Computer keyboard and cursor control system and method with keyboard map switching
First Claim
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1. A method for switching functions of one or more keys of a computer keyboard, comprising the steps of:
- activating a keyboard having a plurality of text typing keys, the keyboard being coupled to a pointing device that remains active at all times to permit a user to achieve instant manual control of a cursor on a display screen;
activating a first keymap for enabling the user to manually activate a text typing mode at the keyboard;
determining whether the user is operating the pointing device; and
deactivating the first keymap and activating a second keymap upon determination that the user is operating the pointing device, the second keymap operable to enable the user to manually activate a cursor mode at the keyboard;
whereby one or more keys of the keyboard are enabled by the second keymap to control pointing device functions.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a computer keyboard and cursor control system and method for use with a computer having a pointing device operated by a user. Upon determining that the user is operating the pointing device, the invention switches to a different keymap, so as to remap at least one typing key on the keyboard into other functional key(s) such as a “left mouse click” function button.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for switching functions of one or more keys of a computer keyboard, comprising the steps of:
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activating a keyboard having a plurality of text typing keys, the keyboard being coupled to a pointing device that remains active at all times to permit a user to achieve instant manual control of a cursor on a display screen; activating a first keymap for enabling the user to manually activate a text typing mode at the keyboard; determining whether the user is operating the pointing device; and deactivating the first keymap and activating a second keymap upon determination that the user is operating the pointing device, the second keymap operable to enable the user to manually activate a cursor mode at the keyboard; whereby one or more keys of the keyboard are enabled by the second keymap to control pointing device functions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification