Data processing system and method for permitting a server computer system to function as a virtual keyboard to a client computer system

A data processing system for permitting a remote server computer system to function as a remote keyboard input device for a client computer system, comprising:

• said client computer system being coupled to said server computer system utilizing a network;
• means for capturing each keystroke entered into said server computer system;
• means for transmitting a scan code associated with each captured keystroke to said client computer system utilizing said server computer system via said network;
• a Universal Datagram Port (UDP) designed for receiving scan codes of captured keystrokes, wherein said UDP is a component of an RX buffer and receives only keystroke information packets, and wherein said scan code is received at said RX buffer via said UDP;
• and
• means for executing said scan code associated with each keystroke utilizing said client computer system, wherein said scan code may be executed prior to said client computer system completing a boot process, wherein also said server computer system functions as a remote keyboard input device for said client computer system.

A system for permitting a remote server computer system to function as a remote keyboard input device for a client computer system, comprising:

• said client computer system being coupled to said server computer system utilizing a network;
• means for capturing each keystroke entered into said server computer system;
• means for transmitting a scan code associated with each captured keystroke to said client computer system utilizing said server computer system via said network;
• a Universal Datagram Port (UDP) designed for receiving scan codes of captured keystrokes, wherein said UDP is a component of an RX buffer and receives only keystroke information packets, and wherein said scan code is received at said RX buffer via said UDP;
• means for executing said scan code associated with each keystroke utilizing said client computer system prior to said client computer system completing a boot process, wherein said server computer system functions as a remote keyboard input device for said client computer system;
• means for executing said scan code for each keystroke utilizing a keyboard controller included within said client computer system;
• a buffer for storing a scan code in said server computer system in response to a keystroke being received by a keyboard coupled to said server computer system, said scan code being associated with said keystroke;
• means for transmitting said scan code in response to said storage;
• means for receiving said scan code utilizing a network adapter included within said client computer system;
• and
• means for generating an interrupt in response to said receipt of said scan code, said interrupt being processed by an interrupt handler which transmits said scan code to said keyboard controller.