GB2325536A

GB2325536A - Data entry system with multi-function keys

Info

Publication number: GB2325536A
Application number: GB9710760A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Barrington Parfitt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-05-24
Filing date: 1997-05-24
Publication date: 1998-11-25
Also published as: GB9710760D0

Abstract

An array of keys is mounted in box 3 hinged or slidably attached to the side of a display screen 2. The row of keys 5 nearest the screen are associated with legends appearing on legend area 7. If there are insufficient keys for any particular task, additional functions can be listed in the overflow legend area 8. Pressing the reserved key 6 causes items in the overflow legend area 8 to be brought into the legend area whilst the functions of the keys are altered to correspond with these changes. The legends which had previously appeared in legend area 7 are then listed in overflow legend area 8. Screen area 9 is used to convey instructions or information to the operator. Additions (10, fig. 4) may be provided to the programmable keys to overlay the legends 7 which are visible through the additions so that the keys are actuable by pressing the appropriate additions.

Description

DATA ENTRY SYSTEM This invention relates to a computer data entry system.

Computers and numerically controlled equipment often have a need to receive control commands from, and to communicate information to, an operator.

Typically a computer visual display, or "screen", might be used to present information and an array of switches, or "keys", used to accept data.

Generally the keys are located at a little distance from the screen which then requires operators to transfer their attention from the screen to the keys and vice versa. A further problem with this arrangement is that the keys have to be labeled in some fashion to indicate their function. Whilst it is possible for the control system to alter the effect of pressing the key, it is not possible for the label on the key to be easily changed. If each key is required to have a unique function then the number of keys required could be quite large. In some applications this could be as many as 200+ keys.

According to the present invention there is provided an array of keys located adjacent to a screen, arranged in such a way that the row of keys nearest the screen would have their corresponding legends arranged on the screen so as to be easily associated with these keys. Thus as the function of these keys is altered by the controlling system the legends can be altered at the same time to correspond with their new function.

According to the present invention there is also provided an array of keys for location adjacent to a display screen, and a controlling system for causing the display screen to display key function legends corresponding to at least a row of keys nearest the screen so that said displayed legends can be readily visually associated with these keys, said controlling system being operable also for altering the function of these keys and for correspondingly altering the associated displayed key function legends.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the key array mounted on a monitor adjacent to the screen.

Figure 2 shows in perspective, the key assembly moved away from the screen (in this case hinged) when not required.

Figure 3 shows an elevation showing the key matrix and various related features appearing on the screen Figure 4 shows in perspective, an attachment to the programmable keys.

Referring to the drawing the array of keys are mounted in a box 3 attached with a hinge or slide to the monitor 1 which holds the screen 2. Through this attachment the keys may be temporarily removed if not required allowing an uncluttered view of the screen.

The keys are arranged as a matrix in this case 3 rows of 9 keys. The row nearest the screen are the "programmable" keys 5, the effect of pressing one of these keys is described by a legend appearing on the screen in the legend area 7, at a position close to the programmable keys 5, in such a way that the legend is clearly associated with its corresponding programmable key. The remaining keys would tend to have pre-set fimctions and be engraved or marked accordingly.

If the number of programmable keys is insufficient for the required task then part of the screen would be used as an overflow legend area 8 to show sets of additional functions for the programmable keys. Pressing a specially designated key 6 will advance a set of functions from overflow legend area 8 into the key legend area 7. At the same time the legends which had appeared in legend area 7 are re-placed in overflow legend area 8. Thus all of the current selection of possibilities for the programmable keys may be displayed on the screen at one time.

Some functions may be accessed directly by pressing one of the programmable keys 5, others displayed in the overflow area 8 must be first brought into the programmable key area 5 before selecting the appropriate key 5 corresponding to the required function. There would be no limit to the number of additional functions that may be programmed in this way.

An area of the screen 9 may be used to relay information to the operator.

Figure 4 shows a possible addition 10 to the programmable keys 4 arranged so as to overlay the appropriate legend 7, with the legend visible through the addition 10. As an alternative to pressing directly on the programmable key 4 the same effect may be achieved by pressing the addition 10 with the advantage that the legend appears directly under the point of contact.

Claims

1 An array of keys located adjacent to a screen, arranged in such a way that at least a row of keys nearest the screen has corresponding legends displayed on the screen so as to be easily associated with these keys, whereby as the function of these keys is altered by a controlling system the legends can be altered at the same time to correspond with such new function.

2. An array of keys as claimed in Claim 1, wherein one of the keys is operable to change the function of the programmable keys.

3. An array of keys as claimed in Claiml and Claim 2, wherein an area of the screen is reserved to show additional functions of the programmable keys.

4. An array of keys as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the array of keys is hinged or otherwise temporarily removable from the screen to allow an unrestricted view of said screen.

5. An array of keys as claimed in any preceeding claim, wherein the programmable keys are actuable by pressing a transparent attachment to these keys overlaying the programmable legend on the screen.

6. An array of keys as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an area of the screen is reserved to communicate information to the operator.

7. A data entry system comprising an array of keys for location adjacent to a display screen, and a controlling system for causing the display screen to display key function legends corresponding to at least a row of keys nearest the screen so that said displayed legends can be readily visually associated with these keys, said controlling system being operable also for altering the function of these keys and for correspondingly altering the associated displayed key function legends.

8. A data entry system, substantially as herinbefore described with reference to Figure 1, or to Figures 1 and 2, or to Figures 1 and 3, or to Figures 1 to 3, or to any of these claim combinations as modified by Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.