Device for selecting computer operational mode and labeling input controls accordingly

• US 4,030,094 A
• Filed: 07/14/1975
• Issued: 06/14/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Varian Associates
• Original Assignee: Varian Associates
• Inventors: Anderson, Richard C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Habecker, Thomas B.
• Application Number:
  US05/595,946
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 340/365 R, 340/347 P, 235/145 R
• US Class Current: 341/23
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224

Abstract

The device is a translucent plastic mask or overlay which fits over the keyboard of the computer input/output station to label the keys with their functions according to the selected mode of operation. A projecting portion along one of the edges of the mask extends into a slot adjacent the keyboard where a series of code segments forms an optical code which is read by a corresponding series of lamp and photocell pairs to provide the computer with the information to cause its mode of operation to correspond with the keyboard legends.

Claims

1. In an input/output station for a data processing system, said input/output station having a plurality of manually operable switches, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING a translucent overlay receivable on said input/output station, said overlay including visible legend means for labeling said switches, and means on said overlay for optically encoding information, said input/output station having reader means to opto-electronically transduce said message into an electronic signal, said means for optically encoding including means for producing a signal indicative of receipt of said overlay on said input/output station and correct alignment therebetween.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for producing a signal indicative of receipt of said overlay comprises a discrete code segment on said overlay, said segment being so positioned on said overlay as to be in alignment with a corresponding optical transducer on said input/output station only when said overlay is properly positioned on said input/output station, and wherein said code segment comprises an area on said overlay within which an optical property of said overlay differs from adjacent areas on said overlay.