Input and output keyboard

Details Input and output keyboard Input and output keyboard

2001-03-13

2003-07-08

Saras, Steven (Department: 2675)

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display peripheral interface input device

Including keyboard

C345S169000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06590566

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to keyboards with dual purpose; input and output.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Previously, communications devices used by those with speech and/or hearing handicaps included teletype, and telegraphic devices. Teletype devices are standard equipment connected to a telephone system by means of a modem. Teletypes are large, heavy, and expensive. They can be used to communicate only with another compatible teletype. Furthermore, teletype systems cannot communicate with any telephone or with a visually impaired person.
Telegraphic devices utilize either a sound-activated switch or a frequency detector connected to a light or vibrator, which is activated in response to a signal that may be conveyed over a standard telephone circuit. This allows a message to be transmitted in a code such as Morse Code. Telegraphic devices are limited to use with similar devices and further require the memorization of Morse Code or other complicated codes. They are also subject to interference by noise, are slow, and are difficult to use, requiring a degree of manual dexterity.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a user friendly input/output system for allowing visually impaired and those who wish to communicate in noise sensitive environments to allow people with and without impairments to easily send and receive messages over various communication devices (cell phones, personal data assistants, or other communication devices).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A user interface device for allowing people with and without impairments to easily send and receive alphanumeric messages is provided. The device includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped keys sidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of characters or symbols. The device also includes a key driver system that includes a processing component configured to generate key motion signals according to output information, and key motion drivers configured to drive one or more of the keys based on the generated key motion signals. The key motion drivers include a lateral motion component configured to move the one or more keys in a directional plane approximately parallel to a surface of the keys, and key identifier components configured to move a corresponding one or more keys of the plurality of keys in a directional plane approximately perpendicular to the surface of the keys.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the lateral motion component includes a plurality of electromagnets.
In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, the key identifier component includes a plurality of solenoids, wherein each of the solenoids is assigned to a separate key.
In accordance with yet other aspects of the invention, each key is hexagon-shaped.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the lateral motion component drives the plurality of keys in directions that correspond to each edge of the keys.
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, each character and symbol associated with a key is further associated with a lateral motion direction and the output information is a text message. The processing component is further configured to parse the text message into base components, base components correspond to one of the characters or symbols associated with the keys, and to generate a pair of key motion signals for each base component. The generated pair of key motion signals includes a lateral signal for directing the lateral motion component and a key signal for directing one of the key identifier components.
In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, one or more base components correspond to one or more words that are associated with a lateral motion direction and a key.
As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing summary, the invention provides a new device for allowing users with visual or hearing impairments to communicate with unimpaired or impaired users without the need for a special communication device.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4680577 (1987-07-01), Straayer et al.
patent: 5521596 (1996-05-01), Selker et al.
patent: 5774540 (1998-06-01), Davidson et al.
patent: 5841855 (1998-11-01), Davidson et al.
patent: 6015224 (2000-01-01), Greenstein

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