Computer apparatus and remote keyboards therefor

摘要

Computer apparatus comprising a central computer having a data input port, means connecting two or more remote chord keyboards to the input port, and means for identifying with each respective keyboard alpha-numeric and like character data and command instructions generated by operation thereof and received through the input port; the central computer is programmed to process and combine the character data from the keyboards in accordance with the commands and to output resultant information for display in common by video and/or audio display means. In a preferred embodiment key-operated switches incorporated in each remote chord keyboard are connected in an R-2R resistive ladder network so that operation thereof either singly or in combinations of two to all will produce ratiometric changes in an analog output voltage that uniquely varies as the binary weighting of the operated switch or switch combination. An analog-to-digital converter is connected to the input port of the computer to translate the signals generated at the remote chord keyboard to a form that can be handled by the central processing unit of the central computer.