Multiple independent input peripherals
US4689761A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1984 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/033
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system has a plurality of independent input peripheral devices which create a more user-friendly and versatile way to interact with the computer. An alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keyboard, a function keyboard and a Mouse pointing device all communicate input data to the computer. The computer is simultaneously responsive to the data communicated by all of the input peripherals. The user may select one or more of the input peripherals to operate simultaneously to effect efficient data input. The input peripherals may be connected to the computer with cords, or may be operated in a cordless mode. The computer maps the data generated by the three keyboards into the same symbol table so that it need not determine where the data originated. Three of the input peripherals are disposable into cradles defined in a housing, while the alphanumeric keyboard is disposable into a cavity defined within the housing. An ejector mechanism discharges the alphanumeric keyboard from the cavity when a door of the cavity is opened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.