Keyboard encoding system actuated by opening and closing of keyboard cover
First Claim
1. A cover-actuated keyboard encoding system, comprising:
- (a) a first keyboard containing a plurality of first keys;
(b) a first memory for storing a plurality of control codes;
(c) a cover for covering said first keyboard, wherein said cover contains one or more specifically arranged key-seat protrusions which are arranged such that they will be pressing against one or more of correspondingly arranged said first keys when said cover is in a position covering said first keyboard; and
(d) a CPU containing (i) means for scanning said first key board, (ii) means for obtaining a scanned keyboard value according to the arrangement of said first keys that are being pressed when said keyboard cover is closed by said specifically arranged key-seat protrusions during a power-on or a reset;
(iii) means for retrieving a control code from said first memory according to said scanned keyboard value; and
(iv) means for performing a control function based on said retrieved control code or combining said retrieved control code with another control code.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cover-actuated keyboard encoding system is disclosed which can be used either alone or as a part of a universal remote control unit. It contains (a) a keyboard; (b) a memory for storing a plurality of control codes; (c) a special keyboard cover for covering the first keyboard; and (d) a computer program to convert the covered keys of the first keyboard into a control code. The keyboard cover is designed such that it contains one or more key-seat protrusions which are arranged such that they will be pressing against one or more of the first keys when the keyboard cover is closed. A CPU is programmed to scan the key board and convert the scanned keyboard value to a control code, in accordance with the number and locations of the keys that are being pressed during a power-on or a reset. This control code can be utilized as an initial code for identifying the brand and product type of the appliance to controlled by the universal remote control unit, thus allowing the universal remote control unit to operate as a conventional remote controller. The CPU can be further programmed to modify at least a portion of the initial control code if it detects that a universal key is pressed.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A cover-actuated keyboard encoding system, comprising:
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(a) a first keyboard containing a plurality of first keys; (b) a first memory for storing a plurality of control codes; (c) a cover for covering said first keyboard, wherein said cover contains one or more specifically arranged key-seat protrusions which are arranged such that they will be pressing against one or more of correspondingly arranged said first keys when said cover is in a position covering said first keyboard; and (d) a CPU containing (i) means for scanning said first key board, (ii) means for obtaining a scanned keyboard value according to the arrangement of said first keys that are being pressed when said keyboard cover is closed by said specifically arranged key-seat protrusions during a power-on or a reset;
(iii) means for retrieving a control code from said first memory according to said scanned keyboard value; and
(iv) means for performing a control function based on said retrieved control code or combining said retrieved control code with another control code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for generating a predetermined code during power-on or reset utilizing a keyboard, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) obtaining a cover which contains one of more specifically arranged key-seat protrusions which will press against one or more keys of a first keyboard when said cover covers said first keyboard; (b) covering said first keyboard with said cover such that one of more of said specifically arranged key-seat protrusions are pressing against one or more correspondingly arranged said keys of said first keyboard; and (c) scanning said first keyboard and converting a scanned keyboard value into a control code by retrieving from a computer memory said control code according to the arrangement of said keys that are being pressed when said keyboard cover is closed by said specifically arranged key-seat protrusions during the power-on or reset; (d) outputting said control code. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A universal remote controller for use with a plurality of different types of appliances, comprising:
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(a) a first keyboard containing a plurality of first keys for sending key pad signals; (b) a first memory for storing a plurality of control codes; (c) a CPU for compiling a set of said control codes according to a predetermined format; (d) a second memory for storing said set of control codes compiled by said CPU; (e) a transmitter for transmitting said set of standard control codes stored in said second memory; and (f) a cover-actuated keyboard encoding system which contains; (i) a cover for covering said first keyboard, wherein said keyboard contains one or more specifically arranged key-seat protrusions which are arranged such that they will be pressing against one or more of said first keys when said keyboard cover is covering said first keyboard; and (ii) means provided in said CPU for scanning said first key board, obtaining a scanned keyboard value according to the number and locations of said keys that are being pressed when said keyboard cover is closed during a power-on or a reset, and retrieving an initial control code from said first memory according to said scanned keyboard value; (g) wherein said initial control code contains product and brand information which will be combined with other control codes to be obtained from subsequent keyboard scanning. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification