IP Library Granted Patent US 6,902,332
Granted Patent B2
US 6,902,332 · App. 10/631,245 · Granted Jun 7, 2005

Universal remote computer keyboard

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,902,332
App. No.
10/631,245
Granted
Jun 7, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A computer keyboard is configured for navigation of a graphical user interface of a host computer. A keyboard includes a keyboard processor enclosed within a keyboard housing. The keyboard includes a remote control portion which laterally disposed from an alphanumeric section and having a set of keys for being in electrical communication with the keyboard processor. The remote control portion can be removably coupleable with the keyboard housing. A keyboard housing may include a receiving portion which is adapted to receive a remote control body therein.

Claims (15)

1. A wireless computer keyboard configured for wireless communication with a computer, comprising:

a keyboard housing;

a keyboard processor disposed within the housing;

an alphanumeric section included with the housing, the alphanumeric section including a group of alphanumeric keys being operatively connected to the keyboard processor; and

a remote control portion configured to operate a graphical user interface, the remote control portion being disposed laterally from the alphanumeric section and having a plurality of remote control keys including a first cluster of transport control keys, a second cluster of source control keys, and a graphical user interface key, the remote control keys for being in electrical communication with the keyboard processor; wherein the remote control portion is mateable with the keyboard housing, and the keyboard processor is mateable with the remote portion for bidirectional communications.

2. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion is removably coupleable with the keyboard housing via a media control interface configured to receive input from the remote control keys.

3. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the remote control portion includes a control processor, which receives input from said remote control keys and transfers said input to the keyboard processor.

4. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion includes a control processor for receiving input from a key of the set of remote control keys.

5. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion includes a control processor, which receives input from said remote control keys and transfers said input to the keyboard processor.

6. The computer keyboard in accordance to claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion is adapted to attach to the keyboard housing in a groove.

7. The computer keyboard in accordance to claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion is adapted to attach to the keyboard housing in a receiving slot.

8. The computer keyboard in accordance to claim 1 , wherein the keyboard housing is formed with mating case members and wherein the remote control portion is adapted to attach to one of the case members.

9. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion includes a housing in an abutment relationship with the keyboard housing.

10. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the remote control portion includes a control processor, which receives input from said remote control keys and transfers said input to the keyboard processor.

11. The computer keyboard in accordance with claim 1 , in which the keyboard housing further includes at least two opposing housing members being hingedly attached.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 9, 2014
From: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
To: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
Reel/Frame 034541/0477 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 31, 2003
From: MCLOONE, HUGH E.
To: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 014367/0833 →