Source: http://www.patentgenius.com/patent/7091955.html
Timestamp: 2018-02-22 21:13:16
Document Index: 653586382

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 10', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20']

Multi-purpose keyboard - Patent # 7091955 - PatentGenius
7091955 Multi-purpose keyboard
Application: 10/289,232
Inventors: Kramer; Oren (Tel Aviv, IL)
Assignee: Ideazon, Inc. (Vaughan, CA)
U.S. Class: 235/145R; 341/20; 341/22; 341/24; 345/168; 361/680; 463/37
Field Of Search: 345/168; 345/169; 345/170; 345/171; 345/172; 345/156; 345/166; 341/22; 341/20; 341/24; 400/489; 400/495; 400/496; 400/490; 463/37; 200/5R; 200/520; 200/344; 200/5B; 200/5C; 200/5EB; 235/145R; 235/146; 235/145A
International Class: G09G 5/00; H03K 17/94; G06F 1/16
U.S Patent Documents: 4092527; 4456972; 4459581; 4527250; 4906117; 5144302; 5146615; 5150118; 5387042; 5450078; 5457453; 5514855; 5576981; 5601489; 5667319; 5865546; 6018334; 6081207; 6104604; 6263392; 6317061; 6587094; 6606669; 6727890
Foreign Patent Documents: WO 01/11788
Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for a keyboard. A removable part of a keyboard includes keyboard keys and stores identification data for indicating software for the particular removable keyboard or model of removable keyboard. The removable part of a keyboard can be combined with a fixed part of the keyboard. A computer system can include the keyboard.
1. A removable part of a personal computer keyboard, comprising: a plurality of keyboard keys; and a memory device containing identification data (ID) for identifying aselected computer applications software program to be executed on a personal computer for which the removable part of the personal computer keyboard is particularly designed, wherein the removable part of the personal computer keyboard is adapted to becombined with a fixed part of the personal computer keyboard, and wherein the personal computer keyboard is configured specifically for the selected computer applications software program on the personal computer based on the identification data (ID).
3. A personal computer keyboard, comprising: a removable part of the personal computer keyboard, including: a plurality of keyboard keys; and a memory device containing identification data (ID) for identifying a selected computer applicationssoftware program to be executed on a personal computer for which the removable part of the personal computer keyboard is particularly designed; and a fixed part of the personal computer keyboard, including a data recognition device that receivesidentification data (ID) from the (IC) memory device from the removable part of the personal computer keyboard; wherein the removable part of the personal computer keyboard is adapted to be combined with the fixed part of the personal computer keyboard,and wherein the personal computer keyboard is configured specifically for the selected computer applications software program on the personal computer based on the identification data (ID).
In most computers, a keyboard is the primary main input and control device typically used to input text. The keyboard also contains specific standard function keys, such as the Escape key, the Tab and cursor movement keys, the Shift and Controlkeys, and sometimes other manufacturer-customized keys.
The computer keyboard uses the same basic arrangement as the mechanical and electronic typewriter keyboards that preceded the computer. The standard arrangement of alphabet keys is known as the Qwerty keyboard, its name deriving from thearrangement of the five keys at the upper left of the three rows of alphabet keys. This arrangement, invented for one of the earliest mechanical typewriters, dates back to the 1870s.
Because many keyboard users develop a cumulative trauma disorder, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, a number of ergonomic keyboards have been developed. Current techniques include keyboards contoured to alleviate stress and foot-driven pedals forcertain keys or keyboard functions.
Nowadays, the personal computer has a wide variety of applications and games. Personal computers are operated by users of all ages with diverse needs and languages. Even so, the number of keyboard types used is relatively small in comparison tothe number of implementations utilized. The main factors governing this phenomenon are financial and pragmatic considerations.
The manufacturing process of keyboards is a relatively expensive process. Therefore, keyboards are fabricated in mass-produced series, in order to make them affordable to the common PC user. However, sometimes computer games are notmass-produced, and their manufacturers cannot attach a dedicated keyboard to each game or application sold. In any event, if one looks at this issue from the user's point of view, it is not convenient to switch to a different keyboard for each game orapplication, especially when the plug resides in the rear side of the computer. Furthermore, when using several keyboards, the problem of storing these keyboards arises.
Due to different key layouts in different countries, it is necessary to implement a look-up table technique in order to use the same basic keyboard for a plurality of countries. Moreover, some computer programs allow the performance of specificoperations by using a predefined sequence of keys, especially when the number of operations is greater than the number of keys, such as, "Ctrl-D, Alt-A, Ctrl-Shift-F". Other computer programs use a sequence of keystrokes, usually called a "macro", asinput. Macros can be stored on the computer's memory, or embedded in the keyboard hardware (usually memory means), which gives the keyboard the status of "smart-keyboard".
Due to recent developments of a combination between TV and the Internet, a new type of keyboard design is flourishing nowadays. However, browsing the Internet with a regular TV remote control system is very difficult, due to the fact that thenumber of keys in TV remote control systems is insufficient compared to those required while browsing the Internet. For browsing the Internet, the keyboard must comprise the literal keys, especially when composing e-mail.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,855 deals with the above-mentioned issues. A molded rigid panel, which is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys, "diminishes" the number of keys. It is useful for computer games and applications directed to veryyoung children.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,319 deals with a non-conventional keyboard, actually a simplified keyboard for use by a child. Typically, the simplified keyboard of this patent has keys which are optimized in design, number and placement for use by youngchildren, but which electrically interfaces the computer in a manner similar to standard keyboards for manual entry of symbolic data for use by the computer software.
All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of using a keyboard designed for a special application at a low cost. Moreover, all the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactorysolutions to the problem of associating a keyboard with a computer program for executing an application that requires a special keyboard.
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, the computer being able to execute one or more software applications, comprising: a removable part comprising a set of specific of keyseach of which having a contact and held by a foundation, the removable part being associated with a specific software application to be executed on the host computer using the set, the removable part comprising a device for data-connection and a datastorage device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the specific application; a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed, the fixed comprising: I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or more contacts ofthe removable part, for receiving input data; II) a reader device for reading the ID from the data storage device; III) a first data-connection means from the reader to the data connection device; and IV) a second data connection means to the hostcomputer, for transferring the ID from the reader, and data input from the set, to the host computer, so as to allow the host computer to execute the specific software application upon placing the removable part into the fixed part.
Optionally, the reader, the first data connection means and the storage device are replaced by a mechanical member extending out of the removable part, for applying a mechanical force on a predetermined contact in the fixed part whenever theremovable part is placed into the fixed part, the mechanical force causing ID data related to a specific set to be transmitted to the host computer via the second data connection means, after a predetermined period has been lapsed.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a system for use as an input mechanism for a host computer, comprising: A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, the computer being able to execute one or more softwareapplications, comprising: a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of which having a contact and held by a foundation, the removable part being associated with a specific software application to be executed on the host computer usingthe set, the removable part comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the specific application; a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed, the fixed comprising:I) a set of contacts, each of which corresponding to zero or more contacts of the removable part, for receiving input data; II) a reader device for reading the ID from the data storage device; III) a first data-connection means from the reader to thedata connection device; and IV) a second data connection means to the host computer, for transferring the ID from the reader, and data input from the set, to the host computer, so as to allow the host computer to execute the specific software applicationupon placing the removable part into the fixed part. a software component for reading the ID and executing one or more program(s) and/or one or more application(s) and/or one or more predefined operation(s), the software component residing on the hostcomputer and executed by the host computer the program(s), the application(s) and the operation(s) being associated with the ID.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for connecting a keyboard to a host computer, comprising: a) Providing a keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer, the computer being able to execute one or more softwareapplications, comprising: a removable part comprising a set of specific of keys each of which having a contact and held by a foundation, the removable part being associated with a specific software application to be executed on the host computer usingthe set, the removable part comprising a device for data-connection and a data storage device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the specific application; a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed, the fixed comprising:I) a set of contacts, each of which, corresponding to zero or more contacts of the removable part, for receiving input data; II) a reader device for reading the ID from the data storage device; III) a first data-connection means from the reader to thedata connection device; and IV) a second data connection means to the host computer, for transferring the ID from the reader, and data input from the set, to the host computer, so as to allow the host computer to execute the specific software applicationupon placing the removable part into the fixed part. b) Providing a software component for reading the ID and executing one or more program(s) and/or one or more application(s) and/or one or more predefined operation(s), the software component residingon the host computer and executed by the host computer, the program(s), the applications) and the operation(s) associated with the ID. c) Connecting between the removable part and the fixed part by contact upon placing the removable part on the fixedpart; d) Reading the ID by the reader device; e) Conveying the ID from the keyboard to the host computer via the connection; f) Executing one or more program(s) and/or one or more application(s) and/or one or more predefined operation(s), the program(s),the application(s) and the operation(s) being associated with the ID.
The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings,wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a "101-keys" keyboard, according to the prior art; FIG. 2 illustrates a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a dedicated keyboard layout, according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention; FIG. 4 illustrates a keyboard for applications directed to young users, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 6schematically illustrates the folding of a removable part of the keyboard into three parts, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates a "101 keys" keyboard, according to the prior art. Nowadays, the "101 keys" keyboard is the most commonly used keyboard. The keys 40 are installed in an immersed area 50. Such a keyboard is suitable for being use as an inputdevice in text-related applications, such as word processors. However, when it comes to stick-games, this kind of keyboard is less efficient. Stick-games are better operated with a joystick, and the keyboard layout should be designed in such a way thatthe user will feel as if actually inside a cockpit. Moreover, the texture of the keys does not suit the purpose of the game at all.
In order to manufacture dedicated keyboards with fewer expenses, according to the, disclosed invention, a keyboard may be separated into two parts: One part comprises the elements of the keyboard, which are useful for a variety of keyboards type,hereinafter called "the replaceable part of the keyboard"; The other part comprises elements that are typical of a dedicated keyboard, hereinafter called "the fixed part of the keyboard".
According to the disclosed invention, the following benefits are achieved: The keyboard may be designed according to its dedicated purpose, not merely applicable for a variety of purposes. This way the design fits its purpose in a better waythan presently known in prior art. Since for many implementations, the presence of all 101 keys (as in the most commonly used keyboard) is not required, the keyboard may be designed such a way that the keys are gathered in small region. This way thekeyboard becomes compact, and hence such a keyboard may be sold with a computer game or application. Furthermore, when using the same size of keyboard with fewer keys, the keys may be bigger, and hence easy to operate. Due to the fact that a dedicatedkeyboard is associated with a certain implementation(s), by detecting the type of the keyboard, the host computer may execute a program that is associated with the keyboard, or to allow the user to select one of the implementations associated with thiskeyboard. For example, a dedicated keyboard may be suitable for a variety of football games.
FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b illustrate a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The keyboard is composed of two parts: The fixed part 10 and the replaceable part 20. FIG. 2a illustrates the combined keyboard, according to apreferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2b illustrates the separate parts of a keyboard, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The base 10 of the keyboard is fixed, while the removable part 20 of the keyboard may be replaced by another replaceable element. The keys 40 are installed in the removable part 20 of the keyboard. According to a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the handles 60 are attached to the removable part 20 of the keyboard. Hence, the removable part 20 may be removed by lifting the handles 60. Of course the removable part 20 may be removed in other ways also.
FIG. 3 illustrates a dedicated keyboard layout, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The keyboard is dedicated to operations related to the Internet. By pressing keys 31 to 36, the browser will be directed to the appropriateWeb site. By clicking key 37, the browser will be directed to a Web page that contains links to search engines, such as Yahoo, Infoseek, etc. By clicking key 38, the current page will be printed.
FIG. 4 illustrates a keyboard for applications directed to young users, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The keys 40 are in different shapes, such as triangular, circular and heart-shaped. Due to the young age of the usersof this keyboard, the number of keys is relatively small.
In the prior art, the user had to perform several operations in order to execute a program. For example, in Windows.TM. based applications, the user has to go to the "Program files" section, and then select the program he wishes to use. Theprocess may be simplified by "shortcuts"; however, not all users have the knowledge how to create a shortcut. Moreover, very young children cannot read, and therefore running an application without a desktop icon is impossible.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the type of the keyboard is detectable. The removable part 20 of the keyboard comprises an IC (Integrated Circuit) 70 which provides an individual code, by which the type of the keyboard isidentified, and the base 10 of the keyboard comprise a data recognition device 80, which is able to detect the code that is stored in IC (Integrated Circuit) 70.
Detecting the type of the keyboard simplifies the use of the host operation, since the host is directed to execute the application, to which the keyboard has been dedicated, to set the special settings of the application, and to suspend theapplication whenever the removable part of the keyboard is taken out. A special setting can be defined by the user or predefined by the software, which suits the user's preferences, such as small or large icons, different levels of guidance, etc. Usinglarge icons, the user is exposed to less data than when using small icons, therefore small icons are usually more suitable for advanced users, whereas large icons are better suited for beginners.
Whenever there are several programs using the same keyboard type, the software, which keeps track of the presence of the keyboard, may display a menu from which the user can select the appropriate program to be executed. For instance, the famousfootball game FIFA, has several versions, such as FIFA-98, FIFA-99, and so forth. Therefore, if different versions of the software are installed on the same host, the user should be given the option of selecting the version to be executed.
Usually, there is a software component running on the host device, which operates as a "watchdog" that reacts whenever the code of the keyboard is changed. Technically, there are a variety of ways to program the watchdog, such as hooking thekeyboard interrupt, as is known to any programmer skilled in the art.
According to another embodiment of the invention, detection of the unique ID of the keyboard is performed by electro-optical means. For example, a set of photoelectric cells resides on the fixed part of the keyboard. The removable part of thekeyboard contains a light source that lights up some of the photoelectric cells, while some of the cells remain unlighted. The lighted cells may be considered as "1" and the unlighted cells may be considered as "0". Therefore, a binary representationis comprised, which represents the ID of the keyboard.
According to another embodiment of the invention, detection of the unique number of the keyboard is performed by wireless transmission between the removable part 20 of the keyboard and the base 10 of the keyboard. For this purpose, it ispossible to use a short-range transmitter. The transmitter resides on the removable part of the keyboard, while the receiver resides on the fixed part of the keyboard.
Alternatively, reading the information embedded in the removable part 20 of the keyboard is done by RF transmission, which provides the energy required for the operation of the memory device 70, in which the ID is embedded. This way, the memorydevice 70 is "passive".
According to another embodiment of the invention, the identification of the keyboard type is carried out by a permanent contact, which causes an effect of permanently pressing a single or a group of keys. In this case, the ID is the combinationof the activated key(s). A watchdog software component that runs on the host computer keeps track of the combination of the pressed keys. Upon changing of the combination, the watchdog checks for the permanency of the new combination for a predefinedperiod. If the combination sustains this period, then the watchdog software component performs the operations associated with the identified type of keyboard.
For example, the projection turns on the "F'" and the "T" characters. Whenever the watchdog software component detects that the "F" and "T" characters were pressed for a period of 3 seconds, it activates the operations associated with the FIFAgame.
According to the prior art, the sensors 11 are located such a way that pressing a key 40 moves it down, where it then touches a sensor 11. As a result, the circuitry embedded in the keyboard translates the state of the sensors to digital valuesthat represent the appropriate keys. These values are conveyed to the host.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the folding of a removable part of the keyboard into three parts, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This attribute decreases the size needed for storing the removable part of the keyboard. Therefore, the removable part of the keyboard may be packed with the other parts of a computer game or application, such as CD and manual, in a compact pack, and be sold this way. Moreover, since the number of keys needed for various implementations isvery small, it is possible to design the removable part 20 of the keyboard in such a way that all the keys will be concentrated in a small area; hence, its size will be compact.
The separation between the removable part and the base of the keyboard provides more features, which may be useful for developing new applications and implementations. For instance, some effort has been made to provide a secure access onpurchase operations through the Internet, such as "smart cards" whereby the user inserts an appropriate reader into the computer. Since such a reader is not needed for any other application, its presence in personal computers is very rare. However,according to the invention, the removable part of the keyboard may be used with the appropriate circuitry as a "smart card" which operates as an identification card. This way there is no need to use smart-card readers, and a new gateway is opened forthe users to carry out e-commerce.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the keyboard may comprise additional codes--some of them being embedded in the keyboard (such as the type of the removable part), and some of them being programmable (such as the user's ID).
The removable part may actually be a plurality of parts. For instance, the keypad of the 101-key keyboard may be produced in two parts, which operate independently: the keypad produced as a separate part for the other keys, which reside on theother, rigid part of the keyboard. This way instead of the keypad, the user may use another part, which is associated with another application, such as a computer game or Internet-associated application.
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