Keyboard structure alteration method

Details Keyboard structure alteration method Keyboard structure alteration method

2002-07-25

2003-09-09

Nolan, Jr., Charles H. (Department: 2854)

Typewriting machines

Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism

C400S490000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06616358

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1) Field of the Invention
The invention herein relates to a changeable keyboard arrangement.
2) Description of the Prior Art
A conventional keyboard has a plurality of built-in keys, each key capable of inputting a corresponding signal such that alphanumeric characters (symbols) or on-screen cursor movement instructions are inputted as the user presses the said keys. However, the key layout of the said conventional keyboard is permanent and unchangeable after production. Since the arrangement of the said keys cannot be altered, users feel extremely inconvenienced when utilizing certain software. For example, when a child uses the said keyboard the first time to run an educational software application, the overly numerous keys easily causes learning phobia and results in a dislike of computer study. Or, a user operating game software only requires the up arrow, down arrow, left arrow, right arrow, and enter keys, but since the surface area of the said keys is small and, furthermore, they are packed into a corner of the said keyboard, pressing keys is awkward. Therefore, if a changeable key arrangement is developed that enables the quantity and position of the said key arrangement to support specific software applications and, furthermore, enlarge the surface area of the keys to allow easier pressing by the user, such a breakthrough would be welcomed by users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective of the invention herein is to provide a changeable keyboard arrangement including a keyboard and a database established in the memory of an electronic device, with a minimum of one or more keyboard layout code-page tables stored in the said database such that the user can change to a different keyboard layout on the said electronic device, and after selecting the key configuration of the said keyboard to be changed from a keyboard layout set-up menu, the CPU of the said electronic device reads numbers from the said key code-page table stored beforehand in the said memory; as such, when the user changes the keyboard and presses various keys, the said CPU searches for the corresponding numbers in the code-page tables based on the first signal issued by the said key contacts with a unit interval and then executes the relevant processing, thereby enabling the user to alter the keyboard layout of the said electronic device as deemed necessary to suit personal requirements and support specific software.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 6301626 (2001-10-01), Knox
patent: 2002/0021287 (2002-02-01), Tomasi et al.
patent: 2002/0041270 (2002-04-01), Chiu et al.
patent: 2002/0061217 (2002-05-01), Hillman et al.
patent: 2002/0171633 (2002-11-01), Brinjes
patent: 59160225 (1984-09-01), None
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