Apple Inc.

Andrew L Carter

Robert Andrew Howard

Stephen Peart

David H Nguyen

Harold James Welch

David W Shen

Matthew Herron

Dexter W Francis

Troy Hulick

Ray Riley

The present invention has application to dedicated multimedia game systems and computer game programs executed by personal computers. A central processing unit (CPU) is coupled to a mass storage device, such as for example, a read-only memory game cartridge, CD-ROM, floppy disk or hard disk drive. The mass storage device stores an application game program which is executed by the CPU and further stores a library of sound data. A sound synthesizer circuit is coupled to the CPU for generating digital audio signals from the sound data stored in said mass storage device. Under program control the CPU selectively provides sound data for a player of the game program to the sound synthesizer circuit. A digital to audio converter (DAC) is coupled to receive the digital audio signals from the sound synthesizer circuit and convert the digital audio signals into analog audio signals. A listening device, such as a headphone, is coupled to the DAC to covert the analog audio signals into sound waves to be heard by the player. Under program control the CPU directs certain of the sound data to each of the players, such that the players hear separate and independent audio as required by the game program.

Computer game apparatus for providing independent audio in multiple

An integrated adjustable data entry keyboard. A divided keyboard arrangement comprises first key field and second key fields pivotably mounted upon a stationary base. The first and second key fields substantially comprise a keyboard arrangement. A space bar is separately attached to the base and occupies a lower keyboard region centrally disposed between the first and second key fields. The space bar is enlarged so as to remain within the radius of a user's thumb's 'strike zone' when a user adjusts the first and second key fields. A synchronizing coupling means may be employed to ensure complimentary movement of the first key field relative to the second key field and thereby relative to the user's hands and wrists, even if only one of the individual key fields is pivoted. Compliantly mounted detachable palm rests may be attached to each of the first and second key fields to provide substantially integrated palm and hand support for the user throughout the range of motion of the key fields, thereby increasing the user's comfort.

Adjustable data entry keyboard

An electrical connector system which includes a socket shell member and a plug shell member that mate to establish electrical connection between them. Each shell member has a detent device and these detent devices can engage with each other when the plug shell member is inserted into the socket shell member so as to releasably keep the plug and socket shell members in the electrically connected position. The detent devices have front-ends with sharp points or edges which are capable of attracting electrostatic discharge.

Shielded electrical connectors

A modular keyboard apparatus allowing users to reconfigure the keyboard for their particular applications and convenience. The modular keyboard allows the user to place modules such as alphanumeric keypads, numeric keypads and trackballs into the keyboard housing in positions which are most convenient to the user and to the applications being used. The keyboard can be reconfigured with, for example, a numeric keypad on the right hand side for a right handed user and the numeric keypad on the left hand side for a left handed user. Another example would allow the keyboard to be configured with a trackball assembly instead of the numeric keypad for applications which benefit from use of the trackball over use of the numeric keypad. Apparatus for coupling the various input devices with the keyboard housing assembly are disclosed.

Modular keyboard

A stacking and orientation independent multiple contact plug and socket electrical connector has a central connector body with a 'plug' extending outward on one face, and a 'socket' recessed inward on an opposite face. The plug and socket are aligned along a common axis, but are on opposite faces of the central connector body. The plug is an electrically insulated post extending outward from the central connector body and having multiple electrically conductive circular contact rings encircling the post. The socket is a cylindrical recess into the central connector body designed to accept the plug of another similar connector. The socket has multiple electrical wiper contacts spaced along an electrically insulating inner wall of the recess for contacting to the circular contact rings of a post.

Growing community of inventors

Saratoga, CA, United States of America

Andrew L Carter