Method for switching keypad

• US 6,445,381 B1
• Filed: 03/09/2000
• Issued: 09/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp.
• Original Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp.
• Inventors: Chou, Chin-Wen
• Primary Examiner(s): Saras, Steven
• Assistant Examiner(s): Maier, Christopher J
• Application Number:
  US09/521,779
• Time in Patent Office: 908 Days
• Field of Search: 345/168, 345/170, 345/156, 345/172, 341/26, 341/22, 341/175, 710/100
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes

Abstract

A method for switching a keypad is to adopt an externally coupled keypad to a personal computer, wherein a switching program for switching between a hot-key function and a Num Lock function is programmed in a microprocessor of the keypad; when a hot-key or a Num Lock key is pressed, the hot-key function or the Num Lock function is enabled. Besides, every key of the keypad is printed with a figure and a symbol for performing at least two functions.

Claims

1. A method for switching a numeric keypad having a switching program programmed in a microprocessor of the keypad for switching keys in the keypad between one of three functions:

a hot-key function, a Num Lock function, and a normal key function, the method comprising;

a) scanning keys of the numeric keyboard, memorizing whether a hot-key or a Num Lock key has been pressed and, if any key in the keypad is pressed, reading the key address;

b) judging whether said hot-key is pressed or not after confirmation of the key address and, if pressed, sending out a hot-key code and enabling said hot-key function or judging whether said Num Lock key is pressed; and

c) sending out a Num Lock figure code if said Num Lock key is pressed, otherwise, sending out a normal key code.

2. The method for switching a keypad according to claim 1, wherein every keycap of said keypad is printed with a figure and a symbol for performing at least two functions.

3. The method for switching a keypad according to claim 1, wherein said hot-key and said Num Lock key coexist in a common key.

4. The method for switching a keypad according to claim 3, wherein said switching program is programmed in a microprocessor of a conventional keyboard;

a hot-key lamp is lighted and said hot-key function is enabled when pressing the common key the first time;

similarly, a Num Lock lamp is lighted and said Num Lock function is enabled when pressing the common key the second time; and

, both said hot-key lamp and said Num Lock lamp are turned off and said hot-key function and said Num Lock function are disabled and the arrow keys of the keypad are available when pressing the common key the third time.

5. The method for switching a keypad according to claim 1, wherein said keypad is an externally coupled keypad provided with a USB interface for plugging in a personal computer.