Cursor key unit for a computer having a mouse function removably mounted on a keyboard section of a base

Filing Information

• Patent Number: US5049863
• Application Number: US7477458
• Filing date: 02/09/1990
• Issue date: 09/17/1991
• Predicted expiration date: 02/09/2010

• U.S. Classifications: 340/710  · 340/709  ·
• International Classifications: G06F 1500 ·
• International Classifications: 364709.01;709.08;709.11;709.12;708 ·
• Foreign Priority: JP131336 - 02/10/1989 ·
• View document at: (opens new window):
  USPTO  ·  PAIR  ·  esp@cenet  ·  Patent Family
  * Related patent documents may or may not exist on these sites

Patent Family

Abstract

A computer includes a key input unit having both cursor keys and a mouse mechanism, a keyboard having a holding section for detachably holding the key input unit, and a connector which electrically connects the key input unit and the keyboard together when the key input unit is held in the holding section of the keyboard. The computer further includes a signal transmitter which transmits a signal from the key input unit to the keyboard when the key input unit is removed from the holding section of the keyboard. The signal transmitter is made up of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section. The light-emitting section is provided for the key input unit, and converts a signal entered from the key input unit into an optical signal and emits this optical signal. The light-receiving section is provided for the keyboard, and receives the optical signal emitted from the light-emitting section and converts the optical signal into an electric signal. Through the light-emitting section and light-receiving section, a signal entered from the key input unit is transmitted to the keyboard.

Independent Claims | See all claims (19)

1. 1. An input unit for a computer comprising;a base unit including a keyboard section having a keyboard and a holding portion;a cursor key unit having cursor keys and a mouse mechanism removably mounted on the holding portion;connection means for electrically connecting the cursor key unit and the base unit when the cursor key unit is mounted on the holding portion; andsignal transmission means for transmitting a signal from the cursor key unit to the base unit when the cursor key unit is removed from the holding portion.
2. 10. An input unit with a mouse function for a computer comprising:key input means, having cursor keys and a mouse mechanism, for inputting data;a keyboard having a holding section for removably holding the key input means;cursor key function means for permitting the cursor keys to function when the key input means is held in the holding section of the keyboard;mouse function means for permitting the mouse mechanism to function when the key input means is removed from the holding section of the keyboard;connection means for transmitting a signal input from the cursor keys of the key input means to the keyboard when the cursor keys are made to function by the cursor key function means; andsignal transmission means for transmitting a signal input from the mouse mechanism of the key input means to the keyboard when the mouse mechanism is made to function by the mouse function means.