KEYBOARD WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT MODE

Abstract

This invention describes operations for operating a touch-sensitive keyboard. The operations include: detecting, during normal operating mode of the keyboard, the activation of one or more keys on the keyboard; normal operating mode causes the keyboard to register a value corresponding to the determined key when the determined key is activated for a first period of time; determining that the activation of the keys on the keyboard satisfies a criterion for visually impaired mode; in response to determining that the activation of the keys on the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode, changing the operating mode of the keyboard from normal operating mode to visually impaired mode; and registering, during visually impaired mode, the value corresponding to the determined key in response to determining that the determined key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time.

Description

KEYBOARD WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT MODE Request priority This application claims priority over US Provisional Application Serial Number 16 / 746,160, filed on January 17, 2020, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Field of invention This document pertains in general, but without limitation, to readers of Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) and more specifically to techniques for operating a touch-sensitive keyboard of a PACS reader. Background of the invention PACS readers are used to control access to a variety of applications, such as opening doors, locks, and other components. PACS readers can employ a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system that uses transponders to identify a person. Once the readers identify a person, or even before, a password (for example, an alphanumeric sequence of characters) is entered on a keypad on the PACS reader. If the password matches the person identified by the RFID system, access is granted to that person, such as opening the door, lock, or other component. Brief description of the invention In certain models, a system and method for operating a capacitive keyboard are provided.The described system and method perform operations comprising: detecting, by means of the keyboard, during a normal operating mode of the keyboard, the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard; the normal operating mode causes the keyboard to register a value corresponding to the determined key when the key is activated for a first period of time; determining that the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies a criterion for visual impairment mode; in response to determining that the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visual impairment mode, changing the operating mode of the keyboard from normal operating mode to visual impairment mode; and registering, during visual impairment mode, the value corresponding to the determined key in response to determining that the determined key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time. In some modes, recording the value involves adding the value to a string that represents the access code. In some modes, the operations also include deleting one or more values ​​recorded during normal operating mode in response to the keyboard switching to visual impairment mode. In some models, the keyboard comprises a capacitive touch-sensitive keyboard where the ML / t / ZUZZ / UOO»UO activation of one or more keys is detected based on a capacitive count of one or more keys. In some modalities, the keyboard comprises a physical key locator element that allows a visually impaired person to locate a specific key on the keyboard when the visually impaired person touches the physical key locator element. In some models, the physical key locator element comprises a physical dot above the center key of the keyboard or physical lines that are adjacent to the center key. In some modalities, the visual impairment mode criterion comprises the activation of one or more keys for a threshold period of time that is longer than the second time period. In some modalities, the visual impairment mode criterion comprises the activation of a plurality of keys simultaneously for a threshold period of time. In some modes, the plurality of keys that are activated simultaneously corresponds to the palm of the hand. In some modalities, detecting the activation of one or more keys comprises detecting the activation of a plurality of keys and determining that the activation of one or more keys on the keyboard satisfies the visual impairment mode criterion comprises operations to: compare a sensor node signal for each key on the keyboard with a sensor reference signal to generate a sensor difference signal for each key on the keyboard, accumulate positive values ​​of the sensor difference signals for each of the keys; determine that the accumulated positive values ​​exceed a threshold value; and in response to determining that the accumulated positive values ​​exceed the threshold value, determine that the visual impairment mode criterion has been met. In some modes, the value corresponding to the specified key is recorded in response to determining that the specified key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time and in response to determining that a threshold amount of pressure has been applied to the specified key. In some modes, operations also include changing the keyboard's operating mode back to normal operating mode in response to determining that none of the keyboard keys have been activated for a threshold period of time. In some models, the keyboard is associated with a Physical Access reader. In some modes, the operations also include generating an audible alert indicating that the visual impairment mode has been activated. In some modes, the operations also include generating an audible alert in response to registering the value corresponding to the specified key. Conventional touch-button keyboards allow visually impaired users to locate certain keys using physical location identifiers on the keyboards. While these measures have worked well for touch-button keyboards that are activated by applying more physical force than a subtle touch, these approaches do not work when applied to touch-activated keyboards, such as capacitive-based keyboards, because multiple false values ​​will be registered as a visually impaired person subtly and inadvertently touches various keys while searching for the physical key locator.To overcome these disadvantages of such scenarios, the described techniques employ a normal operating mode and a visually impaired operating mode for a touch-sensitive keyboard (e.g., capacitive-based), where the visually impaired mode is enabled when the activation of one or more keys satisfies the visually impaired mode criterion. This overview is intended to provide a general view of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide a complete or exhaustive explanation of the inventive matter. The detailed description is included to provide additional information about this patent application. Brief description of the drawings In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, identical numerals may describe similar components in different views. Identical numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different examples of similar components. The drawings illustrate, in general terms and by way of example, but not as a limitation, various modalities described herein. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a keyboard system according to various modalities. Figure 2A is a block diagram illustrating the keyboard reader units for use with the keyboard system according to various modes. Figure 2B is an illustrative visual impairment mode selection gesture applied to the keyboard system according to various modalities. Figures 3A and 3B are flowcharts that illustrate the exemplary processes for operating the keyboard according to various modalities. Figure 4 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a machine on which one or more modes can be implemented. Detailed description of the invention This specification, among other things, describes techniques for operating a capacitive keyboard. Specifically, the described techniques detect, during normal keyboard operation, the activation of one or more keys that meet a visual impairment threshold. When this occurs, the keyboard's operating mode is switched to a visual impairment mode, where the corresponding value for the activated keys is recorded when certain keys are pressed for a longer period than in normal operating mode. This improves overall keyboard efficiency by reducing the number of incorrect or erroneous inputs that can occur when a visually impaired person interacts with the keyboard. This, in turn, enhances computer performance and efficiency. Conventional touch-button based keyboards allow visually impaired users to locate certain buttons on location identifiers physically arranged on the keyboards. ML / t / ZUZZ / UDO»UO In other words, touch-button keyboards register the values ​​selected for the chosen keys when those keys are physically pressed with enough force to lock a switch. Visually impaired users will not worry about registering incorrect values ​​while searching for a particular key, as they lightly touch the keys without applying enough force to lock the switches and register the values. These users may be familiar with the physical layout of the keyboard (for example, they may be informed about the physical arrangement of the number keys relative to one or more numbers) and will be able to locate a specific number to then select other numbers of interest. For example, a central key, such as the number 5 key on a keyboard, might include a physical stop that allows a visually impaired person to locate the number 5 key by gently touching other keys on the keyboard until the physical stop is identified. The user can then find other keys for physical selection by applying more force than a light touch, based on the identified location of the number 5 key. While these measures work for touch-button keyboards that are activated by applying more physical force than a light touch, they do not work when applied to touch-activated keyboards, such as capacitive-based keyboards. This is because on touch-activated keyboards, multiple false readings are recorded as the visually impaired person gently and inadvertently touches other keys in search of the physical locator on the key (e.g., the stop on the number 5 key).Namely, the user cannot navigate using a subtle touch to the desired key, as would result with other (undesired) keys that register a keystroke. To overcome these disadvantages in typical scenarios, the described techniques employ a normal operating mode and a visual impairment mode for a touch-sensitive keyboard (e.g., capacitance-based). During normal operating mode, the activation of one or more keys is detected, causing values ​​to be recorded as the key is pressed for an initial period of time (e.g., 100 milliseconds or less). A determination is then made as to whether the activation of one or more keys satisfies the visual impairment mode, such as if multiple keys are pressed simultaneously to form a particular shape (e.g., the shape of a hand), and / or if one of the keys is pressed for a threshold period of time (e.g., 6 seconds), and / or if one of the keys is pressed with a certain threshold amount of force.In response to determining that the activation of one or more keys satisfies the visual impairment mode, the keyboard's operating mode is switched to a visual impairment mode. In this mode, the corresponding key values ​​are recorded when certain keys are pressed for a longer period than in normal operating mode. For example, during visual impairment mode, key values ​​are recorded when the corresponding keys are pressed for a second period of time (e.g., at least one second). These techniques allow visually impaired users to operate a touch-sensitive keyboard without inadvertently registering incorrect values, as users search for a specific locator key. This improves the computer's performance and efficiency. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOO»UO Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a keyboard system 100 according to various modes. As illustrated, the keyboard system 100 includes a key activation detection module 110, a key activation measurement module 120, and an operating mode selection module 130. The keyboard system 100 also includes a memory for storing one or more registered key values ​​and an RFID reader (not shown). The Keypad 100 system can be a stationary unit, such as wall-mounted proximity readers, or a portable unit that can be easily relocated. The Keypad 100 system includes a microcontroller (not shown) implemented using a digital processing device, such as a general-purpose microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a reduced instruction set computer, a complex instruction set computer, or a field-programmable logic gate array. The microcontroller can implement some or all of the functions of the modules shown and described in connection with the Keypad 100 system. The Keyboard 100 system can be a touch-sensitive keyboard configured to register keystrokes based on a subtle touch. That is, a user can select one or more keys by lightly touching the keyboard instead of pressing a physical key. The Keyboard 100 system can be implemented as a capacitive-based keyboard and / or a resistive-based keyboard, registering keystrokes and the corresponding values ​​for different keys when a change in capacitance or resistance is detected. The 110 key activation detection module is configured to detect the activation of one or more keyboard keys based on a digital count corresponding to each key. Specifically, each keyboard key can be associated with a capacitance-based sensor. The 110 key activation detection module converts the capacitance of each key sensor into a digital count. Based on this digital count, the 110 key activation detection module determines whether the corresponding key is active. In particular, when a user physically touches a key, the sensor's capacitance value changes, resulting in a digital count being generated. If the physical touch is of a certain force or covers a sufficient area of ​​a given key, the digital count increments.For example, when a finger touches (or is near) the sensor corresponding to a particular key, the finger introduces a finger capacitance in parallel with a parasitic capacitance of the key. In some implementations, the 110 key actuation detection module uses a capacitor-switched circuit to convert the sensor capacitance (including any finger capacitance) into an equivalent resistance. A Sigma-Delta modulator then converts the current measured through the resistor into a digital count. When a finger is on the sensor, the capacitance increases and the equivalent resistance decreases. This causes an increase in the current through the resistor, resulting in an increase in the digital count. In some configurations, the 110 key activation detection module can determine whether the digital count meets or exceeds a digital count threshold. If the digital count is less than a single-key threshold (for example, less than 40 to 50 times), the 110 key activation detection module considers the key activation to be noise and does not register the keystroke for that key. If the digital count exceeds a single-key threshold, the 110 key activation detection module detects the activation of that key. In some cases, the 110 key activation detection module detects multiple keys being activated when a computed digital count exceeds a multi-key threshold (for example, more than 512 times). The multi-key threshold may be higher than the single-key threshold.In some implementations, the 110 key activation detection module computes a multi-key threshold that corresponds to a particular shape of a user's body part touching the keyboard (for example, the shape of a hand). The body part shape can correspond to six different keys, and the 110 key activation detection module computes the multi-key threshold as a sum of the single-key thresholds for each of the six different keys. When the 110 key activation detection module determines that a digit count exceeds the multi-key threshold, it can determine that the body part shape has touched the keyboard (for example, that the user's hand has touched the keyboard). For example, the 110 key activation detection module compares a sensor node signal from each key on the keyboard with a sensor reference signal to generate a sensor difference signal for each key. The 110 key activation detection module accumulates positive values ​​from the sensor difference signals for each key and determines when the accumulated positive values ​​exceed a threshold value (for example, the multiple key activation threshold). Based on this determination, the 110 key activation detection module determines that the activated keys correspond to the body part shape and that the visual impairment mode criterion has been met. The key activation measurement module 120 receives an indication from the key activation detection module 110 that a particular key or keys on the keyboard have been activated. The key activation detection module 110 can also indicate which key or keys have been activated and their corresponding values. For example, if the user presses the number 6 key, the key activation detection module 110 can signal the key activation measurement module 120 that the digital count corresponding to the single-key threshold for the number 6 key has been reached. The 120 key press measurement module measures how frequently a particular key in the key set has been pressed. During normal operation, the 120 key press measurement module records or stores the pressed key value in memory or a buffer if the particular key has been pressed for a short period of time (e.g., 100 milliseconds or less). The 120 key press measurement module can also generate an audible alert (e.g., a 100 ms beep or tone) to indicate to the user that the pressed key value has been recorded.To determine if a key has been pressed for the first time period, the Key Press Measurement Module 120 sums or accumulates the count (based on a number of samples taken over time) taken over a specific time period (e.g., 1 second prior). If the total count exceeds a threshold, the Key Press Measurement Module 120 determines that the key has been pressed for the first time period. For example, to determine if a key has been pressed for 100 milliseconds, the... The ML / t / ZUZZ / UOO»UO key-activated measurement module 120 can sample the count value for the key 10 times per second. Each time the key-activated measurement module 120 samples the count value (for example, 15 times), it accumulates the count value with the previously sampled count values ​​during the 10-times-per-second interval. After the interval elapses, if the accumulated count values ​​exceed a threshold (for example, 45 times), the key-activated measurement module 120 determines that the key has been activated for a first time period. Any other sampling interval and threshold can be selected. In some modes, the Key Activation Measurement Module 120 determines whether one or more activated keys meet the criteria for a visual impairment mode. For example, the Key Activation Measurement Module 120 can determine if the length of time a particular key has been activated exceeds a visual impairment mode threshold (e.g., if the key has been activated for more than 5 seconds). As another example, the Key Activation Measurement Module 120 can determine if the shape of the activated keys or the number of activated keys corresponds to a visual impairment mode. Specifically, the Key Activation Measurement Module 120 can determine if the shape of the keys corresponds to the user's hand, and in such cases, the shape corresponds to a visual impairment mode.As another example, the 120 key-activated measurement module can determine if the pressure applied to the particular key that was activated exceeds a visual impairment mode threshold (e.g., if the digital count value of the activated key matches a pressure threshold that exceeds the single-key threshold by a specified amount, such as the pressure threshold being greater than the single-key threshold but less than a multi-key threshold). In some modes, upon determining that one or more activated keys meet a visual impairment mode criterion, the activated key measurement module 120 instructs the operating mode selection module 130 to switch from normal operating mode to visual impairment mode. The operating mode selection module 130 generates an audible alert (e.g., a long tone or a 400 ms sound) to inform the user that the operating mode of the keyboard system 100 has been changed to visual impairment mode.In some cases, the operating mode selection module 130, in addition to or as an alternative to generating the audible alert to inform the user that the keyboard system's operating mode 100 has been changed to visually impaired mode, may visually indicate that visually impaired mode has been activated (for example, by changing the color of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the keyboard). Also, in response to changing from normal operating mode to visually impaired mode, any previously recorded keystroke values ​​stored in memory or buffer are cleared and deleted.In this way, if the user accidentally pressed one or more other keys during normal operating mode while searching for a locator key (for example, the number 5 key with a physical locator button), any value inadvertently recorded as a keystroke from one or more other keys is discarded and not used in the keyboard's 100-keyboard system password. This allows the user to search for the locator key on the touch-sensitive keyboard while the keyboard is operating in normal mode and registers the keystrokes, and allows the user to enter the password after finding the locator key without further input. ML / t / ζυζζ / υοουυο have to manually delete any value that has been inadvertently and accidentally recorded. During visual impairment mode, the 120 key press measurement module records or stores the value of activated keys in a memory or buffer if a particular key has been pressed for a period of time (e.g., 1 second or more). Also, during visual impairment mode, the 120 key press measurement module emits an audible alert of one second (e.g., a 200 ms beep or tone) when it records or stores the value of an activated key. This allows the user to navigate the keyboard and press various keys without the values ​​being registered as keystrokes while the user attempts to find the keys they want to select.Once the user finds the key of interest, the user can press the key for a longer period of time with the intention of having the value corresponding to the key that was registered and stored in the buffer as part of the password or access key. The key-activated measurement module 120 can determine that no keys have been activated for the threshold period of time. For example, after recording the value for a given key during visual impairment mode, the key-activated measurement module 120 can reset a timer. The timer can be reset each time a value is recorded for a given key in visual impairment mode. When the key-activated measurement module 120 determines that the timer has reached a threshold (for example, 5 seconds), the key-activated measurement module 120 instructs the operating mode selection module 130 to switch from visual impairment mode to normal operating mode. The operating mode selection module 130 generates an audible alert (for example, a long tone or a 400 ms sound) to inform the user that the operating mode of the keyboard system 100 has been changed to normal operating mode.In this way, the keyboard system automatically returns to normal operating mode when the user finishes using it in visually impaired mode. This simplifies the subsequent key selection for another user who is not visually impaired and does not need to operate the keyboard in visually impaired mode. In some configurations, a keypad system processor compares the password or access key in memory or buffer (for example, a recorded string of characters and / or numbers) with one or more previously stored passwords or access keys. Upon determining that the password or access key matches any of the previously recorded passwords or access keys, the processor authorizes access to the component (for example, a door or lock) associated with the keypad system. In some cases, the keypad system processor detects an RFID tag before, at the same time as, or after the password or access key has been entered. In such cases, the processor determines whether the previously stored password or access key associated with the detected RFID tag matches the password or access key being entered into the keypad system to determine whether access should be granted. Figure 2A is a block diagram illustrating the keyboard reader units for use with the keyboard system according to various modalities. Keyboard unit 201 displays a first key layout on the keyboard. A first locator 210 is included in keyboard unit 201. A first locator 210 can be a stop, a physical dot or line, or another appropriate physical shape that the visually impaired person recognizes by touching it in a specific position on the first layout. The first locator 210 enables the user to identify whether other keys on the keyboard are positioned by being informed beforehand about the layout and the relative positions of other keys with respect to the first locator 210. In keyboard unit 201, the first locator 210 is placed between the number 5 and 6 keys. Keyboard unit 202 displays a first key layout on the keyboard. Second locators 220A and 220B are included in keyboard unit 202. Second locators 220A and 220B can be a stop, a dot or line, or another appropriate physical shape that the visually impaired person recognizes by touching it in a specific position on the second layout. Second locators 220A and 220B allow the user to identify the positions of other keys on the keyboard by being informed beforehand about the layout and the relative positions of other keys with respect to second locators 220A and 220B. On keyboard unit 202, second locators 220A and 220B are positioned adjacent to the number 5 key. That is, second locator 220A is located to the left of the number 5 key, and second locator 220B is located to the right of the number 5 key. Figure 2B illustrates a visual impairment mode selection gesture applied to keyboard system 203 in various modalities. For example, a hand is detected simultaneously pressing multiple keys. A handprint and the portion of the keyboard touched by the hand, causing the multiple key presses, are displayed. When the threshold for multiple key presses is reached by the count values ​​generated from the hand-pressed keys on keyboard system 203, visual impairment mode is activated (e.g., keyboard system 100 switches from normal operating mode to visual impairment mode). Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 300 for operating the keyboard system 100 according to various modalities. During operation 310, the keyboard system 100 detects, during a normal operating mode of the keyboard, the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard; the normal operating mode causes the keyboard to register a value corresponding to a certain key when a certain key is activated for a first period of time. During operation 312, the keyboard system 100 determines that the activation of one or more keys on the keyboard satisfies the visual impairment mode criterion. During operation 314, the keyboard system 100, in response to determining that the activation of one or more keys on the keyboard meets the visual impairment mode criterion, switches the keyboard operating mode from normal operating mode to visual impairment mode. During operation 316, the keyboard system 100 records, during visual impairment mode, the value corresponding to a given key in response to determining that the given key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time. Figure 3B is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process 301 for operating the keyboard system 100 according to various modalities. During operation 320, the keyboard system 100 performs a normal scan and key activation detection in normal operating mode. That is, the keyboard system 100 records key values ​​that were activated for an initial period of time (for example, 100 milliseconds). During operation 321, keyboard system 100 determines whether the visual impairment criterion has been met. If the visual impairment criterion is satisfied, keyboard system 100 proceeds to operation 322; otherwise, it proceeds to operation 320. For example, keyboard system 100 determines whether a key has been activated for more than a threshold period (e.g., a finger remains on a key for more than 5 seconds). In another example, keyboard system 100 determines whether a certain number of keys of a particular shape have been activated and whether those keys have been activated for a threshold period (e.g., a hand is placed on the keyboard for more than 2 seconds). During operation 322, the keyboard system 100 emits a long buzzing tone if the visual impairment mode criterion is determined to have been met. During operation 323, the keyboard system 100 sends a key erase command to the control panel. Specifically, the keyboard system 100 erases any previously registered key values ​​if the visually impaired mode criterion is met, to prevent inadvertent keystrokes from being included in the password or access code. During operation 324, the keyboard system 100 scans in a visually impaired mode. For example, the keyboard system 100 records key values ​​that were activated for a period of one second (e.g., 1 second or more). During operation 325, the keyboard system 100 determines whether a time limit has elapsed since the last value of the last key activated in visually impaired mode was recorded. If the time limit has elapsed, the keyboard system 100 continues with operation 328; otherwise, the keyboard system proceeds to operation 326. During operation 328, the keyboard system 100 emits a long buzzing tone indicating that the visual impairment mode has been deactivated and normal operating mode has been enabled. During operation 326, the keyboard system 100 determines whether a valid key has been actuated or pressed for more than one second. If the valid key has not been pressed for more than one second, the keyboard system 100 returns to operation 324 to scan the keys in visually impaired mode. During operation 327, the keyboard system 100 sends the key to the control panel to record the value of the valid key that was determined to have been activated or pressed for more than the second time period and proceeds to operation 324 to continue scanning keys. Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary machine 400 in which one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) described herein may be incorporated and / or where they may be included as part of the keyboard reader 100. In alternative modes, the machine 400 can operate The ML / t / ZUZZ / UOOUUO can function as a standalone device or be coupled (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the 400 machine can operate as a server machine, a client machine, or both in server-client network environments. For example, the 400 machine can act as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The 400 machine can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a networked appliance, an IoT device, an automotive system, an aerospace system, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequentially or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by the machine.Furthermore, although only one machine is illustrated, the term “machine” should also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to carry out any one or more of the methodologies mentioned in this document, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), or other computing group configurations. The examples, as described here, may include or be operated by components, devices, packages, or logic mechanisms. Circuitry is a collection (e.g., an assembly) of circuits implemented in tangible entities that include hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). A circuitry element may be flexible over time and accommodate hardware variations. Circuitries include elements that, independently or in combination, perform specific tasks when in operation. In one example, the circuitry hardware may be specifically designed to perform dedicated operations (e.g., dedicated). In another example, the circuitry hardware may include different connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.).These include physically modified computer-readable media (e.g., magnetically, electrically, by the movable placement of particles of invariable mass, etc.) to encode instructions for specific operations. By connecting the physical components, the underlying electrical properties of a hardware component are changed, for example, from an insulator to a conductor or vice versa. The instructions allow the participating hardware (e.g., execution units or a loading mechanism) to create circuitry elements within the hardware through the various connections to perform portions of specific tasks when in operation. Accordingly, the computer-readable medium is coupled in communication with other circuitry components when the device is running. For example, any one of the physical components can be used in more than one element of more than one circuit.For example, during operation, the execution units can be used in a first circuit of a first circuitry at a point in time and can be reused in a second circuit in the first circuitry or by a third circuit in a second circuitry, at different times. The machine (e.g., computer system) 400 may include a hardware processor 402 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a unit of The machine may include a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof, such as a memory controller, etc.), main memory 404, and static memory 406, some or all of which may communicate with each other via a concatenation (e.g., bus) 408. The machine 400 may further include a display device 410, an alphanumeric input device 412 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface navigation device (Ul) 414 (e.g., a mouse). In one example, the display device 410, the alphanumeric input device 412, and the navigation device Ul 414 may be a touch screen.The machine 400 may also include a storage device 422 (e.g., a storage drive), a signal generating device 418 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 420, one or more sensors 416, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, wind sensors, mechanical device sensors, temperature sensors, ICP sensors, bridge sensors, audio sensors, industrial sensors, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors. The machine 400 may include an output controller 428, such as a serial connection (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB)), a parallel connection, or another wired or wireless connection (e.g., infrared (IR), near-field communication (NFC), etc.).) for communication with or control of one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.). The storage device 422 may include a machine-readable medium in which one or more sets of data structures or instructions 424 (for example, software) are stored that incorporate or utilize any or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 424 may also reside wholly or at least partially within main memory 404, within static memory 406, or within the hardware processor 402 during their execution by the machine 400. In one example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 402, main memory 404, static memory 406, or the storage device 421 may constitute the machine-readable medium. Although machine-readable medium is illustrated as a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database or caches and associated servers) configured to store such one or more instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” may include any transient or non-transient medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying transient or non-transient instructions for execution by Machine 400, causing Machine 400 to perform any or more of the techniques in this disclosure, or capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory, and optical and magnetic media. In one example, a bulk machine-readable medium comprises a machine-readable medium with a plurality of particles having an invariable mass (e.g., at rest). Accordingly, machine-readable media are not transient propagating signals. Specific examples of machine-readable media ML / t / ZUZZ / UOOUUO per machine may include non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., an Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Instructions (e.g., software programs, an operating system (OS), etc.) or other data stored on storage device 421 can be accessed by main memory 404 for use by the hardware processor 402. Main memory 404 (e.g., DRAM) is typically fast but volatile, and therefore a different type of storage than storage device 421 (e.g., an SSD), which is appropriate for long-term storage, including during power-off conditions. Instructions 4224 or data used by the user or machine 440 are typically loaded into main memory 404 for use by the hardware processor 402.When main memory 404 is full, virtual space on storage device 421 can be allocated to supplement main memory 404. However, because storage device 421 is typically slower than main memory 404, and write speeds are typically at least twice as slow as read speeds, using virtual memory can significantly degrade the user experience due to storage device latency (unlike main memory 404, for example, DRAM). Furthermore, using storage device 421 as virtual memory can significantly reduce its lifespan. Instructions 424 can also be transmitted or received over a communications network 426 using a transmission medium through the network interface device 420 that uses any of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame replay, Internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.).Examples of communication networks may include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WLANs), packet data networks (e.g., the Internet), mobile phone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Point of Sale Telephone Service (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards, commonly known as Wi-Fi®, the IEEE 802.16 family of standards, commonly known as WiMAX®, IEEE 802.15.4, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks). In one example, the network interface device 420 may include one or more physical connectors (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or telephone connectors) or one or more antennas for connecting to the communication network 426.In one example, the 420 network interface device may include a plurality of antennas for wireless communication using at least one of the following techniques: single-input, multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input, single-output (MISO). The term “transmission medium” shall be taken to include any tangible or intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the 400 machine, and includes digital or analog communication signals or other tangible or intangible means to facilitate communication of such software. Each of the non-limiting aspects or examples described in this application may stand alone or be combined in different permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples. The foregoing detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the inventive matter may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as examples. Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only the elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of the elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. In the event of inconsistent usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, usage in this document shall prevail. In this document, the terms "a" or "one" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more of the following, irrespective of any other instance or use of "at least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive or, such that A or B includes A but not B, B but not A, and A and B, unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after this term in a claim is deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc.They are used simply as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on your objects. The method examples described in this document can be implemented by a machine or computer, at least in part. Some examples may include a computer-readable or machine-readable medium encoded with operable transient or non-transient instructions to configure an electronic device to carry out methods as described in the preceding examples. An implementation of such methods may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, higher-level language code, or similar. Such code may include computer-readable transient or non-transient instructions to carry out different methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Furthermore, in one example, the ML / t / ZUZZ / UOO»UO code can be tangibly stored on one or more non-volatile, non-transient, or tangible non-volatile computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of such tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact discs and digital video discs), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and the like. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the examples described above (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used, such as those discovered by a person skilled in the art when reviewing the foregoing description. The summary is provided to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It is presented with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or significance of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description above, several features may be grouped together for the sake of expediency. This should not be construed as implying that a disclosed but unclaimed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may be found in fewer than all the features of a particular embodiment described.Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, with each claim being a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the inventive subject matter is to be determined with reference to the appended claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A method for operating a keyboard, the method comprising: detecting, by one or more keyboard processors, during a normal operating mode of the keyboard, the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard, the normal operating mode causing the keyboard to register a value corresponding to a given key when a given key is activated for a first period of time; determining that the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode; in response to determining that the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode, changing the operating mode of the keyboard from normal operating mode to visually impaired mode; and registering, during visually impaired mode, the value corresponding to a given key in response to determining that the given key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein recording the value comprises adding the value to a string representing the access code.

3. The method according to any of claims 1 and 2, further comprising deleting one or more values ​​recorded during normal operating mode in response to switching the keyboard to visual impairment mode.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the keyboard comprises a capacitive touch-sensitive keyboard wherein the activation of one or more keys is detected based on a capacitance count of one or more keys.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the keyboard comprises a physical key locator element that enables a visually impaired person to locate a specific key on the keyboard when the visually impaired person touches the physical key locator element.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the physical key locator element comprises a physical stop or line above or adjacent to a center key of the keyboard.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the visual impairment mode criterion comprises the activation of one or more keys for a threshold period of time that is longer than the second period of time.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the visual impairment mode criterion comprises the activation of a plurality of keys simultaneously for a threshold period of time.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of keys that are activated simultaneously corresponds to at least a portion of the palm of the hand pressing against the keyboard.

10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein detecting the activation of one or more keys comprises detecting the activation of a plurality of keys, and wherein determining that the activation of one or more keys on the keyboard satisfies the visual impairment mode criterion comprises: comparing a sensor node signal from each key on the keyboard with a sensor reference signal to generate a sensor difference signal for each key on the keyboard; accumulating positive values ​​of the sensor difference signals from each of the keys; determining that the accumulated positive values ​​exceed a threshold value; and in response to determining that the accumulated positive values ​​exceed the threshold value, determining that the visual impairment mode criterion has been met.

11. The method according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the visual impairment mode, the value corresponding to the determined key is recorded in response to determining that the determined key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time and in response to determining that a threshold amount of pressure has been applied to the determined key.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising changing the operating mode of the keyboard back to normal operating mode in response to determining that none of the keys on the keyboard have been activated for a threshold period of time.

13. The method according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the keyboard is associated with a Physical Access Control reader.

14. The method according to any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising generating an audible alert indicating that the visual impairment mode has been activated.

15. The method according to any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising generating an audible alert in response to recording the value corresponding to the specified key.

16. A system comprising: a keyboard comprising one or more processors configured to perform operations comprising: detecting, by the keyboard, during a normal operating mode of the keyboard, the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard, the normal operating mode causing the keyboard to register a value corresponding to a given key when a given key is activated for a first period of time; determining that the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode; in response to determining that the activation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode, switching the operating mode of the keyboard from normal operating mode to visually impaired mode;and record, during visual impairment mode, the value corresponding to a given key in response to determining that the given key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the operations for recording the value comprise adding the value to a string representing the access code.

18. The system according to any of claims 16 and 17, wherein the operations also comprise deleting one or more values ​​recorded during normal operating mode in response to switching the keyboard to visual impairment mode.

19. A non-transient machine-readable medium comprising non-transient machine-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: detecting, by the keyboard, during a normal operating mode of the keyboard, the actuation of one or more keys of the keyboard; the normal operating mode causing the keyboard to register a value corresponding to a given key when a given key is actuated for a first period of time; determining that the actuation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode; in response to determining that the actuation of one or more keys of the keyboard satisfies the criterion for visually impaired mode, changing the operating mode of the keyboard from normal operating mode to visually impaired mode;and record, during visual impairment mode, the value corresponding to a given key in response to determining that the given key has been activated for a second period of time that is longer than the first period of time.

20. The non-transient machine-readable medium according to claim 19, wherein the operations for recording the value comprise adding the value to a string representing the access code.

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