Electronic sketch pad and auxiliary monitor

• US 5,995,085 A
• Filed: 10/09/1997
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bowen, James H.
• Original Assignee: Bowen, James H.
• Inventors: Bowen, James H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chow, Dennis-Doon
• Assistant Examiner(s): AWAD, AMR A
• Application Number:
  US08/947,638
• Time in Patent Office: 782 Days
• Field of Search: 345/145, 345/157, 345/165, 345/161, 345/168, 345/175, 345/179, 345/184, 345/905, 345/173, 340/825.31, 361/679-683, 248/918, 248/917, 108/50.01, 108/105, 312/7.2, 400/489, 179/90, 179/91
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033

Abstract

An electronic sketch pad and auxiliary monitor to be used as a peripheral to personal computers. The electronic sketch pad and auxiliary monitor slides under or attaches to the computer keyboard and is used as an auxiliary monitor to the primary CRT monitor. The electronic sketch pad is above and parallel to the key tops, and can be adjusted to give enough room so you can still operate the keyboard. If you are video tele-conferencing with a client or colleague you can sketch an idea on the electronic sketch pad and send it without interrupting your primary monitor screen. The operator can move the electronic sketch pad from an optimal sketch position to an optimal auxiliary monitor position below the primary monitor. Now while having a WEB screen on the primary monitor you can be taking notes, doing word processing or working other programs on the auxiliary monitor. With multi-monitor software the sketch pad and auxiliary monitor are in front of the operator relieving the need to twist the operators neck to the side, and saving desk space that would have been needed for a conventional CRT auxiliary monitor and digitizer.

Claims

1. An electronic sketch pad to be used as a peripheral with a computer, monitor and keyboard, comprising in combination:

a touch sensitive member for receiving input from a computer operator;

means for outputting electronic information representative of said input; and

means for holding said touch sensitive member in a first position a distance above keys of said keyboard which allows said computer operator to operate said keys said means for holding comprising a horizontal member which fits under said keyboard and is separate therefrom or which connects to said keyboard and is separable therefrom, and a vertical member which elevates said touch sensitive member above said keyboard.

2. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 further comprising a display connected to said touch sensitive member.

3. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 wherein said touch sensitive member is transparent.

4. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 wherein said means for outputting electronic information includes an optical transmitting element.

5. The electronic sketch pad of claim 4 wherein said optical transmitter emits infrared signals.

6. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 wherein said means for outputting electronic information includes a radio frequency transmitting element.

7. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 further comprising means for producing audible signals in response to said input at said touch sensitive member.

8. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 further comprising a stylus for providing input to said touch sensitive member.

9. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 further comprising a means for displaying selection information in defined areas on said touch sensitive member, and means for identifying selections made by said computer operator by identifying input at said defined areas.

10. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 further comprising a means for attaching said means for holding to said keyboard.

11. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 further comprising a display connected to said touch sensitive member which displays information different from that which can be displayed on said monitor.

12. The electronic sketch pad of claim 1 wherein said touch sensitive member has a top side and a bottom side wherein said top side is held furthest from said keys of said keyboard by said means for holding, and further comprising a means for orienting said touch sensitive member in a second position wherein said top side is held closest to said keys of said keyboard by said means for orienting.

13. The electronic sketch pad of claim 12 further comprising a mechanical linkage which moves said touch sensitive member from said first position to said second position.

14. An electric sketch pad to be used as a peripheral with a computer monitor and keyboard, comprising in combination:

a touch sensitive member for receiving input from a computer operator, said touch sensitive member has a top side and a bottom side, wherein input from said computer operator is provided on said top side;

means for outputting electronic information representative of said input;

means for holding said touch sensitive member in a first position a distance above keys of said keyboard which allows said computer operator said keys;

means for pivoting said touch sensitive member to a second position which exposes said bottom side of said touch sensitive member above said keys of said keyboard; and

a display positioned on said bottom side of said touch sensitive member.

15. The electronic sketch pad of claim 14 further comprising a document holder positioned on said bottom side of said touch sensitive member.