Data input device for information processing apparatus

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018217675-A1
Application number	US-201815936302-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 26, 2018
Priority date	Dec 15, 2014
Publication date	Aug 2, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.

First claim

1 . A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus, the device comprising:
a sensing field including a plurality of signal lines and generating a signal when an object is in proximity to the sensing field and communicating signals over the signal lines indicative of location of the object; a processor connected to the signal lines in which the processor receives the signals from the sensing field and generates data based on location indicated by the signals from the signal lines; a port connected to the processor, in which the data from the processor is output to the information processor through the port; a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field; a support body enclosing the sensing field, the support body having a top surface and a bottom surface in which the top surface obscures the keyboard symbols from view unless the keyboard symbols are illuminated by the light source; and at least one mount configured to support the support body such that the support body is rotatable between a deployed position with the top surface accessible and a stowed position with the top surface inaccessible.

2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is for use with a cable, and the port comprises a USB port for connecting the processor in communication with the information processing apparatus via the cable.

3 . The device of claim 1 , where the top surface has been roughened to increase friction between the top surface and an object in contact therewith.

4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a light guide and a plurality of LEDs in optical communication with the light guide in which the LEDs emit light to illuminate the light guide and the light source is disposed within the support body.

5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the device is for use with a cable and the port comprises a USB port in which the port receives power from the information processing apparatus by connecting the cable to the port and supplies power received from the information processing apparatus to the LEDs.

6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the port also supplies power to the processor.

7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the port comprises a wireless connection for communicating wirelessly with the information processing device.

Assignees

• Panasonic Avionics Corp

Inventors

• Jiang Feng
• Shah Shrenik

Classifications

• B64D11/00151 Primary

  Permanently mounted seat back monitors · CPC title

• G06F3/0202

  Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device · CPC title

• G06F3/044

  by capacitive means · CPC title

• G06F3/002

  Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 (other optical apparatus G02B27/00) · CPC title

• B64D11/0638

  with foldable tables, trays or cup holders · CPC title