U.S. patent application number 11/122642 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for modified keyboard and systems containing the keyboard.
Invention is credited to Graham, Tyrol R., Hull, Eric J., Lane, Ryan T..
Application Number | 20050258981 11/122642 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35394809 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050258981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graham, Tyrol R. ; et
al. |
November 24, 2005 |
Modified keyboard and systems containing the keyboard
Abstract
A modified keyboard to facilitate use in a variety of
applications such as, for example, gaming is provided. The modified
keyboard can include features such as, for example, the relocation
of the numeric keypad to the left of an alphanumeric keypad, the
change in color of particular keys, the change in relative
arrangement of keys, the addition of new keys, and the movement of
functions to different sites on the keyboard.
Inventors: |
Graham, Tyrol R.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Hull, Eric J.; (Seattle, WA) ; Lane,
Ryan T.; (Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEUSEY, TUTUNJIAN & BITETTO, P.C.
14 VANDERVENTER AVENUE, SUITE 128
PORT WASHINGTON
NY
11050
US
|
Family ID: |
35394809 |
Appl. No.: |
11/122642 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60569187 |
May 7, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
341/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0219 20130101;
G06F 3/03543 20130101; G06F 3/0221 20130101; G06F 3/02 20130101;
G06F 3/0213 20130101; G06F 3/021 20130101; G06F 3/0395 20130101;
G06F 3/0202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
341/022 |
International
Class: |
H03M 011/00; H03K
017/94 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A keyboard, comprising: an alphanumeric keypad; and a numeric
keypad disposed to the left of the alphanumeric keypad.
2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the numeric keypad is arranged
with numbers 7, 8, and 9 in a top row, numbers 4, 2, and 6 in a
middle row, and numbers 1, 5, and 3 in a bottom row.
3. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein keys representing numbers 2, 4,
8, and 6 are a different color than a remainder of the keys of the
numeric keypad.
4. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the numeric keypad comprises an
up arrow key, a down arrow key, a right arrow key and a left arrow
key.
5. The keyboard of claim 4, wherein the numeric keypad is arranged
with the up arrow key in a top row of the numeric keypad and the
down arrow key, the right arrow key, and the left arrow key
disposed in a middle row of the numeric keypad with the down arrow
key directly below and in alignment with the up arrow key and the
right and left arrow keys directly adjacent on respective right and
left sides of the down arrow key.
6. The keyboard of claim 4, wherein said up arrow, down arrow,
right arrow, and left arrow keys are a different color than a
remainder of the keys of the numeric keypad.
7. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the numeric keypad has no more
than nine keys.
8. The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising directional keys
disposed in the alphanumeric keypad with an up arrow key in a top
row of the alphanumeric keypad and a down arrow key, a right arrow
key, and a left arrow key disposed in a middle row of the
alphanumeric keypad with the down arrow key directly below and in
alignment with the up arrow key and the right and left arrow keys
directly adjacent to the down arrow key.
9. The keyboard of claim 8, wherein up arrow key, down arrow key,
right arrow key, and left arrow key of the alphanumeric keypad are
a different color than adjacent keys of the alphanumeric
keypad.
10. The keyboard of claim 1, further comprising a space bar
disposed below the numeric keypad.
11. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the alphanumeric keypad
comprises a row of function keys arranged from at least F1 to F12
and the caps lock function is associated with at least one of the
function keys.
12. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the caps lock function is
exclusively associated with at least one of the function keys.
13. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the alphanumeric keypad
comprises a first row comprising number keys arranged from 1 to 0
and a second row comprising function keys arranged from F1 to F10,
said function keys F1 to F10 being disposed directly above and in
alignment with number keys 1 to 0, respectively.
14. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the alphanumeric keypad has a
QWERTY arrangement of numbers and letters and a space bar disposed
along a bottom row of the alphanumeric keypad with the space bar
arranged to extend at least partially below the A and S keys in
order to be more accessible to a left-mounted numeric keypad.
15. A keyboard comprising: an alphanumeric keypad comprising a row
of function keys arranged from at least F1 to F12; and a caps lock
function for the alphanumeric keypad that is associated with the
function keys.
16. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein number lock and print screen
functions are exclusively associated with the function keys.
17. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein a scroll lock function is
exclusively associated with the function keys.
18. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein a pause function is
exclusively associated with the function keys.
19. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein said caps lock function is
exclusively associated with the function keys.
20. A keyboard comprising: an alphanumeric keypad comprising: a
first row having number keys arranged from 1 to 9; and a second row
having function keys arranged from F1 to F9, said function keys F1
to F9 being disposed directly above and in alignment with number
keys 1 to 9, respectively.
21. The keyboard of claim 20, wherein said first row further
comprises a 0 key immediately adjacent to the 9 key and said second
row further comprises a function key F10 that is directly above and
in alignment with the 0 key.
22. The keyboard of claim 21, wherein said second row further
comprises function keys F11 and F12 arranged adjacent to function
key F10.
23. The keyboard of claim 22, wherein a caps lock function is
assigned to a one of the function keys F1 to F12.
24. A keyboard comprising: an alphanumeric keypad having a first
space bar; a numeric keypad; and a second spacebar disposed within
or below said numeric keypad.
25. A keyboard comprising: an alphanumeric keypad with a QWERTY
arrangement of numbers and letters; and a space bar disposed along
a bottom row of the alphanumeric keypad, wherein the space bar is
arranged to extend at least partially below the A and S keys.
26. The keyboard of claim 25, further comprising a directional
arrow keypad disposed to the left of the alphanumeric keypad.
27. A system comprising: a controller; a display coupled to the
controller to display information from the controller; and a
keyboard comprising an alphanumeric keypad and a secondary keypad,
wherein the secondary keypad comprises more and less keys, wherein
pressing the more key causes the controller to provide more
information on the display and pressing the less key causes the
controller to provide less information on the display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/569,187, filed on May 7,
2004 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to keyboard devices. More
particularly, it relates to a modified keyboard and systems
containing the same for use in a gaming environment.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Keyboards for use with computers and other devices have
taken a variety of shapes to facilitate their use in data entry, as
well as for ergonomic considerations. Keyboard design has often
followed the earlier designs of typewriters which were developed
primarily to type text documents. Computers and other
keyboard-using devices have been extended to uses other than text
document preparation, such as graphics and database
development.
[0006] Another example of such a use is gaming, for example,
computer or console gaming. In many games, the keyboard and its
keys are used to input commands for the game using a keystroke or a
combination of keystrokes. Some games require swift pressing of the
keys during the game play. Other games have a large number of
possible commands with many different keystrokes or key
combinations. Present keyboards may not be conveniently designed
for gaming or other applications of a computer or other
keyboard-using device.
[0007] It is therefore desirable to have a keyboard that overcomes
the shortfalls of the prior art keyboards and whose key layout and
positioning is adapted specifically for the gaming environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the keyboard
includes an alphanumeric keypad, and a numeric keypad disposed to
the left of the alphanumeric keypad.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the numeric
keypad is arranged with numbers 7, 8, and 9 in a top row, numbers
4, 2, and 6 in a middle row, and numbers 1, 5, and 3 in a bottom
row. The keys representing numbers 2, 4, 8, and 6 can be a
different color than a remainder of the keys of the numeric
keypad.
[0010] The numeric keypad is arranged with the up arrow key in a
top row of the numeric keypad and the down arrow key, the right
arrow key, and the left arrow key disposed in a middle row of the
numeric keypad with the down arrow key directly below and in
alignment with the up arrow key and the right and left arrow keys
directly adjacent on respective right and left sides of the down
arrow key. Another aspect would include different colors for the up
arrow, down arrow, right arrow, and left arrow keys (i.e.,
different in color from the keys of the numeric keypad).
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the numeric
keypad has no more than nine keys. In addition, the numeric keypad
can include a space bar (within or below the same) separate and
apart from the space bar contained within the alphanumeric
keypad.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the
alphanumeric keypad is designed such that a row of function keys
arranged from at least F1 to F12, and the caps lock function is
associated with at least one of the function keys. It is also
possible that the caps lock function is exclusively associated with
at least one of the function keys.
[0013] The alphanumeric keypad includes a first row of number keys
arranged from 1 to 0 and a second row of function keys arranged
from F1 to F10. The function keys F1 to F10 are directly above and
in direct alignment with the corresponding number keys 1 to 0,
respectively.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the
alphanumeric keypad has a space bar arranged to extend at least
partially below the A and S keys in order to be more accessible to
a left-mounted numeric keypad.
[0015] In accordance with some other aspects of the invention, the
keyboard includes alphanumeric keypad having a row of function keys
arranged from at least F1 to F12, and a caps lock function for the
alphanumeric keypad that is associated with the function keys when
pressed simultaneously with the Fn key. The number lock (Num Lk),
print screen (PrtSc), scroll lock (ScrLk), and pause functions are
exclusively associated with the function keys when pressed
simultaneously with the Fn key. The normally mapped operations
performed by the F1-F12 are thus not interrupted.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the
keyboard includes an alphanumeric keypad having a first space bar,
a numeric keypad, and a second spacebar disposed within or below
the numeric keypad.
[0017] According to anther aspect of the invention, the system
includes a controller, a display coupled to the controller to
display information from the controller, and a keyboard having an
alphanumeric keypad and a secondary keypad. The secondary keypad
includes more and less keys, wherein pressing the more key causes
the controller to provide more information on the display and
pressing the less key causes the controller to provide less
information on the display
[0018] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for
purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of
the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended
claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated,
they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures
and procedures described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote
similar components throughout the views:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system, according to
an aspect of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of a modified keyboard,
according to another aspect of the invention; and
[0022] FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of the modified keyboard,
according to another aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The keyboards are typically coupled to a controller such as
a computer, terminal, console (e.g., a game console), or the like.
The controller can execute programs or connect to a service
provider, such as a server, a network, or the Internet, that
executes or provides programs to the device. Connection to the
service provider can be accomplished using any connection
technology including, for example, wired or wireless networks or
combinations thereof. For example, the keyboard may be used in
conjunction with a console that connects to a service on the
Internet that allows a user to play games or execute other
applications over the Internet; either by direct communication with
the Internet or by downloading the game or application from the
Internet. One example of such a system is described in U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/569,187, incorporated herein by
reference. As another alternative, the keyboard can be used with a
controller that has the game or application stored locally, for
example, on a hard drive, or on removable media, such as a CD-ROM,
cartridge, DVD, magnetic storage media, etc.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an arrangement using the
keyboard. The arrangement includes a server 208 coupled to the
Internet 210 or other network. A controller 200 (for example, a
computer, console, or terminal) is coupled to the Internet 210 (or
network) for receiving information from the server 208. In
alternative arrangements, the information is stored on the
controller or provided by removable media, such as a CD-ROM,
cartridge, DVD, magnetic storage media, or the like. The controller
200 can be connected to the Internet 210 or another computer
network via a modem (e.g., cable, DSL, telephone, etc.) by a wired
connection, a wireless connection, or any combination thereof.
Generally, this arrangement also includes a display 202, a keyboard
206, and a pointing device 204 (for example, a mouse or other input
device such as a track ball, a joystick, a wheel, a pedal, a
biometric sensor, a tactile feedback device, etc) that are
connected to the controller 200, either by wired or wireless
connection.
[0025] The keyboard 206 and the pointing device 204 can be coupled
to the controller 200 in any wired or wireless manner using any
local communication protocol. The display 202 can be a high
definition television, standard definition television, or a
computer monitor (e.g., CRT, LCD, Plasma, etc).
[0026] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, keyboards can
have one or more modifications, described below, to facilitate use
in particular applications, such as gaming. A number of inventive
modifications are described, and it is to be understood that any
particular keyboard of the invention may have one or more (or even
all) of the modifications. Such modifications are directed to, but
are not limited to, placing a numeric keypad to the left of an
alphanumeric keypad, having particular keys with a different color,
changing the relative arrangement of keys, adding new keys, and
moving functions to different sites on the keyboard.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a keyboard 100 according to an aspect of
the invention. Keyboard 100 includes an alphanumeric keypad 110 and
a numeric keypad 120. The alphanumeric keypad 110 is illustrated
with a standard QWERTY arrangement of numbers, letters, and
symbols. It will be understood that other arrangements of numbers,
letter, and symbols can be used such as, for example, the Dvorak
arrangement or arrangements for languages other than English.
[0028] In current keyboards, the numeric keypad is positioned on
the right side of the alphanumeric keypad. In some embodiments of
the present invention however, the numeric keypad 120 is instead
positioned to the left side of the alphanumeric keypad, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Optionally, a second numeric keypad (not
shown) may be provided on the right side of the alphanumeric
keypad.
[0029] The position of the numeric keypad 120 can facilitate
playing games that use the directional arrow keys 122, 124, 126,
128 (up arrow, left arrow, down arrow, and right arrow keys,
respectively.) In conventional keyboards, the directional arrow
keys are generally provided in a numeric keypad or arrow keypad (or
both) to the right of the alphanumeric keypad or the directional
arrow keys are provided on the right-side of the alphanumeric
keypad (illustrated as keys 122a, 124a, 126a, and 128a in FIG. 2).
This arrangement can be awkward when a user also operates a mouse
during the game because the mouse is typically positioned to the
right of the keyboard.
[0030] To alleviate this situation, many games allow use of the W,
A, S, and D keys as an alternative to the directional arrow keys so
that a user can operate these keys with the left hand and the mouse
or other keys with the right hand. This, however, is also awkward
because the W and S keys (which generally represent the up and down
arrow keys and are both typically operated with the middle finger)
are not aligned with each other but are, rather offset from one
another.
[0031] Placing a numeric keypad 120 to the left of the alphanumeric
keypad 110 allows more convenient placement of the directional
arrow keys and permits optimal operation of the directional arrow
keys with the left hand and a mouse or other keys with the right
hand. The directional arrow keys 122, 124, 126, 128 can be
configured in a variety of arrangements such as, for example, a
square arrangement (not shown, but corresponding to the 2, 4, 6,
and 8 keys of a typical numeric keypad) or an inverted "T"
arrangement (as illustrated in FIG. 2).
[0032] Another possible modification of the keyboard is the
alteration of numeric keypad 120 so that the 2 key and 5 key are
inverted, as illustrated in FIG. 2, The numeric keypad with this
modification has one row with the 1, 5, and 3 keys and another row
with the 4, 2, and 6 keys. This places the directional arrow keys
122, 124, 126, 128 (associated with the 2, 4, 6, and 8 keys of the
numeric keypad) in an inverted "T" arrangement that is common for
games. As an alternative modification, the down arrow could be
associated with the 5 key instead of the 2 key and the numeric
keypad could be left in the more typical numerical arrangement with
rows having the 1, 2, and 3 keys, and the 4, 5, and 6 keys
respectively.
[0033] Typical numeric keypads have the numbers 0 to 9, as well as
several other keys such as one or more of the following: decimal
(.), division (/), multiplication (*), subtraction (-), addition
(+), enter, and number lock (num lock) keys. The numeric keypad 120
of keyboard 100 can have all of these keys or, as a modification of
the keyboard, only a subset of these keys. For example, in one
embodiment, the numeric keypad 120 has only numbers 1 to 9 as
illustrated in FIG. 2. In yet another embodiment, the numeric
keypad has all of the keys of a typical numeric keypad.
[0034] The modified keyboard arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is
particularly useful because the numeric keypad 120 does not contain
the 0 key and other non-number keys which, unlike the 1-9 keys, are
not typically employed in the movement or orientation functions in
a gaming environment. Thus, the arrangement of the numeric keypad
120 in FIG. 2 (optionally including a space bar as described below)
can be limited primarily to movement or orientation functions,
thereby avoiding inadvertent keystrokes that activate other game
functions. In yet another embodiment (not shown), a directional
arrow keypad with only the four directional arrow keys, typically
in an inverted "T" formation, is positioned to the left of the
alphanumeric keypad.
[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, the numeric
keypad 120 includes a space bar 135 which can function identically
to the alphanumeric keypad space bar 134 (See FIG. 2B). By
disposing the space bar 135 below the numeric keypad 120, the user
will now have left hand access to the space bar without removing
their hand from the directional arrows keys 122, 124, 126 and 128.
As shown, space bar 135 can replace the more, less and * buttons
from the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, or in a further alternative
embodiment, space bar 135 could also be disposed below such
keys.
[0036] Generally speaking, the #5 key (unless it is reassigned as
the down arrow key) typically does not have another function in a
gaming environment. In some embodiments of a modified keyboard of
the present invention, this key is used to access another function,
such as pull down a menu associated with the computer, console, or
service to which the user is connected.
[0037] Yet another possible modification of the keyboard includes
having a different color for some or all of the directional arrow
keys. For example, the directional arrow keys 122, 124, 126, 128 of
the numeric keypad 120 (or the directional arrow keys of any other
numeric keypad of the keyboard) can be a different color than other
keys of the numeric keypad. Additionally or alternatively, any
directional arrow keys in the alphanumeric keypad 110, such as keys
122a, 124a, 126a, 128a or the W, A, S, and D keys (or both sets of
keys) can be a different color than the adjacent keys of the
alphanumeric keypad. This difference in color can help the user
visually identify where to position his fingers quickly during game
play.
[0038] In addition to, or as an alternative to color, one of more
the directional arrow keys (e.g., keys 122, 124, 126, 128, 122a,
124a, 126a, 128a, W, A, S, and D) of a modified keyboard can be
textured so that they user can feel when his fingers are in the
right position. Examples of texturing include texturing the entire
top of the key with protrusions, depressions, or channels, or
forming the key of a different material than adjacent keys.
[0039] Another example of texturing is positioning a single raised
protrusion or depression on the key. In one embodiment of a
modified keyboard, one or more up arrow keys (e.g., keys 122, 122a,
or W) can be textured so that the user can then, without needing to
look at the keyboard, place his fingers correctly on the keys. It
will be recognized that any of one or more of the other directional
arrow keys can be chosen for texturing in addition to, or as an
alternative to, the up arrow key.
[0040] Many keyboards have raised protrusions on the F and J keys
to facilitate finger placement for touch typing. Optionally,
modified keyboard 100 does not have such texturing of the F and J
keys to prevent confusion with textured directional arrow keys.
[0041] Another possible keyboard modification relates to the
placement of the function keys 130 relative to the number keys 132
of the alphanumeric keypad 110. Typically, the function keys are
placed above the number keys; often in groupings of three or four
keys. Moreover, the function keys are not aligned with or are
offset from the corresponding number keys.
[0042] In some embodiments of the modified keyboard of the present
invention, the functions keys 130 are, instead, positioned so that
they are directly above and aligned with the corresponding number
keys 132. In other words, function keys F1 to F9 are positioned
directly above and aligned with the corresponding number 1 to 9 key
and function key F10 is positioned directly above and aligned with
the 0 key. Optional F11 and F12 keys are typically positioned
adjacent to the F10 key. This alignment is particularly effective
for use in the gaming environment. For example, when a user
accesses menu options, weapons systems or other in-game
affordances, the ability to quickly locate a specific key at a
glance is crucial. Thus by aligning both sets of keys (i.e.,
numeric and function), users are able to isolate these sorts of
keys more quickly and with less error.
[0043] Yet another possible modification relates to the placement
of particular specific function keys that are rarely used while
playing games at protected positions on the keyboard. One
particularly troublesome specific function key is the caps lock
(capitalization lock) key that is generally positioned to the left
of the A key on the alphanumeric keypad 110. This specific function
key can be relocated, for example, as an accessible function
associated with one of the function keys such as, for example, the
F12 key 152, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0044] Thus, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the
space that is generally reserved on all other prior art keyboards
for the caps lock (CapsLk) key is used instead by a Function (Fn)
key, which is used to activate the CapsLk (and potentially other)
functions embedded in the F1-F12 keys, as opposed to the normal
operations associated with these keys when pressed without
simultaneously pressing the Fn key. It is important to note that
the prior to the present disclosure, the Function (Fn) key is only
found in laptop keyboards.
[0045] Thus, as shown, the caps lock key can then be replaced with
another key, such as the Function key 150 illustrated in FIG. 2.
This Function key 150 will not activate any function when it alone
is pressed and so mistakenly pressing this key will not have any
unwanted consequences (unlike what typically occurs when the caps
lock key is mistakenly pressed). Instead, it activates the
relocated caps locks keys when pressed simultaneously with the
Function key it has been relocated to. Other specific function keys
that can be relocated include, for example, num lock (number lock),
scroll lock, pause, Sys Rq, and print screen keys. FIG. 2
illustrates one example of such relocation with the num lock key
relocated to the F11 key 154, scroll lock to the F10 key 156, pause
to the F9 key 158 and print screen to the F8 key 160.
[0046] Another possible keyboard modification involves extension of
the space bar 134. The space bar is often used for game control
functions that are accessed quickly or often (or both quickly and
often). These game control functions are also often used in
conjunction with movement or orientation accessed by pressing the
directional arrow keys. The space bar in conventional keyboards is
generally not positioned near the numeric keypad. In a typical
keyboard, there are at least three keys to the left and to the
right of the space bar 134: a control key, an alt key, and a
Windows.TM. key. By removing the Windows.TM. keys, the space bar
can be extended so that it is longer for easier access and is
closer to the directional arrow keys 122, 124, 126, 128 on the
numeric keypad 120, and the directional arrow keys 122a, 124a,
126a, 128a on the alphanumeric keypad 110. In some embodiments,
there are only two keys to the left of the space bar 134.
[0047] Another keyboard modification related to the space bar
includes placing a space bar within the numeric keypad 120 (for
example, at the bottom of the numeric keypad) or placing a space
bar below the numeric keypad 120. This space bar can be in addition
to or as an alternative to the space bar of the alphanumeric
keypad.
[0048] In yet another possible keyboard modification, additional
keys can be added to the keyboard. For example, a more key 142, a
less key 144, and a power ups key 146 can be added. The more key
and less key can be used, for example, in conjunction with the
computer, terminal, or console to control the amount of information
or the detail of information that is provided to the user. For
example, pressing the more key may result in more information or
options being presented to the user. Pressing the less key may
result in less comprehensive information or fewer options being
presented. As another example, pressing the less key may zoom a
game map so that a smaller section of the game area is visible on
the screen and pressing the more key may do the opposite so that a
larger section of the game area is visible. The power ups key 146
can be used to activate messages, graphics, or other information
from a service to which the user is connected.
[0049] While there have been shown, described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods
described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit
of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all
combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements
and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any
disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated
in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or embodiment
as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *