriver  22  engages the screw head  200  and rotates the screw  16  relative to the base  12 . However, it would be obvious to utilize another device equivalent to the screwdriver  12  or the user&#39;s hands to turn the screw  16 . A pair of collars  204  preferably partially surrounds the screw  16  and preferably forms a portion of the screw  16  that contacts a cam housing  206  (shown in FIG. 9C.) Preferably, the pair of collars  204  is coupled the cam housing  206 . 
     FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the screw  16 . A pair of engagement latches  202  wherein each engagement latch is located preferably between each of the pair of collars  204 . Further, the pair of engagement latches  202  and the pair of collars  204  preferably lock onto the cam housing  206  such that the cam housing  206  rotates with the screw  16 . Additionally, the pair of engagement latches  202  is preferably coupled to the base  12  such that the screw  16  is rotatably coupled to the base  12 . 
     FIG. 9C shows the cam housing  206 . Preferably, the cam housing  206  includes two cams  208  and  210 . Depending on the rotational position of the screw  16  relative to the base  12 , these cams  208  and  210  preferably depress the depressing mechanism  34 . In this preferred embodiment, the cam housing  206  comprises two cams  208  and  210 . However, it would be obvious to utilize one cam or more than two cams on the cam housing  206 . 
     In use, when the screw  16  is stationary, the coupled cams  208  and  210  may depress the depressing mechanism  34  depending on the rotational position of the cams  208  and  210 . When the screw  16  is rotated relative to the base  12 , the cams  208  and  210  preferably, in turn, depress the depressing mechanism  34 . By depressing the depressing mechanism  34 , the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the screw  16  is preferably depresses as well. The screw  16  preferably translates the rotational motion relative to the base  12  provided by the user into vertical motion as the cams  208  and  210  depress the depressing mechanism  34 . 
     The processor  4  preferably generates a corresponding, related sound and image of the screw  16  in response to whether the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the screw  16  is either depressed or upright. This corresponding, related image of the screw  16  is preferably shown on the display  2 . Further, the corresponding sound is generated by the processor  4 . 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the nail  18 . The nail  18  preferably comprises a head portion  226 , a vertical connector  222 , a guide  220 , and a channel  224 . Preferably, the head portion  226  is configured for being contacted by the hammer  24 . However, it would be obvious to utilize another device equivalent to the hammer  24  or simply the user&#39;s hands to press down the nail  18 . Further, the head portion  226  also preferably couples to a first end of the vertical connector  222 . Preferably, a second end of the vertical connector  222  preferably resides in close proximity to the depressing mechanism  36 . The vertical connector  222  preferably incorporates the channel  224  along the length of the vertical connector  222 . Preferably, the guide  220  is coupled to the base  12  and has a notch wherein the guide  220  is configured to receive and stabilize the vertical connector  222 . Further, when the guide  220  engages the vertical connector  222 , the notch preferably engages the channel  224  and is configured such that the notch slides within the channel  224 . Thus, the vertical connector  222  preferably moves vertically within the guide  220  relative to the base  12 , and the notch is preferably engaged within the channel  224  such that the vertical connector  222  preferably has a limited range of vertical movement. 
     In use, when the head portion  226  of the nail  18  is not depressed by an outside force, the depressing mechanism  36  urges the nail  18  to attain an upright position. When the nail  18  is in this upright position, the notch in engagement within the channel  224  preferably limits the upward travel of the nail  18 , and at the same time, the depressing mechanism  36  is preferably not depressing the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the nail  18 . Conversely, when the head portion  226  of the nail  18  is depressed downward by an outside force, the depressing mechanism  36  preferably depresses the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the nail  18 . Preferably, the notch engaged within the channel  224  limits the downward travel of the nail  18 . 
     The processor  4  preferably generates a corresponding, related sound and image of the nail  18  in response to whether the particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the nail  18  is either depressed or upright. This corresponding, related image of the nail  18  is preferably shown on the display  2 . Further, the corresponding sound is generated by the processor  4 . 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a Star Wars™ playset device  300  which comprises the first alternate embodiment of the present invention. The Star Wars™ playset device  300  is preferably coupled on top of the underlying keyboard  6 . When a user activates specific three dimensional representational objects of the Star Wars™ playset device  300 , a particular corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6  is preferably depressed. The Star Wars™ playset device  300  preferably includes a base  305  which is coupled to the three dimensional representational objects. The three dimensional representational objects of the Star Wars™ playset device  300  include a stationary platform  380 , a toy gun  320 , a first seat  310 , a second seat  350 , a third seat  360 , a fire button  390 , a pair of throttle levers  370 , a navigational button  395 , a first moveable platform  330 , and a second moveable platform  340 . 
     FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary depressing mechanism  400  for use in the Star Wars™ playset device  300 . This depressing mechanism  400  is preferably configured in to depress a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  in response to the three dimensional representational objects such as the seat ( 310 ,  350 ,  360 ), the first moveable platform  330 , the second moveable platform  340 , the fire button  390 , and the pair of throttle levers  370 . The depressing mechanism  400  preferably comprises a spring  440 , a lever  430 , a connector  420 , a post  460 , and an actuator  470 . 
     When a particular three dimensional object activates the depressing mechanism  400 , the object preferably depresses the connector  420 . For the depressing mechanism  400  to function properly, a first end  410  of the lever  430  is preferably hingedly coupled to the base  305 . Further, the spring  440  and the actuator  470  are preferably coupled to a second end  450  of the lever  430 . Between the first end  410  and the second end  450  of the lever  430 , the post  460  is preferably securely coupled to the base  305 . Further, the connector  420  is preferably slideably coupled to the post  460  and preferably engages the post  460  such that the post  460  guides the connector  420  along the length of the post  460 . Preferably, the connector  420  is slidably coupled to the lever  430 . 
     In use, the three dimensional object preferably activates the depressing mechanism  400  by pressing downward on the connector  420 . In turn, the connector  420  preferably applies a downward force on the lever  430 . As the lever  430  receives this downward force, the second end  450  of the lever  430  rotates towards the base  305  and around the hingedly coupled first end  410  of the lever  430 . As the second end  450  of the lever  430  rotates toward the base  305 , the connector  420  preferably slides vertically downward toward the base  305  while guided by the post  460  and additionally preferably slides along the length of the lever  430 . Further, the spring  446  preferably compresses when the second end  450  of the lever  430  rotates towards the base  305 . Preferably, as the spring  440  compresses, the actuator  470  moves towards and eventually depresses a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6 . 
     FIG. 13 illustrate a cutaway view of the base  305  of the Star Wars™ playset device  300  such that internal components of the base  305  are revealed. Preferably, each representational object (ie. stationary platform  380 , toy gun  320 , first seat  310 , second seat  350 , third seat  360 , fire button  390 , pair of throttle levers  370 , first moveable platform  330 , and second moveable platform  340 ) has an underlying corresponding depressing mechanism and is also coupled to this corresponding depressing mechanism. For example, a depressing mechanism  500  corresponds to the first seat  310 , a depressing mechanism  510  corresponds to the first moveable platform  330 , a depressing mechanism  520  corresponds to the second seat  350 , a depressing mechanism  530  corresponds to the navigational button  395 , a depressing mechanism  540  corresponds to the fire button  390 , a depressing mechanism  550  corresponds to the pair of throttle levers  370 , a depressing mechanism  560  corresponds to the third seat  360 , and a depressing mechanism  570  corresponds to the second moveable platform  340 . Preferably, each of these underlying depressing mechanisms is located below their respective three dimensional representational objects and above the underlying keyboard  6 . In other words, each depressing mechanism preferably acts as a connector between each representational object and the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6 . Each spring of the depressing mechanism preferably prevents the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6  from being depressed when the representational object is not manipulated appropriately. Conversely, when the representational object is appropriately manipulated, each corresponding depressing mechanism preferably depresses the corresponding, underlying key. 
     The first seat  310 , second seat  350 , and third seat  360  are preferably configured to hold a Star Wars™ action figure and are capable of depressing a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  by being pushed downward toward the base  305 . The first seat  310  is preferably occupied by a Luke Skywalker Star Wars™ action figure. The second seat  350  is preferably occupied by a Han Solo Star Wars™ action figure. The third seat  360  is preferably occupied by a Chewbacca Star Wars™ action figure. The description above showing seating preferences of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca action figures are only for exemplary purposes. Use of any action figure in either the first seat  310 , second seat  350 , or third seat  360 , would be within the scope and spirit of the Star Wars™ playset device  300 . 
     In addition, the first, second, and third seats ( 310 ,  350 , and  360 ) are pushed preferably downward toward the base  305  directly by the user or by the user placing an action figure in the corresponding seat. When a particular seat is pushed downward or depressed toward the base  305 , a corresponding depressing mechanism housed within the base  305  preferably depresses a corresponding key of the underlying keyboard. When there is no force pushing a particular seat downward, the seat preferably remains in an upright position. When in this upright position, the particular seat is preferably unactivated and the depressing mechanism within the base  305  does not depress the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6 . 
     Further, the first seat  310  is preferably configured to rotate. Preferably, the first seat  310  is coupled to the toy gun  320  such that the toy gun  320  moves in response to the first seat  310 . 
     The pair of throttle levers  370  are preferably configured such that the user is capable of moving each throttle lever. In response to the movement of each throttle lever by the user, the depressing mechanism  550  within the base  305 , preferably depresses the corresponding key of the underlying keyboard. 
     The first moveable platform  330  and the second moveable platform  340  are capable of being moved by the user downward toward the base  305 . The first movable platform  330  preferably provides a C3PO station for a C3PO Star Wars™ action figure. Similarly, the second movable platform  340  preferably provides an R2D2 station for an R2D2 Star Wars™ action figure. Preferably, by being moved downward, the first moveable platform  330  depresses the depressing mechanism  510  within the base  305 . Similarly, by being moved downward, the second moveable platform  340  depresses the depressing mechanism  570  within the base  305 . By depressing the depressing mechanism  510 , a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the first moveable platform  330  is preferably depressed. Similarly, by depressing the depressing mechanism  570 , a particular key of the underlying keyboard  6  related to the second moveable platform  340  is preferably depressed. 
     The fire button  390  is coupled to the Star Wars™ playset device  300 . Further, the fire button  390  is preferably capable Of being depressed by the user. Once the fire button  390  is depressed by the user, the depressing mechanism  540  within the base  305  is preferably activated such that the depressing mechanism  540  depresses a particular key on the underlying keyboard  6  related to the fire button  390 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a game pad  600  which is the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the toy workshop  10  (FIG. 2) and the Star Wars™ playset device  300  (FIG.  11 ), the game pad  600  interacts with the underlying keyboard  6 . The game pad  600  preferably has four button which include a first button  610 , a second button  620 , a third button  630 , and a fourth button  640 . These four buttons ( 610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 ) are configured to be large and easily depressed by the user. Once the user depresses either the first, second, third, or fourth buttons ( 610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 ), a corresponding key of the underlying keyboard  6  is preferably depressed. The number of buttons on the game pad  600  is provided for illustrative purposes and should not limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the device of the present invention could be implemented in several different ways and the embodiments disclosed above are only exemplary of the preferred embodiment and the alternate embodiments of the invention and is in no way a limitation.