text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 10, 1994
|Filing date
|Nov 1, 1990
|Priority date
|Nov 1, 1990
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Herbert Waldman
|Original Assignee
|Herbert Waldman
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (5), Referenced by (190), Classifications (39), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The subject matter of this application is related to the following disclosure documents:
1. A Method for Proximity-Activated or Superficial-Contact-Activated Identification of Keys on a Pressure-Activated Keypad, Ser. No. 264,836, Sep. 7, 1990
2. A Method for Proximity-Activated or Superficial-Contact-Activated Identification of Keys on a Pressure-Activated Telephone Dialer or Keypad Particularly Adapted to Cellular and Mobile Telephones, Ser. No. 265,634, Sep. 7, 1990.
This invention relates to key and pushbutton apparatus and a method of conveying identification, instruction, or description information about such keys or buttons, primarily when they are manipulated superficially by the user (touched) as opposed to being used in their normal fashion (pressed; i.e., having their normal functions invoked by the user). The preferred apparatus of the invention is embodied to serve this need most concisely by combining the informational key means above the ordinary functional key means in a vertical "layered" format rather than a horizontal "planar" format, such that it can be accessed informationally by a user (e.g., for identification of or instruction about the underlying ordinary function key) without actuating the (possibly erroneous or unknown) ordinary function. With audible informational means, this aspect the invention is particularly adaptable to numeric keypad/pushbutton systems with mixed functions such as modern telephone keypads, and especially suited to applications where visual distraction of the user is a problem, such as with cellular telephone keypads.
Over the past years great strides have been made in both voice-synthesis and keypad technology, and many present-day products and systems use one or both in some form. Many microprocessors and dedicated IC-circuits capable of voice-synthesis, keypad-handling, or both are available, as are many forms of matrix and pushbutton keypads utilizing both traditional (mechanical movement-and-contact) methods and more sophisticated electronic methods for non-mechanical detection of key usage. The latter include, among others, resistive and/or capacitive electrical systems using conductive or semiconductive keypad materials, low-pressure-contact matrix materials (a la LCD touch-screens), piezo-mechanical materials, as well as infra-red and other "touch-free" detection systems which detect proximity to a key rather than actual contact. Thus, as one will understand, a wide variety of such technologies is available to the present-day systems-designer for implementing both voice-synthesis and keys, and the prior art is cognizant of many techniques and applications thereof. Numerous products are also available which marry the two technologies, typically by emitting a synthesized voice message regarding the pressed key, given after a key is pressed and/or its function executes.
The prior art does not, however, disclose or anticipate the marriage of the two technologies in a form that allows a user to obtain information or instruction about a key prior to making normal use of the key by manipulating it in a superficial or characteristic manner that does not activate its normal function. The state of current electronics switching and keypad catalogs aptly reveals this, as one can find only traditional rocker switches as a potential "off-the-shelf" embodiment of the switching needs of the invention. Even OFF-MOM-MOM mechanical pushbuttons, which are not unknown to the state of the art and could implement a system closer to the preferred embodiment than rockers, are semi-custom items not listed in short-form catalogs. No catalog hardware even approximating the preferred embodiment, which foresees a substantially zero-effort "touch-sensitive" key positioned above a substantially existent-effort "pressure-sensitive" key, is available even in semi-custom form.
It is understood, of course, that any technique which enables the user to obtain information or instruction about a key (or group of keys) before functional use of it would enhance the operation of complex keypad systems, and would particularly enhance the safe and accurate use of keypad systems (such as mobile telephones) wherein visual distraction of the user is unsafe or undesirable. There have been many articles written which describe the hazards imposed by dialing on a cellular system while manipulating an automobile, and it is obvious that any improvement or enhancement of the dialing procedure which will keep the driver's eyes on the road will be particularly advantageous and valuable. Likewise, such a device would be of immense value as a system for the handicapped, particularly the visually impaired for whom keypad use is literally a hit-or-miss affair. In both instances, the characteristic of giving identification information regarding a touched key before it is pressed and its function is executed would be of great value.
The apparatus and methods to be described enable information in a wide variety of forms to be passed to a user in a variety of ways prior to the pressing and functional invocation of a key.
The method and apparatus of the instant invention depend upon a two-level keypad system wherein a first (Touch) subsystem responds to an informational manipulation of a key and a second (Press) subsystem responds to a functional manipulation of the same key. This is accomplished most simply by vertically laminating a Touch-responsive keypad requiring little or no physical actuation pressure (such as a conductive-pad capacitive-discharge system) over the top of a traditional (mechanical throw-and-contact) Press-responsive system requiring significant actuation pressure. The former (Touch) system would then be linked to a voice-synthesizer or other information-giving means capable of decoding the Touch and passing appropriate information to the user regarding the underlying, functionally associated key.
It should be noted, however, that there are many alternative means by which the informational and keypad needs of the invention could be met. Some examples of the former are visual responses such as display messages giving help to the user regarding keypress function, or tactile feedback from the key itself for specialized identification purposes, while some examples of the latter are proximity-sensing systems rather than touch-sensing ones (e.g., infra-red), dual-throw mechanical keys wherein a moderate actuation-pressure results in the informational function while a harder pressure actuates a second throw resulting in the functional function, or even dual-press systems wherein keys are pressed once for informational use and a second time, perhaps within a given time-frame, to accomplish functional use. None of the above examples violate the spirit of the invention, which is to provide some sort of information regarding a given key or key-group to a user without invoking the normal functionality of that key or key-group. Many implementations that would accomplish this are possible.
As one can understand, the main object of the invention is to advantageously utilize the characteristics of the many voice-generation and keypad technologies available at the present time. Numerous examples of appropriate technology are readily available in independent forms well known to the state of the art, and they can be married in a wide variety of ways to accomplish the precepts of the invention.
According to the concepts described above, the functional objectives of the invention is simply to provide information about a key or group of keys to the user, conveniently through the use of the key itself but without invoking the normal function of the key (and possibly suffering the consequences of incorrect usage). The simplest way to visualize the invention conceptually is as two separate but related keys adjacent to one another, wherein one is marked "Key X Information" and the adjacent key is marked "Key X." The type of information passed to the user upon invocation of "Key X Information," or the way and means by which it is passed, are inconsequential and would vary from one implementation to another. The idea is simply that some useful information regarding what will happen when "Key X" is invoked will be passed. This is a clear but awkward implementation of the concept of the invention, but not of the invention itself, which encompasses the simpler and more elegant means of associating "Key X Information" with "Key X" by combining them into a single physical key, which when used in an otherwise normal manner (e.g., touched with a fingertip) but not invoked through pressure provides "Key X Information," and when invoked through pressure executes the function of "Key X."
In a keypad system having at least one first key for effecting an ordinary function or functions when actuated in a prescribed manner by a user (such as a physically-applied pressure), at least one of said keys also having a functionally associated second key means actuated in a different prescribed manner (such as a contact with substantially zero physically-applied pressure), the system also having a user-signaling means capable of producing an informational indication to uniquely identify the associated ordinary function key to the user or likewise describe one or more useful characteristics thereof; a method wherein upon the prescribed actuation of said second key means, the system will present the associated information to the user without said first key means necessarily having been actuated or its ordinary function invoked. The apparatus of the invention accomplishes this most strongly by a vertical layering of the first and second means wherein they appear to the user as a single key, but with the second means requiring a lesser actuation effort than the first, allowing it to function informationally without actuating the second means located beneath it. The primary concern of the system of the instant invention is thus as an informational adjunct to a more traditional keypad, and the primary concern of the apparatus of the invention is to serve this need concisely by vertically associating access to both the information and ordinary function means.
FIG. 1 is a block representation of two keys incorporating Touch and Press functions.
FIG. 2 is a block representation of a simplified store & forward telephone keypad utilizing Touch and Press functions.
FIG. 3a is a plan view representation of a keypad employing separate informational keys.
FIG. 3b is a plan view representation of a keypad employing Satelite information keys.
FIG. 3c is a plan view representation of a keypad employing true Touch/Press combined keys.
FIG. 4 is an exploded section view of a standard "tactile-membrane" laminated keypad section including exposed conductors for Touch use.
FIG. 5 is a drawing and schematic representation of a dual-throw detente pushbutton switch with the first position requiring less effort than the second.
FIG. 6 is a drawing and schematic representation of a two-position rocker type switch suitable for use as a combined Press Key/Satellite Key.
FIG. 7 is a block side-view representation of two horizontally associated key contacts and two vertically associated key contacts on a planar surface.
FIG. 8 is an example representation of a store & forward telephone keypad & dialer with voice-synthesis key identification, capable of utilizing either a Dual-Press Protocol or a Hold-Down protocol for Touch detection with a single key bus.
All the elements and modules of the system of the invention are well known individually in the state of the art, and are therefore shown in block form without delving into the details of their design and construction. This approach is used in order to facilitate the clarity and simplicity of the specification and to avoid undue cluttering of the drawings. Power supplies and external line or data interfaces (such as phone-line connections) are similarly not shown, except in block form where necessary.
Key/Key means:
Any detection or switching means capable of signaling the occurrence of a specific mechanical user action with regard to itself, typically that of the proximity and/or contact and/or mechanical pressure of a user's finger.
Any arrangement of one or more keys on a substantially planar surface.
Press Function/Ordinary Function/Traditional Function/Execution Function:
The specific function performed by a given device in response to a specific key without regard to the invention.
Any use of a key which would invoke the ordinary function of that key.
Touch Function/Informational Function:
The function performed by a given key with regard to a functionally associated key according to the invention.
Any use of a key which would invoke and provide for the conveyance of information about a functionally associated key, without necessarily invoking the ordinary function of said associated key.
Touch Means:
Any key or key protocol functional with regard to the above definition of a Touch.
Touch Capable Key:
Any vertically associated combination of Key means wherein layers farther from the source causing the detection or switching require a succeedingly greater effort or proximity on the part of the source to result in detection or switching.
Functionally associated:
A relationship between two keys wherein a substantially different functions are performed by each with regard to a substantially complementary purpose, e.g., a key which performs a function, associated with a key which provides information regarding said function-performing key.
Horizontally associated:
A relationship between keys primarily across a substantially planar attachment surface.
Vertically associated:
A relationship between keys primarily perpendicular to a substantially planar attachment surface.
Physically associated:
A relationship between keys consisting of having no key(s) intervening geographically between them on a given axis.
Proximally associated:
A relationship between physically and functionally associated keys consisting of having particular adjacency, coloring, labelling, or other characteristic designed to imply functional association.
(True) Touch/Press:
A vertically associated pair or set of keys wherein a key(s) upward or uppermost with regard to the user performs a Touch function(s) and the key(s) downward or lowermost with regard to the user perform a Press function(s).
Satellite Key:
A horizontally associated key or key-throw physically and proximally associated with another specific Pressable key or key-throw, performing informational actions specific to that key.
Hold-Down Protocol/Press-and-Hold Protocol:
A protocol whereby a user depresses a key uninterrupted for a given interval (or longer) in order to signify an action different from that of a depression shorter than the interval. In order to insure a positive delayed-release action of such a key, such a protocol may involve a delayed (or second) audible tone, audible phrase, or other type of system-acknowledgement of the alternate key function.
Dual-Press Protocol/Dual-Actuation Protocol:
A protocol whereby a user presses a key a second time in succession to accomplish a result different from that of a single press.
Multi-Press Protocol/Multi-Actuation Protocol:
A protocol whereby a user presses a key a predefined number of times in succession to accomplish a result different from that of a single or other number of presses.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing Touch and Press functions residing in each of two individual keys (assemblies 1-1 and 1-2), connected to common buses (1-7a for Pressed keys and 1-7b for Touched Keys) that connect to means identifying the Touch source key (1-4) and producing a signal (1-6) on a Touch and identifying the Press source key (1-3) on a Press and executing the function(s) appropriate to it. Note that in this (preferred) embodiment the Touch sensing means (1-1a and 1-2a), which respond to proximity or low or no finger pressure, are physically atop the Press sensing means, which respond to significant finger pressure. This, a Touch will respond in only a Touch detection, while a Press will result in both a Touch and a Press being detected. The circuitry in blocks 1-5 and 1-6 may handle this latter situation in any appropriate fashion, including aborting or altering the Touched key signal produced by 1-6.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary system showing a simplified telephone dialing keypad (2-1) using a "store & forward" method whereby pressed digit keys (2-1a) are buffered by a memory-equipped dialing means (2-6) or other memory circuit, then forwarded to the line-interface (2-7, including indirect interfaces such as a cellular RF-interface) by a SEND (SND, 2-1b) key. The illustrated system responds to a Touch (a la FIG. 1) by decoding it (2-3) off the Touched Key Bus (2-3a) and naming the Touched key audibly via the voice synthesizer (2-4), e.g., by speaking "one" when the top lefthand key is Touched, "star" if the bottom lefthand key is Touched, etc. It responds to a Press by executing the Touch functions above (since a Press implicitly causes a Touch), but also decoding the key as Pressed (2-2) off the Press Key Bus (2-2a) and thereafter buffering the appropriate digit for dialing (2-6) and audibly emitting an acknowledging beep (2-5). Upon decoding a SND (2-1b) Press, the system forwards the contents of the dialing means to the line interface (2-7). By confirming the identity of a Touched digit key before it is Pressed, a user can easily and consistently dial correct telephone numbers with no visual attention or input. Additionally, the system could be configured to identify the entire telephone number currently held in the dialing buffer on a SND Touch, thereby confirming the number before it is sent to the line interface by a SND Press. This latter function could also be applied to redial, memory, and other optional keys with complex functions based on previously-entered data, providing a good example of the kind of Functional and Objective Use information (described further elsewhere) that can be provided by the invention in addition to simple key-identification.
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are a comparative plan view representation of three three-key keypads employing (respectively) separate informational keys (3-1), Satellite information keys (3-2), and true Touch/Press combined keys (3-3). Note that the separate key setup (3-1) requires a corresponding information key (marked "Info") for each function key, separately labelled as informational. This sort of system might be satisfactory for relaying functional or usage information, but has little utility for key-identification purposes, since the user is required to physically remove his finger from the information key and seek out the function key afterward. In contrast, although still separate, the Satellite key system (3-2) geographically associates the informational and functional keys more conveniently, and obviates some of the labelling requirements thereby. Note, however, that the user still has to move his finger (albeit slightly) to actuate the functional half of the pair, which makes such a system good but not foolproof for key-identification purposes, much as blind keying can be accomplished (albeit even less reliably) on a standard telephone keypad, whose digit keys always occur in a fixed geographic relationship to one another and can be remembered. Note also that to be useful for key pre-identification purposes, the system would require either the same basic treatment as the preferred embodiment, (i.e., the "Info" half of the pair having a zero or markedly lesser actuation pressure and the functional half having a non-zero or markedly greater actuation pressure), or a distinguishable tactile (e.g., a roughened surface) or directional (e.g., a double-throw rocker-switch pad with the information-giving throws consistently to one side) characteristic allowing the information key to be readily and "blindly" recognized by the user. Some such identifying characteristic must be supplied to make such a system useful for blind keying as opposed to a traditional keypad setup.
FIG. 4 is an exploded section view of a "tactile-membrane" laminated keypad such as is commonly used and well-known to the state of the art, but additionally including conductors (4-2) exposed through holes in the face laminate (4-1) for Touch use. This example would be suitable, among others, for use with a one-conductor multiplexor-based system that responds (because of its own inherent port leakage) to the inherent capacitance of the conductor when sampled at a given frequency and sample-duration, a commonly used approach to touch-keys that requires little external circuitry. The preferred embodiments of the invention envision the principles of this type of keypad, which as represented requires a zero-effort contact for Touch purposes but a significant effort to Press. The exact mechanical effort required can be tailored by altering the semi-conical geometry of the flexible contact cup.
FIG. 5 is a drawing and schematic representation of a dual-throw OFF-MOM-MOM pushbutton switch with the first throw position 5-1b (which would serve the Touch purposes of the invention) requiring less mechanical throw (and therefore less total throw effort) than the second throw position 5-1c (which would serve the Press functions). The bottom of throw 1 would typically have a resistance type linear-detente well-known to the state of the art, used to define the actuation depth of throw 1 for the user, forced past which throw 2 would make contact. The switch could alternately be configured as an OFF-MOM1-MOM1+2 to avoid make-break-make signal conditions. For a keypad with few keys this type of switch would suffice well, but it might be an unwieldy and costly approach for more multi-key or space-critical applications, since it is larger and mechanically more complex than a typical molded or laminated unit.
FIG. 6 is a representative diagram of a two-position rocker type switch suitable for use as a combined Press Key/Satellite Key. Thrown in one direction the switch would serve the Touch purposes of the invention, while the other throw would serve the Press functions. In essence, for purposes of the invention this type of switch takes a "geographic" or "horizontally associated" approach to what the keys in FIGS. 4 and 5 do in a "stacked" or "vertically associated" fashion. This is a useable approach like the dual-throw pushbutton in FIG. 5, but might likewise prove unwieldy, costly, or space-inefficient for multi-key applications, since it is likewise larger and more mechanically complex than a typical molded or laminated unit.
FIG. 7 is a block side-view representation of two horizontally associated key contacts (7-1a and 7-1b) and two vertically associated key contacts (7-2a and 7-2b) on a planar surface, substantially indicating the difference between such associations. A user, in other words, would perceive 7-1a as adjacent (side-by-side) to 7-1b, and 7-2a as above (on-top-of) 7-2b. It can readily be seen that the user will perceive the latter as a single key, even though two separate contacts are involved. In this illustration, 7-2a would have a lesser (or contact or proximity) actuation pressure and provide information, while 7-2b would require a greater (or substantially existent) actuation pressure and would provide ordinary function. Note that without this differential actuation (i.e., if 7-2a and 7-2b had substantially the same actuation characteristics) the 7-2a/7-2b pair would essentially be nothing more than a single-throw double-pole (SPDT) switch. The superiority of a differential actuation with a functional association, however-encompassing the preferred embodiment of the invention-can readily be seen. If no tactile or geographic cue is provided to indicate to the user which of 7-1a and 7-1b provides each service, even the closest of proximal associations will not allow for pre-identification for blind keying. Such an arrangement (all else being equal) will also take up at least twice the planar area, while the extra vertical (height) differential required by 7-2a/7-2b could be negligible, using, for example, only a thin conductive film.
FIG. 8 is an example representation of a store & forward telephone keypad & dialer with voice-synthesis key identification, capable of utilizing either a Dual-Press Protocol or a Hold-Down protocol for Touch detection with a single key bus. As described elsewhere (and referring also to FIG. 2), these less preferred embodiments use timing (Hold-Down) or keypress counting (Dual Press) to discriminate between a Touch and a Press rather than separate Touch/Press contacts and buses. Note, however, that there is a single bus (8-2) only between the keypad (8-1) and the timing or keypress-counting means (8-8), since these means control the enabling flow to the Dialing (ordinary function) means (8-6 and 8-7) or the Voice-synthesizer (information) means (8-4) according to their own respective time associated or count associated parameters. Beyond this point, the system is functionally identical and equivalent to one using the preferred vertically associated embodiments, and one can easily visualize blocks 3-8 and 8-8 as constituting a transparent, time-associated bus linked to the keypad.
In order to present a clearer understanding of the specification, the following format will be used.
The implementation of the teachings of the invention will be described in connection with various device and keypad types.
At the outset we will set forth examples of some various types of information which might be generically conveyed to a user of a device incorporating the invention. We will then set forth, by way of example only, some combinations of sub-systems which might be used to implement the invention, and some exemplary embodiments in which these subsystems might be reasonably married and applied to accomplish the teachings of the invention. Finally, by way of example only, we will list and briefly discuss some common devices to which the invention might be beneficially applied.
This is the primary and most useful sort of information with regard to the invention, since the differential key-actuation pressure under the teachings of the preferred embodiments allow quite literally for perfectly accurate "blind" keying, so long as some sort of non-visual identifying information is provided by a Touch. There are limitless types of keys with various functions which might provide apt illustration of the informational concepts of the invention, but perhaps the best and simplest is the familiar, 12-key numeric telephone keypad. Therein the invention would most likely serve to audibly pre-identify the key occupied by the user's finger prior to dialing of the digit. Thus, putting one's finger upon the "*" key without applying pressure (touching it) would result in an audible voice message saying "star," or putting it similarly on the "1" key would result in the message "one." If one simply thereafter pressed the "1" key (with one's finger already on it, having been informed), one would hear a DTMF signal or pulse-train go out onto the telephone line, accomplishing the ordinary function of the key (dialing "1" to the line) and also confirming that the ordinary function had been invoked. This is a simple form of an identification-only system that could be easily implemented according to the precepts of the invention.
Expanding upon the above example, one could likewise provide help to a user regarding the functionality of the key. Instead of simply identifying the key (e.g., saying "one"), the device might further say: "One. The one key will dial the digit one onto the telephone line." This provides the user with a description of the purpose of the key, rather than simply identifying it.
Again including the above examples, the same key might be made to say: "One. To dial a one onto the telephone line, press this key hard." This includes the identification and functionality information above, and further adds usage or "how-to" information regarding the key. This information, along with functional help, would be of significant assistance in complex key systems such as computer keypads or industrial controller keypads, wherein the functions and uses of individual keys are often not obvious and where it is likewise often difficult to make key functions "faceplate explanatory."
Expanding further, the same key might be made to say: "One. To dial a one onto the telephone line, press this key hard. Dialing this digit first will access your long-distance carrier." This includes all the preceding information, and further adds objective or "why-to" information regarding the key. This sort of information would be extremely useful in systems such as elevator keypads, wherein the contents of the floors of the building may not be obvious. In a department store, for instance, one might touch the "Floor 1" key and be given information about what is on Floor 1, e.g., "Floor 1. Lingerie, women's-wear, housewares." One could then Press the Floor 1 key to go there, or try Touching others to pre-locate other departments before Pressing the one desired. Another example of this would be objective confirmation of previously entered information, such as a telephone "memory" key configured to announce its "remembered" phone number on a touch without actually dialing or "recalling" it until it was pressed.
All of the above examples deal with a basic precept of the invention, which is to provide information about a particular key or group of keys prior to functional use or execution, the most basic and useful being simple identification. Many extant systems use and have used voice, visual display, and other feedback means during and/or post-usage, but such information (other than as a confirmation that the key's ordinary function has been actuated or accomplished) is of limited utility. To use the above elevator example, pressing the "Floor 1" key and being told, "Floor 1. Lingerie, women's-wear, housewares," while the elevator is descending is not useful if one wanted to go, say, to the Hardware department on Floor 3.
Any or all of the information discussed above could as easily be conveyed visually on a screen, and even (in either form) invoked selectively through a sub-menu invoked by the informational actuation. Other alternatives could also be used for specialized purposes, an example of which might be dynamic tactile feedback for the blind and deaf (e.g., the "1" key responding with one mechanically palpable motion or "bump" when touched, and the "2" key responding with two similar "bumps", etc.) Flashing lights could be used similarly (although the utility of doing so is more problematic), or any conventional or unconventional means which passes specific key-related information to the user.
Voice-using and display-using implementations would, however, be the most useful forms in most instances, the latter being of great benefit in devices wherein keys have complex or un-obvious functions requiring long-winded explanations, and the former being especially beneficial to the handicapped and in instances like cellular telephones wherein accurate "blind" keying is desirable because visual distraction of the user presents hazards. Many such systems, especially those conveying usage or functionality information for training or educational purposes, or those in which the invention might have limited utility to some users (e.g., a sighted person using a phone for the blind) would probably incorporate off- and/or limiting-switches to disable all or part of the invention's functions.
Various types of hardware are available for fulfilling any of the above requirements:
Voice: The archetypical modern implementation of this requires only a voice-capable IC hooked up to an audio speaker. Many such IC's and types of speakers are available, and some IC's include the subsidiary amplifier hardware necessary to drive a speaker directly. The data patterns to provide the selected words, sounds, or phonemes are often incorporated (or pre-incorporated in a manufacturer-determined format) into such IC's as a masked on-board ROM, but can also be suitably implemented using external memory components such as ROMs, PROMs or EPROMs according to the specific IC used. Many such IC's are software or firmware programmable microprocessors which could also handle keypad data acquisition and translation, as well as many other specific tasks required by particular devices. Random-access data devices such as floppy- or hard-disks could also be used to store the necessary voice data digitally, or CD-disk systems could be employed for directly producing sounds and bypassing any on-board digital-translation steps, but random-access disks of any type could be gainfully used for very complex informational tasks or those requiring frequent changes. Even audio tapes could be employed, directly or as data-storage devices. It is also worthy of note that any such system could be made user-customizeable or configurable by including recording means as part of the hardware, allowing a user to change or tailor the informational messages according to his own needs.
Sound: In specialized applications wherein audible tones might be employed without resorting to speech, a plethora of buzzers, beepers, squawkers, tone generators and the like are available for various sounds and various purposes. Possible implementations might involve, for example, a beeper sounding a number of times indicative of the identity of the associated key (e.g., a key marked "3" could be identified by 3 short beeps), or a linear keypad might make an ascending/descending tone as one Touched the keys from left-to-right/right-to-left. In any case, such means might be easily and gainfully employed in addition to voice or display means as confirmation or warning devices, supplementing the primary Touch information in a variety of ways.
Visual: Generically we will use this term to mean the display of pictorial or alphanumeric data in a visual format, although many means for producing such are available. The simplest forms could be as rudimentary as a flashing, colored, or multi-colored light (similar to a sound-based implementation, see above), or an associated pre-printed transparency backlit only when the Touch key is invoked. For purely alphanumeric purposes, many types of traditional, segmented LED, VFD and LCD displays are available, as well as more exotic technologies for specific purposes. For more versatile (possibly pictorial) applications, a variety of pixel-matrix devices could be used, such as LCD or RGB matrix displays. It should be noted that specialized versions of the former can already be obtained for so-called "touch-screen" purposes, wherein a fixed or programmable key matrix is embedded transparently in or under the display screen. A Satellite Key, Dual-Press, or Press-and-Hold structure of the invention could be implemented using standard "touch-screen" technology, and a custom dual-level laminate with different actuation pressures could presently be used to implement the more preferred, vertically associated embodiments.
Tactile: Although the applications for this are limited (particularly to devices for the blind), many inexpensive piezo-mechanical devices are becoming available which could make a "pulse-count" tactile-feedback system practical for the purposes of the invention. Numerous temperature- and light-sensitive materials are also becoming available which change their shape or texture in response to stimulus, and which might be employed in a braille or braille-like fashion to provide more complex tactile information. A changeable "braille display" could also be conceived for use in conjunction with the operation of the invention for presenting detailed information in a purely tactile format, as for the blind and deaf.
The preferred embodiment of the invention envisions what appears to the user as a single key, performing an informational function when contacted superficially and a traditional function-execution when actuated with significant finger pressure. Many hardware means could be used to effect such a system, which merely requires the superimposition of a keypad requiring no, little, or less pressure or proximity (typically contact-, proximity- or minimal-pressure-sensing) over the top of a keypad requiring some, more, or greater pressure or proximity (typically a traditional significant-pressure keypad). Both types are well known to the state of the art and have many variations, and since the concept of traditional, mechanical-pressure pushbuttons is so old and well-known as to have had its origins largely lost to history, we will not treat it here. Likewise, the concept of a minimal-pressure switch is only a technological extrapolation of a significant-pressure switch, and it can be readily seen that the former could be combined amiably with the latter. This could be approached technologically through the use of high-tech piezo-electrical components sensitive to exquisitely small pressures (also worth noting because of a lack of moving parts and because some can respond potentiometrically to mechanical stress), but the larger concept of pressure-actuated switching is still both traditional and obvious. True contact- and proximity-sensitive switches, however, are historically and technologically a more recent conceptual innovation which we will briefly exemplify:
Contact-Sensitive Switches: These types of keys are typically conductive, using the resistance, impedance, or capacitance changes caused in an exposed conductor by the contact of a finger to detect its presence. Typically they will detect an appropriate contacting surface with substantially zero pressure applied, and most are entirely insensitive to pressures above those necessary for minimal contact. Many types are well known, with the archetype perhaps being a multiplexor IC whose inherent port-leakage can be used at a specific frequency to charge a single-line conductor, which is then grounded by a touch. A less common (although still widely-used) approach is to detect contact through the electrical changes in a thermal-electric component caused by body heat.
Proximity-Sensitive Switches: These types of keys are typified by infra-red-sensitive keypads, which either passively detect the proximity of the infra-red component of body-heat, or actively generate infra-red frequencies and specifically detect occulations or reflections of their own signal. Other types of the latter could be conceived, since active-component systems can generate any sort of detectable emission for themselves-RF, for instance, or visible light or ultrasound-but infra-red types are the only ones now in common use for keypad applications.
The preferred embodiment of the invention envisions what appears to the user as a single key for both informational and functional purposes, performing its informational function when contacted superficially and executing its normal function when actuated with significant finger pressure. As described above, this merely requires the superimposition of a keypad requiring no, little, or less pressure or proximity over the top of a keypad requiring some, more, or greater pressure or proximity, with the latter being actuated to perform whatever ordinary functional task is required by the user according to the device, and the former performing informationally regarding the use of that key, using whatever informational means is appropriate to the design of the device. Most of these embodiments are obvious in light of the invention's objectives, e.g., a conductive-capacitive contact-sensing pad laminated onto the surface of a pressure-activated key. Other, less obvious embodiments are possible technologically, such as a zero-pressure contact key above a minimal-pressure one, or even a completely "touchless" key operating according to a further proximity and a nearer one. The principle of a lighter-effort key functioning informationally layered vertically above a heavier-effort key functioning executionally remains the same.
There are, however, other embodiments which are both possible and practical by which the precept of supplying key-associated information prior to a function-executing keypress may be met. A few are listed below for example:
Press-and-Hold: This sort of embodiment is timing-dependent, and therefore requires only a one-contact key of any sort. The user would actuate it appropriately and hold it while the informational function was displayed or played-out, at the end of which he could either release the key (without yet having actuated its ordinary function) or continue to hold it down until the ordinary function was actuated, perhaps further indicated by a beep or other acknowledgement as determined by the designer.
Dual-Press: This type of embodiment is not necessarily timing-dependent, although practical implementations probably would be. Like the Press-and-Hold embodiment above, it likewise requires only a single-contact key, since its basis is a reliance on counting keypresses, with a first or initial press serving informationally and a second or subsequent press of the same key serving functionally. Multi-press protocols serving the purposes of the invention could likewise be devised for specific uses and devices.
Satellite Key: This type of embodiment is basically a horizontal (and less convenient) extrapolation of the dual functionality of keys according to the invention. Instead of combining the ordinary and informational functions in a laminated or vertical format, a Satellite Key structure would actually use two keys or contacts horizontally related to one another; one providing execution and the other the related information. Although this represents a possibly less-obvious association of two separate keys, less clumsy implementations can be envisioned, using, for instance, a well-known MOM-OFF-MOM or MOM-NONE-MOM rocker switch to provide the key's ordinary function when thrown in one direction and its informational function when thrown in the other. Albeit less straightforwardly, this use of two horizontally associated contacts in a single switch could allow consistent (e.g., all keys right-throw for information and left-throw for ordinary function) pre-identification of a key just as in the preferred embodiment, allowing a user to actuate either information or ordinary function without removing his finger from the key.
Stand-alones and Overlays: Since the primary concern of the instant invention is as an informational adjunct to a more traditional keypad, it is obvious that means could be devised for adding such informational capability to existing devices not so equipped. It would easily be possible, for instance, to retro-equip a flat, pressure-sensitive membrane keypad (such as those common on microwave ovens well-known in the state of the art) with a suitable touch-sensitive overlay equipped with its own self-contained informational means. Likewise, with the advent of microminiaturized piezo sound circuits (such as those used in "talking" greeting cards also well-known in the state of the art), it would be possible to make miniature, self-contained, touch-sensitive informational devices which could be post-applied to existing, separate keys, individually giving each such key the function of the invention. Such devices of any sort could contain any desired information, either particular to the device being enhanced, or for more general application (e.g., standard sets of numbers one-through-ten or zero-through-nine). Such devices could even be made to record user-decided messages into a RAM or PROM at the time of installation, making them highly versatile. With the present state of miniaturization of voice-capable memory, microcircuitry, and power supply systems (possibly including, for example, photo-voltaics where long life is desired), there are no major technological obstacles to such self-contained stand-alones and overlays.
It is obvious in light of the above that the instant invention has a broad range of potential applications in common use. For the sake of example, we will discuss several of the more obvious ones here:
Telephones: Any device with a basically numeric keypad would be an obvious candidate for enhancement with the invention (e.g., pocket or desktop calculators; microwave ovens and other home appliances; TV's VCR's, Stereos or Video Games with digitally-controlled tuning or functions; or remote controls for these and other common digitally-controlled devices) but none is more ubiquitous than the telephone and its familiar dozen keys. The benefits to the visually imparied should be obvious (and this might well include sighted people in a power blackout), but the most compelling application is in mobile use. Cellular-phone safety is currently being addressed in many ways--often propelled by a legislative push in the back--and most of the issues of talking while driving have been adequately addressed by the new generation of hands-free phones. These phones are typically only hands-free for conversation, however, with dialing remaining another matter, and with the split-attention problems involved only being compounded by the need for compactness in cellular keypads.
This aspect of the cellular-safety problem has been redressed only badly by the current generation of phones, and the necessity of removing one's concentration-if not one's eyes-from the road continues to be a problem. The only broad and current alternative to keypad dialing, voice-recognition, is still quite costly and suffers from enormous unreliability problems due to the constantly shifting ambient-noise characteristics of the mobile environment, requiring extensive and expensive (and often futile anyway) filtering systems. These systems also often require "training" for a particular user's voice, making them susceptible to vagaries (like headcolds) in the user's voice pattern, and are awkward to use in any case, having specialized protocols lacking the familiar, self-explanatory characteristics of a standard phone keypad. Most also do not allow full voice access to many of the useful special features of the base telephone unit, such as auto-redialers and repertory memories. The invention therefore represents a viable, less expensive, and far less frustrating alternative to such marginally-useable systems, still requiring one hand of a driver, but audibly allowing him to quickly and accurately "blind-key" a number without removing his eyes from the road, and similarly not taxing his concentration to recall the rules of voice-recognition "phone-speak." With proper treatment, the invention could likewise identify and describe all the keys on the pad, allowing the user full and equally "blind" access to rapid-dialing and convenience features.
Finally, it should be noted in the latter regard that single-key telephone memories make an excellent example of how a non-prerecorded informational announcement might be used. With an on-board RAM or EEPROM and recording means to support it, a memory key might be programmed with both a number and a corresponding name. Thus, if "Memory 1" was programmed to dial Herb's number, the corresponding informational means would similarly be programmed to announce "Herb" rather than "Memory one" when Touched.
Elevators: As previously noted, a department-store elevator is an excellent example of how the invention might be used to give Touch information regarding the objective of a corresponding Press. This would more likely be implemented visually than audibly, since a great many people would use such an elevator, but with some sort of graphics capability such a display might easily depict not only the departments on the Touched floor, but also an overview of the floor itself, allowing users to quickly reference the exact location of any given department. An audible identification might also be included for visually-handicapped users unable to use the graphic data (a feature that would certainly apply to elevator keypads in any sort of building, or indeed any sort of keypad intended for public access, such as automated teller machines or (again) public telephones).
Home Appliances: The ubiquitous VCR that "only my kid can program" is an excellent example of a keypad system whose use might be enhanced and simplified by some on-the-keypad functional and usage information. This could be audible, or, since most modern units do their programming on-screen, could as easily be designed to use the television itself as the informational display. Such functions could also be applied to any of the raft of household devices which are drifting from analog knobs and dials to a keypad format, such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, and washers and driers. Again, the handicapped could also benefit from such incorporation, which could even be made available by manufacturers as an add-on overlay fitting existing keypad products.
Industrial Consoles: Many companies and industries make use of complex custom and semi-custom keypads for tasks ranging from design to process-control. Such systems are often complex and not functionally obvious, and in the worst cases the misuse of a single key might bring down an entire system or production line. Training employees to use such systems can be arduous as well, and the invention might be beneficially employed both to reduce this and manage the overwhelming "VCR-syndrome" complexity of the most complicated systems. Again, there are also many industrial applications wherein handicapped workers might benefit significantly from devices equipped with the invention.
Computers: The benefits of the invention for most computer users are neither great nor obvious, but the benefits for neophyte users (especially the very young) might be significant, and for visually handicapped users would be clear and manifold. Again, the invention could be applied easily in an overlay form to most PC's and common consoles, especially in a purely identificational form. Since form-fitting rubber dust covers which do not require removal are already available for most common layouts, the extrapolation to a conductive-rubber "talking-dust-cover" would be a short and happy one for the blind, especially since the data processing community is one of a very few high-paying areas where the handicapped in general have made significant employment inroads. Such specialty items could even be designed to interface with the main processor, and with appropriately sophisticated software might make even the complexities of rapid and accurate word-processing or spreadsheet use an attainable goal.
Likewise, the benefits of the invention might well be applied to most of the specialty computers, "how-to" software, and computer keyboards designed for the education of small children. Typing-tutor applications are one widespread and obvious possibility.
One skilled in the art will immediately understand that there are many, probably thousands, of ways in which the teachings of this invention could be implemented in various devices with various aims. All such ways are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the claims appended to this specification.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 11, 1974
|Jun 7, 1977
|The Solartron Electronic Group Limited
|Data terminals having interactive keyboards and displays and data processing apparatus incorporating such terminals
|Dec 21, 1978
|May 6, 1980
|Stig Anders Petersson
|Method of effecting one of several different circuit connections
|Oct 4, 1985
|Oct 13, 1987
|Sony Corporation
|Selectively actuable electronic apparatus
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jun 5, 1992
|May 7, 1996
|Iljin Corporation
|Multipurpose optical intelligent key board apparatus
|Sep 9, 1992
|Jul 9, 1996
|Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
|Digital data recording/playback system utilizing EEPROM and ROM memories as a storage medium
|Mar 16, 1993
|Jul 9, 1996
|Weinreich; Michael
|Chord keyboard system using one chord to select a group from among several groups and another chord to select a character from the selected group
|Dec 29, 1993
|Sep 17, 1996
|Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
|Dialing apparatus
|Apr 11, 1995
|Dec 23, 1997
|Dnb Dataware Sciences, Inc. Technologies
|Call box with keyboard communication
|Sep 18, 1995
|May 5, 1998
|Holtek Microelectronics, Inc.
|Voice-generating telephone set without external power supply
|May 11, 1995
|May 19, 1998
|Cidco, Incorporated
|Multiple key press selection for repertory dialing
|Nov 20, 1996
|Sep 29, 1998
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Multifunction control with changeable appearance
|Dec 2, 1996
|Dec 1, 1998
|U.S. Philips Corporation
|Device with a human-machine interface
|Jul 24, 1996
|Mar 30, 1999
|Incontrol Solutions, Inc.
|Miniature isometric joystick
|Jun 2, 1998
|Jul 13, 1999
|U.S. Philips Corporation
|Device with a human-machine interface
|Jun 3, 1997
|Nov 16, 1999
|Siemens Information And Communication Networks, Inc.
|Allowing stand-alone and local control of a single LED
|Mar 8, 1996
|Nov 23, 1999
|Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Erisson
|Method of selecting characters from a keypad and a telephone set operating according to this method
|Sep 30, 1997
|Mar 14, 2000
|Levy; David H.
|Method and apparatus for inputting data to an electronic system
|Dec 12, 1997
|Apr 4, 2000
|Dnb Datawave Sciences, Inc. Technologies
|Call box with keyboard communication
|Mar 25, 1998
|May 23, 2000
|Grant; Alan H.
|Ergonomic cellular phone
|Sep 30, 1997
|Jul 25, 2000
|Weber; Harold J.
|Remote control for a television enabling a user to enter and review a channel selection choice immediately prior to sending an encoded channel selection command to the television
|Nov 4, 1997
|Apr 10, 2001
|Allen M. Krass
|Electronic equipment interface with command preselection indication
|Dec 23, 1998
|May 14, 2002
|Lucent Technologies, Inc.
|User identification system using improved voice print identification processing
|Nov 18, 1999
|Dec 31, 2002
|Ncr Corporation
|Interface terminal for the visually impaired
|Jul 15, 1998
|Apr 29, 2003
|Lg Electronicis Inc.
|Method and apparatus for generating and resetting melody for remote controller function keys
|Apr 10, 2001
|Jun 3, 2003
|Allen M. Krass
|Electronic equipment interface with command preselection indication
|Sep 27, 1999
|Sep 9, 2003
|Ameritech Corporation
|Telephone set having a help key and methods and systems for use therewith
|Oct 6, 2000
|Jan 20, 2004
|Logitech Europe S.A.
|Proximity detector to indicate function of a key
|Aug 25, 2000
|May 11, 2004
|Voelckers Oliver
|Device and method for quickly selecting text from a list using a numeric telephone keypad
|Dec 17, 1999
|Aug 17, 2004
|Nokia Corporation
|Method and apparatus for easy input identification
|Nov 8, 2001
|May 17, 2005
|Nec Corporation
|Method for inputting information and apparatus used for same
|Jul 12, 2001
|Jun 21, 2005
|Anders Trell Trust
|Polyphonic/chordic annotation method
|May 23, 2003
|Jun 28, 2005
|Digit Wireless, Llc
|Keypads and key switches
|Mar 12, 2002
|Jul 12, 2005
|Printing device
|Mar 16, 2005
|Sep 13, 2005
|Otis Elevator Company
|Braille information notification device
|Jul 30, 2002
|Sep 20, 2005
|John Elias Adams
|Number keypad corral
|Jan 29, 2003
|Dec 27, 2005
|Sony Corporation
|Information input apparatus, and information processing apparatus, method, recording medium, and program
|Apr 8, 1999
|Jun 6, 2006
|Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
|Device with a human-machine interface
|Jan 20, 2005
|Jun 13, 2006
|Kyocera Wireless Corp.
|Dual tactility keypad switch
|Nov 22, 2000
|Jul 25, 2006
|Xerox Corporation
|Computer user interface using a physical manipulatory grammar
|Oct 30, 2001
|Sep 12, 2006
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Communication apparatus
|Feb 26, 2003
|Oct 24, 2006
|Digit Wireless, Llc
|Keypad construction
|Dec 7, 2004
|Dec 5, 2006
|Printing device
|Dec 30, 2004
|Feb 6, 2007
|Hand Held Products, Inc.
|Tamperproof point of sale transaction terminal
|Sep 2, 2005
|Mar 6, 2007
|Sony Corporation
|Information input apparatus, and information processing apparatus, method, recording medium, and program
|Apr 1, 2003
|Apr 24, 2007
|Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
|Elevator call recording device
|Mar 13, 2001
|Aug 14, 2007
|Microsoft Corporation
|Method for displaying information responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a computer input device
|Mar 13, 2001
|Apr 15, 2008
|Microsoft Corporation
|Method for providing feedback responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a control of an electronic device
|May 16, 2005
|Jun 10, 2008
|Research In Motion Limited
|Key system for a communication device
|May 22, 2001
|Jun 24, 2008
|Digit Wireless, Llc
|Input devices and their use
|Dec 7, 2001
|Jul 8, 2008
|Nokia Corporation
|Communication unit provided with intra-changeable elements
|Jun 7, 2005
|Aug 26, 2008
|Nokia Corporation
|Enhancing character input in electronic device
|Dec 21, 2005
|Sep 2, 2008
|Scenera Technologies, Llc
|Methods, systems, and computer program products for iteratively providing feedback via a user interface for multi-character, multi-mode alphanumeric data entry
|Jun 16, 2004
|Dec 2, 2008
|Universal Electronics, Inc.
|Controlling device using cues to convey information
|Aug 24, 2005
|Jan 27, 2009
|Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
|Device with a human-machine interface
|May 12, 2006
|Feb 24, 2009
|Nokia Corporation
|Method for inputting characters in electronic device
|Oct 17, 2006
|Apr 7, 2009
|Smiths Medical Md, Inc.
|Insulin pump for the visually impaired
|Aug 25, 2005
|Oct 13, 2009
|Microsoft Corporation
|Method for displaying information responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a computer input device
|Feb 9, 2005
|Oct 5, 2010
|Research In Motion Limited
|Handheld electronic device providing feedback to facilitate navigation and the entry of information, and associated method
|Sep 6, 2007
|Dec 14, 2010
|Whirlpool Corporation
|Dishwashing machine
|Aug 31, 2006
|Jan 11, 2011
|Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
|Character-input method and medium and apparatus for the same
|Nov 27, 2002
|Jan 11, 2011
|Nokia Corporation
|Piezoelectric user interface
|Sep 19, 2003
|Jan 25, 2011
|Universal Electronics Inc.
|Controlling device using visual cues to indicate appliance and function key relationships
|May 4, 2007
|Feb 15, 2011
|Immersion Corporation
|Haptic effects with proximity sensing
|Aug 28, 2009
|Apr 5, 2011
|Apple Inc.
|Keystroke tactility arrangement on a smooth touch surface
|Nov 9, 2006
|Apr 26, 2011
|Lg Electronics Inc.
|Mobile terminal and method for operating touch keypad thereof
|Mar 16, 2006
|May 3, 2011
|Apple Inc.
|Methods and apparatuses using control indicators for data processing systems
|Apr 25, 2006
|Jul 12, 2011
|Apple Inc.
|Keystroke tactility arrangement on a smooth touch surface
|Dec 7, 2010
|Nov 1, 2011
|Universal Electronics Inc.
|Controlling device using visual cues to indicate appliance and function key relationships
|May 3, 2007
|Jan 10, 2012
|Nuance Communications, Inc.
|Input devices and their use
|Dec 19, 2008
|Feb 14, 2012
|Tactile Displays, Llc
|Apparatus and method for interactive display with tactile feedback
|Mar 9, 2010
|Jun 26, 2012
|Smiths Medical Asd, Inc.
|Correction factor testing using frequent blood glucose input
|Jun 19, 2008
|Jul 10, 2012
|Tactile Displays, Llc
|Apparatus and method for interactive display with tactile feedback
|May 6, 2010
|Jul 10, 2012
|Smiths Medical Asd, Inc.
|Expert system for pump therapy
|May 30, 2007
|Jul 17, 2012
|Smiths Medical Asd, Inc.
|Insulin pump based expert system
|Aug 26, 2010
|Sep 4, 2012
|Research In Motion Limited
|Handheld electronic device providing feedback to facilitate navigation and the entry of information, and associated method
|Apr 8, 2010
|Nov 13, 2012
|Motorola Mobility Llc
|Apparatuses, methods, and systems for an electronic device with a detachable user input attachment
|Nov 18, 2005
|Nov 20, 2012
|Method and device for manual triggering
|Nov 20, 2012
|Apple Inc.
|Multi-touch touch surface
|Nov 14, 2006
|Dec 11, 2012
|Apple Inc.
|Generating control signals from multiple contacts
|Dec 18, 2012
|Apple Inc.
|Multi-touch contact tracking using predicted paths
|Dec 20, 2004
|Jan 1, 2013
|Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
|Programmable insulin pump
|Feb 26, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|User interface gestures
|Oct 28, 2010
|Apr 9, 2013
|Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
|Infusion pump with add-on modules
|Jun 5, 2009
|May 14, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|May 12, 2011
|May 14, 2013
|Slacker, Inc.
|Systems and devices for personalized rendering of digital media content
|Dec 22, 2008
|Jun 18, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Multi-touch contact motion extraction
|Jun 18, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|Jun 18, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Identifying contacts on a touch surface
|Jun 5, 2009
|Jul 9, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|Oct 6, 2008
|Jul 30, 2013
|Keyless Systems Ltd.
|Integrated keypad system
|Nov 14, 2006
|Aug 20, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Degree of freedom extraction from multiple contacts
|Sep 15, 2006
|Sep 10, 2013
|Ntt Docomo, Inc.
|Mobile terminal device, and program used in mobile terminal device
|Dec 6, 2011
|Oct 1, 2013
|Konami Gaming, Inc.
|Gaming machine with proximity sensing touchless display
|Jul 30, 2007
|Nov 5, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Typing with a touch sensor
|Feb 1, 2013
|Nov 26, 2013
|Apple Inc.
|Identifying contacts on a touch surface
|Jul 30, 2007
|Jan 14, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Touch sensing architecture
|Jul 30, 2007
|Jan 21, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Sensor arrangement for use with a touch sensor that identifies hand parts
|Apr 13, 2010
|Mar 4, 2014
|Tactile Displays, Llc
|Energy efficient interactive display with energy regenerative keyboard
|May 15, 2013
|Mar 4, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Degree of freedom extraction from multiple contacts
|Nov 14, 2006
|Mar 18, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Multi-touch hand position offset computation
|Jul 30, 2007
|Apr 15, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Touch sensor contact information
|Dec 12, 2007
|Apr 29, 2014
|Slacker, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for interactive distribution of digital content
|Feb 11, 2005
|May 13, 2014
|Hand Held Products, Inc.
|Transaction terminal and adaptor therefor
|Aug 8, 2012
|May 20, 2014
|Blackberry Limited
|Handheld electronic device providing feedback to facilitate navigation and the entry of information, and associated method
|Jul 30, 2007
|May 20, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|Aug 7, 2012
|May 20, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|Jul 30, 2007
|May 27, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Touch sensing through hand dissection
|Sep 15, 2006
|Jun 10, 2014
|Ntt Docomo, Inc.
|Mobile terminal device and program used in mobile terminal device
|Oct 20, 2010
|Aug 12, 2014
|Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
|Pump with therapy coaching
|May 29, 2012
|Sep 23, 2014
|Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
|Infusion pump with activity monitoring
|Apr 10, 2009
|Oct 21, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|Feb 7, 2011
|Nov 25, 2014
|Immersion Corporation
|Haptic effects with proximity sensing
|Apr 10, 2009
|Dec 2, 2014
|Apple Inc.
|Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
|Aug 24, 2010
|Feb 10, 2015
|Nokia Corporation
|Piezoelectric user interface
|May 7, 2008
|Feb 24, 2015
|Blackberry Limited
|Key system for an electronic device
|Jan 24, 2014
|Apr 7, 2015
|Apple Inc.
|Touch sensor contact information
|Nov 25, 2013
|Aug 4, 2015
|Apple Inc.
|Sensor arrangement for use with a touch sensor that identifies hand parts
|Feb 23, 2010
|Sep 8, 2015
|Tactile Displays, Llc
|Apparatus and method for interactive display with tactile feedback
|Mar 13, 2001
|Aug 23, 2001
|Hinckley Kenneth P.
|Method for displying information responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a computer input device
|Nov 8, 2001
|May 16, 2002
|Yasuko Suzuki
|Method for inputting infromation and apparatus used for same
|Oct 30, 2001
|Jun 6, 2002
|Communication apparatus
|Jul 16, 2003
|May 6, 2004
|Ameritech Corporation
|Telephone set having a help key and methods and systems for use therewith
|Oct 8, 2003
|Sep 23, 2004
|Gomas Steven W.
|Content delivery and speech system and apparatus for the blind and print-handicapped
|Nov 27, 2002
|Mar 10, 2005
|Juhani Tuovinen
|Piezoelectric user interface
|Sep 19, 2003
|Mar 24, 2005
|Universal Electronics Inc.
|Controlling device using visual cues to indicate appliance and function key relationships
|Jun 16, 2004
|Mar 24, 2005
|Universal Electronics Inc.
|Controlling device using cues to convey information
|Dec 7, 2004
|May 19, 2005
|Michel Woodman
|Printing device
|Mar 16, 2005
|Jul 21, 2005
|Otis Elevator Company
|Braille information notification device
|Mar 29, 2004
|Sep 29, 2005
|Gordon Gary B
|Talking remote appliance-controller for the blind
|Apr 1, 2003
|Nov 17, 2005
|Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
|Elevator call recording device
|Aug 25, 2005
|Dec 15, 2005
|Microsoft Corporation
|Method for displaying information responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a computer input device
|Aug 24, 2005
|Jan 5, 2006
|Beuk Leonardus G
|Device with a human-machine interface
|Sep 2, 2005
|Jan 5, 2006
|Junichi Rekimoto
|Information input apparatus, and information processing apparatus, method, recording medium, and program
|Jul 19, 2005
|Feb 23, 2006
|Hironori Katsuura
|Display apparatus and imaging apparatus
|Nov 27, 2002
|Mar 9, 2006
|Juhani Tuovinen
|Piezoelectric user interface
|Sep 20, 2004
|Mar 23, 2006
|Hannu Korhonen
|Double-phase pressing keys for mobile terminals
|Dec 30, 2004
|Jul 6, 2006
|Fletcher Donna M
|Tamperproof point of sale transaction terminal
|Mar 16, 2006
|Jul 20, 2006
|Andrew Gong
|Methods and apparatuses using control indicators for data processing systems
|Feb 9, 2005
|Aug 10, 2006
|Research In Motion Limited
|Handheld electronic device providing feedback to facilitate navigation and the entry of information, and associated method
|Feb 11, 2005
|Aug 17, 2006
|Hand Held Products
|Transaction terminal and adaptor therefor
|Jun 7, 2005
|Aug 24, 2006
|Nokia Corporation
|Enhancing character input in electronic device
|May 16, 2005
|Nov 23, 2006
|Research In Motion Limited
|Key system for a communication device
|May 12, 2006
|Nov 30, 2006
|Janne Vainio
|Method for inputting characters in electronic device
|Jul 6, 2005
|Jan 11, 2007
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Touch sensitive device and display
|Sep 15, 2006
|Mar 22, 2007
|Ntt Docomo, Inc.
|Mobile terminal device and program used in mobile terminal device
|Sep 15, 2006
|Mar 22, 2007
|Ntt Docomo, Inc
|Mobile terminal device, and program used in mobile terminal device
|Dec 29, 2005
|Mar 22, 2007
|John Ruckart
|Systems, methods and computer program products for aggregating contact information
|Nov 14, 2006
|Mar 29, 2007
|Fingerworks, Inc.
|Multi-touch contact motion extraction
|Jul 30, 2007
|Nov 22, 2007
|Apple Inc.
|Touch sensing with mobile sensors
|Sep 24, 2007
|Mar 27, 2008
|Kyocera Mita Corporation
|Input apparatus, input control method, and computer-readable recording media for input control program
|Nov 18, 2005
|Jan 29, 2009
|Method and Device for Manual Triggering
|Feb 18, 2010
|Wintone Technology, Inc.
|Touch detected voice-prompted 2-stage keypad
|Jul 28, 2011
|Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
|Input device and input system utilized thereby
|Apr 8, 2010
|Oct 13, 2011
|John Henry Krahenbuhl
|Apparatuses, Methods, and Systems for an Electronic Device wiht a Detachable User Input Attachment
|Sep 3, 2010
|Mar 8, 2012
|Oliver Sir
|Switch with sounds
|Mar 11, 2011
|Mar 8, 2012
|Immersion Corporation
|Systems And Methods For Pre-Touch And True Touch
|Oct 11, 2012
|Jun 20, 2013
|Perkins School For The Blind
|Electronic braille typing interface
|Oct 19, 2011
|Aug 21, 2014
|Thomson Licensing
|Remote control with feedback for blind navigation
|Mar 11, 2011
|Aug 28, 2012
|Azoteq (Pty) Ltd
|Apparatus and method for a proximity and touch dependent user interface
|Feb 10, 2002
|Aug 11, 2010
|Finger actuated device having a proximity detector
|Feb 10, 2002
|Jun 24, 2009
|Finger actuated device having a proximity detector
|Feb 15, 2007
|Feb 17, 2010
|Image pickup apparatus with display apparatus, and display control method for display apparatus
|Feb 16, 2007
|Feb 17, 2010
|Image processor and control method
|Mar 31, 2005
|Oct 5, 2006
|Siemens Ag
|Verfahren zur Eingabevorschau und Benutzerschnittstelle mit Eingabevorschau
|Feb 18, 1998
|Oct 28, 1998
|Robert Bosch Gmbh
|Broadcast receiver
|Jul 1, 1998
|Jan 27, 1999
|Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
|Operating element
|Aug 17, 1999
|Mar 1, 2000
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Key echo
|Oct 20, 2000
|Apr 25, 2001
|Avaya Technology Corp.
|Dynamically autoconfigured feature for a communication terminal
|Sep 18, 2001
|May 29, 2002
|Ncr International Inc.
|Self-service terminal
|Oct 30, 2001
|Jun 26, 2002
|Nokia Corporation
|Communication unit provided with intra-changeable elements
|Feb 8, 2002
|Aug 14, 2002
|Thomson Licensing S.A.
|Finger actuaded device having a proximity detector
|Mar 12, 2002
|Sep 18, 2002
|Esselte N.V.
|Printing device
|Mar 7, 2002
|Sep 18, 2002
|Microsoft Corporation
|Method for displaying information responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a computer input device
|Mar 12, 2002
|Sep 18, 2002
|Microsoft Corporation
|Method for providing feedback responsive to sensing a physical presence proximate to a control of an electronic device
|Mar 27, 2001
|Oct 2, 2002
|Sony International (Europe) GmbH
|Method to provide a non-visual control functionality for a device and corresponding device interface
|Jun 1, 2001
|Jan 2, 2003
|Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
|Keypad system
|Feb 8, 2002
|Jun 23, 2004
|Thomson Licensing S.A.
|Finger actuated device having a proximity detector
|Feb 8, 2002
|Jun 23, 2004
|Thomson Licensing S.A.
|Finger actuated device having a proximity detector
|Jun 28, 2002
|Oct 13, 2004
|Apple Computer, Inc.
|Control indicators for data processing systems
|May 22, 2001
|May 4, 2005
|Digit Wireless, Llc
|Input devices and their use
|Feb 9, 2005
|Aug 16, 2006
|Research In Motion Limited
|Handheld electronic device providing feedback to facilitate navigation and the entry of information, and associated method
|Sep 28, 2007
|Jul 21, 2010
|Immersion Corporation
|Haptic effects with proximity sensing
|Nov 11, 2009
|Sep 28, 2011
|NEC Corporation
|Mobile terminal device, method of operation notification, and program of operation notification
|Dec 1, 2010
|Jun 6, 2012
|F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
|Ambulatory infusion device and method for acoustically signaling numerical values
|Dec 13, 2010
|Jun 20, 2012
|Research In Motion Limited
|Portable electronic device including keyboard and touch-sensitive display for second plurality of characters.
|Dec 13, 2010
|Jun 20, 2012
|Research In Motion Limited
|Portable electronic device including keyboard and touch-sensitive display for second plurality of characters.
|Oct 24, 1999
|May 4, 2000
|Oliver Voelckers
|Device and method for quickly selecting text from a list using a numeric telephone keypad
|Dec 1, 1999
|Jun 7, 2001
|Allen M Krass
|Electronic equipment interface with command preselection indication
|Dec 15, 2000
|Jun 21, 2001
|Justin Beghtol
|Method and apparatus for device input identification
|May 22, 2001
|Dec 13, 2001
|Digit Wireless Llc
|Input devices and their use
|Dec 10, 2002
|Jun 19, 2003
|Wolfgang Fallot-Burghardt
|Combination consisting of a computer keyboard and mouse control device
|Aug 23, 2004
|Apr 21, 2005
|Cesar Alvarado
|Controlling device using cues to convey information
|Sep 14, 2005
|Mar 30, 2006
|Hannu Korhonen
|Double-phase pressing keys for mobile terminals
|U.S. Classification
|341/34, 379/368, 341/27, 379/88.16, 341/22, 341/23, 379/52, 379/88.24
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jan 31, 1991
Owner name: ADVANCED CELLULAR TELECOM CORP., 377 ROUTE S., HAS
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:WALDMAN, HERBERT H.;REEL/FRAME:005581/0590
Effective date: 19910122
|May 10, 1998
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Sep 15, 1998
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 19980510


text:
FCA consults on new rules on dealing commission for investment managers
The FCA has published a Consultation Paper (CP13/17) on the use of dealing commission rules for investment managers. The proposals form part of the FCA wider discussion about transparency in the asset management sector and corporate access. They should be read by both investment managers who are subject to the dealing commission rules, and sell-side suppliers of bundled brokerage arrangements, who are within the scope of the FCA's wider thematic review of such arrangements.
CP13/17 proposes to make the following changes to its Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS)…
If you are registered and logged in to the site, click on the link below to read the rest of the Withers briefing. If not, please register or sign in with your details below.
Sign in or Register to continue reading this article
Sign in
It's quick, easy and free!
It takes just 5 minutes to register. Answer a few simple questions and once completed you'll have instant access.Register now
Why register to The Lawyer
Industry insight
In-depth, expert analysis into the stories behind the headlines from our leading team of journalists.
Market intelligence
Identify the major players and business opportunities within a particular region through our series of free, special reports.
Email newsletters
Receive your pick of The Lawyer's daily and weekly email newsletters, tailored by practice area, region and job function.
More relevant to you
To continue providing the best analysis, insight and news across the legal market we are collecting some information about who you are, what you do and where you work to improve The Lawyer and make it more relevant to you.
News from Withers
Withers' family team features prominently in Spear's Family Lawyers Index
Withers is shortlisted as tax team of the year at Lexis Nexis Taxation Awards
Withers BVI acts for companies in connection with litigation between former married couple
Chambers Global 2014 ranks Withers as a leading law firm
Withers partner and associate author guide for charities targeting the US fundraising market
News from The Lawyer
Withers sees global turnover rise 8.7 per cent to £134m
Withers make up five to partnership in slightly reduced promotions round
King & Spalding hires Ashurst quartet to launch Tokyo office
Withers hires MoFo team for Japan tax practice launch
Withers launches three new California offices with nine-partner McKenna Long team
Briefings from Withers
Family law revolution
22 April 2014 marked 'the largest reform of the family justice system any of us have seen or will see in our professional lifetimes', according to the president of the Family Division.
A day out with the Charity Tax Group
Withers' Graham Elliott discusses the points he found most interesting from this year's Charity Tax Group annual meeting.
Analysis from The Lawyer
Withers/Speechly merger: Why the tie-up talks unravelled
A merged Withers and Speechly Bircham would have scaled The Lawyer's UK 200 with a turnover of about £170m, and created one of the world's largest specialist private client teams. So what went wrong?

subset: commoncrawl


text: This hotel is very nice for the low budget. Stuff / owner is nice and helpful. Hotel is clean. I checked this place before I booked a room. It was no problem to look at the rooms. Usually I prefer single room with bath. But here I considered different, as the room leading to the front with window to the... More


text:
Welcome to JSGA ( Jain Sangh of Greater Austin)
JSGA, a non profit organization that has been formed
in the year 2005 on behalf of Austin Jain Parivar. We
value your support and your dedication in supporting
JSGA dating sites for seniors events. This site is developed for JSGA community.
Our Sangh is dedicated in providing you and your family
the value view of jain principles. A gateway in which one can
build, share, offer services to the community. We have
various events around the year in which you and your
family members can participate within JSGA community.
We welcome you to visit our website http://the-hottest-teen.tumblr.com/ and offer ways to
bond and grow http://horny-asian-baby.tumblr.com/ our community.
Interested parties sexy anime porn can get the updated information on community
communications via http://the-hottest-lesbian.tumblr.com/ email, please subscribe to
JSGA Non-Profit Registration Address
1600 Iris Lane
Cedar Park, TX 78613
United States


text:
Broadway Stars to Celebrate the Works of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry This Summer
Broadway stars will honor the works of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry with a performance series this summer.
Broadway stars will honor the works of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry with a performance series this summer.
Lady Gaga is coming to Justin Bieber's defense in a sweet Instagram photo.
Think you know everything there is to know about Lady Gaga? Test your knowledge in the latest installment of our video series Think You Know Pop?
Stephen Sondheim just slammed Lady Gaga's 2015 Oscars performance, calling it a "travesty." Yikes.
Chicago Fire hunk Taylor Kinney, his fiancé Lady Gaga took the plunge. No, not the one down the wedding aisle. The one where you plunge into freezing water for a good cause. Vince Vaughn joined the stars in this year's Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan.
Winter temperatures didn't stop Lady Gaga from taking part in Chicago Polar Plunge 2015 and jumping into Lake Michigan on Sunday (March 1).
FX's popular "American Horror Story" is getting ready to launch their fifth season (with a very special guest) - and the theme this time is "American Horror Story: Hotel."
The 2015 Oscars were an awards show to remember! From memorable performances to Neil Patrick Harris' hilarious hosting moments, this was one buzz-worthy night.
Lady Gaga performed a medley of "The Sound of Music" songs at the 2015 Oscars and she totally blew us away.
Actors and actresses make sure they dress their best to strut the red carpet, but some gorgeous celebs give the red carpet a more wedding aisle vibe by donning white. The 2015 Oscars were no exception, with countless women channeling bridal by opting for dazzling white dresses.
Major congrats are in order for Lady Gaga and her boyfriend Taylor Kinney! The two just announced that they are engaged.
Work it, Gaga! Lady Gaga flaunted her assets in a series of yoga poses she posted to Instagram.


text:
If I asked you what Donald Trump and Bono have in common, the easy and accurate answer is that they both have lots of money.
Iranian Exiles Have Suffered as We Have Ignored Tehran's Expanding Influence in Iraq | Leo McCloskey
Report: Joe Biden himself leaked the story that it was his dying son's wish that he run for president | Allahpundit
John Kasich to ObamaCare critics: Do I need to buy Bibles for you people to remind you to care about the poor? | Allahpundit


text: 7 Pieces of Space History That You Can Own This WeekLily Hay Newman and 17 othersEditDeleteInvite manuallyPromoteDismissUndismissBlock for gizmodoHideBonhams auction house is hosting a space history sale tomorrow. They've done similar things in the past, but this one is more fun because it's now and Buzz Aldrin is opposed to it. Controversy and memorabilia! »3/24/13 7:15pm3/24/13 7:15pm


text:
5 Highest-Priced Chicago Bulls Home Games for the 2013-14 Season
It's been 99 games since Derrick Rose last suited up with his teammates. With the start of the 2013-14 season looming and Rose set to return to the court, Chicago Bulls tickets are already seeing a significant jump in price. The average price of a Bulls ticket last year was $187, whereas tickets are already seeing a 33% spike in price this season with the home average ticket price currently sitting at $249. The Rose Effect is real.
Take a look at the five highest-priced Bulls tickets below:
1.) December 5th – Miami Heat – Average Price: $411 – Get-in Price: $133
This early season matchup brings LeBron James and the back-to-back defending champion Heat to the United Center. The Rose-less Bulls squared off against the Heat in the second round of last year's playoffs, but injuries left Chicago without even a puncher's chance. With a healthy Rose, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah, Miami will face much stiffer competition this time around. This potential Eastern Conference Finals preview already has ticket prices listed at 65% higher than the home average for the Bulls. The cheapest price to get in the door sits at $133.
2.) March 9th – Heat – Average Price: $382 – Get-in Price: $104
Prices are slightly lower for the return trip for the Miami Heat, though not by much. The average ticket price for this Sunday matinee is currently $382, a 53% rise over the season average for a home Bulls ticket. With James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all eligible to opt out of their contracts at the end of the season, this could be the last chance that Chicago gets to see the "big three" in their current form. Fans can find tickets as low as $104 (hint hint, this is a great Christmas present!).
3.) October 31st – New York Knicks – Average Price: $329 – Get-in Price: $89
The Bulls open their home season in a prime time featured matchup against Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks. Fans will get to see Rose play in his first meaningful game since tearing his ACL over 18 months earlier. The Knicks are always a big draw on the road, but with 'Melo returning the team to relevance, bandwagon New Yorkers are back in full force – driving ticket prices up along with it. The Bulls home opener is already seeing ticket prices at an average of $329, a 32% rise from the average home price. The current "get-in price" to see the Knicks live in Chicago is $89.
4.) March 13th – Houston Rockets – Average Price: $325 – Get-in Price: $80
Fans eager to watch the explosive offense and expected Western Conference power Rockets are finding that demand is exceeding supply. Dwight Howard, James Harden, Jeremy Lin and the new-look Rockets will visit Chicago just one time this season. Ticket prices for the late season matchup are sitting at a price point that is 31% above the home average, at $325 for the average ticket. Fans can euro-step their way into the building for a "get-in price" of $80.
5.) January 24th – Los Angeles Clippers – Average Price: $320 – Get-in Price: $64
Lob City! Something tells me that Noah and Carlos Boozer will have something to say about Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan trying to throw down ferocious alley-oops on their home court. As much as the Bulls' frontcourt may not like it, fans still want to see Lob City in action. The average home ticket price for Chris Paul's only visit to Chicago is sitting at 29% above the average home ticket price, at $320. This Friday night matchup will be featured nationwide on ESPN and fans can find a "get-in price" of just $64.
You can find the best deals for Bulls tickets, and every other NBA team, all season long on Gold Coast Tickets.
Bench Depth Will Be Key For Clippers In 2015-16
Just a season ago the Los Angeles Clippers had one of the most unreliable benches in the league. That has changed this season. Read More
Chris Paul's Early Injury Concerning For Clippers
Chris Paul fractured his left index finger during a practice in China, and this early injury is troubling news for the Los Angeles Clippers. Read More
Tyler Johnson Could Play Big Role With Miami Heat
Tyler Johnson could find himself with substantial minutes playing off the bench for the Miami Heat this season. Read More
Bulls' Butler, Rose Must Find Way to Work Together
If the Bulls are going to be successful, Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose need to get past their feud. Read More
5 Final Predictions For Pistons' 2015-16 Season
Here are five final predictions for the Detroit Pistons in the upcoming 2015-16 season. Read More
Nets' Annual Open Practice Was A Major Success
The Brooklyn Nets hosted their annual open practice on Sunday, and it was a great event. Read More
Hassan Whiteside Is Missing Piece for Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been missing one of their best players throughout training camp as well as the first few games of the preseason, and his effect on the team is now more apparent than ever. Read More
5 Final Bold Predictions For OKC Entering 2015-16
With the NBA regular season weeks away, here are five final bold predictions for the 2015-16 Oklahoma City Thunder. Featuring some new faces, OKC will look to do things a little bit differently. Read More


text:
Heart-Health Perks continued...
Protects against strokes and diabetes. Replace refined grains with fiber-rich whole grains in your diet, and you might lower the risk of a stroke by up to 36% and the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 30%, research shows. Both conditions are tied to an increased risk of getting heart disease.
Lowers blood pressure. In another small study, researchers put 233 volunteers on a high-fiber diet that includes lots of whole wheat and whole oats. They found that after 12 weeks, participants had a drop in blood pressure and pulse pressure.
Encourages a healthy weight. Fiber can also be a weight loss weapon, because it gives you a feeling of fullness that helps stave off hunger.
All those benefits can add up to not just better heart health, but a longer life. In a 2011 study, researchers followed nearly 300,000 participants over 9 years. They found that eating lots of fiber was even linked to a lower risk of early death among men and women.
Get Your Share
Women under 50 years old should try to get about 25 grams of fiber a day, and men should shoot for 38 grams.
Most Americans struggle to get enough, though. On average we get just 15 grams a day.
"I think it's tough. I really do," says cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, the director of women's heart health at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital. "But I think it's a crucial part of a heart-healthy diet."
Cimperman, for one, is convinced. She often talks up the benefits of fiber when working with heart patients -- but as part of an overall healthy diet.
"I think it's important to keep in mind that fiber is important," she says. But "understanding the big picture helps."


text:
Meet the Horticulture Staff
Casey Sharber
An Oklahoma native, Sharber took on the responsibility of Director of Horticulture in October 2012. She received her bachelor's degree in public horticulture from Oklahoma State University, after which she went to work in the commercial landscape industry where she oversaw the care of many properties including the Gaylord Texan Resort. She went on to the Longwood Graduate Program and received a master of science in public horticulture management from the University of Delaware. After graduation, she returned to Oklahoma to make a difference in local horticulture. Prior to her current position, she worked for OSU Extension as a horticulture educator for five years. Casey enjoys being a part of a great team that is responsible for the care and maintenance of an Oklahoma City icon.
Joshua Berry
Joshua Berry moved from Indiana to join the Gardens staff this spring. Gardening has been an interest of Joshua's since childhood when he would help his grandparents with their vegetable garden. He received a bachelor of science degree in public horticulture from Purdue University. Joshua has interned with several public gardens across the nation including: Smithsonian Institute's museum gardens; Missouri Botanical Garden; the historic Winterthur estate (Delaware); and the formal gardens of Filoli (Woodside, California). Joshua's experiences in public gardening have given him a great interest in plant record systems and pruning methods. Joshua enjoys being able to always hear running water anywhere on the grounds from the many water features, especially the hottest days.
Anna Greenway
Anna Greenway has lived in Oklahoma her whole life and has always loved visiting the Myriad Gardens. She took all the botany courses she could at the University of Central Oklahoma where she graduated with a Biology degree and has always had a passion for plants and the outdoors. She will be working both inside the conservatory and with the outside gardens. Anna is excited to learn more about all the different varieties of plants here at the gardens and loves being able to come to work and see a waterfall every day. She is looking forward to helping maintain such a beautiful part of Oklahoma City.
Caleb Hanan
Caleb Hanan is a native Oklahoma, born and raised in Purcell Oklahoma. He comes from a long line of farmers and horticulturalist including his great grandfather, and grandfather who were both farmer. His father worked as an OSU Extension agent at McClain County for 25 years and would take him to work with him in the garden. This is where Caleb's passion for plants grew at a very young age. He loves learning about native plants and learning how the Native Americans use those plants in their medicines and rituals. He loves to walk the creeks in Ada, Oklahoma and find Native American artifacts. Having a passion for plants, Caleb studied horticulture at OSU-OKC and continues to enjoy learning something new every day.
Matthew Janda
Matthew Janda, Lead Horticulturist for the Gardens' outside ground is originally from Lawton, Oklahoma. A diehard Oklahoma State fan, he found himself in Stillwater, where he received his bachelor's degree in Landscape Contracting. Since graduation in 2007, Matthew has worked in the landscape industry; designing , installing and managing large commercial properties, including Chesapeake's main campus, and the Oklahoma City Boathouse District. Matthew's favorite component of the Garden is the Meinders' Garden. He loves the tall trees, the shaded meandering paths, and small flowing creek. Matthew is excited to be on staff, and looks forward to placing his mark on Downtown Oklahoma City.
Abby McGee
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Abby McGee has always had a love for the outdoors. As a child she would hike through the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge with her grandparents, their passion and knowledge of native plants and wildlife fostering her own. She took this passion and attended the University of Central Oklahoma, where she studied biology. There she spent three years as a research assistant studying collared lizards (the state reptile of Oklahoma), attended multiple conferences to give talks, and was a contributing author on a recently published paper in the international journal Ethology. Abby is eager to learn all she can about the plants of the Gardens, and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for this beautiful green space with the people of Oklahoma City.
Kerry Rapp
Kerry Rapp has been given the responsibility of being the Children's Garden Manager. She is originally from Charleston, West Virginia, where she earned a degree in journalism and a master's of science degree in horticulture from West Virginia University. She has worked as a landscape designer, nursery manager, and interiorscaper. For the past seven years, she was the executive director of Clary Gardens, a newly emerging garden in Coshocton, Ohio. Kerry is truly excited to be a part of the Gardens team and is looking forward to working both with the education and horticulture departments to bring plants to life in the hearts and minds of children.
Meaghan Rich
Meaghan Rich moved from Michigan to join the Gardens staff in October of 2014. She received a bachelor of science degree in horticulture from Michigan State University. After graduation Meaghan became a Certified Horticulturalist through the American Society of Horticulture Science, and has worked as a professional gardener, interiorscaper, and also a green wall designer. Since she was young, Meaghan has always had a passion for plants and the outdoors, and it has only grown over the years. She is looking forward to working at the Gardens and learning about all of the different plants that are able to grow in Oklahoma.
Nate Tschaenn
Conservatory Specialist, Nate Tschaenn is also a graduate of the Longwood Program in Public Horticulture at the University of Delaware. As a Graduate Fellow he had the opportunity to visit and study at dozens of botanical gardens and arboretums in the United States and abroad. Nate previously worked four years as the lead horticulturist for a 10,000 sq. ft. Costa Rica themed conservatory at Cleveland Botanical Garden. He received his bachelor's degree in landscape horticulture from Ohio State University where he also worked as a student employee in the biological sciences greenhouse. Nate is excited by the tremendous potential of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory and looks forward to living and working in Oklahoma City.


text:
Founded in 1951 with a single product, the Camtray®, Cambro has spent the last 50+ years expanding and improving their product lines. Every item has been engineered to help foodservice operators increase sales, reduce labor and improve service. Today Cambro's worldwide sales representative and distributor network continues to deliver some of the highest quality products in the foodservice industry.
I have purchased 72+ of these covers over the past year to fit on 1/9 pans I also purchased from FSW. The 1/9 pans I originally ordered were under the Supera brand; however, Supera has somewhat recently adopted the Pinch brand for smallwares. Some of the covers are quite a tight fit for the newer Pinch 1/9 pans. I have received both clear covers and ones with a blueish tint. Overall, I've found that the newer lids (blueish) fit better on the newer Pinch pans. I still rate this product high because although I have to try a few lids to fit some pans, it is much better than using plastic wrap in terms of saving time and minimizing waste.
They're as good as I expected. I had used these containers before, they are durable and lids seal very well. Good price for the quality.
I have purchased this item a few times now, and I was disappointed to discover the first time that they fit poorly (quite loose) on the Cambro brand 1/6 pans. However, they fit perfectly on the Supera/Pinch 1/6 pans. My solution: get rid of the few Cambro brand pans I had and order more Pinch pans. It reduces so much waste from not having to use plastic wrap!
Just got this product and have to say it works great for my pint glasses. I can now have back-stock clean pints and don't have to worry about running out of glassware during a rush! Thank you FSW, great product.
Cooking for an off-site event can often feel like running a circus. Cambro wants you to be successful in your catering endeavors and that is why you will notice that a majority of Cambro's products have been designed with portability and efficiency in mind. From the buffet supplies to the hand-washing stations to the heaters, Cambro has all you need to pull off a successful catering event.
The Camtray is the model that began the huge success that is Cambro. If you are looking to ways to aid service in your restaurant, hotel, school or cafeteria, consider the durability and longevity that comes with the Cambro Camtrays. Take confidence in the lightweight, high-impact fiberglass construction with reinforced edges. Oh and the five-year warrant on these stain, odor and scratch resistant trays doesn't hurt either.Cambro Food Service Trays
Need something fast? Most of our Cambro products, from food trays to CamSquares, ship within 24 hours of ordering. Just look for the QuickShip symbol on the product page!
Cambro square food storage containers, affectionately known as CamSquares, are an excellent accessory in the commercial kitchen. These graduated containers come in a variety of sizes and have matching lids available for purchase as well.Cambro CamSquares
One of the beautiful things about Cambro food storage containers is that they can be easily accessorized with matching lids. These lids make keeping food fresh in the fridge or freezer a snap.Cambro Food Storage Lids


text:
Floor Plans
Contact Us
Meet Our Staff
Property Information
Return to Content
Call us :
(866) 848-5817
Resident Login
Waters Park Apartments in Bedford TX
Under New Management!!!
JS Property Management has focused on providing high quality apartment home living for our residents for more than 17 years. Our top priority is our resident's satisfaction. Our core values of Integrity, Continuous Improvement, and Excellence drive us every day to make our communities the best in their market.
Experience beautiful pet friendly apartments in a great community environment at Waters Park Apartments. Conveniently located in the heart of Bedford, just moments from Northeast Mall, great shopping and just footsteps from a 60 acre park. Live in luxury as you soak in our sparkling pool, relax in our park-like landscaping or enjoy your upgraded interior with faux granite countertops, new flooring and fixtures throughout. Come meet our staff and discover Water Parks Apartments.
Maps and Directions
Applicant Login
Photo Gallery
Apartment Search
For full functionality of this site it is necessary to


text:
STARmeterSEE RANK
Up 7,696 this week
Hilda Fenemore (1914–2004)
Hilda Fenemore was born on April 22, 1914 in St. Pancras, London, England as Hilda Lilian Fenemore. She was an actress, known for The Offence (1973), Adventure in the Hopfields (1954) and The Haunting of Julia (1977). She died on April 13, 2004 in Hertfordshire, England. See full bio »
Died:(age 89) in Hertfordshire, England, UK