Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-14
2001-08-21
Saras, Steven (Department: 2675)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C340S870030, C382S114000, C434S114000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278441
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to tactile interface systems for use with electronic data display systems generally, and to tactile interface systems for use with multiple environments, in particular.
DEFINITIONS
The term “electronic data display system,” referred to herein also as EDDS, is used throughout the specification and claims to mean any computerized system for electronically displaying data, including computer displays, telecommunications devices such as cellular telephones, satellite telephones, palm-held devices, and the like, and interactive terminals such as automated teller machines, and the like.
The term “multiple data field environment,” referred to herein also as MDFE, is used throughout the specification and claims to mean any of different selected portions of a single window in a single software application; multiple window environments, either in a single software application or in multiple software applications; multitasking environments; and multiple, interrelated layers in a single application, in which, for example, one layer may be a ‘top level’, software generated document, while another layer is source data relating to the document, wherein all such MDFEs are resident in an EDDS.
The term “tactile display,” referred to herein also as TD, is used throughout the specification and claims to mean any sort of tactile display based on heat or humidity, as well as an embossed type tactile display having a plurality of pins which are selectably retractable with respect to a surface, such as that described in applicant's co-pending application, U.S. Ser. No. 08/781,017, filed Jan. 9, 1997, for Mouse-Like Input/Output Device with Display Screen and Method for Its Use. In an example which requires specifically an embossed type tactile display, the acronym ETD is used.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the prior art, a user interfaces with MDFEs by use of a visual display; a mouse and a keyboard, which function as navigation and data selection/input devices. While systems for enabling visually impaired people to interface with computer displays are known in the art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,978 to Hasser et al., entitled “Tactile Graphics Display,” none exists for enabling visually impaired users to interface with MDFEs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide a tactile interface system (TIS) for use with multiple environments (MDFEs), wherein the TIS has a plurality of tactile displays which may be used to replace or supplement visual perception, and to supplement other data interfaces, including audio and motor, thereby increasing the data input/output options available to the user.
The TIS of the present invention is thus intended to maximize access to and interaction with any EDDS, by visually impaired users, including blind-deaf-mute users. The system is also intended for use by sighted users, so as to provide them, where relevant, with a further dimension of interaction with an EDDS, namely, tactile, which is often perceived in the art as being the reserve of the sight-impaired, only.
There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic data display system (EDDS) which includes a system for containing a multiple data field environment (MDFE) including portions of displayable data; at least first and second displays for displaying data contained within the MDFE, capable of displaying data selected from different portions of the MDFE, wherein at least one of the displays is a tactile display; apparatus for selecting data for display by the first display, from a first portion of the MDFE; and apparatus for selecting data for display by the second display, from a second portion of the MDFE, different from the first portion.
Preferably, two or more of the at least first and second displays are tactile displays.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system for containing a multiple data field environment (MDFE) including portions of displayable data; and first and second movable navigation devices, wherein
the first movable navigation device includes one or more tactile displays for displaying data contained within the MDFE, and apparatus for selecting data for display by the one or more tactile displays from a first selected portion of the MDFE; and
the second movable navigation device is provided for use simultaneously with the first navigation device, and includes one or more tactile displays for displaying data contained within the MDFE; and apparatus for selecting data for display by the one or more tactile displays from a second selected portion of the MDFE, different from the first selected portion.
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Gouzman Roman
Karasin Igor
Bell Paul A.
Hedman & Costigan ,P.C.
Saras Steven
Virtouch Ltd.
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