U.S. patent application number 12/051708 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for fully configurable trading keyboard.
Invention is credited to Howard W. Lutnick, Joseph Noviello.
Application Number | 20090073004 12/051708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35045444 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090073004 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lutnick; Howard W. ; et
al. |
March 19, 2009 |
FULLY CONFIGURABLE TRADING KEYBOARD
Abstract
The present invention provides a trading keyboard that can be
configured both physically and functionally according to a user's
preferences. The trading keyboard preferably includes
self-identifying key covers that can be physically arranged on any
of the keyboard's key bases. Detection mechanisms included in the
key bases detect the commands of the trading application associated
with each self-identifying key cover. Therefore, the user may
reposition the key covers on the keyboard according to the user's
preferences, and yet retain the same functionality for the key
covers. The user may also switch between keyboard modes that allow
the keyboard to be functionally reconfigured. By selecting
different modes, the user can chose between different keyboard
mapping configurations that assign the functions of the trading
application to the keys in different arrangements. The mode
selection mechanism may also be used to select between different
commands associated with a single key or key cover.
Inventors: |
Lutnick; Howard W.; (New
York, NY) ; Noviello; Joseph; (New York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEAN P. ALDERUCCI
CANTOR FITZGERALD, L.P., 110 EAST 59TH STREET (6TH FLOOR)
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
35045444 |
Appl. No.: |
12/051708 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11856159 |
Sep 17, 2007 |
7400270 |
|
|
12051708 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
341/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 19/205 20130101;
G06F 3/0219 20130101; G07G 1/0018 20130101; G06F 3/0238 20130101;
G07F 19/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
341/23 |
International
Class: |
H03K 17/94 20060101
H03K017/94 |
Claims
1. A keyboard comprising: at least one numeric key that when struck
transmits one of a plurality of signals to an application, wherein
a first of the plurality of signals corresponds to a first number
associated with the at least one numeric key and a second of the
plurality of signals corresponds to a second number associated with
at least one numeric key; and a mode selection key selectable for
selecting a state of the keyboard from a plurality of states,
wherein in a first state, the at least one numeric key when struck
transmits the first signal to the application and in a second
state, the at least one numeric key when struck transmits the
second signal to the application.
2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the second number is a
predetermined multiple of the first number.
3. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein the second number is a
predetermined multiple of at least 10 times the first number.
4. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein the second number is a
predetermined multiple of at least 100 times the first number.
5. The keyboard of claim 2, comprising a plurality of key bases
configured to receive a key cover associated with the at least one
numerical key, the key cover comprising a mechanism for identifying
the key cover, each of the plurality of key bases comprising a
mechanism for detecting the mechanism for identifying the key
cover, wherein each of the plurality of key bases is configured to
generate the plurality of signals associated with the numeric
key.
6. The keyboard of claim 2, comprising a plurality of key bases
configured to receive a key cover associated with the at least one
numerical key, and a mechanism that alternatively disables or
enables at least one of the plurality of key bases.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/856,159, filed Sep. 17, 2007, which is a
continuation of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/569,991, filed
May 10, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a fully configurable keyboard for
use with electronic trading systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Trading keyboards are often used by financial professionals
to enter and execute commands in a trading application. The
financial professionals who use trading keyboards may use different
keyboards extensively in their work and become accustomed to
particular arrangements of the keys on the trading keyboards. The
financial professionals may therefore develop different preferences
for physical or functional arrangements of the keys. Therefore, a
financial professional may be faced with an unfamiliar trading
keyboard when, for example, using a different trading system or a
change is made to the trading application implemented on a
processor. Using an unfamiliar trading keyboard may lead to costly
data entry mistakes by the financial professional. As a result,
trades that were not intended may be processed and volumes of
trading orders may be incorrectly executed. Conventional trading
keyboards do not allow the financial professional to change the
physical and/or functional arrangements of the keys therein.
[0004] Moreover, trading keyboards should accommodate all of the
commands that may be associated with a trading application.
However, if an individual key were assigned to each and every
possible command, the trading keyboard would be large and unwieldy
to use.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a trading keyboard in which
the key arrangement may be physically configurable by a user.
[0006] There is also a need for a trading keyboard in which the key
arrangement may be configurable by the user without implicating the
trading application.
[0007] There is also a need for a trading keyboard in which the key
arrangement is functionally configurable by the user such that each
key of the keyboard may be associated with different commands in
each configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a fully
configurable trading keyboard capable of satisfying the
above-identified needs.
[0009] In accordance with this and other objects of the invention,
a trading keyboard that can be configured according to a user's
preferences is provided. Users may use the configurable keyboard to
enter different trading commands or other commands into a processor
that implements a trading application configured to receive and
apply such commands. The keyboard preferably includes
self-identifying key covers that can be physically arranged on any
of the keyboard's key bases according to a user's preferences. The
key bases are capable of detecting the function associated with
each self-identifying key cover. Different commands may be
associated with such a function. Therefore, the user may reposition
different key covers on the keyboard by placing the key covers on
any available key bases, and yet retain the same functionality for
the key covers. Accordingly, the keyboard is physically
configurable--i.e., the arrangement of the keys on the keyboard may
be physically changed while the function associated with each key
remains the same. The keyboard may be physically configured without
implicating the trading application used in conjunction with the
keyboard.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the user may switch
between functional configurations--i.e., keyboard modes--that allow
each key to send commands associated with different functions to a
trading application whenever a different mode is selected. The same
mode mechanism may alternatively be used to select between multiple
commands associated with a self-identifying key cover. The keyboard
may be equipped with memory in order to store different keyboard
configurations and/or other information. In addition, the keyboard
may implement a handshake protocol that enables its identification
by the trading application using the information stored on the
keyboard such as specific identifying information or particular
keyboard configurations. Accordingly, the keyboard is also
functionally configurable--i.e., the arrangement of the keys on the
keyboard may be functionally changed such that each key may be
associated with different commands in each configuration while
remaining in the same physical location on the keyboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention
will be apparent upon consideration of the following description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system that may be
used to implement the processes and functions of certain
embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of preferred embodiments of a fully
configurable trading keyboard in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of preferred embodiments of the fully
configurable trading keyboard showing the key bases on which
self-identifying key covers are placed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of preferred embodiments of the fully
configurable trading keyboard showing mode selection aspects of the
keyboard in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of preferred embodiments of the fully
configurable trading keyboard showing mode selection aspects of the
keyboard in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred approach of implementing the
trading keyboard in accordance with the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred approach of implementing the
trading keyboard in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] This invention relates to a fully configurable trading
keyboard. More particularly, this invention relates to a keyboard
that can be completely physically or functionally rearranged by a
user according the user's preferences. Such a keyboard may be used
in conjunction with a trading application implemented on a
processor that is coupled to the keyboard. The trading keyboard may
be used as the input device in a workstation of the trading
application system.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, exemplary system 100 for implementing
the invention is shown. As illustrated, system 100 may include one
or more workstations 110. Workstations 110 may be local or remote,
and are connected by one or more communications links 102 to
computer network 103 that is linked via communications link 105 to
server 120. Server 120 may be linked to back office clearing center
130 via communications link 107.
[0021] Server 120 may be any suitable server, processor, computer,
data processing device, or combination of the same. Server 120 may
be used to implement the governing logic that processes and
executes orders and trades, and distributes trade and market
information, including price and size information, to workstations
110. Computer network 103 preferably includes the Internet but may
consist of any suitable computer network such as an intranet, a
wide-area network (WAN), a local-area network (LAN), a wireless
network, a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a frame relay
network, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, a virtual
private network (VPN), or any combination of the same.
Communications links 102 and 105 may be any communications links
suitable for communicating data between workstations 110 and server
120, such as network links, dial-up links, wireless links,
hard-wired links, etc.
[0022] Workstations 110 may be personal computers, laptop
computers, mainframe computers, dumb terminals, data displays,
Internet browsers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), two-way
pagers, wireless terminals, portable telephones, etc., or any
combination of the same. Workstations 110 may be used by
participants to enter bid, ask, buy and sell orders for the items
being traded and view market activity corresponding to these
items.
[0023] A typical workstation 110 may include processor 111, display
112, input device 113, and memory 114, which may be interconnected.
In a preferred embodiment, memory 114 includes a storage device for
storing a workstation program for controlling processor 111. Memory
114 may also store keyboard mapping configurations, as described
below, and other data on the storage device. The workstation
program may include the trading application and handshake protocol
described below. Input device 113 may be used in conjunction with
display 112 by users to enter bids/asks on desired items and to
execute and monitor trades. Input device 113 may include a mouse, a
trackball, a game controller, a touch pad, a keyboard, or any
combination of the same. For example, input device 113 may include
the trading keyboard according to the present invention. Input
device 113 may be coupled to processor 111 through any
communications link such as a network link, a wireless link, a
hard-wired link, or any other suitable link. Processor 111 may use
the workstation program to receive trade information relating to
the items being traded by multiple users of system 100, or other
users, and display such information on display 112 or communicate
such information to display 112.
[0024] Server 120 may include processor 121, display 122, input
device 123, and memory 124, which may be interconnected. In a
preferred embodiment, memory 124 includes a storage device for
storing a server program that provides the governing logic for
controlling processor 121. Memory 124 may also store keyboard
mapping configurations, as described below, and other data on the
storage device. Processor 121 may use the server program to process
orders and execute trades communicated from various workstations
that are operated by multiple users of system 100, or other users,
and communicate trade information, to workstations 110 and back
office clearing center 130. More specifically, processor 121 may
use the server program to process orders placed by users in
response to users entering commands using input device(s) 113, and
execute trades based on such orders, whenever applicable.
[0025] Back office clearing center 130 may be any suitable
equipment, such as a computer, a laptop computer, a mainframe
computer, etc., or any combination of the same, for causing trades
to be settled and/or verifying that trades are settled.
Communications link 107 may be any communications links suitable
for communicating data between server 120 and back office clearing
center 130, such as network links, dial-up links, wireless links,
hard-wired links, etc.
[0026] Preferred embodiments of the trading keyboard of the present
invention which may be used as part of input device 113 of FIG. 1
are illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. In some preferred embodiments, the
trading keyboard includes self-identifying key covers that may be
arranged as desired on key bases. The key bases may be configured
to detect the function associated with each self-identifying key
cover. Different commands may be associated with a key function. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, the trading keyboard may include keys 202
that represent functions of the trading application. As illustrated
in FIG. 3, each key may include a key base 302 that is coupled to a
signal generating source. With respect to most keys (e.g., trading
keys), when the key received by key base 302 is struck, a signal is
sent by the signal generating source to the trading application to
perform a specific trading command. The trading keyboard may
include key covers 304 that are detachable from key bases 302. Key
covers 304 may be arranged on key bases 302 in any arrangement,
thereby enabling the user to reconfigure the trading keyboard
according to the user's preferences.
[0027] Each key cover 304 may include an identifying mechanism that
identifies to key bases 302 the one or more commands of the trading
application associated with a particular key cover. Each key base
302 may include a mechanism for detecting the identification
mechanism included in key covers 304. For example, as shown in FIG.
3, key cover 304 may include an identifying mechanism that
identifies that particular key cover as being associated with the
"ISSUE" command of the trading application. In this way, when
"ISSUE" key cover 304 is placed on any of the key bases 302, the
detection mechanism of the key base on which the key cover has been
placed will be able to determine that key cover 304 is associated
with the "ISSUE" command.
[0028] The mechanism for identifying the command or group of
commands (i.e., function) associated with each key cover may
include a computer chip, a resistor, a bar code, Radio Frequency
Identification Device (RFID), or any other suitable identification
mechanism that is capable of interacting with the key bases. Each
key base may include a detector or a reader, such as a bar code
scanner, an ohm meter, or any other suitable mechanism for
detecting the identification mechanism included in the key cover.
In order to determine the command or function associated with a key
cover placed on the key base, each key base may include or have
associated therewith a device key for correlating any identifying
mark or signal on the key cover with a particular command or
function of the trading application. For example, "ISSUE" key cover
304 may include a three-ohm resistor. The key base on which "ISSUE"
key cover 304 is placed may detect the three-ohm resistance value
of the resistor and refer to the device key to correlate the
three-ohm resistance value to the "ISSUE" command and thereby send
the appropriate signal to the trading application to execute the
"ISSUE" command.
[0029] In addition to the mechanism for identifying the commands or
function associated with the key cover, each key cover 304 may also
be labeled in a conventional manner to convey to the user the
commands or function associated with the key cover. Additionally,
each key base 302 may include a set of jumpers that may be used to
enable or disable the key base. Moreover, because some of the keys
on the keyboard may have different sizes, multiple key bases can be
combined to act as a single larger key base, or vice versa. For
example, a larger key cover may be accommodated by removing the key
covers from a set of adjacent key bases, disabling all but one of
the corresponding key bases, and replacing the removed key covers
with a larger key cover that occupies substantially the same
physical space as the removed key covers. Conversely, a single
large key cover may be removed, the inactive key bases may be
reactivated, and the large key cover may be replaced with a number
of smaller key covers.
[0030] Identification of key covers may occur each time the key is
enabled (e.g., by activating the jumpers in the corresponding key
base), actuated (e.g., struck by a user), or placed on the key
base. Identification may additionally or alternatively occur after
the trading keyboard is coupled to a processor on which the trading
application is implemented. Therefore, in this arrangement, each
key cover may be placed on any key base (or plurality of suitable
key bases where the key cover is sufficiently large to encompass
more than one key base) in the keyboard, such that the key cover
retains the function associated with the key cover, regardless of
where the key cover is placed on the keyboard. In other words,
every time any key base having a particular key cover is actuated,
the same signal is transmitted from the keyboard, regardless of
which key base the key cover has been placed on. A trading
application that is implemented on the processor to which the
keyboard is coupled is configured to receive such signals from the
trading keyboard. In this arrangement, the trading application need
not be notified of any changes in the physical configuration of the
various keys on the keyboard, as the signals received by the
trading application will not be affected by any physical
reconfiguration.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention, the trading keyboard may
be fitted with a mechanism that allows a user to select different
functional configurations--i.e., modes--of the trading keyboard
associated with different keyboard mappings. In order to receive
the advantages of this aspect of the invention, the keyboard keys
need not necessarily include self-identifying key covers and
detecting key bases. Instead, each key may be conventionally
configured to send one or more specific commands to the trading
application implemented on the processor to which the keyboard is
coupled.
[0032] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more mode keys 402
may be provided on the trading keyboard. In the conventional
embodiment, in which the key covers are not self-identifying, each
keyboard mapping associates a single function (i.e., a group of one
or more commands of the trading application) with each key of the
trading keyboard. Changing the keyboard mapping changes the
function associated with at least some of the keys on the key
board. The keyboard mapping may be changed by changing the mode of
the keyboard. The desired keyboard mode may be specifically
selected using mode keys 402. When one of such mode keys is
depressed, the keyboard may be reconfigured such that a particular
key is associated with a particular function that is different from
the function associated with the particular key when the mode key
was not depressed. If another one of the mode keys is depressed
instead, the keyboard may be reconfigured such that the same key is
associated with another different function. When both mode keys (or
other suitable combination of mode keys) are depressed, the
keyboard may be reconfigured such that the same key is associated
with yet another different function.
[0033] For example, as illustrated by FIG. 5, a functionally
reconfigured version of the keyboard illustrated in FIG. 4 may be
provided by depressing one of mode keys 402. Note that the
identifiers shown on the keys of FIG. 5 illustrate the function
associated with each key in this mode and may not actually be
printed on the keys. In order to facilitate use of this aspect of
the trading keyboard, different keyboard covers may be used to
identify the function associated with each key in the different
keyboard mapping configurations (i.e., modes of the keyboard). As
shown in FIG. 5, each function available in the FIG. 4 keyboard has
been retained, but many of the keys have been reassigned a
different function in the FIG. 5 keyboard. For example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, key 410 is associated with multiple
functions "SELL/CXL" and "BUY/CXL." The "SELL/CXL" function
includes the commands "SELL" and "CXL" of the trading application
and the "BUY/CXL" function includes the commands "BUY" and "CXL." A
mode selection made by the user (e.g., using mode keys 402) may
change the activated function of key 410 from "SELL/CXL" (FIG. 4)
to "BUY/CXL" (FIG. 5).
[0034] Alternatively, the mode selection mechanism may be used to
select different modes that associate different commands with
particular key covers for self-identifying keys. For example, a
self-identifying key may be associated with a single function that
includes four different commands, A, B, C, and D, of the trading
application. Regardless of the key base on which the
self-identifying key cover has been placed, the particular key
cover is associated with command A when no mode key is pressed.
Pressing a first mode button may change the command associated with
the key cover from A to B. Pressing a second mode key may change
the command from A to C, and by pressing a third mode key the
command is changed from A to D, etc. Permutations of pressed and
unpressed mode keys may be used to create a large number of modes
from a few mode keys.
[0035] It should be understood that the mode selection mechanism
may be additionally used with a keyboard that does not include
self-identifying key covers to further select between commands
associated with a single function (e.g., similar to a "SHIFT" or
"ALT" key). This aspect of the invention, for example, may be used
to help users who may want to trade more volume during a busier
time of the day. One mode of the trading keyboard may be configured
such that larger trade sizes are entered using keys that they would
typically, under a different mode, be used to trade less volume.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, having one of the mode keys 402 in
a depressed state may reconfigure some or all of the group of keys
404 associated with numbers to enter orders for a size that is
multiplied by a predefined factor (e.g., ten times), as compared to
the size associated with the same group of keys under a different
mode. In another example, "PRICE UP" key 406 and "PRICE DOWN" key
408 may originally change the price of a trade by increments of
$0.05. In an alternate mode, when a mode key 402 is pressed, keys
406 and 408 may change the price in increments of $0.50, $5.00,
etc. In order to facilitate the use of this aspect of the trading
keyboard, each key cover may be labeled with the one or more
commands it is usually associated with. In addition, each key may
also be labeled with the alternative commands it is associated with
when the trading keyboard is in one or more alternate modes.
[0036] In essence, various keys may be adapted to perform more than
a single function or command, depending on the mode chosen by a
user, regardless of whether such keys were pressed individually,
sequentially or simultaneously with other keys.
[0037] The trading keyboard may be equipped with memory in order to
store different keyboard mapping configurations and other
information such as identifying information. A particular keyboard
mapping configuration may be communicated to the processor on which
the trading application is implemented so that the trading
application can recognize and interpret the different signals
received from the keyboard in order to apply the corresponding
commands. Alternatively, the keyboard may use the mapping
configuration to generate signals that the trading application
recognizes as appropriate commands without requiring any change in
the way the trading application interprets the received signals. A
particular keyboard mapping may be retrieved from a source other
than the keyboard, such as workstation memory 114 or server memory
214, and placed in, or downloaded to, the keyboard memory.
[0038] The need for communicating keyboard configurations or
identifying information may be precluded by the use of
self-identifying keys. However, other identifying information, such
as information that can be used to identify the keyboard
manufacturer, provider, distributor, etc., may be communicated to
the processor. Such information may be used in conjunction with a
handshake protocol implemented between the keyboard and the
processor. This protocol enables the identification of the keyboard
by the trading application. If the identification process is not
successful, either signals may not emanate from the keyboard or the
trading application may discard all such signals. The keyboard may
preferably be fitted with a mechanism that indicates whether the
identification was successful. For example, an Light Emitting
Display (LED) on the keyboard may be lit indicating that
identification was successful.
[0039] In summary, FIG. 6 illustrates one preferred approach of
implementing the trading keyboard of the present invention. A key
cover is associated with one or more commands of the trading
application at step 602. This association may be accomplished by
marking or embedding an identification mechanism in the key cover
to identify or distinguish the one or more commands associated with
the key cover. At step 604, the self-identifying key covers may
then be placed on or received by the key bases of the trading
keyboard in any arrangement preferred by the user. The key covers
may be placed on any key base on the keyboard and still retain the
one or more commands (i.e., function) associated with the key
cover. At step 606, a detection mechanism in the key base
determines the one or more commands associated with the key cover
received by the key base. This may be accomplished by using a
detection mechanism that interacts with the identification
mechanism of the key covers. For example, if a bar code is printed
on the key cover, a bar code reader may be provided in the key base
to determine the one or more commands associated with the key
cover. At step 608, the trading keyboard transmits a signal to the
trading application to perform a command from the one or more
commands determined to be associated with the key cover received by
the key base. Therefore, regardless of the key base on which a key
cover is placed, the keyboard will send a signal to perform the
same command associated with the key cover to the trading
application when that key cover is struck by a user. At step 610,
the user may select a mode of the keyboard to determine which
command from the one or more commands associated with the key cover
will be transmitted to the trading application when the key cover
is struck by the user.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred approach of
implementing the trading keyboard of the present invention. At step
702, one or more keys of a conventional keyboard is associated with
multiple functions of the trading application. Each function may
include a group of commands of the trading application that is
associated with a single key. At step 704, a mechanism for
selecting a mode of the keyboard is used to determine which
particular function from the multiple functions is activated for
each key. For example, by changing the mode of key 410, the
activated function for that key may be changed from "SELL/CXL"
(FIG. 4) to "BUY/CXL" (FIG. 5). At step 706, the keyboard transmits
a signal to perform the group of commands associated with the
particular function of the key that has been activated. At step
708, the mode selection mechanism may also be used to select a
particular command from the group of commands associated with the
activated function. The particular command being transmitted to the
trading application when the key is struck.
[0041] Thus, a fully-configurable trading keyboard is provided. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can
be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are
presented for the purpose of illustration and not of
limitation.
* * * * *