Finger activated keyboard for a computer
US5477223A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/943
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A keyboard in which each key includes a light source and photodetector in a region such as a depression in a panel. The key signal is activated by inserting the finger into the depression so as to interrupt the beam. In one embodiment, the depressions are molded into a plastic surface. In another embodiment, the key support structure is a pair of closely spaced parallel panels. An array of key holes are formed in in one panel. An array of detecors and light sources is mounted on the second panel such that when the panels are assembled together, a light source detector pair is located with each key hole providing that the beam between the light source and photodetector will be interrupted when the user inserts his finger in the hole. In another embodiment, the key board has a pyramidal shape and armrests are provided to reduce repetitve motion stress. In a further modification, the pyramidal keyboard is provided with a computer ball so that the ball can be moved at the same time that varioosu combinations of keys are depressed to perform a selected one of a number of operations such as measuring the length of a line, coloring in an enclosure, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.