An overlay is described for a keyboard wherein the keyboard includes a plurality of convex, depressible keys that extend above openings in a panel surface, each key having an associated function indication. The overlay comprising a molded plastic, planar member sized to cover substantially the extent of the keyboard, and having both keyboard and user sides. The keyboard side exhibits a plurality of waffle-like convex chambers created by orthogonal intersecting walls, each convex chamber surrounding a corresponding key and having a resilient ceiling member positioned over the key. When the resilient ceiling member is depressed by a user, the underlying key is likewise depressed and actuated. The user side of selected ones of resilient ceiling members, indicate modified key functions.
Disclosed is a printer for making a printout in accordance with printing data containing a control command sent from a high rank apparatus. The printer comprises control means for changing and controlling a printing mode according to the control command sent from the high rank apparatus; memory means for storing predetermined set data; inhibiting means for inhibiting a control operation of the control means associated with a specific control command sent from the high rank apparatus in accordance with set contents of the set data; and indicating means for indicating the set contents of the set data in a mode in which the printer is ready to receive a control command from the high rank apparatus. Accordingly, the set status of a special mode for inhibiting the operation in response to a specific control command is indicated in a state where the printer is ready to receive printing data containing a control command from the high rank apparatus. Even when the printing data sent to the printer differs from the printing result, therefore, the user can easily understand the cause for the difference, thus significantly improving the operability of the printer.
An intuitive operator panel for machines is provided. A listing of possible functions on a transparent face is located adjacent to each multiple function control or display. A colored background viewable through the transparent face, reduces the readability of the items in the list. A moveable opaque field is located between the transparent face and colored background and increases their readability. The opaque field can be moved by the operator to highlight a desired function from the list. The desired function is highlighted in the list and the machine senses the opaque field's position to determine the function selected. Such a configuration reduces the visual clutter associated with function lists which accompany multiple function controls or displays.
A computer keyboard enhancement kit consists of detachable key replacements made to be larger and to have more shapes and colors than the letter keys of a standard computer keyboard so as to lessen the level of difficulty for children of preschool ages in locating such keys on the keyboard as they work on educational programs. Each of these key replacements takes a specific shape and color, and displays a specific letter that is on the keyboard in either uppercase or lowercase form. The shapes and colors follow a specific pattern scheme wherein the letters of the same hand and row keys have key replacements with the same color but with varied shapes. To be in use, these key replacements are attached to the top surface of a transparent plastic jacket that goes with the kit, and are positioned on top of their corresponding letter keys on the computer keyboard.
A method of and device for streamlining, simplifying and inducing the giving of contribution or gift commitments by contributors or prospective gift givers [, and receiving thereof upon receipt that] involves dispersing through a crowd of prospective contributors or gift givers a plurality of keyless, electronic contributions or gifts management devices for immediate entry of consecutive data comprising the identities of the contributors or gift givers making the monetary contribution commitments or monetary gift commitments, and device therefor. Optionally, the method and mode of operation of the device involves a plurality of gift recipients of the monetary contribution or monetary gift commitments, and further includes the step of supplanting a gift recipient or fund-raising organization with another gift recipient or fund-raising organization to which contribution or gift commitments are made. The method and mode of operation of the device has the advantage that the entry of gifts or contribution commitments to a plurality of the gift recipients or fund-raising organizations is simplified. [Optionally, the method and the mode of operation of device includes the step of correlating a numerical amount to the successive contributors' or gift givers' data to obtain contribution or gift data sets, and in which the step of dispersing is selected from the group consisting of spreading, distributing, migrating, advancing, disseminating, and diffusing the devices. The method and mode of operation of the device further includes the steps of communicating the data for a plurality of contribution or gift commitments in a substantially continuous stream to a remote device for immediate recordation thereof on the remote device. Optionally, the method or mode of operation of the devices involves a plurality of consecutive contribution or gift commitments entered on the devices unimpeded by verification of authorization whereby the throughput of contribution or gift commitments entered on the devices is enhanced. In yet another variant of the method or mode of operation of the device involves a first group of contributors or gift givers making gift or contribution commitments on the devices that are correlated to a numerical contribution or gift amount and in other contributors or gift givers making gift or contribution commitments correlated to mutable contribution numerical amounts. The numerical amount is selected from the group of a pre-programmed numerical amount, a prearranged numerical amount, a fixed numerical amount, a variable numerical amount, a numerical amount of an order inducing the making of a monetary contribution, and a post-programmed numerical amount. The entry of the consecutive contributions or gifts further comprises immediate recordation thereof on the devices, and optionally further including the step of communicating the contribution or gift data to a card account processor for processing thereof.
A multilingual keyboard system (10) including a customized keyboard unit (12) is provided to operate in conjunction with a central processing unit (14) and a logic system (16) having unique software in order to facilitate multilingual typing from a single keyboard. The keyboard (12) includes customized keys (20) which are shaped to receive label panels (70) on one of several selectable templates (18). Each template (18) corresponds to a particular character set which the user desires to utilize as an alternate character set to that appearing on the key labels (52) on the keyboard (12). The keyboard (12) also includes a keyboard mode toggle key (36) for toggling between a standard mode of operation and the selected alternate mode. The logic system (16) includes software having keymapping schemes associated with each selectable alternate mode. Changing templates (18) permits usage of multiple alternate modes with the same equipment.
