System and method for providing an audible sound and a tactile feedback in an electronic data processing system

In an electronic data processing system having manually operable input means, a method for providing audible and tactile feedback to a user when said input means is operated, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing control means responsive to the operation of said input means for generating a control signal;
• (b) coupling transducer means to said control means so that said transducer means is responsive to said control signal;
• and
• (c) generating said control signal in response to the operation of said input means so that said transducer means is excited into mechanical motion to generate an audible sound and provide a tactile feedback for the user.

In an electronic data processing system having timekeeping circuitry for providing a plurality of time-related functions, a method for providing an audible sound repetitively at a selected time interval, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing control means responsive to an electrical signal generated repetitively at a selected time interval by said timekeeping circuitry for generating a control signal, said selected time interval corresponding to an interval of mechanical clock operation;
• (b) providing sound generating means and coupling said sound generating means to said control means so that said sound generating means is responsive to said control signal;
• and
• (c) generating said control signal in response to said electrical signal so that said sound generating means generates an audible sound at said selected time interval during the operation of the system, thereby simulating the sound of mechanical clock operation.

An electronic data processing system comprising:

• (a) input means for selectively entering data into said system;
• (b) timekeeping circuit means for providing a plurality of time-related functions;
• (c) digital processor means for generating a control signal in response to a first electrical signal indicative of the operation of said input means and in response to a second electrical signal generated repetitively at a selected time interval by said timekeeping circuit means, said selected time interval corresponding to an interval of mechanical clock operation;
• and
• (d) transducer means responsive to said control signal for generating an audible sound when said input means is operated and repetitively at said selected time intervals during the operation of said system, thereby simulating the sound of mechanical clock operation.