Data processing system and method having time-span support for input device driver

A program product that converts input signals into character codes for a data processing system, said program product comprising:

• a password receiver that receives a password, wherein said password includes at least one character code and at least one time-span code;
• a signal detector for receiving a first input-event signal and a second input-event signal following said first input-event signal by an interval of time, wherein said first input-event signal comprises one of a key-up signal from said keyboard and a start signal from a program capable of processing said character code and said time-span code and said second input-event signal comprises one of a key-down signal from said keyboard and an entry-complete signal from said program;
• a timer for measuring a duration of said interval;
• a character code generator for producing a character code in response to said second input-event signal,
• a time-span code generator for producing a time-span code corresponding to said duration when said duration is substantially equal to or greater than a predetermined pause duration;
• a password confirmer that confirms that the generated character code and time-span code matches the at least one character code and at least one time-span code, respectively, of the password;
• and
• a computer usable medium encoding said signal detector, said timer, said character code transmitter, said time-span code transmitter, said password receiver and said password confirmer.

A data processing system that utilizes time-enhanced input, said data processing system comprising:

• a processor and a memory in communication with said processor;
• an input device in communication with said processor;
• an input driver in said memory and executable by said processor, said input driver including:
• a password receiver that receives a password wherein said password, includes at least one character code and at least one time-span cod;
• a signal detector for receiving a first input-event signal and a second input-event signal following said first input-vent signal by an interval of time;
• a timer for measuring a duration of said interval;
• a character code generator for producing a character code in response to said second input-event signal;
• a time-span code generator for producing a time-span code corresponding to said duration;
• and
• a password conformer that confirms that the generated character code and time-span code matches the at least one character code and at least one time-span code, respectively, of the password;
• and
• wherein said first input-event signal comprises one of a key-up signal from said keyboard and a start signal from a program capable of processing said character code and said time-span code;
• said second input-event signal comprises one of a key-down signal from said keyboard and an entry-complete signal from said program;
• said interval has a duration greater than a predetermined pause duration;
• and said character code produced by said character code generator comprises a pause character code.