Keyboard and method for switching key code with a single modifier key
AssigneeAcer Peripherals, Inc.
InventorsHong-Chang Hsu, Huang-Hsiao Kao, Min-Shan Chuang
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Abstract
A keyboard with key codes switchable by means of a single modifier key and a method of control thereof are provided. When a modifier key such as an Alt key, a Ctrl key, or a Shift key is pressed and then immediately released, the set of key codes is switched to another if no other modifiable key stroke is inserted during the press-and-release operation. Consequently, multimedia hot keys will be obtained by switching the key code set to another set of key coding that represents individual multimedia functions. Following the press-and-release of the Alt key, the Ctrl key, or the Shift key which activated the multimedia function, the key code set returns to the original key code set
Claims10
A method for switching the key code of a plurality of switchable keys between a first key code set and a second key code set;
- comprising:
- (a) providing a keyboard, including at least one modifier key and said switchable keys;
- (b) detecting whether said modifier key is pressed;
- if said modifier key is pressed proceeding to step (c);
- (c) determining whether a modifiable key is pressed before said pressed modifier key is released;
- if said modifier key is pressed and held while said modifiable key is struck performing a corresponding combination key function and completing said method;
- otherwise, proceeding to step (d);
- and
- (d) switching said switchable keys to said second key code set if before said modifier key has been struck said switchable keys correspond to said first key code set, and switching said switchable keys to said first key code set if before said modifier key has been struck said switchable keys correspond to said second key code set.
A keyboard, comprising:
- a key array comprising a modifier key and a plurality of dual purpose keys;
- a memory device for storing a first key code set and a second key code set for the dual purpose keys;
- and
- a detecting device for detecting the depression of keys;
- wherein the key code set employed for the dual purpose keys is alternated between the first key code set and the second key code set when the detecting device detects that the modifier key is pressed and released without the pressing of a modifiable key during the press-and-release operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.