Patent · US Expired

Compact keyboard system

US4727357A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
7References
41Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 8, 1984
Grant dateFeb 23, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 8, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06V10/17
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A compact keyboard for entry of alphanumeric data or other characters into a computerized system. A character formation key on the keyboard is formed by a plurality of bars which are capable of being activated for providing light. These bars are arranged in a mosaic pattern with several of the bars forming an outer box pattern and several of the bars extending inside of the box pattern. Light is emitted from each bar when such bar is in an activated lit condition. Each of the bars is switchable between an activated lit condition and an off condition, with the activated bars emitting light so as to display an alphanumeric character. The keyboard has a data entry mechanism for causing the displayed alphanumeric character to be entered into a computerized system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.