System for selectively modifying codes generated by a touch type keyboard upon detecting of predetermined sequence of make codes and break codes
First Claim
1. A computer keyboard enhancing device for use with a computer having a keyboard with touch-type keys, including a space key, wherein the keyboard produces a make code when a key is depressed and a break code when a key is released, the device permitting the use of at least one touch-type key, referred to as a trigger key, to perform a different function than it normally performs, when a second key, referred to as a target key, is depressed and released in a selected relationship to depression of the trigger key, the device comprising processing means coupled to the keyboard and to the computer, the processing means including:
- receiving means for receiving the make and break codes produced by the keyboard in response to keys being respectively depressed and released;
detection means coupled to the receiving means for detecting a sequence of received codes serially including a trigger key make code, a target key make code and a corresponding break code of the target key make code, and for producing an indication that said sequence has been detected, the indication being produced upon receipt of said corresponding break code, said indication indicating that the target key has been depressed and released while the trigger key was held depressed; and
transmitting means coupled to the receiving and detection means for transmitting the received codes to the computer when said indication has not been produced and for transmitting modified codes to the computer when said indication has been produced, so that the trigger key performs a function other than its normal function when the target key is depressed and released while the trigger key is held depressed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for enhancing the operation of computer keyboards is disclosed. The invention allows touch-typing of nontouch-type keys by detecting a triggering sequence in the touch-type keys. For example, by holding down the Space Bar while depressing and releasing a second key and before release of the Space Bar, the Space Bar is seen to act as a Control key. Furthermore, the functions of nontouch-type keys may be superimposed upon touch-type keys and accessed in a similar manner. The invention interprets make codes which are generated by the keyboard when a key is depressed and a break code which is generated by the keyboard when a key is released. If a triggering sequence of codes is detected, then the normal function of one of the touch-type keys is altered.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A computer keyboard enhancing device for use with a computer having a keyboard with touch-type keys, including a space key, wherein the keyboard produces a make code when a key is depressed and a break code when a key is released, the device permitting the use of at least one touch-type key, referred to as a trigger key, to perform a different function than it normally performs, when a second key, referred to as a target key, is depressed and released in a selected relationship to depression of the trigger key, the device comprising processing means coupled to the keyboard and to the computer, the processing means including:
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receiving means for receiving the make and break codes produced by the keyboard in response to keys being respectively depressed and released; detection means coupled to the receiving means for detecting a sequence of received codes serially including a trigger key make code, a target key make code and a corresponding break code of the target key make code, and for producing an indication that said sequence has been detected, the indication being produced upon receipt of said corresponding break code, said indication indicating that the target key has been depressed and released while the trigger key was held depressed; and transmitting means coupled to the receiving and detection means for transmitting the received codes to the computer when said indication has not been produced and for transmitting modified codes to the computer when said indication has been produced, so that the trigger key performs a function other than its normal function when the target key is depressed and released while the trigger key is held depressed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer keyboard enhancing device for use with a computer having a keyboard with touch-type keys, including a space key, wherein the keyboard produces a make code when a key is depressed and a break code when a key is released, and has an automatic key repeating feature which sends additional make codes to the computer if a key remains depressed for a predetermined time, the device permitting at least one touch-type key, referred to as a trigger key, to perform a different function than it normally performs when a second key, referred to as a target key, is depressed and released in a selected relationship to depression of the trigger key, the device comprising processing means coupled to the keyboard and to the computer, the processing means including:
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receiving means for receiving the make and break codes produced by the keyboard in response to keys being respectively depressed and released; detection means coupled to the receiving means for detecting a sequence of received codes serially including a trigger key make code and at least two sequential target key make codes, and for producing an indication that said sequence has been detected, the indication being produced upon receipt of said target at last two key make codes, the sequential target key make codes indicating that the target key has been depressed and automatic repeating of the target key begun while the trigger key was held depressed; and transmitting means coupled to the receiving and detection means for transmitting the received odes to the computer when said indication has not been produced and for transmitting modified codes to the computer when said indication has been produced, so that the trigger key performs a function other than its normal function when a target key is held depressed while the trigger key is held depressed. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A machine inplemented method for enhancing a keyboard used with a computer, the keyboard including touch-type keys including a space key, wherein the keyboard produces a make code when a key is depressed and a break code when a key is released, the method permitting the use of at least one touch-type key, referred to as a trigger key, to perform a different function than it normally performs, when a second key, referred to as a target key, is depressed and released in a selected relationship to depression of the trigger key, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving the make and break codes produced by the keyboard in response to keys being respectively depressed and released; detecting a sequence of codes serially including a trigger key make code, a target key make code, and a corresponding break code of the target key make code, and producing an indication that said sequence has been detected, the indication being produced upon receipt of said corresponding break code, said sequence indicating that a target key has been depressed and released while a trigger key was held depressed; and when said sequence has been detected, transmitting modified codes to the computer transmitting the received codes to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification