TWI470480B - Method and appratus for executing device functions by using combination key to replace fn key - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for performing device functions using a combination of keys instead of Fn keys

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing device functions, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for using a combination of keys instead of Fn keys to perform device functions.

In the test phase of the notebook function, the tester needs to use the built-in keyboard to test whether the device function is normal, especially the device function that needs to be activated by using the Fn key combined with the function keys F1~F12. However, before the built-in keyboard is obtained, the tester can only test by using an external keyboard, but there is no Fn button on the external keyboard, so it is still impossible to test whether the Fn key function of the notebook is normal, so to test the complete function, it is necessary to Wait until the keyboard of the notebook is delivered.

On the other hand, in the field of computer games, users prefer to use a touch-sensitive external keyboard compared to a touch-sensitive notebook keyboard, but in the game, it is often necessary to use the Fn key to perform a specific Function, and because there is no Fn button on the external keyboard, the user still has to press the Fn button on the built-in keyboard when the Fn button is needed, which is quite inconvenient for the user. In addition, the built-in keyboard of the notebook computer is relatively expensive. If the Fn key of the built-in keyboard is damaged due to too many pressing times, it is more expensive to replace the entire built-in keyboard.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a device function by using a combination key instead of an Fn key, and an external keyboard can be used to achieve the function of the Fn key on the built-in keyboard. The present invention proposes a method of using a combination key instead of the Fn key to perform a device function. The Fn key on the built-in keyboard of the electronic device is replaced by a combination key on the external keyboard, wherein the built-in keyboard is coupled to the embedded controller of the electronic device, and the external keyboard is connected to the electronic device through the connection interface, and the method includes Define the parameter value corresponding to each of the Fn key and each of the multiple function keys, and record the code (EC code) as the embedded controller. Then, receiving the scan code generated by the pressing of the keyboard, the application program converts the scan code combined with one of the combination key and the function key into a parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key, and fills in the parameter value. The memory of the embedded controller. The embedded controller transmits the scan code combined with the Fn key corresponding to the parameter value and the function key to the operating system according to the recorded code (can also send a System Control Interrupt (SCI) or otherwise notify The operating system, sending a scan code or sending an SCI or otherwise notifying the operating system depends on the implementation of the combination of the Fn key and the function key on the built-in keyboard) to perform the device function corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key.

In an embodiment of the present invention, after the step of defining a parameter value corresponding to each of the Fn key and the plurality of function keys, and recording the code as the embedded controller, the method further includes receiving the far The scan code sent by the end device, and the application program converts the scan code combined with one of the combination key and the function key into a parameter value corresponding to the Fn key and the function key, and fills in the memory of the embedded controller. The embedded controller transmits the scan code combined with the Fn key corresponding to the function key to the operating system according to the definition (it may also send the SCI or otherwise notify the operating system, send the scan code or send the SCI or Other ways to notify the operating system depends on the implementation of the combination of the Fn key and the function key on the built-in keyboard) to perform the device function corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key.

In an embodiment of the present invention, before the step of converting the scan code combined with one of the combination key and the function key into a parameter value corresponding to the Fn key and the function key by using the application program, the method further includes: The application displays the setting interface of the key combination and receives the key combination selected by the user in the setting interface, and replaces the Fn key with the combination key.

In an embodiment of the present invention, after the step of executing the application to display the setting interface of the combination key, the method further includes displaying the software button corresponding to the combination of the combination key and each function key in the setting interface, and receiving the The selection command of the soft button is converted to the parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes defining an inline according to an advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) before the step of filling the parameter value into the memory of the embedded controller. A tuple in the memory of the controller acts as an interface for communicating with the application and is used to fill in the parameter values, so that the embedded controller can access the interface to obtain the parameter value and execute the code defined by the code. action.

The present invention provides an apparatus for performing a device function using a combination key instead of an Fn key, which includes an embedded controller, an external keyboard, a built-in keyboard, a system memory, and a processor. Among them, the embedded controller has a memory. The external keyboard has a plurality of keys and generates a scan code when the keys are pressed. The built-in keyboard is coupled to the embedded controller and has an Fn key and a plurality of function keys. The system memory records the code of the embedded controller, wherein the code of the embedded controller defines a parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and each function key. The processor receives the scan code generated by the external keyboard, and executes an application to convert the scan code combined with one of the function keys and the function key into a value corresponding to the Fn key and the function key, and fill in the embedded value. This memory of the controller. The embedded controller transmits the scan code combined with the Fn key and the function key corresponding to the parameter value to the operating system according to the code (can also send the SCI or otherwise notify the operating system, send the scan code or send the SCI or The other means of notifying the operating system depends on the implementation of the combination of the Fn key and the function key on the built-in keyboard) to perform the device function corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a communication interface, the communication interface receives the scan code transmitted by the remote device, and the processor executes the application to combine the combination of the key and the function key. The code is converted to a parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key.

In an embodiment of the invention, the processor further includes an execution application to display a setting interface of the combination key, and receives a combination key selected by the user in the setting interface, and the combination key replaces the Fn key.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor further includes a software button corresponding to the combination of the combination key and each function key in the setting interface, and receives the selection instruction of the software button, and converts to the Fn key and the function. The key combines the corresponding parameter value.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one of the tuples in the memory of the embedded controller is defined as an interface for communicating with the application according to the advanced configuration and the power interface, and is used to fill in the parameter values, so that The embedded controller can perform the action defined by the code by accessing the interface to obtain the value of the parameter.

Based on the above, the method and device for performing the function of the device by using the combination key instead of the Fn key of the present invention are performed by converting the scan code received by the external keyboard through the embedded controller and the application system of the operating system. The Fn key is combined with the function key to correspond to the device function.

The above described features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description.

1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for performing a function of a device by using a combination key instead of an Fn key, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The device 100 of the embodiment includes a system memory 110, an embedded controller 120, a processor 140, a built-in keyboard 160, and an external keyboard 180. The embedded controller 120 includes a memory 125. The built-in keyboard 160 is coupled to the embedded controller 120 and has an Fn key and a plurality of function keys. In practical applications, the built-in keyboard 160 can be a keyboard of a notebook computer. The external keyboard 180 is connected to the device 100, for example, through a connection interface such as a universal serial bus. 2 is a flow chart of a method for performing a device function using a combination key instead of an Fn key according to an embodiment of the invention.

Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 at the same time. First, a parameter value corresponding to each of the Fn key and each of the plurality of function keys (F1 to F12) is defined in the system memory 110, and is recorded as a code of the embedded controller 120 (step S202), for example, This code can define the parameter value corresponding to Fn+F1 as 1. The parameter value corresponding to Fn+F2 is defined as 2, ..., and the parameter value corresponding to Fn+F7 is defined as 7 or the like. Here, the correspondence between the parameter value and the button is stored in the system memory 110 of the device 100, and each time the embedded controller 120 receives the parameter value, the corresponding memory can be obtained by querying the system memory 110. Button combination.

Next, the processor 140 receives the scan code generated by the external keyboard 180 being pressed (step S204), and the external keyboard 180 has a plurality of buttons. When the button is pressed, the scan code is generated and sent to the processor 140, for example, in the combination key Ctrl. When the +shift and function keys F7 are pressed, the external keyboard 180 transmits the scan codes of the keys to the processor 140. After receiving the scan code, the processor 140 converts the scan code combined with the combination key Ctrl+shift and the function key F7 into a parameter value 7 corresponding to the Fn key combined with the function key F7 (step S206). In short, the application converts the combination key Ctrl+shift of the external keyboard to the Fn key on the built-in keyboard. As for which combination of keys to replace the Fn key, it can be preset by the system or customized by the user. The above application can also be applied to the built-in keyboard, because the application in the operating system can receive the scan code sent by the application whether it is a built-in keyboard or an external keyboard.

It should be noted that, in another embodiment of the present invention, the scan code generated by pressing the external keyboard 180 may also be the scan code sent by the remote device, and is suitable for the user to connect from the remote device to the remote device. On the local side, use the combination key instead of the Fn key to perform the device function.

Thereafter, the processor 140 fills the parameter value 7 into the memory 125 of the embedded controller 120 (step S208). The embodiment defines a byte in the memory 125 of the embedded controller 120 as being communicated with the application of the processor 140 according to an advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI). The processor 140 can fill in the parameter value 7 into the byte group, so that the embedded controller 120 can obtain the parameter value 7 by accessing the byte group, thereby performing the corresponding action.

In detail, the embedded controller 120 captures the scan code combined with the Fn key and the function key corresponding to the parameter value in the system memory 110 according to the code, and transmits the scan code to the operating system of the processor 140 (also Sending a System Control Interrupt (SCI) or otherwise notifying the operating system, sending a scan code or sending an SCI or otherwise notifying the operating system depends on the implementation of the combination of the Fn key and the function key on the built-in keyboard) S210). For example, in the system memory 110, the scan code combined with the Fn key corresponding to the function value F7 is extracted and transmitted to the operating system of the processor 140, after which the processor 140 performs the Fn key and the function key F7. The corresponding device function (step S212), for example, enables the touchpad of the notebook computer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for setting a combination key according to another embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a schematic diagram of a combination key setting interface according to another embodiment of the invention. Please refer to FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 at the same time. This embodiment illustrates the setting portion of the combination key in the present invention. The processor 140 executes an application to display the setting interface 400 of the combination key (step S302), where the user can set a combination key to be used instead of the Fn key, for example, inputting Ctrl and combining key blocks in the combination key block 402. 404 enter Shift. The processor 140 then receives the key combination (Ctrl+shift) selected by the user in the setting interface 400, and replaces the Fn key with the combination key (step S304).

It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned setting interface 400, for example, the software button 406 corresponding to the combination of the combination key and the function key (for example, Fn key + F7) is displayed (step S306). When the user clicks the software button 406, the processor 140 receives the selection command of the software button 406 and converts it into a parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key (step S308). In other words, the processor 140 converts the input of the soft button 406 directly to the parameter value 7 corresponding to the Fn key + F7, and the effect of replacing the Fn key can be achieved. The configuration of the software button 406 provides a way to test the Fn key or device function outside of a physical button, and is available for the user to select. The above combination keys (Ctrl+shift) and software button 406 are merely examples of implementation, and are not limited in their kind or number.

In summary, the present invention proposes a method of using a combination key instead of the Fn key to perform a device function, and is suitable for replacing the Fn key on the built-in keyboard of the electronic device with a combination key on the external keyboard. When there is no built-in keyboard, you can also test the function of the Fn key, and make the external keyboard achieve the same function as the built-in keyboard of the notebook computer, and the use of an external keyboard can extend the life of the built-in keyboard of the notebook computer.

In addition, the notebook computer has a large amount of radiation. If an external keyboard can be used to implement the Fn key function, the user can be farther away from the screen of the notebook computer, thereby reducing the damage of the notebook computer to the human body and being healthy. Considering the economic benefits, using the combination key instead of the Fn key saves one key compared to the ordinary keyboard, which can reduce the production cost.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention, and any one of ordinary skill in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

100. . . Device that uses a combination of keys instead of the Fn key to perform device functions

110. . . System memory

120. . . Embedded controller

125. . . Memory

140. . . processor

160. . . Built-in keyboard

180. . . External keyboard

200. . . Method of using a combination key instead of the Fn key to perform a device function

300. . . Combination key setting method

400. . . Key combination setting interface

402, 404. . . Key combination box

406. . . Software button

S202~S212. . . Method step using a combination of keys instead of Fn to perform device functions

S302~S308. . . Combination key setting method flow step

1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for performing a function of a device by using a combination key instead of an Fn key, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

2 is a flow chart of a method for performing a device function using a combination key instead of an Fn key according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for setting a combination key according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a combination key setting interface according to another embodiment of the invention.

S202~S212. . . Method step using a combination of keys instead of Fn to perform device functions

Claims (10)

A method for replacing a Fn key to perform a function of a device by using a combination of a plurality of key combinations on an external keyboard to replace an Fn key on a built-in keyboard of an electronic device, wherein the built-in keyboard is coupled to the electronic device One of the embedded controllers, and the external keyboard is connected to the electronic device through a connection interface, the method comprising the steps of: defining a parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and each of the plurality of function keys, and recording a code of the embedded controller; receiving a scan code generated by the pressing of the external keyboard; and converting, by the application, the combination key and one of the plurality of function keys, the scan code is the Fn The parameter value corresponding to the combination of the key and the function key; filling the parameter value with a memory of the embedded controller; the embedded controller according to the code corresponding to the Fn key corresponding to the parameter value The scan code combined with the function key is transmitted to an operating system; and a device function corresponding to the Fn key is combined with the function key. A method for performing a device function by using a combination key instead of an Fn key as described in claim 1, wherein the parameter value corresponding to each of the Fn key and the plurality of function keys is defined and recorded as After the step of the code of the embedded controller, the method further includes: receiving the scan code sent by a remote device; and converting, by the application, the combination key and the scan code by one of the plurality of function keys Corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key The parameter value is filled in the memory of the embedded controller; and the embedded controller combines the Fn key corresponding to the parameter value with the function key according to the code. The code is transmitted to the operating system to perform the device function corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key. A method for performing a device function by using a combination key instead of an Fn key as described in claim 1, wherein the scan code is combined with the combination key and one of the plurality of function keys by the application. Before the step of combining the parameter value corresponding to the Fn key and the function key, the method further includes: executing the application to display a setting interface of the combination keys; and receiving a selected one of the user selected in the setting interface The keys are combined, and the Fn keys are replaced by the combination keys. A method for performing a function of a device by using a combination key instead of an Fn key as described in claim 3, wherein after the step of executing the application to display the setting interface of the combination keys, the method further includes: setting the interface And displaying a software button corresponding to the combination of the plurality of function keys; and receiving a selection instruction of the software button, and converting the parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key. A method for performing a function of a device by using a combination key instead of an Fn key as described in claim 1, wherein before the step of filling the parameter value into the memory of the embedded controller, the method further comprises: Defining a tuple in the memory of the embedded controller as an interface to communicate with the application according to an advanced configuration and a power interface, and filling in the parameter value, so that the embedded controller can An action defined by the code is executed by accessing the interface to obtain the parameter value. A device for performing a function of a device by using a combination key instead of an Fn key, comprising: an embedded controller having a memory; an external keyboard having a plurality of buttons, generating a scan code when the plurality of buttons are pressed; a built-in keyboard coupled to the embedded controller, having an Fn key and a plurality of function keys; a system memory recording a code of the embedded controller, wherein the code of the embedded controller defines the Fn a parameter value corresponding to each of the plurality of function keys; and a processor receiving the scan code generated by the external keyboard, executing an application to convert the plurality of combination keys and one of the plurality of function keys The scan code is combined with the parameter value corresponding to the Fn key and the function key, and the parameter value is filled in the memory of the embedded controller, wherein the embedded controller according to the code The scan code corresponding to the Fn key and the function key corresponding to the parameter value is transmitted to an operating system to perform a device function corresponding to the Fn key combined with the function key. The device for using the combination key instead of the Fn key to perform the function of the device, as described in claim 6, further comprising: a communication interface, receiving the scan code transmitted by a remote device, The processor executes the application to convert the combination keys and one of the plurality of function keys, and the scan code is the parameter value corresponding to the combination of the Fn key and the function key. An apparatus for performing a device function by using a combination key instead of an Fn key, as described in claim 6, wherein the processor further includes a setting interface for executing the application to display the combination keys, and receiving a user The combination keys selected in the setting interface are replaced by the combination keys. An apparatus for performing a function of a device by using a combination key instead of an Fn key as described in claim 8, wherein the processor further includes displaying, in the setting interface, the combination of the combination keys and each of the plurality of function keys. a software button receives a selection command of the software button and converts the value of the parameter corresponding to the combination of the Fn button and the function button. A device for performing a device function by using a combination key instead of an Fn key as described in claim 6 wherein the one-bit tuple in the memory of the embedded controller is defined according to an advanced configuration and a power interface. An interface for communicating with the application, and for filling in the parameter value, so that the embedded controller can perform an action defined by the code by accessing the interface to obtain the parameter value.