Keyboard with changeable key display
First Claim
1. A keypad comprising:
- a display apparatus having a display surface and a display perimeter surrounding the display surface;
a sidewall positioned along at least a portion of the display perimeter, the sidewall extending above the display surface to a sidewall pivot line;
a key actuator having a short arm and a long arm, wherein the key actuator contacts the sidewall pivot line, thereby allowing the key actuator to rotate about the sidewall pivot line; and
a switch positioned adjacent the key actuator short arm, such that when a force is applied to move the key actuator long arm toward the display, the key actuator rotates about the sidewall pivot line and the key actuator short arm engages the switch.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A keyboard system comprises a first plurality of keys. The first plurality of keys have top surfaces with fixed indicia disposed thereon. The keyboard system further comprises a recessed section. The keyboard system further comprises a programmable display key module disposed in the recessed section. The programmable display key module comprises a dynamically programmable flat panel display having a plurality of display areas. The programmable display key module further comprises a second plurality of keys. Each of the second plurality of keys has at least a first transparent surface and a switch engagement structure. At least a portion of each key overlays a corresponding display area of the dynamically programmable flat panel display. The programmable display key module further comprises a plurality of switches. Each switch is positioned adjacent to a corresponding switch engagement structure of a corresponding key. At least a first of the switches is activated by the corresponding switch engagement structure when the corresponding key is depressed.
26 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A keypad comprising:
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a display apparatus having a display surface and a display perimeter surrounding the display surface; a sidewall positioned along at least a portion of the display perimeter, the sidewall extending above the display surface to a sidewall pivot line; a key actuator having a short arm and a long arm, wherein the key actuator contacts the sidewall pivot line, thereby allowing the key actuator to rotate about the sidewall pivot line; and a switch positioned adjacent the key actuator short arm, such that when a force is applied to move the key actuator long arm toward the display, the key actuator rotates about the sidewall pivot line and the key actuator short arm engages the switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification