FR2830951A3 - Multi functional fast key or hot key keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The multi-function hot key keyboard has a keyboard and a plurality of function blocks (100,200,300,400) on the keyboard. The function blocks include application blocks and are connected to an input/output terminal of a chip in a circuit. This provides the user with the possibility of directly accessing the relevant module blocks. The application blocks may include e.g. a user log off key, a key for switching applications, an off key, a close key, a 'My Computer' key, a calculator key, Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Outlook and Office Wizard keys. The function blocks may also include an editor block, an Internet block and a CD play block.

Description

mod u the corresponding transmitter and receiver.

  This invention relates to a multi-function keyboard with direct link keys, which is used by a tool. editor to work directly under the Windows operating system or to format documents, without using memory keys or with the help of an application mouse, so that the user can press the keys directly designations to perform functions

  in the Windows @ operating system.

  There are conventional multimedia keyboards placed on the market by keyboard manufacturers, implementing various special function keys and pilot programs which run under the Windows @ system. The user presses special function keys to override the., Deslgnees functions. The technical environment for conventional direct link keys is as follows: 1. When the user presses a function key added to the keyboard, the keyboard sends a code "E0" defined by a standard execution code for IBM keyboards or the so-called standard. When the user releases the function key, the keyboard sends the idle code. 2. The keyboard control system receives the code and converts it to another code, transmits it by a pilot, and stores it in a system message unit. The interception unit receives the code

  corresponding and overrides the specifice function.

  3. Conventional technology has only 128 codes (0l to 7F in HEXA) in a standard keyboard, such as that

  from a normal computer like an IBM PC XT @.

  4. One can cite a conventional technique which is as follows: a. When the operator presses a function key (direct link key such as "listen") the keyboard sends the extension codes EO + 22 and EO + A2 (which corresponds to a key code "G" on a

standard keyboard).

  b. The keyboard control system receives the signal and converts it into another code, transmits it via a pilot to a system message column, then the interception program receives the corresponding code (it working code " Olle "

or the rest code "OllE").

  vs. The program evaluates whether it is an extension code, executes the associated programs and erases

said extension code.

  However, such a keyboard has the following drawbacks: l) The codes must be converted by the keyboard pilot program, resulting in an occupation of the computer resources, a reduction in the emergency speed, the installation of software, and sometimes a lack of compatibility between programs

software.

  2) In the conventional keyboard pilot program, the keyboard sends the code "EOXX" or a usage code, using the WinExec O function provided by Windows API, the file path and the application file parameters . Therefore, he can only order and recall the program but cannot execute detailed instructions present within the individual programs. It has very poor performance in the application of most of the functions related to direct link keys. The technology known in the context of the invention comprises the following elements: l. Use of a standard PS / 2 keyboard with extended application of direct link key codes. Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a standard enriched PS / 2 keyboard with 101/102 keys marketed before 1990. There is a big difference between these keyboards and the previous standard PS / 2 keyboards with 84/85 keys, in addition the increase in the number of keys from 84/85 to 101/102. The additional application direct link keys correspond to the standard PS / 2 application keys by adding the code "EO": To "CTRL right" key - Press the standard "CTRL left" key and the "EO code " on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "ALT right" key --- Press the standard "ALT left" key and the code "EO" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  At "Enter" key --- Press the standard "return" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  À Key "/" --- Press the standard key "? /" And the code "EO" on a standard keyboard

from PS / 2.

  À Key "Insert" --- Press the standard key "O Ins" and the code "EO" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Delete" key --- Press the standard ".Delete" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Home page" key --- Press the standard "7 Home page" key and the code

  "EO" on a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "End" key --- Press the standard "1 End" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Advance" key --- Press the standard "9 PgUp" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  À "Reverse" key --- Press the standard "3 PgDn" key and the code "EO" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  With "" key --- Press the standard "8 Up" key and the code "EO" on a keyboard

PS / 2 standard.

  Touched '; "--- Press the standard key" 2 Dn "and the code" EO "on a standard keyboard

from PS / 2.

  À Key "-" --- Press the standard key "4 left" and the code "EO" on a keyboard

PS / 2 standard.

  With Key "-" --- Press the standard key "6 drolte" and the code "EO" on a keyboard

PS / 2 standard.

  The present invention uses the enhanced application technology of a conventional PS / 2 keyboard, using the standard code of any key and the additional code "EO" on a standard PS / 2 keyboard as the key code. extended direct link. FIG. 5 represents a standard keyboard enriched in Japanese language with 106 keys of PS / 2, which was marketed from 1990. The difference between said keyboard and the standard keyboard of PS / 2 enriched with 101/102 keys is the enlargement to 106 keys with several application keys directly linked to the keyboard

  PS / 2 standard enriched with 101/102 keys.

  There are three direct link application keys to which the code "EO" is associated with the code of

  standard PS / 2 key in said Japanese keyboard.

  This is another example of key technology

  application on the PS / 2 keyboard.

  The present invention uses the conventional technology of the expanded application keys on the PS / 2 keyboard, using the standard key code of any key on the standard PS / 2 keyboard and appending to it the code "EO" which serves as a code

  key for the extended direct link key.

  As Figure 6 shows, Microsoft openly demanded the addition of three function keys on the keyboard as early as 1995, namely the Windows Left, Windows Right and Application keys, which are used to control software and peripherals. Application programs are also integrated into the Windows operating system. EO is added to the said codes and group 2 of PS / 2 standard key codes is used in which "EO 1F" is used for the "Win left" key, the code "EO 27" is used for the "Win" key right"

  and the code "EO 2F" is used for the "App" key.

  The present invention uses the conventional technology of PS / 2 keyboards with extended application keys, using the standard code of any key on the standard PS / 2 keyboard by adding the code "EO" which serves key code for

  extended direct link keys.

  A conventional method using the standard PS / 2 keyboard with the widening of a direct link application key by reading a matrix

  is as described below.

  Prior to 1992, Apple Computer Corporation introduced a special function keyboard to the market, as shown in Figure 7. The keyboard has added extended function keys for managing compact discs (CD), such as the 'volume increase, volume decrease, mute and recording. raj out of a direct link key does not imply the addition of an input / output line (hereinafter I / O). The direct link key that has not been defined is directly defined by reading a matrix. Thus, the direct link key can be enlarged without adding any

  I / O line and without cost increase.

  There is also known a conventional method of enlarging keys with direct application link in standard PS / 2 keyboards. A standard 84-key PSl2 standard keyboard has 14 read lines (see Figure 8). Among these, three reading lines are reserved for Ctrl Left, Ctrl Right, Offset (respectively L-Ctrl, RCtrl, Shift in the figure) and Alt. The reserved use of three independent lines is intended to avoid ghost touches. If you press any of the two keys such as Ctrl, Shift, Alt on a PS / 2 keyboard, there will be no ghost key. Therefore, 14 reading lines minus 3, eleven lines remain for the other keyboard keys. If you remove the Ctrl, â Left, Right, Offset and Alt keys,

  original 84-key keyboard, only 80 remain.

  You need an extra touch for the European version, so you need eleven lines of

  reading, i.e. 8 x 11 = 88 keys. Why do you use

  on 8 as a reception base for reading? Because almost all keyboards are designed with individual 8-bit chips, most 2s return lines have 8 bits to allow reception, reading and

treatment at the same time.

  As indicated above, FIG. 4 represents a standard PS / 2 keyboard with 101/102 enriched keys which was marketed before 1990. Said keyboard comprises function keys with extended application added to an older model of standard keyboard. from PS / 2 to 84 keys. The only difference is the raj out of 18 function keys. According to the calculation in base 8, there must be three additional reading lines. But there are several empty matrices corresponding to the eleven previous reading lines without pressing any keys, so we actually only need to add two reading lines. Consequently, the standard PS / 2 keyboard with 101/102 enhanced keys becomes a standard 8 x 16 reading matrix. The 18 direct s keys added are as follows: À Direct link key Fll --- new key À Direct link key F12 --- new À key "CTRL right" key --Press the standard "CTRL left" key and the code

  "EO" on a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "ALT right" key --- Press the standard "ALT left" key and the code "EO"

on a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  À "Enter" key --- Press the standard "return" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  À Key "/" --- Press the standard key "? /" And the code "EO" on a keyboard

PS / 2 standard.

  À Key "Insert" --- Press the standard key "O Ins" and the code "EO" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Delete" key --- Press the standard ".Delete" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Home page" key --- Press the standard "7 Home page" key and

  "EO" code on a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  At "End" key --- Press the standard key "1 End! ' and the code "EO" on a

PS / 2 standard keyboard.

  To "Advance" key --- Press the standard "9 PgUp" key and the "EO" code on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  o o To "Reverse" key --- Press the standard "3 PgDn" key and the code "E0" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  "UP" KEY --- Press the standard "S Up" key and the code "E0" on

a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  With "Down" key --- Press the standard key "2 Dn" and the code "E0" on

a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Left" key --- Press the standard "4 Left" key and the code "E0" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Right" key --- Press the standard "6 Right" key and the code "E0" on a

standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  To "Print" key --- Press the standard "* Print" key and the code

  "E0" on a standard PS / 2 keyboard.

  A "Pause" key --- Press a complex key and the code "E1" on a standard PS / 2 keyboard The user can directly press the new function keys above to execute functions such as setting in the form of documents, 2s the order of a peripheral printer and other peripherals. The Microsoft company published specifications in early 1995 asking keyboard manufacturers to add three function keys to their keyboards, which had to be approved by Microsoft in order to be able to

  print the Windows logo for marketing.

  The added function keys were Win left, Win right and the App key (using the standard keys on the standard PS / 2 keyboard, with the additional code "E0"). Microsoft also asked to avoid

  phantom keys, see the specification in figure 9.

  To add these three keys, an I / O line must be widened to pass to 8 x 18 (like the reading matrix represented in figure 10) or 8 x 19 reading lines or it is necessary to envisage a new arrangement of all keys to reach 8 x 17 reading lines. These three keys were developed for future Windows software and reserved for application programs, multimedia hardware control, peripherals or other functions, as clearly stated in the specifications of Microsoft @. In early 1996, the world's largest computer manufacturer, Packard Bell @, added another direct link key - the PB key (using a standard PS / 2 key with the code "EO") on a standard PS / 2 keyboard with the addition of an application program to control macro programs. This PB key is also added to the original reading matrix, like the one shown

in Figure 11.

  The present invention intends to follow the conventional method of enlarging the function keys, by implementing a single 8-bit chip in an 8 × 16 reading matrix and by adding an enlarged function key or by increasing the number of lines of reading to arrive at a reading matrix of 8 x 17 or 8 x 18 or 8 x 19 (8 "return lines" at the base, instead of 9 or 10). The increase in the number of direct-link keys conforms to the principle of enlarging the function keys of a PS / 2 keyboard, by adding the EO code to the function keys with an application or an additional code conversion program . The main objective of the invention is to provide a multifunction keyboard with direct link keys, integrating several function blocks in a single keyboard, such as a document formatting block, an application key block, an internet block. , and a keypad for listening to CDs. Another object of the invention is to propose a multifunction keyboard with direct link keys, in which the function block is located near the space bar, so as to allow the user to press a key. with just one finger by launching the command for formatting a document without having to use the mouse or pressing several

keys at the same time.

  Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multifunction keyboard with direct link keys, in which special keys are assigned in the function block which can in part be managed by functions associated with direct link keys, also some of these functions associated with direct link keys can be performed without using any keyboard control program. An additional objective of the invention is to propose a multifunction keyboard with direct link keys, incorporating an application program and / or a code conversion control program which serves as a flag for automatically establishing reception by the reception system. Windows operation of the EO codes, used to identify and separate the new direct-link keys from the normal keys, Windows and / or a corresponding application program designated code conversion, to order and / or call the programs and order compatible software from any Windows operating system and the detailed instructions contained in the individual programs, to adapt to unrecognized direct link keys

by Windows @.

  These aims are achieved by means of a multifunction keyboard with direct link keys, comprising a keyboard and a plurality of function blocks on the keyboard, said keyboard being remarkable in that the function blocks comprise an application block, with a connection. to an Input / Output (I / O) line on a chip inside a circuit, allowing a user to have direct access to said function block. The multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to the invention can also include at least one of the following characteristics: - the application block comprises a user session end key, a change application key, keys Stop, Close, My computer, Calaulatrice, Word, Excel @, Power Point @, Access, Outlook, and Office Wizard; : - the function block further comprises a document formatting block, an Internet block, and a CD listening block; preferably then: - the block for formatting of items includes the Cut, Paste, Copy and Select keys; the Internet block includes the WWW, E-mail, Back, Forward, Stop, Refresh, Search and Favorites keys; and - the CD listening block includes the buttons Volume up, Volume down, Muting, Listening, Stop, Previous track, Next track. More preferably still: the keyboard also comprises an application program and / or a pilot code conversion program which automatically positions as flag a EO code received by the Windows @ operating system, flag which used to identify and separate new direct-link keys from normal keys; and - the conversion pilot program converts Windows codes and / or the corresponding application programs according to the specified functions, to control and / or call the programs and the software which is compatible with the detailed instructions contained in individual programs and any Windows @ operating system, to adapt to direct link keys not recognized by Windows @, and the conversion pilot program does not intercept and convert codes but returns them to the operating system Windows when the link key

  direct is not recognized by Windows.

  The drawings of the preferred embodiments of this invention will be described sufficiently

  detailed to allow a better understanding.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to the

present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of the multifunction keyboard with link keys

direct according to the invention.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of code conversion and control of the multi-functional keyboard with keys to

direct link according to the invention.

  Figure 4 is a front view of a keyboard

  conventional from PS / 2 to l0l / 102 keys.

  Figure 5 is a front view of a keyboard

conventional 106 keys.

  Figure 6 is a table of new keys

published by MICROSOFT in 1995.

  Figure 7 is a keyboard with a CD key

sold by APPLE in 1992.

  Figure 8 is a matrix code table of a

  conventional 84-key keyboard.

  Figure 9 is a published specification table

by MICROSOFT in 1995.

  Figure 10 is a matrix table of 8 x 18 code. Figure 11 is a table of linked keys

  direct published by PACKARD BELL in 1996.

  FIG. 12 represents a multifunction keyboard with keys with direct connection of 256 keys according to the invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a multifunction keyboard with direct link keys of the invention comprises several important function blocks on the same keyboard. The function blocks include a document formatting block with keys such as: Cut, Paste, Copy, Select and others; a block 200 of application programs with keys such as: End of session, Change of application, Close, My Computer, Calculator, Word, Excel @, Pow.er Point, Access @, OutLook and Office:, Wizard; an internet block 300 with keys such as: WWW, E-mail, Return, Advance, Stop, Refresh, Search and Favorites; and a CD management key block 400, such as: Volume up, Volume down, Muting, Listening,

  Stop, Previous Track, Next Track.

  All of these keys are located on the keyboard and are connected with the single chip I / O line in the circuit, allowing the user to use these module keys directly without any particular driver program, to format documents under the Windows @ operating system, without having to memorize key combinations or use a mouse. The function blocks are located near the space bar so that the user can press a single key to execute a given function, without having to use a mouse or having to press several keys at the same time, the user can therefore effectively reduce the extent and frequency of

movements of his arm.

  The invention also provides an application and / or a pilot code conversion program. The flag is automatically positioned after the reception by the Windows operating system of the EO codes which are used to identify and separate the new direct link keys from the normal keys. When Windows does not recognize the functions associated with the direct-link keys, the code conversion program follows the designated function to convert the codes according to Windows or according to the application program, to order or call the program and manage the detailed instructions contained therein. in individual programs and compatible software of any Windows operating system. In the case where Windows has recognized the function associated with the direct link key, the code conversion program does not intercept the code conversion, but returns the codes of

  keys to the Windows operating system.

  Referring to Figure 3, the flowchart associated with the code conversion is as follows: Step 10: the user first presses a key, the keyboard sends the code to the PC and refers to this key code as being group 2 of the reading codes; Step 20: the PC computer receives this code and converts it into another group of codes; this converted code is generally referred to as group 1 of the reading codes; Step 30: the pilot program of the device incorporated in the operating system receives the code converted in step 20; Step 40: the code received in step 30 is required by the PS / 2 connection program; Step 50: it is examined whether this code is an extended code of the connection program of the PS / 2; Step 80: if it is not an extended code (no), the PS / 2 connection program stores this code in the system message queue in the form of a message which waits for the application programs generals access it. Before this step, the programs are part of the operating system kernel, and after this step, the programs are available to the user; Step 60: if it is an extended code (yes), the connection program of the PS / 2 calls the associated application program to execute the indicated functions; 15. Step 70: finally, the PS / 2 connection program erases this code instead of supplying it to the system

operating.

  We will now describe in more detail the specific technology used in the context of the invention for multifunction direct link keys. l.When the user presses a new direct link key on the keyboard, the latter sends the E0 code defined by IBM and the second group of codes (work code) to the relevant key on the PS / 2 keyboard. When the user releases said direct link key, the keyboard sends the code E0 and a code for resting the specifice key on the keyboard of PS / 2. 2. Group 2 of the PS / 2 keyboard codes sent by the keyboard will be directly entered into the system's central unit by the keyboard cable. The multi-I / O chip inside the central unit converts the code "E0" defined by IBM and the group 2 of codes of the PS / 2, using "the code comparison table" known from prior art. (This table is prepared by the manufacturers of the systems in accordance with IBM specifications). The codes are converted to group 1 of PS / 2 codes, also known as the original BIOS keyboard code. This BIOS keyboard code is directly stored in the Windows keyboard input buffer, ready for access by Windows and keyboard driver programs, and a flag is automatically set. Windows automatically invalidates the code conversion function in the central processing unit of the PC (multi-I / O chip) and provides the Windows code conversion table

for code conversion.

  3. The technical approach used in this invention is the application of group 2 of PS / 2 codes with an excellent possibility of extension. There are 128 (000 FF HEXA) keys which can be enlarged to 255 keys, as shown in figure 12. There is a considerable difference between the invention and the

conventional technology.

  4. The embodiment of the invention is described below: a. When the user presses the direct link key such as "listen", the keyboard sends the codes E0 + 34 and E0 + F0 = 34 (example of the "G" key on a

2s PS / 2 keyboard).

  b. PS / 2 group 2 codes enter the system via the keyboard cable, then are converted into the IC system (multiple I / O chip) (or invalidated by WINDOWS and converted directly), they are thus converted in group 1 codes defined by IBM @, ie E0 + 22 and E0 + A2 (this conversion by the central unit or Windows has nothing to do with keyboard technology). This group 1 code can be directly stored in the Windows serial memory unit and the 3s keyboard code conversion pilot program or the

  Windows software can access it.

  C. A special application program can be used to read the codes of group l in the memory unit, in which the Windows operating system will automatically set as flag an EO s codes defined by IBM @, which flag can be accessed the application programs and which identifies and separates the new direct link keys from the normal keys. The code conversion software or program reads this flag and performs the task associated with the

  special direct link keys.

  The multifunction direct link keys of the invention thus use a specific technology which is radically different from the conventional technology of application of the link keys.

  direct. The main differences are explained below.

  below: a. The so-called "standard keyboard" of conventional direct link keys is a

  PC XT keyboard commonly available on the market.

  Among the keyboard types available on the market are: the standard XT keyboard, the standard APPLE keyboard, the standard PS / 2 keyboard, the standard USB keyboard, the standard UNIX keyboard, a standard terminal keyboard, etc. which have different keyboard functions,

  2s technologies and compatibility with central units.

  But most have alphabetic keys A to Z and numeric keys O to 9 which can be pressed and which send different codes. The technology used in this invention applies to group 2 codes of

PS / 2.

  b. Everyone uses the technology known from the EO codes defined by IBM. According to the example cited in the patent for known technology for conventional direct link keys, the codes "EO + 22 and EO + A2" sent directly by the keyboard are standard keyboard codes of the PC XT system which are completely different. codes of group 2 EO + 34 and EO + FO + 34 sent by the keyboard of PS / 2. The protocols used for signal transmission are also different. The data supplied to the Windows operating system by two different technologies are therefore completely different (for one, the work and rest codes are "OllE", for the other the work code is "EO + 22" and the coded

rest is "EO + A2").

  vs. Their integrity, sequence,

  code conversion methods are different.

  d. Their application programs or the operating procedures of their conversion programs are

  different (one with flag, the other without).

  The conversion program proposed by the invention converts the key codes according to special conversion tables which also correspond to modes which can be implemented. The code conversion pilot program is completely different in performance from the conventional direct link key pilot programs of the prior art. This difference lies mainly on two levels: the pilot code conversion program proposed by this invention, and the fact that the central unit of the keyboard

  sends any designated key code.

  The invention provides software to control the conversion of codes and intercept the codes requested by Windows @. In the case of a direct link key recognized by Windows @, the program does not intercept the code and does not convert it, but returns it to the Windows @ operating system. In the case of a direct link key not recognized by Windows @, the program performs the conversion according to the specified function, Windows or the associated application programs to command or call the program and manage the instructions contained therein. in individual programs as well as software

  compatible, Lets as Office, IE, Electronic Mail.

  Thus the program does not have to detect the exception of any program, so that it occupies very little the resources of Windows @. "

Claims (8)

  1. Multifunction keyboard with direct link keys, comprising a keyboard and a plurality of function blocks on the keyboard, characterized in that the function blocks comprise an application block (200), with a connection to a line of Input / Output (I / O) on a chip inside a circuit, allowing a user to have direct access audit function block.   2. Multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to claim 1, in which the application block (200) comprises a user session end key, an application change key, stop, close, my computer keys, Caloulatrice, Word, Excel @, Power Point @, Access, OuLlook @, and Office Wizard @.   The multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to claim 1, in which the function block further comprises a document formatting block (100), an Internet block (300), and a block. listening to CDs (400).   4. Multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to claim 3, in which the document shaping block (100) comprises the Cut keys, Paste, Copy and Select.   5. Multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to claim 3, in which the Internet block (300) comprises the keys WWW, E-mail, Return, Advance, Stop, Refresh, Search and Favorites. 6. Multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to claim 3, in which the CD listening block (400) comprises the buttons Volume up, Volume down, Mute, Listening, Stop, Previous Track, Next Track.   7. Multifunction keyboard with direct link keys   according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising in   in addition to an application program and / or a code conversion pilot program which automatically sets as flag a EO code received by the Windows @ operating system, a flag which is used to identify and separate the new keys to link direct from normal keys.   8. A multifunction keyboard with direct link keys according to claim 7, in which the conversion pilot program converts Windows codes and / or the corresponding application programs according to the specified functions, for controlling and / or calling the programs and the software which is compatible with the detailed instructions contained in individual programs and any Windows @ operating system, to adapt to direct link keys not recognized by Windows, and in which the conversion driver program does not intercept not and does not convert the codes but returns them to the Windows operating system when the key to