GB2127598A

GB2127598A - Keyboard attachment

Info

Publication number: GB2127598A
Application number: GB08226384A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Lemuel Phillips
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-09-16
Filing date: 1982-09-16
Publication date: 1984-04-11
Also published as: GB2127598B

Abstract

A keyboard attachment for a microcomputer, comprises a book (10) in the form of a ring binder having a rigid back cover (14) which includes a printed track circuit (18), and a conductive foil (20) above the circuit and spaced from it by an apertured foam sheet (22), thus defining pressure points (24) constituting keys causing a unique circuit connection to be made for each such point, altering the resistance across the analogue port of a computer. The binder (10) also has pages bearing information which overlays the back cover in a manner such that the pressure keys are identified for selective operation, thereby to enable the computer, when suitably programmed to call the analogue port, to respond to the overlaid information. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Keyboard attachment for a microcomputer This invention relates to a keyboard attachment for a microcomputer, more especially for a so-called mini-computer of the type having its own built-in conventional keyboard, a memory programmable with programs stored on tapes, floppy discs or the like, and a VDU or an output port connectable to a VDU such as a television receiver.

An object of the invention is to provide an accessory for such a mini-computer enabling the latter to be used in a novel and improved manner, particularly for learning or instructional or amusement purposes.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a keyboard attachment for a microcomputer having a programmable memory, said attachment comprising a board having a matrix of pressure points at which are located respective contacts constituting keys in printed track circuit embedded in the board, and means for connecting said circuit to the information port of the computer, said board being adapted for the overlay of a sheet bearing information related to the matrix of keys, whereby in operation the computer memory can be accessed from the board to cause the computer to execute a program responsively to the operation of keys selected in accordance with the information on the overlying sheet.

Preferably, the board constitutes the back cover of a book which contains a plurality of overlay sheets as pages thereof. The book may be in the form of a ring binder, so that pages can be selectively removed from or inserted into the binder. Thus, in accordance with a further aspect, the invention extends to the above-described keyboard attachment in the form of a book of which the back cover constitutes the said board and one or more pages contained in the book constitute the information sheets.

The computer memory may be programmed with a plurality of programs, and these may be selectable from the keyboard attachment to suit a particular page of a plurality of pages which is turned over to be exposed overlying the book cover. For example, if the keyboard has a matrix of twelve pressure points, up to twelve pages can be accommodated in the book, each using one particular pressure point for program selection and one for program termination.

Alternatively, a program may be selectable from the in-built computer keyboard, in accordance with instructions given on a selected page.

In the simplest case, the computer will be loaded with programs individually, according to the page of the book to be used.

Typically, program selection will result in a particular display, such as graphics display, being shown on the VDU. Selective operation of the pressure keys on the accessory board, in accordance with information on the exposed page of the book overlying the book cover, will then result in a change in the display in accordance with the program which instructs the computer to scan the accessory keyboard. The returned information then accesses the VDU memory mapped region of the computer ROM. As the program calls the analogue port (e.g., joystick, paddle) a decimal number is returned (typically 0 63, 0-255) due to the change in resistance across the analogue port, the change is caused by the pressing of a key on the book.The resistance is built up as the number to be returned increases, e.g. 1=1 5K ohms, 2=20K ohms, 3=25K ohms, etc.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention extends to the above-described accessory keyboard in combination with means for programming the computer to respond to the one or more information sheets and to the combination of the accessory keyboard with a computer so programmed.

An embodiment of book keyboard in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:~ Figure 1 is a perspective view of the book keyboard; Figure 2 is a cross-section through the book keyboard; Figure 3 shows an example information sheet; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a printed track circuit; and Figure 5 is a circuit diagram equivalent to the printed track.

In Figure 1, the reference 10 generally denotes a ring binder containing twelve pages 12. In the manner of a conventional book, any one of these can be turned over to overlie the back cover 14. In Figure 1, parts of the back cover are broken away to show successive laminations or layers thereof, as will also be clear from Figure 2.

The back cover 14 comprises a rigid plastics base or substrate 16 bearing a printed track circuit 18, a suitable form of which is shown in Figure 4. Above the printed track circuit 18 is positioned a conductive foil 20, spaced from the track by a sheet 22 of plastics foamed material, say 3 mm thick, apertured in a matrix of four columns, three apertures in a row. One such aperture 24 is shown in Figure 1, exposing the surface 26 of the printed circuit beneath it. The back cover 14 also includes an encasing, opaque, PVC cover 28.

The apertures 24 in the foamed sheet 22 define pressure points on the back cover 14, whereat application of pressure effects contact between the conductive foil 20 and the printed track circuit 18, thereby to cause a unique circuit connection, one for each pressure point, to be made. The printed circuit lay-out shown in Figure 4 exemplifies the manner in which such circuit connections can be made. A multi-conductor cable 30 (see Figure 1) connects to the terminals of the printed track circuit 18, and terminates at the remote end with a standard five-pin connector (not shown) which plugs into the analogue port of a mini-computer.

For further understanding, Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram equivalent to the printed track circuit 18 and conductive foil 20, wherein the pressure contacts or keys are designated 32.

Coupling to the computer is effected at 34.

Figure 3 gives an example of a page of the ring binder, being a page suitable for instructing young children in the so-called Green Cross Code.

In conjunction with this page, a program will be provided for the mini-computer, i.e. a program which can be loaded from tape, floppy disc or the like, for operation of the computer graphics, whereby a graphics display is presented on a VDU, which may be a home television receiver to which the mini-computer is connected. The basic theme of graphics display may be the Green Cross Code Warden.

In operation, the computer responds to the keys 32 of the book keyboard, and the program is initiated by pressing at a pressure point which is marked with the word 'Start' on the page overlying the back cover 14. The further operation of the computer is then controlled by pressing any one of the further points, marked with the word 'Press' on the page, as the computer scans the keys. As the program calls the analogue port (e.g., joystick, paddle) a decimal number is returned (typically 0-63, 0-255) due to the change in resistance across the analogue port, the change is caused by the pressing of a key on the book. The resistance is built up as the number to be returned increases, e.g. 1=1 5K ohms, 2=20K ohms, 3=25K ohms, etc.Based on the returned numbers, the mapped region of the computer VDU memory is accessed, and the graphics display changed responsively to the pressing of particular pressure keys 32. For example, in the case of pressing the key associated with the eye on the face illustrated on the page, the VDU display may show a moving car in conjunction with the Green Cross Code warden holding up his hand to stop a child crossing the road. The program is terminated by pressing the key marked with the word 'Finish'.

It is practicable for the computer to be loaded with programs corresponding to more than one page or information sheet in the book, and for a particular program to be selected either from the book keyboard or from the in-built keyboard of the computer. It is obviously not essential that the program to be operated from the book keyboard should be a graphics display; questions and answers in alpha-numeric display are equally practicable, as are sound effects. Programs may give colour or black and white display.

Finally, it is to be appreciated that various modifications of the above-described and illustrated example are possible within the scope of the invention hereinbefore defined.

Claims (Filed 16.9.83) 1. A keyboard attachment for a microcomputer having a programmable memory, said attachment comprising a board having a matrix of pressure points at which are located respective pressure contacts constituting keys in printed track circuit embedded in the board, and means for connecting said circuit to the information port of the computer, said board being adapted for the overlay of a sheet bearing information related to the matrix of keys, whereby in operation the computer memory can be accessed from the board to cause the computer to execute a program responsively to the operation of keys selected in accordance with the information on the overlying sheet.

2. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the board constitutes the back cover of a book which contains a plurality of overlay sheets as pages thereof.

3. An attachment according to claim 2, wherein the book is in the form of a ring binder, so that pages can be selectively removed or inserted.

4. An attachment according to any of claims 1 to 3, for a microcomputer capable of being programmed with a plurality of programs, wherein the keyboard attachment includes means for program selection to suit a selected overlay sheet.

5. An attachment according to claim 4, wherein said program selection means comprises one or more of said pressure contacts.

6. An attachment according to any of claims 1 to 5, in combination with means for programming the computer to respond to the pressure keys being operated in accordance with information on an overlay sheet.

7. An attachment according to claim 6, in further combination with a computer programmed by said programming means.

8. An attachment according to any of claims 1 to 7, adapted to produce a change in electrical resistance across the analogue port of the computer when a pressure key is operated.

9. An attachment according to claim 8 when appendant to claim 7, in combination with a computer programmed by said programming means to call the analogue port and return a given desired number dependent on the resistance encountered.

10. An attachment according to claim 9, in combination with a computer adapted to access a mapped region of its memory in accordance with the decimal number returned.

11. A keyboard attachment for a microcomputer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12. Apparatus for attachment to a digital computer having a port for accepting analog signals, comprising: a board having thereon a plurality of serially connected resistors extending along an elongate path on the board, a plurality of pressure actuated switches on the board, each of those switches being located at a different site along said path, flexible means for overlaying the board, said

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. (not shown) which plugs into the analogue port of a mini-computer. For further understanding, Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram equivalent to the printed track circuit 18 and conductive foil 20, wherein the pressure contacts or keys are designated 32. Coupling to the computer is effected at 34. Figure 3 gives an example of a page of the ring binder, being a page suitable for instructing young children in the so-called Green Cross Code. In conjunction with this page, a program will be provided for the mini-computer, i.e. a program which can be loaded from tape, floppy disc or the like, for operation of the computer graphics, whereby a graphics display is presented on a VDU, which may be a home television receiver to which the mini-computer is connected. The basic theme of graphics display may be the Green Cross Code Warden. In operation, the computer responds to the keys 32 of the book keyboard, and the program is initiated by pressing at a pressure point which is marked with the word 'Start' on the page overlying the back cover 14. The further operation of the computer is then controlled by pressing any one of the further points, marked with the word 'Press' on the page, as the computer scans the keys. As the program calls the analogue port (e.g., joystick, paddle) a decimal number is returned (typically 0-63, 0-255) due to the change in resistance across the analogue port, the change is caused by the pressing of a key on the book. The resistance is built up as the number to be returned increases, e.g. 1=1 5K ohms, 2=20K ohms, 3=25K ohms, etc.Based on the returned numbers, the mapped region of the computer VDU memory is accessed, and the graphics display changed responsively to the pressing of particular pressure keys 32. For example, in the case of pressing the key associated with the eye on the face illustrated on the page, the VDU display may show a moving car in conjunction with the Green Cross Code warden holding up his hand to stop a child crossing the road. The program is terminated by pressing the key marked with the word 'Finish'. It is practicable for the computer to be loaded with programs corresponding to more than one page or information sheet in the book, and for a particular program to be selected either from the book keyboard or from the in-built keyboard of the computer. It is obviously not essential that the program to be operated from the book keyboard should be a graphics display; questions and answers in alpha-numeric display are equally practicable, as are sound effects. Programs may give colour or black and white display. Finally, it is to be appreciated that various modifications of the above-described and illustrated example are possible within the scope of the invention hereinbefore defined. Claims (Filed 16.9.83)

1. A keyboard attachment for a microcomputer having a programmable memory, said attachment comprising a board having a matrix of pressure points at which are located respective pressure contacts constituting keys in printed track circuit embedded in the board, and means for connecting said circuit to the information port of the computer, said board being adapted for the overlay of a sheet bearing information related to the matrix of keys, whereby in operation the computer memory can be accessed from the board to cause the computer to execute a program responsively to the operation of keys selected in accordance with the information on the overlying sheet.

flexible means carrying indicia identifying at least some of the pressure actuated switches, and connector means for applying electrical signals derived from said resistors on said board to the aforesaid port for accepting analog signals.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: the flexible means comprises a plurality of sheets, at least some of said sheets carrying different arrangements of indicia, and the board having means for retaining any of those sheets in overlying position on the board.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: the pressure actuated switches employ a flexible electrically conductive foil disposed over the elongate path, and the board further carries a resilient compressive layer disposed over the elongate path, said layer being interposed between said foil and said resistors, said layer having apertures therethrough at the sites where the pressure switches are located.

1 5. In a system of the kind having: (1) a digital computer provided with a port for accepting analog signals, (2) a video display unit controlled by the computer, (3) a programmable memory associated with the computer, and (4) a plurality of programs, any of which can be selected to program the memory, the improvement of apparatus for attachment to said port, comprising: : (a) a board having thereon a plurality of serially connected resistors extending along an elongate path on the board, (b) a plurality of pressure actuated switches on the board, those switches being located at different sites along said path, (c) a plurality of flexible sheets, each sheet being adapted to overlie the board, each sheet carrying indicia identifying at least some of the pressure actuated switches, the arrangement of indicia on at least some of the sheets being different from those on others of the sheets, each of said different sheets being associated with a different one of said plurality of programs, and (d) connector means for applying to said port electrical signals derived from said resistors on said board.