Patent US4827440A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4827440A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lockout for terminal keys
Assignee: LINK TECHNOLOGIES Inc
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Filing: 1987-05-29
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Granted: 1989-05-02
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Expires: 2007-05-29
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus are disclosed for locking out the keys of a personal computer keyboard such that information conveyed by pressing certain keys are not processed by the PC. The method includes the steps of selecting certain keys to be locked out. A lockout routine is addressed which is used to lock out the selected keys. During the lockout procedure keys are identified which are to be locked out. Keys which are not capable of being locked out are used to change the lockout status of a key or to exit the lockout routine.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Douglas Wathor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
In a personal computer having a monitor, a processing unit and a keyboard, a reversible method for locking out selected keys of the keyboard such that the processing unit does not respond to the locked out keys when pressed and certain keys are exempt from lockout, the method comprising the steps of: responding to a first user input to enter a lockout mode; responding to user selection in the lockout mode of a nonexempt key to either lock out or reverse from lock out status; identifying the position of the selected key; addressing a lockout mode register containing the lockout status of the selected key; displaying the lockout status to the user; responding to user selection of a first predetermined and exempt key to change the lockout status of the selected key by changing the data stored in the lockout mode register; and responding to user selection of a second predetermined and exempt key to exit the lockout mode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a personal computer having a monitor, a processing unit and a keyboard, a reversible method for locking out selected keys of the keyboard such that the processing unit does not respond to the locked out keys when pressed and certain keys are exempt from lockout, the method comprising the steps of: responding to a first user input to enter a lockout mode; responding to user selection in the lockout mode of a nonexempt key to either lock out or reverse from lock out status; identifying the position of the selected key; addressing a lockout mode register containing the lockout status of the selected key; displaying the lockout status to the user; responding to user selection of a first predetermined and exempt key to change the lockout status of the selected key by changing the data stored in the lockout mode register; and responding to user selection of a second predetermined and exempt key to exit the lockout mode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the identifying of the selected key in step c further comprises: mapping the position of the selected key, the mapping producing from a plurality of position signals a key identifying digital signal that is transmitted to the terminal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the addressing in step d further comprises: responding to the digital signal received from mapping to address the lockout mode register.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
39 words
The method as recited in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein changing the lockout status to lock out the selected key further comprises: disabling the identification of the position (step c) of a user selected and locked out key.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as recited in claim 4 wherein the disabling of key identification further comprises: disabling the mapping of the position of a user selected and locked out key.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising repeating steps b-f to change the status of a plurality of keys.
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) | 1992-05-01 | 1992-10-31 | 1993-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-01 | 1996-10-31 | 1997-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-01 | 2000-10-31 | 2001-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |