Computer keyboard with processor for audio and telephony functions
First Claim
1. In a keyboard for a computer including an array of switches and a controller coupled to the switches, to provide signals relating to the state of the switches, the improvement comprising:
- at least one processor to;
provide telephony functions, including processing computer network protocol based telephony signals from the computer into audio signals and audio signals from a microphone into computer network protocol based telephony signals for output to the computer, and control functions including to control audio signals provided to at least one speaker coupled to the keyboards, including selectively blocking audio signals provided by the computer while providing to the speaker audio signals provided by the processor; and
means for providing audio signals to the at least one speaker from the audio signals provided by the processor and audio signals provided by the computer based on the control functions provided by the at least one processor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer keyboard provides for one or more of processing, interfacing, input/output control with respect to the computer and/or one or more devices coupled to the keyboard, and/or for control of one or more devices coupled to the keyboard. The keyboard comprises at least one processor, and may also include one or more busses and/or other devices, that, individually in cooperation, perform such functions. In one embodiment, the processor receives telephony signals from the computer and provides telephony signals to the computer, performing the processing necessary to support telephony functions such as conversion of audio signals. Audio signals from computer sound cards and other audio signal sources may be mixed with telephony signals in keyboards according to the invention. Displays and associated input devices incorporated by the keyboard are provided to control telephony and other keyboard processor functions.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. In a keyboard for a computer including an array of switches and a controller coupled to the switches, to provide signals relating to the state of the switches, the improvement comprising:
at least one processor to; provide telephony functions, including processing computer network protocol based telephony signals from the computer into audio signals and audio signals from a microphone into computer network protocol based telephony signals for output to the computer, and control functions including to control audio signals provided to at least one speaker coupled to the keyboards, including selectively blocking audio signals provided by the computer while providing to the speaker audio signals provided by the processor; and means for providing audio signals to the at least one speaker from the audio signals provided by the processor and audio signals provided by the computer based on the control functions provided by the at least one processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. In a keyboard for a computer which provides audio signals for at least one speaker, the keyboard including an array of switches and a controller coupled to the switches, which provides signals relating to the state of the switches, the improvement comprising:
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at least one processor to provide functions related to telephony including providing audio signals to the at least one speaker from computer network protocol based telephony signals provided by the computer, and for providing computer network protocol based telephony signals for the computer from audio signals provided by a microphone; and a display mounted to the keyboard controlled by the at least one processor for displaying information related to telephony-related functions provided by the at least one processor; the at least one processor providing control functions to control audio signals provided to the at least one speaker including selectively blocking audio signals provided by the computer while providing to the at least one speaker audio signals provided by the processor from the computer network protocol based telephony signals provided by the computer. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification