Computer keyboard and cursor control system and method with keyboard map switching
OwnerKazuho Iesakainventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a computer keyboard and cursor control system and method for use with a computer having a pointing device operated by a user. Upon determining that the user is operating the pointing device, the invention switches to a different keymap, so as to remap at least one typing key on the keyboard into other functional key(s) such as a “left mouse click” function button.
Claims49
A computer keyboard and cursor control system, comprising:
- a keyboard having one or more typing keys;
- a first keymap and a second keymap;
- a pointing device for controlling an operation of a cursor on a display screen;
- whereby a controller coupled to the keyboard deactivates the first keymap and activates the second keymap when the pointing device is operated by a user, such that the controller, using the second keymap, switches functions of selected one or more typing keys on the keyboard to other functions.
A method for switching functions of one or more keys of a computer keyboard, comprising the steps of:
- activating a first keymap for enabling text typing functions by a user;
- determining whether the user is operating a cursor pointing device,;
- and
- deactivating the first keymap and activating a second keymap upon determination that the user is operating the pointing device;
- whereby one or more keys of the keyboard are enabled by the second keymap to control functions other than functions enabled by the first keymap.
The method of claim 263 whereby functions of one or more keys on the keyboard are switched into display-brightness-control functions upon activation of the second keymap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.