Multipurpose cursor control keyswitch
First Claim
1. A keyboard system for operator entry of characters and control functions to a computer and computer display or the like, said keyboard system comprising:
- a plurality of, finger tip sized, alpha-numeric character keys organized in a preset pattern wherein;
each key includes a vertically displaceable key cap having a corresponding alpha-numeric designation assigned thereto, and detection means coupled thereto for detecting vertical displacement of the key; and
at least one of said plurality of alpha-numeric keys includes mounting means for permitting lateral motion in any direction, and for said at least one alpha-numeric key the corresponding detection means also detects lateral displacement thereof; and
processor means coupled to the individual detection means of each of said plurality of alpha-numeric character keys for intitiating a signal corresponding to the alpha-numeric designation assigned to any key for which vertical displacement was detected, and for intitiating cursor control signals to position the cursor on the computer display in response to lateral displacement of such a key.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multipurpose keyswitch for controlling cursor movement on a CRT display and for character entry includes a key cap that moves laterally to provide cursor control and that moves vertically for character entry. Sensors are coupled to the key cap for sensing the lateral movement of the key cap. Forward and backward movement of the key cap selects upward and downward movement of the cursor on the CRT display. Left and right movement of the key cap selects left and right movement of the cursor. Vertical movement of the key cap selects the entry of a character. The multipurpose keyswitch is advantageously positioned as one of the home keys of the keyboard.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A keyboard system for operator entry of characters and control functions to a computer and computer display or the like, said keyboard system comprising:
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a plurality of, finger tip sized, alpha-numeric character keys organized in a preset pattern wherein; each key includes a vertically displaceable key cap having a corresponding alpha-numeric designation assigned thereto, and detection means coupled thereto for detecting vertical displacement of the key; and at least one of said plurality of alpha-numeric keys includes mounting means for permitting lateral motion in any direction, and for said at least one alpha-numeric key the corresponding detection means also detects lateral displacement thereof; and processor means coupled to the individual detection means of each of said plurality of alpha-numeric character keys for intitiating a signal corresponding to the alpha-numeric designation assigned to any key for which vertical displacement was detected, and for intitiating cursor control signals to position the cursor on the computer display in response to lateral displacement of such a key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification