Key pad user interface for non-verbal, communication system

• US 10,481,703 B2
• Filed: 02/13/2019
• Issued: 11/19/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L Alford Frost
• Original Assignee: L Alford Frost
• Inventors: Frost, L Alford
• Primary Examiner(s): Taylor, Jr., Duane N
• Application Number:
  US16/274,660
• Publication Number:
  US 20190179424A1
• Time in Patent Office: 279 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 9/003 Transmission of control signals from or to the key telephone set; signalling equipment at key telephone set, e.g. keyboard or display equipment keyboard equipment in semi-automatic systems H04M3/62

Abstract

A system and keypad interface is disclosed that allows users to communicate with non-verbal cues. Embodiments include an optimal key pattern(s) to minimize human time using the control interface. Aspects of the system block the natural reading process and rely on pattern recognition, thus users can enter and respond to messages more quickly without the cognitive upset of reading messages that rely solely on left to right or vice versa. The grouping of the keys optimizes or minimizes the time a human uses the control system based on how the human brain interprets visual information. Some embodiments include messages delivered by tones associated with button presses. The tones may provide a non-verbal communication without the recipient needing to see the panels.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a plurality of keypad interface panels, each panel including,

a speaker;

a memory storage module including stored electronic files of tones, a memory storage module including stored electronic files of tones,

a plurality of grouped sets of touch-enabled keys, each set of keys in a group is arranged in a vertical grouping as defined by a common function, wherein

a first group of keys is designated to represent pre-set persons within an office setting,

a second group of keys is designated to represent a predesignated action within the office setting,

a third group of keys is designated to represent a location in the office setting, and

when a first selected key within the first group of keys, a second selected key within the second group of keys, and a third selected key within the third group of keys are pressed, emits, by the speaker, a selected tone from the stored electronic files of tones and represents an audible and non-verbal form of communication between the plurality of keypad interface panels identifying a selected person, a selected action for the selected person, and a selected location for the selected person to perform the selected action;

one or more communication cables connecting the plurality of keypad interface panels; and

a central switchbox controller configured to control the receipt and transmission of signals between the plurality of keypad interface panels through the one or more communication cables.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein in response to a plurality of selected keys being pressed on one of the plurality of keypad interface panels by a first user, lighting up the same keys on at least one other of the plurality of keypad interface panels.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of selected keys pressed represent a sequence of pre-defined non-verbal cues to a recipient user at the at least one other of the plurality of keypad interface panels.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the lit-up keys on the at least one other of the plurality of keypad interface panels flash at a frequency rate.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the selected audible tone is played at a frequency corresponding to the flash frequency rate of the lit-up keys.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mobile computing device including a software application configured to display a digital keypad interface panel with digital keys arranged according to said plurality of grouped sets of keys, wherein the software application communicates wirelessly with the central switchbox and the plurality of keypad interface panels.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein each key within a selected grouped set of keys includes indicia or a color code representing the different person or different function within the office setting.