Keyboard as a computer pointing device for disabled users

A system, comprising:

• a computer system;
• a keyboard coupled to the computer system, wherein the keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, and wherein the plurality of keys comprises a separate key for each alphabet letter;
• a movement sensor coupled to the keyboard;
• a button located on the keyboard, wherein the button has a first state that allows movement of the keyboard, and wherein the button has a second state that prevents movement of the keyboard;
• and
• a program, adapted for execution on the computer system, to:
• process movement data from the movement sensor when the button is in the first state;
• group the plurality of keys into a specific command that corresponds to a pointing device button operation when the button is in the first state, wherein the keys that are grouped into the specific command are adjustable by a user of the system;
• and
• process normal key actuation data from the keyboard when the button is in the second state.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a keyboard, wherein the keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, and wherein the plurality of keys comprises a separate key for each alphabet letter;
• a first means for stationarily positioning the keyboard relative to a surface;
• a second means for enabling movement of the keyboard relative to the surface;
• a third means for generating pointing device signals corresponding to the movement of the keyboard;
• a fourth means for grouping the plurality of keys into one or more specific pointing device button operations, wherein the grouping of the plurality of keys is changeable by a user of the apparatus;
• and
• means for selecting between the first and second means.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a keyboard, wherein the keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, and wherein the plurality of keys comprises a separate key for each alphabet letter;
• means adapted for selecting between allowing or preventing movement of the keyboard relative to a surface;
• means for enabling the keyboard to function as a pointing device if movement of the keyboard is selected;
• and
• means for grouping one or more of the plurality of keys into a specific command, wherein the specific command comprises a specific pointing device button operation, and wherein the grouping of the one or more plurality of keys is changeable by a user of the apparatus.

A method for use in a data processing system having a processor, memory, keyboard, and display, comprising:

• receiving keyboard input for display when the keyboard is in a first mode, wherein the keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, and wherein the plurality of keys comprises a separate key for each alphabet letter;
• sensing movement of the keyboard when the keyboard is in a second mode;
• effectuating movement of a pointer on the display in response to the sensed movement of the keyboard;
• and
• selecting a location of the pointer on the display, wherein selecting comprises receiving an actuation of one or more of the plurality of keys, wherein the one or more keys are adapted to provide a specific pointing device command, and wherein the one or more keys are programmed by a user to provide the specific pointing device command.