Configurable keyguard for use with touch sensitive keyboard
US6357940B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09B21/003
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A configurable touch sensitive keyboard system is used to adjust or control the interface to a computer or other electronic device, particularly, for disabled individuals. The configurable touch sensitive keyboard system includes a touch sensitive keyboard having touch sensitive regions and a keyboard overlay having symbols corresponding to the touch sensitive regions. The symbols can be visually recognizable symbols or tactually recognizable symbols, such as Braille characters. A keyguard template is disposed on the keyboard over the overlay and includes keyboard access regions spatially separated on the keyguard. The keyboard access regions on the keyguard help disabled individuals to locate the touch sensitive regions for activation. Keyboard access cover members are used to selectively cover the keyboard access regions and the symbols and corresponding touch sensitive regions. By selectively covering the keyboard access regions using the cover members, the keyboard can be adjusted to suit the needs of a particular individual to improve the learning process and overall interaction with the computer or other electronic device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.