1111111111111111111111111111m
`
`US005717430A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[ 451 Date of Patent:
`
`5,717,430
`Feb. 10, 1998
`
`United States Patent
`Copland et al.
`
`[19]
`
`[54] MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER KEYBOARD
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: James L. Copland. Paradise Valley;
`Gary Cronk; Klaus Muerzl, both of
`Phoenix. all of Ariz.
`
`[73] Assignee: SC&T International, Inc., Scottsdale,
`Ariz.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 690,025
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Jul. 31, 1996
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 292,571, Aug. 18, 1994, aban(cid:173)
`doned.
`Int. CL6
`....................................................... H04B 1/40
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl ............................. 345/168; 400/472; 341/22;
`D14/115; 364nos
`[58] Field of Search ..................................... 345/168. 169;
`400/472. 485-490; 341/22; Dt4/11S; 364nos.t
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1111995 Martin .................................... 014/115
`5/1996 Vossoughi .............................. 014/115
`10/1988 Hansen ...................................... 381/42
`111990 Kasparian et at. ........................ 455n7
`6/1990 Isle .......................................... 364/513
`7/1991 Faris ........................................ 3121208
`11/1992 Morikawa et at ........................ 84/615
`3/1993 Weiss et at ............................... 379/98
`5/1993 Quentin ................................... 3641188
`9/1993 Hachey ................................ 3641708.1
`2/1994 Engberg .................................... 348/14
`2/1994 Glick ......................................... 379/90
`
`D. 363,928
`D. 369,594
`4,776,016
`4,896,370
`4,931,950
`5,033,804
`5,160,798
`5,195,130
`5,208,745
`5,245,558
`5,283,638
`5,283,819
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Japan.
`5/1989
`4/1991 WIPO ............................ GOlD 15/00
`
`119821
`W09104461
`
`af'HER PUBLICATIONS
`Loveria, G., "Making The MPC Upgrade," BYI'E, May
`1993, pp. 17&-190.
`Quinn, J., et al., "Making Noise," PC Magazine, Jan. 11,
`1994. p. 125.
`Advertisement for Dell Multimedia Computer, copied con(cid:173)
`temporaneously with Document B.
`Advertisement for Lexmark Keyboard, copied contempora(cid:173)
`neously with Document B.
`Advertisement for "Sound Galaxy" multimedia upgrade kit,
`copied contemporaneously with Document B.
`Advertisement for Microsoft Sound System, copied contem(cid:173)
`poraneously with Document B.
`Advertisement for Toshiba T6600C Copied contemporane(cid:173)
`ously with Document B.
`Microsoft, 1993, 1 page advertisement, Windows Sound
`System; Voice regonition device.
`Mouse with Ears, Dec. 1991. No. 332. Research Disclosure.
`
`Primary Examiner-Mark R. Powell
`Anomey. Agent, or Firm-O'Connor. Cavanagh; John D.
`Titus
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A multimedia computer keyboard that is adaptable to new or
`existing computer systems. The computer keyboard has
`built-in full range stereo speakers with a control panel
`located above the standard alphanumeric and function key
`pads. The computer keyboard also has external headphone
`and microphone jacks with interrupt circuitry. The standard
`alphanumeric and function key pad circuitry and the audio
`circuitry are maintained as separate circuit components
`within the multimedia computer keyboard housing. Indi(cid:173)
`vidual component cables are combined into a single cable
`that connects the multimedia computer keyboard to the
`computer CPU terminal. Also. floppy disk drive, CD-ROM
`disk drive and telecommunications components may be
`incorporated into said multimedia computer keyboard sys(cid:173)
`tem.
`
`23 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`24
`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 1
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`5,717,430
`
`8
`
`9
`
`FIG. la
`PRIOR ART
`
`FIG. 1 b
`
`24
`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 2
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of9
`
`5,717,430
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`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 3
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
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`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 4
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`42
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
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`5,717,430
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`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 6
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
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`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 7
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
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`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 8
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`26
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`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 9
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`30
`
`62
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 1998
`
`Sheet 9 of9
`
`5,717,430
`
`12
`
`10
`
`I 23
`
`70
`
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`
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`
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`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 10
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`5,717,430
`
`1
`MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER KEYBOARD
`
`This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 081292,571,
`filed Aug. 18, 1994, now abandoned.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of Invention
`This invention relates to computer keyboards, specifically
`to an improved keyboard with multimedia capabilities.
`2. Discussion of Prior Art
`In recent times, numerous electronic technologies includ(cid:173)
`ing audio signal processing, video signal processing and
`data processing have become more available to individual
`computer users. With more advanced electronic technology 15
`available to computer users, new and different hardware
`needs for entertainment and work applications have arisen.
`TWo areas in which needs for improved computer hard(cid:173)
`ware exist are multimedia and telecommunications. Multi(cid:173)
`media refers to the integration of text, audio, graphics, still 20
`image and moving pictures into a single, computer(cid:173)
`controlled, product. It also includes the combination of
`powerful computers, video disks, CD-ROM readers, floppy
`disks or compact disk players, video monitors, free-standing
`speakers, optical scanners, audio sound cards and music 25
`synthesizers, linked together by powerful software.
`Today, more and more computers are being equipped with
`video sound cards and CD-ROM drives as standard hard(cid:173)
`ware. Alternatively, up-grade kits facilitate the addition of 30
`sound cards, CD-ROM drives and external speaker capa(cid:173)
`bilities. However, the multimedia kit hardware components
`are usually not compatible with one another, or are poorly
`equipped to handle the multimedia user's needs. For
`example, the standard computer keyboard design central to 35
`the computer system has not been improved in nearly 20
`years. Recent software advances have demanded more from
`computer hardware; however, computer hardware manufac(cid:173)
`turers have merely added external connectors and features
`instead of efficiently redesigning existing or designing new 40
`computer hardware equipment.
`In recent attempts to provide more useful multimedia(cid:173)
`compatible hardware, computer manufacturers have
`increased the sophistication of their external speakers. A
`published magazine article recently surveyed the multime- 45
`dia hardware industry. "Making the MPC Upgrade," Greg
`Loveria, BYTE May 1993, pp. 176-90. The article states
`that "[t]he MPC Marketing Council's definition of an MPC
`system includes five basic components: a PC, a CD-ROM
`drive, an audio adapter, Microsoft Windows with multime- so
`dia extensions, and a set of speakers or headphones for audio
`output." The article lists many external components that may
`be added to enhance multimedia computer systems; but fails
`to teach or suggest methods of efficiently unifying separate
`multimedia components. Thus, not even leading multimedia 55
`computer manufactures have addressed the issue of stream(cid:173)
`lining the cumbersome hardware components.
`Some manufacturers have made computer monitors with
`built-in speakers. This design has a major drawback in that
`these monitors are expensive and are not usually compatible 60
`with existing CPU terminals. These problems further cause
`users to expend unnecessary amounts of money for simple
`up-grades. Other manufactures have developed speaker sys(cid:173)
`tems that may be placed between the computer monitor and
`the computer CPU terminal or between the desk top and the 65
`computer CPU terminal. This design allows a multimedia
`user to stack components to avoid having side-by-side
`
`2
`speakers. This, however, has severe drawbacks including
`that space may be vertically limited on a desk top, and the
`speaker sound system may create interference feedback
`through the external microphone. In this invention, the
`5 multimedia computer keyboard has been designed to avoid
`such feedback problems common in the industry, by use of
`internal keyboard speakers.
`Thus, current multimedia systems utilize cumbersome
`individual external hardware items that occupy considerable
`10 space. For example, in the multimedia industry, standard
`speakers, CD-ROM drives. external microphones and head(cid:173)
`phones are usually placed beside the computer CPU terminal
`or on the desk top, often along with one or more CD-ROM
`drives.
`These and other external features create a disorderly and
`cumbersome design. Furthermore, installation of each exter(cid:173)
`nal hardware component requires numerous external wires
`and cables that feed into the CPU computer terminal, power
`outlets, CD-ROM drives, microphones, headphone sets,
`sound cards, and the standard keyboard. All these
`components, as well as other devices, severely clutter the
`user's desk top and work area.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5.283,638 issued to Engberg et al. teaches
`a personal computer work station that performs telecommu(cid:173)
`nications and multimedia functions. Engberg et al. also
`shows methods of incorporating into a standard computer
`CPU terminal the capabilities of sound cards, telephones,
`faxes, voice signals and television signals. In essence, the
`computer system merely provides users with the ability to
`connect external features to a computer CPU terminal in
`order to perform the desired multimedia and communication
`tasks. Thus, the problem of having a clutter of external
`multimedia features and excessive external connect cables is
`not solved, but rather it is exacerbated. Engberg et al.
`therefore teaches a computer CPU terminal with expanded
`capabilities, but does not provide a solution to streamline,
`unite or eliminate cumbersome external individual multime(cid:173)
`dia hardware features. Generally, the more capabilities the
`computer CPU terminal is equipped with, the more indi(cid:173)
`vidual external hardware components will be called for.
`Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,819 issued to Glick et al.
`shows a computer CPU terminal with increased capabilities.
`These capabilities include remote-controlled computing and
`multimedia entertainment features. Also included are
`television, radio, audio, visual, telephone. data, fax, voice,
`volume, bass, and tone features that demand additional
`external hardware components. Although providing the
`computer terminal with these capabilities may be novel.
`these added capabilities create a clutter of external hardware
`components.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5.208,745 issued to Quentin et al. shows a
`computer system with integrated multimedia capabilities.
`The user is provided with a CPU computer system that
`includes a standard keyboard, CD-ROM, fioppy disk, and
`video monitor. These features are all contained in a single
`independent laptop-type computer. The invention's multi-
`media interfacing system is designed to operate in parallel
`with expert system software applications. This invention
`merely teaches improved software/hardware interfacing
`techniques. While software/hardware integration may be an
`advance in interfacing. Quentin et al. fails to teach or suggest
`methods for unifying and streamlining multimedia hardware
`features to solve the cumbersome external hardware clutter
`problem. Furthermore, Quentin et al. does not provide
`owners of new or current computer systems the option of
`compatibly up-grading their multimedia computer hard-
`ware.
`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 11
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`5,717,430
`
`3
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,950 issued to Isle et al. also teaches
`methods of interfacing with multimedia computer systems.
`Similar to Quentin et al., Isle et al. does not teach or suggest
`methods of unifying external multimedia hardware. Further,
`Isle et at fails to show methods for improving the compat(cid:173)
`ibility with new or existing computer CPU terminals.
`In general, the prior art multimedia systems merely pro(cid:173)
`vide users with increased capabilities while ignoring the
`problems of: (1) up-grading compatibility with new or
`existing computer CPU terminals; (2) cumbersome indi(cid:173)
`vidual external hardware components; (3) excessively cum(cid:173)
`bersome connecting cables; ( 4) poor speaker arrangement
`and performance; and (5) excessive cost to convert and
`provide new or existing computers systems with multimedia
`capabilities.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`4
`cable. CD-ROM drive cable, floppy disk and microphone
`cable. The cable unification means also provides the multi(cid:173)
`media computer keyboard with an efficient, non(cid:173)
`cumbersome method of installing the novel keyboard into
`5 new or existing computer CPU tenninals and sound cards;
`6. To provide a fully-integrated, multimedia computer
`keyboard means that combines high performance speakers
`means with features like volume, treble, bass. balance.
`equalizers, LED indicators and control panels;
`7. To provide integrated features such as an attached
`pivoting. retractable or internal hands-free microphone
`means, external microphone jacks means. headphone jacks
`means. external speaker jacks means for additional speakers,
`hands-free telephone capabilities. an integrated CD-ROM
`15 disk drive means and floppy disk drive means.
`8. To provide a microphone arrangement that reduces
`unwanted feedback caused by external noise and the speaker
`means.
`Other objects and advantages of the invention will
`become apparent upon reading the following detailed
`description and upon reference to the drawings.
`
`20
`
`This invention provides users of existing and new com(cid:173)
`puter multimedia systems with means for efficiently uniting
`and integrating external multimedia computer hardware
`components into a useful, novel. compact, multi-functional
`computer keyboard.
`Briefly, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
`the invention, there is provided a computer keyboard means 25
`with multimedia capabilities. First, the keyboard means
`includes the standard alphanumeric keys and function pads.
`In addition to the standard keys and function pads, the
`keyboard may also include a combination of features such
`as: ( 1) full range stereo audio capabilities that include but are 30
`not limited to controls for bass, treble, balance and volume;
`(2) an integral or external hands-free microphone means
`with connection jacks; (3) means for headphone jack; (4)
`interrupt circuitry for the speaker means, microphone means
`and headphone means; (5) analog or digital audio circuitry 35
`design that is independent of the standard digital alphanu(cid:173)
`meric computer keyboard circuitry; ( 6) integrated CD-ROM
`drive means; (7) floppy disk drive means; (8) a single
`universal cable that connects the keyboard to the computer
`CPU terminal, sound card and power source; (9) a separate 40
`audio power-line means for increased audio performance
`and control; and (10) full compatibility with new or existing
`computer CPU terminals and sound cards for up-grading or
`replacing current cumbersome external multimedia features.
`It is a principal objective of the present invention to 45
`provide a universal multimedia computer keyboard that
`unites external hardware features into a compact, space(cid:173)
`efficient and user-friendly design, while improving sound
`performance and reducing feedback problems.
`In addition, other objectives of this invention are:
`1. To eliminate excessive external hardware components
`while providing features such as high-quality multimedia
`sound, text, voice, telephone, CD-ROM drive and floppy
`disk interfacing;
`2. To provide a multimedia computer keyboard that is
`compatible with existing and new personal computer means;
`3. To provide a multimedia computer keyboard that is
`equipped with a direct power supply means from a comput(cid:173)
`er's CPU terminal for providing improved audio and con- 60
`trol;
`4. To provide a computer keyboard means that separates
`the standard keyboard circuitry means and the audio cir(cid:173)
`cuitry means;
`5. To provide a multimedia universal computer keyboard 65
`connecting cable means that unites features like a standard
`keyboard cable, speaker cables, power cable, telephone
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. l(a) is a perspective view of the prior art keyboard
`attached to a multimedia computer system with external
`speakers;
`FIG. l(b) is a perspective view of a computer keyboard of
`the preferred embodiment equipped with multimedia capa(cid:173)
`bilities;
`FlG. 2 shows the electronic component layout of a
`standard computer keyboard incorporating audio circuitry;
`FlG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of
`the computer keyboard audio circuitry according to the
`invention;
`FlG. 4(a) and (b) show cross-sectional and side views,
`respectively, of a preferred embodiment of integrating key(cid:173)
`board cables into one universal multimedia cable according
`to the present invention;
`FlO. 5 shows a pictorial layout of a preferred computer
`keyboard embodiment according to the invention;
`FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of the computer keyboard
`circuitry preferred embodiment incorporating communica(cid:173)
`tion capabilities according to the invention;
`FlO. 7 is a pictorial layout showing a preferred computer
`keyboard embodiment with an integrated CD-ROM drive
`and a floppy disk drive according to the invention;
`FlO. 8 is a diagram of FlO. 7 showing the preferred audio,
`floppy disk drive and CD-ROM drive circuitry layout
`FlG. 9(a) and (b) show top-views and cross-sectional
`views respectively of the preferred microphone arrangement
`and sound wave patterns according to the invention.
`While the invention will be described in connection with
`the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is
`not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On
`the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,
`modifications, and equivalents which may be included
`within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT AND MEfHOD
`Referring now to FlO. l(a), a prior art multimedia system
`4 is shown with a basic computer monitor 6, side-by-side
`speakers 7. CPU computer terminal 5, mouse 9 and a
`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 12
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`50
`
`55
`
`

`

`5,717,430
`
`6
`5
`keyboard circuit 32. The audio circuit 28 is se1f contained
`standard keyboard 8. The standard keyboard 8 does not have
`and separate from the keyboard circuit 32, that allows for
`audio, microphone jacks, headphone jacks or any of the
`efficient modifications of, alterations to, or up-grades of the
`features of the preferred embodiment.
`multimedia computer keyboard 10 without purchasing new
`The basic configuration of the multimedia computer key-
`board's preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 1(b). 5 hardware. The speakers 12 are preferably located in the
`upper left and right corners of the multimedia computer
`Generally, the multimedia computer keyboard 10 begins
`keyboard 10. Also shown are the electrical connecting
`with a basic keyboard layout, but in addition, speakers 12 are
`circuitry lines that connect the microphone jack 26, head-
`preferably located in the upper-most corners of the multi-
`phone jack 24, speakers 12, attached microphone 22 and
`media computer keyboard 10. An audio control panel is
`located above the alphanumeric and function keys and 10 audio circuitry 28 to the cable 30. However, the detailed
`connecting circuitry may be arranged in a variety of ways to
`between the speakers 12. The audio control panel comprises
`meet alternative multimedia computer keyboard 10 design
`a volume control14. a balance contro116, treble contro118
`needs.
`and a bass control 20. Additional controls may be incorpo-
`FIG. 3 shows the electronic circuit layout for the preferred
`rated as part of the invention if more precise audio tuning is
`15 embodiment of the multimedia computer keyboard 10. The
`desirable.
`schematic shows the audio circuitry 28 wherein the speakers
`Additionally, the multimedia computer keyboard 10 may
`12 are connected to the LED indicator and audio circuitry
`contain an LED display 21 to indicate audio performance
`46. The speakers are also connected to the headphone jack
`and response. Preferably, the LED display 21 will be located
`24, which is integrated as part of the audio interrupt circuitry
`near the audio panel. however, a variety of sizes, shapes or
`configurations of the LED display 21 may be arranged on or 20 40. The audio interrupt circuitry 40 allows a user to attach
`any type of external speakers such as headphones (not
`around the multimedia computer keyboard 10. For example,
`shown) or home stereo speakers (not shown) via the head-
`an equalizer type LED display and control panel may be
`phone jack 24. When headphones or external speakers are
`incorporated on the face of the keyboard.
`connected via the headphone jack 24, the audio interrupt
`The multimedia computer keyboard 10 also includes a
`variety of jacks for connecting external hardware, including, 25 circuitry disengages the internal speakers 12 and only pro-
`vi des audio conduction and sound to the externally con-
`for example, input and output jacks. The microphone jack 26
`nected speakers or headphones.
`and headphone jack 24 are preferably located in the front left
`The attached microphone 22 also has integrated micro-
`and right portions respectively of the multimedia computer
`phone interrupt circuitry 42 that disengages the internal or
`keyboard 10.
`A cable 30 is also located at the upper top section of the 30 attached microphone 22 when an external microphone (not
`shown) is connected to the microphone jack 26.
`multimedia computer keyboard 10. Preferably, the cable 30
`Connected to the LED indicator and audio circuitry 46 is
`carries or contains a multitude of smaller cables that service
`the sound card speaker output connection 34. The sound
`different electronic devices or components within the mul-
`timedia computer keyboard 10. For example, the cable 30 35 card speaker output 34 allows the audio circuit 28 to receive
`audio signals from a CPU computer terminal (similar to the
`may contain, but is not limited to: audio circuitry cables,
`CPU terminal shown in FIG. 1(a), 5) after it has been
`speaker cables, headphone and microphone cables, digital
`sampled and converted to an analog signal by an sound card
`keyboard alphanumeric and function cable, sound card con-
`(not shown). A sound card may either be integrated into the
`nect cables, power-source cables, floppy disk drive and
`CD-ROM disk drive cables, and any other cables that may 40 computer's CPU mother board or may be in the form of an
`up-grade computer card. Existing computers are usually
`be incorporated into the keyboard to facilitate multimedia
`up-graded by installing the sound card in the rear of a CPU
`interfacing. The cable 30 also facilitates installation and
`computer terminal.
`provides for an efficient clutter-free desk top area.
`Connected to the microphone interrupt circuitry 42 is the
`Also included in the preferred embodiment is built-in
`microphone 22 that is preferably located at the lower front- 45 sound card microphone input 44. The sound card micro-
`phone input 44 is connected to the sound card that is then
`center section of the multimedia computer keyboard 10. The
`connected to a CPU computer terminal. Also shown in FlG.
`microphone 22 provides users with hands-free operation for
`3 is the voltage source 50 that reads 12 volts, however, any
`voice input. Additionally, the microphone 22 is designed to
`variety of voltages may be incorporated to achieve the
`avoid unwanted feed-back from either the speakers 12 or
`50 desired electrical performance. In this invention, 12 volts are
`external interference noise.
`used to achieve the preferred audio performance not achiev-
`The arrangement and location of the microphone input is
`able by utilizing the industry standard 5 volt power source.
`of critical importance. The microphone 22 is located at the
`The ground connect 48 is the reference from which the
`front-center section of the multimedia computer keyboard
`voltage source 50 is measured. The keyboard circuit 32 is
`10 so as to avoid sound interference from the speakers 12 or
`external noise. When the sound waves travel symmetrically 55 also shown, but it is preferably independent of the audio
`circuit 28.
`away from speakers 12 and towards the microphone 22, the
`The audio circuit 28 has a ground connect 48, a sound
`sound waves are at their lower intensity level. Thus, the
`card microphone input 44, a sound card speaker output 34.
`location of microphone 22 prevents unwanted feedback
`keyboard circuit 32 and a voltage source 50 that are all
`while maintaining the a high quality of voice input response.
`Alternatively, microphone 23 may be integrated into the 60 united as part of a universal cable 30. The cable 30 is then
`connected to the various plugs or connections at the rear of
`upper top section of the multimedia computer keyboard 10
`a CPU computer terminal.
`in a retractable and extendable arm arrangement that also
`FIG. 4(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the cable 30.
`utilizes the anti-feedback arrangement. Still another alter-
`The cable 30 provides a convenient method of wiring
`native would incorporate a plug-in hand-held microphone
`65 various multimedia component parts for efficient intercon-
`for alternative voice input.
`nection and interfacing. Contained within cable 30 is the
`FIG. 2 shows the electronic component layout wherein
`keyboard circuit cable 36. the voltage source 50, the sound
`the audio circuit 28 is located above and separate from the
`
`RingCentral Ex-1022, p. 13
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`5,717,430