Pointing stick in a computer keyboard for cursor control
First Claim
1. A compound key for use in a computer keyboard for both typing and cursor control, comprising:
- a key cap coupled to a keyswitch for typing a predetermined alphanumeric character, the key cap having an aperture formed through it along a generally vertical direction for receiving a shaft;
a rigid shaft sized and arranged so as to extend through the aperture to a predetermined height slightly above a top surface of the key cap for actuation by a user'"'"'s fingertip;
the aperture being sized so as to allow slight lateral motion of the shaft for cursor control; and
force sensing means coupled to the shaft for sensing forces applied to the shaft by the user for cursor control.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for use in a computer keyboard for cursor control is disclosed. The apparatus includes a compound key which serves for both typing a character and for pointing operations, i.e. for cursor control like a mouse. For pointing operations, a pointing stick or shaft is pressed in a desired direction by a user for moving a cursor in a corresponding direction on a display screen. The pointing stick is disposed in an aperture that extends through a modified key cap, so that no additional keyboard space is required for the pointing device, thereby obviating a separate mouse, keyboard mounted trackball or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the pointing stick extends through an aperture in the keyboard space bar. In another embodiment, adjacent key caps are modified so as to fit closely around the key cap that houses the pointing stick without interfering with operation of either the pointing stick or the keyswiches.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A compound key for use in a computer keyboard for both typing and cursor control, comprising:
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a key cap coupled to a keyswitch for typing a predetermined alphanumeric character, the key cap having an aperture formed through it along a generally vertical direction for receiving a shaft; a rigid shaft sized and arranged so as to extend through the aperture to a predetermined height slightly above a top surface of the key cap for actuation by a user'"'"'s fingertip; the aperture being sized so as to allow slight lateral motion of the shaft for cursor control; and force sensing means coupled to the shaft for sensing forces applied to the shaft by the user for cursor control. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for use in a computer keyboard comprising:
- a first key cap coupled to a first keyswitch for typing a first alphanumeric character;
a second key cap coupled to a second keyswitch for typing a second alphanumeric character; and a third key cap coupled to a third keyswitch for typing a third alphanumeric character; the first, second and third key caps being arranged adjacent each other in a generally triangular configuration for fitting into a typing array of key caps in a computer keyboard; the first key cap including a top surface and depending sidewalls, the sidewalls together forming a perimeter of the key cap, and further including an extension formed in said perimeter of the key cap, the extension including a central aperture formed therein for receiving a shaft; a rigid shaft, sized and arranged so as to extend through the aperture for actuation by a user'"'"'s fingertip; the aperture being sized so as to allow slight lateral motion of the shaft for cursor control; force sensing means coupled to the shaft for sensing forces applied to the shaft by the user for cursor control; and at least one of the second and third key caps having a modified region so as to form a generally concave gap between the said one key cap and the extension of the first key, whereby the said extension does not interfere with normal operation of the adjacent key cap. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
- a first key cap coupled to a first keyswitch for typing a first alphanumeric character;
Specification