Patent ID: 6891528

Claim:
Data entry device comprising: a keyboard having a plurality of multifunction key positions with at least a separate multifunction key position for each alphabetic character; a plurality of movable keys each key containing an inscription on the keycap thereof representing a character or function and containing a multi-bit binary code therein identifying the character or function on the keycap, each of said keys being capable of being selectively positioned in any one of the key positions in the keyboard and being responsive to user contact to the keycaps thereof; an uncoded circuit matrix of detectors disposed below said keyboard each of said circuit matrix detectors being capable of detecting the binary code of any one of the keys when that any one of the keys is positioned above it and is contacted to produce an electrical signal representative of the binary code associated with the contacted key; a standard interface connector to connect the keyboard to a computer; and a read only controller providing a different response for each binary code on a key for converting the output of the circuit matrix for any contacted key to one which is recognizable by the computer so that the output of the keyboard provided to the standard interface connector correctly identifies the contacted keys character or function to the computer irrespective of the position of the key on the keyboard.