Context sensitive labels for a hardware input device

• US 20060022949A1
• Filed: 10/05/2005
• Published: 02/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Bathiche, Steven N.
• Granted Patent: US 7,564,445 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224

Abstract

Hardware input devices can provide context sensitive labels which can change according to an application running on a computer and/or the function assigned to an input element. An illustrative aspect includes employing ink having two or more electroluminescent pattern layers with an input device. Based on the context of a computer associated with the input device, an illuminated pattern identifies the current functionality of one or more of the inputs of the input device.

Claims

1. A method for labeling a key on a keyboard, wherein a plurality of labels are associated with a key, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a control signal from a computer representing a current context; and

automatically moving a template in the keyboard so that the label corresponding to the current context is displayed in a region adjacent to the key.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the template is drum-shaped or octagonal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current context corresponds to an application in focus.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current context is a language.

5. A keyboard comprising:

a plurality of keys, each key associated with a region for displaying a current context for the key;

a driver for receiving a control signal from a computer and generating a signal for associating the current context with each key; and

a movable template configured to display the current context of each key responsive to a signal received from the driver in the region associated with each key.

6. A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing a method of labeling a key on a keyboard, wherein a plurality of labels are associated with the key, the method comprising:

receiving a control signal representing a current context of a computer system; and

causing a template in the keyboard to be moved so that the label corresponding to the current context is displayed in a region adjacent to the key.

7. The computer readable medium according to claim 6, wherein the current context corresponds to an application in focus.

8. The computer readable medium according to claim 6, wherein the current context is a language.