US4631700A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetically coded software for multi-purpose computer
Assignee: Laitram LLC
•
Filing: 1983-08-11
•
Granted: 1986-12-23
•
Expires: 2003-08-11
Abstract
Abstract A computer keyboard matrix overlay panel carries indicia indicating the functions of keys and other operating instructions, to replace a significant part of the information formerly set forth in an external instruction manual. Individual panels are coded by incorporated switch parts acting with cooperating computer switch parts to set up a particular operating mode for which the respective key functions are identified when the panel is in place over the computer keyboard keys, the functions being selected by the use of two sequential, non-simultaneous keystrokes involving any of the keys on the keyboard. The panels also serve as software media by incorporation of data strips along panel edges to permit carrying program and data information external to the computer memory which is readable into the computer by corresponding transducers. The panel codes can change the comptuer mode and enter corresponding programs, subroutines, constants, and variable data. With three separate code strips: data, program steps and subroutines are isolated advantageously for entry at different times. Optically coded data strips are used for read only memory for program steps. Magnetically coded strips are used for read-write memory into corresponding reading apparatus coupled to the computer for data which is updated after processing in the computer.
Inventors
- 👤 James M. Lapeyre
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 21:18
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; G06F3/0219; B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08; B41J5/10; B41J5/28; G06F3/0224; G06F3/023; G06F3/0238; G06F3/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
270 words
A software accessory system for a computer data processing system having a coded data strip reading transducer attachment, a manual keyboard with a plurality of keys and internal data processing capabilities of changing operational modes, receiving and storing data and program instructions from either said reading transducer or said keyboard, comprising in combination, a self supporting keyboard key overlay matrix panel defining a plurality of straight edges and having structure thereon for mating with a set of the keyboard keys to permit manual operation of the keys, program control means in said computer data processing system activating individual keys to enter a plurality of data and instruction functions greater than the number of keys in response to combinations of more than one keystroke per entry, graphic indicia on the panel identifying respective individual ones of the keys for indicating a plurality of operational functions attainable by those individual keys by said combinations of keystrokes, coded data means comprising at least one coded data storage strip disposed along one straight edge of the panel for presenting in coded format for reading data and instructions into the computer data processing system by means of said transducer attachment, software storage means in said computer system for storing data read from the strip by said transducer for access by the computer data processing system as data and instructions for use in data processing operations and mode selection means responsive to said coded data means on the panel for inplementing an operational mode in the computer data processing system enabling the keys to perform those operational fucntions displayed by the graphic indicia on the panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
270 words
A software accessory system for a computer data processing system having a coded data strip reading transducer attachment, a manual keyboard with a plurality of keys and internal data processing capabilities of changing operational modes, receiving and storing data and program instructions from either said reading transducer or said keyboard, comprising in combination, a self supporting keyboard key overlay matrix panel defining a plurality of straight edges and having structure thereon for mating with a set of the keyboard keys to permit manual operation of the keys, program control means in said computer data processing system activating individual keys to enter a plurality of data and instruction functions greater than the number of keys in response to combinations of more than one keystroke per entry, graphic indicia on the panel identifying respective individual ones of the keys for indicating a plurality of operational functions attainable by those individual keys by said combinations of keystrokes, coded data means comprising at least one coded data storage strip disposed along one straight edge of the panel for presenting in coded format for reading data and instructions into the computer data processing system by means of said transducer attachment, software storage means in said computer system for storing data read from the strip by said transducer for access by the computer data processing system as data and instructions for use in data processing operations and mode selection means responsive to said coded data means on the panel for inplementing an operational mode in the computer data processing system enabling the keys to perform those operational fucntions displayed by the graphic indicia on the panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 including in combination therewith coded switch actuating means disposed on the panel as part of the coded data means, switching means in said computer data processing system responsive to said coded switch acutating means, and means in said computer for establishing a plurality of modes of operation in response to said coded switch actuating means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 wherein the coded data storage strip comprises a magnetic strip upon which data may be written, and including means in the computer data processing system for writing information on said strip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 including at least two separate coded data storage strips along two corresponding edges of the panel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The accessory system defined in claim 4 including program instructions recorded on one said coded data storage strip and data to be processed recorded on the other said data storage strip.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 wherein the panel has at least three straight edges with coded data storage strips positioned therealong.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 wherein the coded data storage strip is magnetic and the computer data processing system has both a strip reading and a strip recording mode of operation, including means in said computer data processing system for transferring data from said computer to said strip in the recording mode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 including further graphic indicia on said panel indicating to an operator a sequence of manual procedures for operating said computer data processing system and software accessory.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
The accessory system defined in claim 1 wherein the panel further has coded control mode switching means thereon and the computer data processing system has mating switching structure for establishing a control mode when the panel switching means is connected to the mating switching structure with the panel in place on the keyboard.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system as defined in claim 1 having said panel with a plurality of coded data strips along one or more panel edges wherein each strip comprises a magnetic layer, said computer data processing system having write means for writing data on the strips, and one strip having a selectively removable section for independently converting that strip to a read-only status disabling the write means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the software storge means comprises means for cooperating with at least one magnetic strip for both writing and reading of data, and the computer data processing system includes means for writing data processed thereby selectively upon the strip.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the coded data means for entering instructions into the computer data processing system comprises a combination of magnetically coded and optically coded data strips positioned at different panel locations on said overlay panel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3187321A
Cited
US3560964A
Cited
US3600592A
Cited
US4063221A
Cited
US3967273A
Cited
US4030094A
Cited
US4125742A
Cited
US4280121A
Cited
US4274081A
Cited
US4279021A
Cited
US4546435A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-22 | 1990-06-23 | 1990-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-22 | 1994-06-23 | 1994-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-22 | 1998-06-23 | 1998-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |