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Data acquisition in a multi-function keyboard system which corrects for preloading of force sensors

  • US 5,252,971 A
  • Filed: 03/18/1991
  • Issued: 10/12/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of acquiring pointing data and alphanumeric typing data in an integrated keyboard coupled to a host processor, the keyboard having an array of typing keyswitches including a multi-purpose pointing key and a plurality of force sensors coupled to the pointing key, the method comprising the steps of:

  • providing means in the keyboard for selecting one at a time of a typing mode of operation for acquiring typing data and a pointing mode of operation for acquiring pointing data;

    when the keyboard is not in pointing mode, periodically scanning each of the force sensors to acquire a corresponding analog force sensor bias value; and

    deducting each force sensor bias value from the corresponding force sensor pointing value acquired during a pointing operation to determine respective new force values, thereby correcting for preloading of the force sensors.

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