US4030094A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for selecting computer operational mode and labeling input controls accordingly
Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1975-07-14
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Granted: 1977-06-14
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Expires: 1995-07-14
Abstract
Abstract The device is a translucent plastic mask or overlay which fits over the keyboard of the computer input/output station to label the keys with their functions according to the selected mode of operation. A projecting portion along one of the edges of the mask extends into a slot adjacent the keyboard where a series of code segments forms an optical code which is read by a corresponding series of lamp and photocell pairs to provide the computer with the information to cause its mode of operation to correspond with the keyboard legends.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:30
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/0238
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In an input/output station for a data processing system, said input/output station having a plurality of manually operable switches, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING a translucent overlay receivable on said input/output station, said overlay including visible legend means for labeling said switches, and means on said overlay for optically encoding information, said input/output station having reader means to opto-electronically transduce said message into an electronic signal, said means for optically encoding including means for producing a signal indicative of receipt of said overlay on said input/output station and correct alignment therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In an input/output station for a data processing system, said input/output station having a plurality of manually operable switches, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING a translucent overlay receivable on said input/output station, said overlay including visible legend means for labeling said switches, and means on said overlay for optically encoding information, said input/output station having reader means to opto-electronically transduce said message into an electronic signal, said means for optically encoding including means for producing a signal indicative of receipt of said overlay on said input/output station and correct alignment therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for producing a signal indicative of receipt of said overlay comprises a discrete code segment on said overlay, said segment being so positioned on said overlay as to be in alignment with a corresponding optical transducer on said input/output station only when said overlay is properly positioned on said input/output station, and wherein said code segment comprises an area on said overlay within which an optical property of said overlay differs from adjacent areas on said overlay.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-06-13 | 1980-12-13 | 1981-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-13 | 1984-12-13 | 1985-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-13 | 1988-12-13 | 1989-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |