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Peripheral data acquisition, monitor, and control device for a personal computer

  • US 5,220,522 A
  • Filed: 02/07/1992
  • Issued: 06/15/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An interface apparatus for providing communication between at least one peripheral electronic device and a personal computer (PC) having a keyboard port and a keyboard bus, said interface apparatus connected to said PC via said keyboard bus, said keyboard bus including a bidirectional data line for normally providing two-way data communication between a keyboard and said PC, said PC adapted to communicate with said keyboard via said keyboard bus using a particular keycode format based upon the coding of keyboard keystroke information as individual sequential keyboard characters, said peripheral electronic device having means for monitoring and controlling remotely-located, electrically-controlled equipment, said peripheral electronic device further having means for providing at least one device monitor signal indicative of the operational status of said equipment, said monitor signal having a signal format not directly compatible with said particular keycode format, said interface apparatus comprising:

  • input means for receiving said monitor signal from said peripheral electronic device, and for providing a digital input signal in response thereto;

    translator means for providing a translated input data signal in response to said digital input signal, said translated input data signal having a signal format which is directly compatible with said particular keycode format such that said translated input data signal is adapted to be directly interpreted by said PC as keyboard keystroke information;

    write means for transmitting said translated input data signal to said PC over said keyboard bus via said keyboard port; and

    read means for receiving and interpreting a return data signal transmitted by said PC over said keyboard bus via said keyboard port.

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