Computer Device

• US 20080174553A1
• Filed: 12/17/2003
• Published: 07/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Anders Trell Trust
• Original Assignee: Anders Trell Trust
• Inventors: Trust, Anders Trell
• Application Number:
  US10/538,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20080174553A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0235 using chord techniques G06F3/0234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

A computer input device for inputting graphical location data and alphanumerical data. The device is arranged with a keypad for the input of the alphanumerical data. According to the invention, keys of the keypad are not only used for input by means of individually enacted keys, but also for input by means of two or more simultaneously enacted adjacent or non-adjacent keys, thereby enhancing the gamut of input considerably. Furthermore, a user may also set the keypad in a number of modes, (e.g. Non-Shifted mode, Shift mode, Num mode and Num-Lock mode), thereby further enhancing the input capability considerably. Advantageously, certain keys may also be given a user programmable function.

Claims

1. A device for inputting graphical location data and alphanumerical data to a computer having a graphical display, comprising:

(a) a graphical location data entry portion, including at least one click button, operative for inputting graphical location data to a computer having a graphical display; and

(b) an alphanumerical data entry portion, including a plurality of keys, operative for inputting alphanumerical data to a computer, wherein the inputting of alphanumerical data includes an enactment of one or more keys.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the enactment of one or more keys comprises:

(a) a single enactment of a single key; and

(b) a simultaneous enactment of a combination of keys.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the inputting of alphanumerical data by way of a simultaneous enactment of a combination of keys comprises the enactment of substantially vertically adjacent keys, substantially horizontally adjacent keys, diagonally adjacent keys and non-adjacent keys.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said alphanumerical data comprises

(a) one or more characters;

(b) a phrase; and

(c) a command function.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the alphanumerical data entry portion of the device is arranged to operate for input of alphanumerical data in a plurality of modes, and wherein the enactment of keys in a specific mode operates to input a set of alphanumerical data specific to said mode.

6. The device of claim 5 further comprising means for indicating whether the alphanumerical data entry portion is operating in a specific mode.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said indicating means comprises a light emitting diode (LED).

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising software to audibly disclose each accepted input of alphanumerical data.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the graphical location data entry portion and the alphanumerical data entry portion can each be separately activated or deactivated by a command function.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the alphanumerical data entry portion includes at least two columns and at least two rows of keys.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the alphanumerical data entry portion includes at least three columns and at least four rows of keys.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the alphanumerical data entry portion includes at least one user programmable key.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the graphical data entry portion includes at least 2 click buttons.

14. The device of claim 1 further comprising a scroll wheel.

15. The device of claim 1 further comprising a single input port.

16. The device of claim 1 further comprising a cordless input port.

17. The device of claim 1 further comprising a rechargeable battery source.

18. The device of claim 1 further comprising a solar cell power source.

19. A method of receiving information in a computer from a device according to claim 1, said method comprising steps of:

(a) receiving information from said device representing an enactment of at least one key on said device;

(b) converting said information into alphanumerical data; and

(c) transmitting said alphanumerical data to a computer application executing in said computer.

20. A computer readable media storing software code executable on a computer connected to a device according to claim 1, wherein said software code is operable to perform the method according to claim 19.