Integrated keyboard

• US 5,808,922 A
• Filed: 07/23/1996
• Issued: 09/15/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Honeywell Iac
• Original Assignee: Honeywell Iac
• Inventors: Martinez, Daniel L., Ellison, Norm
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Tan V.
• Application Number:
  US08/685,165
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 364/709.11, 364/708.1, 345/168, 361/680
• US Class Current: 708/141
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards

Abstract

In a process control system, having a controller, a display unit, and a console, an integrated keyboard is mounted with the console. The integrated keyboard provides an interface between an operator and the process control system. The integrated keyboard comprises a frame, configured to mount with the console. A full-travel keyboard is also mounted on the frame. A wrist-rest plate is mounted on the frame between the full-travel keyboard and the operator. An operator control panel, having individual keys, is located in a recess between the wrist-rest plate and the operator, such that the individual keys are not accidentally activated by the operator. Lastly, a cursor control unit is mounted in the wrist-rest plate.

Claims

1. In a process control system, having a controller, a display unit, a console, an integrated keyboard mounted with the console, the integrated keyboard providing an interface between an operator and the process control system, the integrated keyboard comprising:

a) a frame, configured to mount with the console;

b) a full-travel keyboard mounted on the frame;

c) a wrist-rest plate, mounted on the frame between the full-travel keyboard and the operator,

d) an operator control panel, having individual keys, located in a recess between the wrist-rest plate and the operator, such that the accidental activation of the individual keys by the operator is reduced;

e) a cursor control unit mounted in the wrist-rest plate; and

f) a keypanel mounted essentially vertical to and behind the full-travel keyboard where the keypanel is mounted on a flip-door on the frame, the flip-door being spring loaded such that the panel returns to the vertical position in a normal state.

2. In a process control system, the integrated keyboard of claim 1 wherein the panel is a relegendable function keypanel.

3. In a process control system, the integrated keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cursor control unit is essentially centered on the space bar of the full-travel keyboard.

4. In a process control system, the integrated keyboard of claim 3, wherein the cursor control unit is a trackball.

5. In a process control system, the integrated keyboard of claim 1, wherein the cursor control unit is a trackball.

6. In a process control system, the integrated keyboard of claim 1, further comprising a security switch.

7. In a process control system, having a controller, a display unit, a console, an integrated keyboard mounted with the console, the integrated keyboard providing an interface between an operator and the process control system, the integrated keyboard comprising:

a) a frame, leaving a flat bottom configured to mount on a desktop;

b) a full-travel keyboard mounted on the frame;

c) a wrist-rest plate, mounted on the frame between the full-travel keyboard and the operator;

d) an operator control panel, having individual keys, located in a recess between the wrist-rest plate and the operator, such that the accidental activation of the individual keys by the operator is reduced;

e) a cursor control unit mounted in the wrist-rest plate; and

f) a keypanel mounted essentially vertical to and behind the full-travel keyboard where the keypanel is mounted on a flip-door on the frame, the flip-door being spring loaded such that the panel returns to the vertical position in a normal state.