US 2002/0154038 A1Published application

Interchangeable keyboard with self defining keys

AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation

InventorJohn S. Houston

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Abstract

Each keyboard key is marked with a self-defining indicator. A matrix of key sensing circuits for the keyboard are configured to detect this indicator when the keys are depressed and provide an output to a keyboard controller which in turn provides key signals to the keyboard's connector that is indistinguishable by a computer system from the output of a standard QWERTY keyboard. This enables the disabled user to carry this keyboard from one computer system to another and simply exchange it for the standard keyboard for the computer. There are no changes required to be made to the computer's operating system or any software of the computer in order to allow the disabled user to use the computer. Furthermore, other users are not required to reconfigure the computer system after the standard keyboard has been re-installed.

Claims8

Dependent claims

Data entry device comprising:

a keyboard having a plurality of multifunction key positions;
a plurality of keys each key containing an inscription on the keycap thereof representing a character or function and containing a multibit binary code therein identifying the character or function, said keys being capable of being positioned in any one of the key positions in the keyboard, said keys being responsive to user contact to the keycaps thereof;
a circuit matrix disposed below said keyboard said circuit board being capable of detecting the binary code when one of the keys is contacted to produce an electrical signal representative of the binary code associated with the contacted key;
a standard interface connector to connect the keyboard to a computer;
and
a controller for converting the output of the circuit matrix for the contacted key to one which is recognizable by the computer so that the output of the keyboard provides to the standard interface connector correctly, identifies the contacted keys character or function to the computer irrespective of the position of the key on the keyboard.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.