Mechanical interface device
US6322449A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/8082
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention comprises both a system and a method for mechanically depressing a key of an underlying keyboard in response to a user input. The system preferably comprises a computer system and a mechanical interface device. The mechanical interface preferable mounts on top of the underlying keyboard and preferably includes a three dimensional representational object configured for manipulation by the user. This computer system preferably comprises a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and the underlying keyboard coupled to the processor. The computer system preferably shows a corresponding image in response to manipulation of the three dimensional representational object by the user. By utilizing the three dimensional representational object instead of a keyboard as the user's interface, the present invention gives the user a simpler, more realistic computer interface. Further, the present invention allows the existing computer system with the processor, display and keyboard to be conveniently and inexpensively customized for specific applications by placing the mechanical interface device over the existing keyboard and properly configuring the processor. These …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.