Keyboard incorporating multi-function flat-panel input device and/or display

• US 6,396,483 B1
• Filed: 06/28/1996
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey H. Hiller
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey H. Hiller
• Inventors: Hiller, Jeffrey H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Liang, Regina
• Application Number:
  US08/671,935
• Time in Patent Office: 2,160 Days
• Field of Search: 345/173,168,157,179,156,160,169,172 341/22,23 178/18,19
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/021 Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224

Abstract

A flat input device and/or display is incorporated into a computer keyboard. The flat input device is multi-functional and may be used to realize a virtual keypad/mouse. The virtual keypad/mouse is a touch-sensitive device that in one mode of operation functions as a numeric keypad and in another mode of operation functions as a mouse, i.e., a pointing device for positioning a cursor. In still another mode of operation, the device may operate as a digitizer. The virtual keypad/mouse may be connected to the computer by a cable in addition to the conventional keyboard cable. A flat panel display may be used in lieu of or in addition to a conventional computer monitor, for viewing documents, for videoconferencing, collaborative work, etc.

Claims

1. A computer keyboard, comprising:

a keyboard housing;

keys within a QUERTY area of the keyboard, at least some of the keys having indicia permanently affixed thereto; and

within another area of the keyboard, in lieu of keys, a touch-sensitive pad;

wherein the touch-sensitive pad is operable in a plurality of the following modes;

a trackpad mode in which movement of a finger across the touchpad results in movement of a cursor across a computer display;

a keypad mode of operation in which touch keys are pressed; and

a digitizer mode of operation in which movement of a stylus is sensed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said another area of the keyboard is a numeric keypad area of the keyboard.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein touch keys are printed on a surface of the touchpad.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the touchpad overlies a flat panel display, and touch keys are displayed on the flat panel display.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising means for switching between said modes.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means for switching between modes includes a toggle switch.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means for switching between modes includes logic for distinguishing between user inputs in different modes of operation.