Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Including keyboard
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-12
2002-10-22
Chang, Kent (Department: 2673)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Including keyboard
C345S157000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06469694
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to improved methods, devices and system for electronic digital computer keyboards. More particularly it relates to a keyboard which transparently emulates the mouse function.
1. The Problem
Prior art electronic digital computers utilize separate keyboard and mouse, which plug into separate ports via separate cables. The problem with prior art mouse or other pointing device integrated dual function keyboards is that they simulate the mouse function on the keyboard by using the keyboard port. Some other prior are devices simulate the mouse function on the keyboard by software alone without any hardware emulation.
All of the prior art systems by software simulation or integrated hardware utilize the same keyboard port. Separate devices are not practical at shop/factory floors. Simulated devices are not functionally transparent to the computer because they are interfaced via the keyboard port only.
The applicant's invention solves this problem by incorporating a bifurcated keyboard cable such that normal keyboard functions are interfaced to the keyboard port and the normal mouse functions are interfaced to the mouse port notwithstanding both are being generated by the keyboard alone.
SUMMARY
A mouse emulation integrated keyboard system with bifurcated plug compatible cable for mouse port and keyboard port. The arrow keys on the keyboard transparently emulate the functions of a pointing device such as a mouse. The keyboard is waterproof with silicone rubber cover without loss of tactile feedback and operability. The keyboard can be used for normal keyboard functions. Upon depressing a mouse key (also known as arrow key or cursor key) the arrows emulate the functions of a pointing device such as a mouse.
2. Prior Art
A informal preliminary prior art patentability and novelty search was conducted. Furthermore the inventor is intimately familiar with the prior art. Following are examples of the prior art discovered in the search and/or known to the applicant/inventor and/or his patent agent/attorney.
The following prior art United States patents have been arranged in the reverse chronological order for ready reference of the reader.
a) U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,791 awarded to Goff et al on Nov. 10, 1998 for “Versatile Connection of a First Keyboard/Mouse Interface and a Second Keyboard/Mouse Interface to a Host Computer”
b) U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,597 granted to West et al on Nov. 3, 1998 for “Computer Input Device for Use in Conjunction with Mouse Input Device”
c) U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,436 bestowed upon Erik Solhjell of Norway on Apr. 15, 1997 for Keyboard with Integrated Mouse for Data Entry and Control”
d) U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,895 earned by Kwanho Lee of Korea on Mar. 4, 1997 for “Method for Providing Mouse Functionality Using Either an Internal or External Mouse Input Device”
e) U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,847 published in the name of Elizabeth Moursound on Jan. 14, 1997 for “System and Method for Selecting Free Form Objects Associated with a Selection Region Displayed by a Computer”
f) U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,315 blessed upon Hess et al on Dec. 31, 1996 for “Method and Apparatus for Simulating User Input Device Presence in a Computer System”
g) U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,848 bestowed upon James Bowen on Nov. 26, 1996 for “Light Controlled Touch Pad for Cursor and Selection Control on a Computer Display
h) U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,987 honorably given to Patrick Franz on Oct. 29, 1996 for “Pointing Stick in a Computer Keyboard for Cursor Control”
i) U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,040 honorably presented to Lee et al on May 7, 1996 for “Method of Self-Calibration for a Key-Type Mouse”
j) U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,285 patented by Patrick Franz on Apr. 18, 1985 for “Pointing Stick in a Computer Keyboard for Cursor Control”
k) U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,946 awarded to Peter Mikan on Dec. 27, 1994 for “Computer Mouse Simulator Device”
l) U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,449 bestowed upon Jonas Ulenas on Apr. 19, 1994 for “Keyboard/Pointing Device Conversion Adapter which Converts Mouse Motion Signals into Cursor Signals by Activating Keyboard Cursor Keys”
m) U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,802 honored upon Bertram et al on Mar. 30, 1993 for “Combined Keyboard and Mouse Entry”
n) U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,403 earned by Franz et al on Feb. 23, 1993 for “Integrated Keyboard and Pointing Device System with Automatic Mode Change”
o) U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,689 given to Franz et al on Jun. 23, 1992 for “Integrated Keyboard and Pointing Device System”
p) U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,046 bestowed upon James Lapeyre on Oct. 15, 1991 for “Cursor Selected Keyboard Keys Displayed on the Computer Screen for Entering Alpha Numeric Characters and Instructions, particularly for Creating Computer Aided Design and Drafting Patterns”
q) U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,863 presented to Mayumi Oka of Japan on Sep. 17, 1991 for “Cursor Key Unit for a Computer Having a Mouse Function Removeably Mounted on a Keyboard Section of a Base”
r) U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,638 to Nopper et al on Jun. 4, 1991 for “keyboard Cover”
s) U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,516 honorably bestowed upon Dale Retter on Apr. 17, 1990 for “Combined Computer Keyboard and Mouse Data Entry System”
t) U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,581 blessed upon Inobe et al on Nov. 21, 1989 for “Keyboard for a Portable Data Terminal”
u) U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,549 published in the names of Affinito et al on Sep. 19, 1989 for “Feedback Mouse”
v) U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,574 earned by Fukushima et al of Japan on Oct. 4, 1988 for “Covering Member of a Keyboard and a Base Plate Therefor”
Unfortunately none of the prior art devices singly or even in combination provide all of the features and objectives established by the inventor for this system as enumerated below.
OBJECTIVES
1. It is an objective of this invention to provide method, devices and system for integrated mouse keyboard device such that the computer is fooled into believing that two separate devices are interfaced to it when in fact there is only one device connected to it via two separate ports.
2. Another objective of this invention is to emulate the mouse function on the keyboard by hardware as contrasted from simulation by software.
3. Another objective of this invention is that it use little or no additional power or energy.
4. Another objective of this invention is that it is easy to use even intuitive that requires little additional training.
5. Another objective of this invention is that the system of this invention is that it be water proof suitable for shop/factory floor environment.
6. Another objective of this invention is that it be physically safe in normal environment as well as accidental situations.
7. Another objective of this invention is that it be environmentally friendly.
8. Another objective of this invention is that it be made of modular units easily interface-able to each other.
9. Another objective of this invention is that it meet all federal, state, local and other private standards, guidelines and recommendations with respect to safety, environment, quality and energy consumption.
10. Another objective of this invention is that it be suitable for users of all ages, gender, cultures, nations and races etc.
11. Another objective of this invention is that it be elegantly simple in concept and design.
12. Another objective of this invention is that it be used by handicapped as well as people who are not professional touch typists and use hunt and peck one or two finger typing technique.
13. Another objective of this invention is that it be easy to assemble, service, transport and store.
14. Another objective of this invention is that it be useable in all types of locations including home, schools, work etc.
15. Another objective of this invention is that it can be used without removing the gloves in cold environment without any degradation in speed, quality or performance.
16. Another objective of this invention is that the keyboard and the underlying concept can be adapted for other uses.
17. Another objective of this invention is that it be ergonomic, colorful and aesthetic.
18. Another objective of this invention is that the device of this invention be plug compatible with the e
Chang Kent
OURPAL® Asija
Sheng Tom V.
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