Tactile recognition input device and overlay for use with an input device
US6059575A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/082
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tactile recognition input device is used by a visually impaired individual, for example, to interact with an electronic device, such as a computer. The input device includes a plurality of activation keys movable in a direction generally parallel to the input device and preferably away from the individual to activate the input device and transmit input signals. Each of the activation keys includes a tactilly recognizable region including, for example, a Braille character. A tactile recognition overlay is used with an existing input device, such as a membrane computer keyboard. The overlay includes an overlay member having a plurality of depressible portions that are movable to below the overlay member to activate input regions on the input device. Activation keys are disposed on the overlay member over each of the depressible portions and are movable in the direction generally parallel to the input device. When one of the activation keys is moved, the activation key engages the corresponding depressible portion and moves the depressible portion to contact the corresponding input region. The tactilly recognizable region can be disposed on a surface of the activation keys or on a s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.