The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 10, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 01, 1996
James B Stanek, Dakota Dunes, SD (US);
Gateway 2000, Inc., North Sioux City, SD (US);
Abstract
An interactively illuminating computer input device for a computer is disclosed. In one embodiment the device is a keyboard. The keyboard has a bi-directional communication link between the keyboard and the computer. The keyboard also has one or more keys, each capable of illumination. The keyboard also has a keyboard controller, operably coupled to the bi-directional communication link and the keys. The keyboard controller detects depression of a key on the keyboard by the user of the computer. The keyboard controller also controls the illumination of a key on the keyboard by the computer. In one embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to illuminate the key. In a further embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to dim the key. In yet a further embodiment, the keyboard controller receives from the computer a unique command for each key to illuminate the key if the key is dim, and to dim the key if the key is illuminated.