Computer input device with individually positionable and programmable switches

• US 6,650,254 B1
• Filed: 03/13/2000
• Issued: 11/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ErgoDEX Co.
• Original Assignee: Ergodex Incorporated
• Inventors: Rix, Scott M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Horaoik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US09/524,011
• Time in Patent Office: 1,345 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/22, 341/26, 345/172, 345/168, 400/486, 400/492, 400/489
• US Class Current: 341/22
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2207/048 Inductive or infrared coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/066 replaceable
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/022 Modular assembly

Abstract

A configurable computer input device. At least one switch is removably attachable to a surface and is in communication with a processor. At least one function is assignable to activation of the switch. The at least one switch may be repositioned distances smaller than a length or width of the at least one switch. Circuitry is in communication with the at least one switch for assigning at least one function to activation of the switch. Circuitry communicates the at least one function to a host computer. Circuitry determines the actuation status of the at least one switch and communicates the actuation status to the host computer.

Claims

1. A configurable computer input device, comprising:

at least one switch removably attachable to a surface and in communication with a processor, at least one function being assignable to activation of the switch, wherein the surface that the at least one switch is attached to comprises at least one matrix of receptacles that the at least one switch is removably attachable to at a plurality of positions, wherein the at least one switch is repositionable at distances smaller than a length or width of the at least one switch;

circuitry in communication with the at least one switch for assigning at least one function to activation of the switch;

circuitry for communicating the at least one function to a host computer;

circuitry for determining the actuation status of the at least one switch and communicating the actuation status to the processor; and

a memory for storing data comprising a mapping of the at least one function assigned to the at least one switch to the position of the at least one switch in the at least one matrix of receptacles.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one switch comprises at least one pin that extends from the switch and is receivable by the matrix of receptacles.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one matrix of receptacles is housed in a keyboard housing with a standard keyboard.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one matrix of receptacles is housed in a videogame controller.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the matrix of receptacles is non-contiguous.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the matrix of receptacles is non-planar.

7. A configurable computer input device, comprising:

at least one switch removably attachable to a receiving surface;

at least one receiving surface for receiving the at least one switch at a plurality of positions, wherein the at least one receiving surface comprises a matrix of receptacles for receiving pins attached and electrically connected to the at least one switch, wherein a distance separating any two positions may be smaller than a length or a width of the at least one switch;

a memory for storing data comprising a mapping of at least one electronic, alphanumeric, or keyboard function to the at least one switch when the at least one switch is removably attached to a position of the receiving surface;

circuitry for scanning the at least one switch when the at least one switch is removably attached to a position of the receiving surface and for determining the actuation status of the at least one switch;

a controller responsive to the circuitry for scanning and for consulting the memory to obtain the at least one function mapped to the at least one switch upon actuation of the at least one switch; and

circuitry for transferring the at least one function obtained by the controller to a host computer with which the device communicates.

8. A computer system, comprising:

a configurable computer input device, comprising at least one switch removably attachable to a surface and in communication with a processor, the surface comprising at least one matrix of receptacles that the at least one switch is removably attachable to at a plurality of positions, the at least one switch may be repositioned on the matrix of receptacles at distances smaller than a length or width of the at least one switch, at least one function comprising at least one electronic, alphanumeric or keyboard function is assignable to activation of the switch;

circuitry in communication with the at least one switch for assigning at least one function to activation of the switch;

circuitry for communicating the at least one function to a host computer;

a memory storing data comprising a mapping of the at least one function assigned to the at least one switch to the position of the at least one switch in the at least one matrix of receptacles; and

circuitry for determining the actuation status of the at least one switch and communicating the actuation status to the processor; and

a host computer selected from the group consisting of a microcomputer and video game computer.