US20040093446A1 - Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040093446A1
US20040093446A1 US10/352,402 US35240203A US2004093446A1 US 20040093446 A1 US20040093446 A1 US 20040093446A1 US 35240203 A US35240203 A US 35240203A US 2004093446 A1 US2004093446 A1 US 2004093446A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
keyboard
hot key
software
hot
embedded controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/352,402
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English (en)
Inventor
Chia-Huang Lin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Getac Technology Corp
Original Assignee
Mitac Technology Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitac Technology Corp filed Critical Mitac Technology Corp
Assigned to MITAC TECHNOLOGY CORP. reassignment MITAC TECHNOLOGY CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LIN, CHIA-HUANG
Publication of US20040093446A1 publication Critical patent/US20040093446A1/en
Priority to US10/959,226 priority Critical patent/US7010627B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
    • G06F9/48—Program initiating; Program switching, e.g. by interrupt
    • G06F9/4806—Task transfer initiation or dispatching
    • G06F9/4812—Task transfer initiation or dispatching by interrupt, e.g. masked
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
    • G06F9/451—Execution arrangements for user interfaces

Definitions

  • the present invention relates Lo a hot key implementation technology, and in particular to an apparatus and method for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • the invention utilizes software to implement hot key functions for a computer system without an embedded controller, providing the same hot key functions as a computer system with embedded controller.
  • the apparatus and method disclosed by the invention are not costly and can resolve the present problems.
  • the invention discloses an apparatus for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller, comprising a keyboard with hot keys, a keyboard encoder, and a software driver module.
  • the keyboard with hot keys can be a standard keyboard or a specifically designed keyboard. If the keyboard is a standard keyboard, hot keys can be provided by assigning existing keys on the standard keyboard. If the keyboard with hot keys is a specifically designed keyboard, hot keys can be provided by attaching dedicated keys to a standard keyboard.
  • the keyboard encoder is coupled with the keyboard with hot keys and produces corresponding scan code according to the hot key used.
  • the keyboard encoder produces and transmits a corresponding scan code.
  • this scan code is received by the embedded controller and identifies the hot key used.
  • the software driver module is coupled with the keyboard encoder, comprising at least one software program.
  • the software programs can be provided by any computer-executable program language, such as C, C++.
  • the software driver module receives the scan code from the keyboard encoder, identifies the hot key used based on the scan code, and transmits a system management interrupt to notify a system BIOS.
  • the BIOS initiates a system service routine to execute the hot key function according to the system management interrupt.
  • the invention discloses a method for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • a keyboard with hot keys, a keyboard encoder, and a software driver module is provided in a computer system without an embedded controller.
  • the keyboard encoder produces scan code from hot key used.
  • the software driver module includes software programs.
  • the keyboard encoder When hot keys are used, the keyboard encoder produces and transmits a corresponding scan code.
  • the software driver module receives the scan code from the keyboard encoder, identifies the hot key used, and transmits a corresponding system management interrupt to notify a system BIOS.
  • BIOS then initiates a system service routine to execute hot key function according to the system management interrupt, thus enabling hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of the apparatus for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the method for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of the apparatus for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • the inventive apparatus comprises a keyboard with hot keys 10 , a keyboard encoder 12 , and a software driver module 14 .
  • the keyboard with hot keys 10 can be provided by a standard keyboard or by a specifically designed keyboard. If the keyboard with hot keys 10 is a standard keyboard, hot keys can be provided by assigning existing keys in the standard keyboard layout, such that there are no extra keys required on the keyboard. If the keyboard with hot keys 10 is a specifically designed keyboard, extra keys are disposed on the keyboard for use as hot keys. For example, if the desired function is CD/MP3, a corresponding hot key is disposed on the keyboard, which, when used, enables CD/MP3 function.
  • the keyboard encoder 12 is coupled with the keyboard with hot keys 10 and produces a scan code according to the hot key used. When hot keys 10 are used, the keyboard encoder 12 produces and transmits a corresponding scan code.
  • the invention utilizes a software solution to receive the scan code from the keyboard encoder 12 and identify the hot key used based on the scan code.
  • the software driver module 14 is coupled with the keyboard encoder 12 , comprising software driver programs 16 , provided by any computer-executable program language.
  • the software driver module 14 receives the scan code from the keyboard encoder 12 and identifies the hot key used accordingly. After the software driver module 14 identifies the used hot key, it sends the corresponding system management interrupt to notify a system BIOS 18 . The BIOS 18 then initiates the corresponding system service routine to execute the hot key function according to the received system management interrupt.
  • the invention utilizes software to implement hot key functions in a computer system without an embedded controller.
  • the method of the invention requires no costly redesign of hardware.
  • the method of the invention requires no change in operating methods.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the method for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller, according to the invention.
  • a keyboard with hot keys, a keyboard encoder, and a software driver module is provided in a computer system without an embedded controller.
  • the keyboard with hot keys can be provided by a standard keyboard or a specifically designed keyboard.
  • the keyboard encoder produces a corresponding scan code according to the hot key used.
  • the software driver module includes software driver programs, provided by any computer-executable program language, and receives the hot key scan code, identifies the hot key used, and transmits a system management interrupt to notify a system BIOS.
  • step S 200 When hot keys are used (step S 200 ), the keyboard encoder produces and transmits the corresponding scan code (step S 202 ).
  • the software driver module receives the scan code from the keyboard encoder (step 8204 ), and identifies the hot key used accordingly (step S 206 ).
  • the software driver module transmits the corresponding system management interrupt to notify a system BIOS according to the hot key scan code.
  • the BIOS initiates the corresponding system service routine to execute the hot key function chosen according to the received system management interrupt (step S 210 ).
  • the keyboard with hot keys is the specifically designed keyboard, dedicated hot keys are disposed thereon.
  • the desired function is CD/MP3
  • a corresponding key is provided on the keyboard, which, when used (step S 200 ), initiates the keyboard encoder to produce corresponding scan code (step S 202 ).
  • the software driver module receives the hot key scan code from the keyboard encoder (step S 204 ) and identifies the hot key used as the CD/MP3 function key (step S 206 ).
  • the software driver module transmits the system management interrupt to notify a system BIOS according to the scan code (step S 208 ).
  • the BIOS initiates the system service routine to execute the CD/MP3 function accordingly (step S 210 ).
  • the invention discloses a method and an apparatus for utilizing software to implement hot key functions without an embedded controller.
  • the invention utilizes a software solution to implement hot key switching and hot key functions in a computer system without an embedded controller and provides the same functionality as a computer system with embedded controller, achieving the stated objects.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)
US10/352,402 2002-11-12 2003-01-28 Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions Abandoned US20040093446A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/959,226 US7010627B2 (en) 2002-11-12 2004-10-06 Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW91133182 2002-11-12
TW091133182A TW577010B (en) 2002-11-12 2002-11-12 Device and method using software to implement hot key function of no embedded controller

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/959,226 Continuation-In-Part US7010627B2 (en) 2002-11-12 2004-10-06 Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions

Publications (1)

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US20040093446A1 true US20040093446A1 (en) 2004-05-13

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US10/352,402 Abandoned US20040093446A1 (en) 2002-11-12 2003-01-28 Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions
US10/959,226 Expired - Fee Related US7010627B2 (en) 2002-11-12 2004-10-06 Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/959,226 Expired - Fee Related US7010627B2 (en) 2002-11-12 2004-10-06 Method and apparatus for implementing hot key functions

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US (2) US20040093446A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JP2004164542A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (2) DE20320853U1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
TW (1) TW577010B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030063071A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Wyatt David A. Method and apparatus for signaling user initiated hot-key switch control
US20060064571A1 (en) * 2004-09-22 2006-03-23 Wei-Hsin Tseng Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing efficient startup to computers with peripheral devices
US20060168376A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-07-27 Oleg Ilyasov Usage of keyboard driver in extensible firmware interface for adding new hot keys at firmware level
US20060285143A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-21 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Driver call apparatus and method using shortcut key
US20070234092A1 (en) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-04 Freeman Joseph W Apparatus, system, and method for selecting a waking process
WO2008055011A3 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-06-26 Microsoft Corp Web configurable human input devices
CN100527056C (zh) * 2007-06-04 2009-08-12 威盛电子股份有限公司 手动输入装置的特别扫描码的设定方法
CN106294117A (zh) * 2015-06-12 2017-01-04 神讯电脑(昆山)有限公司 客制化机种的嵌入式控制器bios的测试方法
US10871969B1 (en) * 2019-08-28 2020-12-22 Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation Method for switching basic input/output system (BIOS) interface

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US8095783B2 (en) 2003-05-12 2012-01-10 Phoenix Technologies Ltd. Media boot loader
US7827558B2 (en) * 2004-06-30 2010-11-02 Devicevm, Inc. Mechanism for enabling a program to be executed while the execution of an operating system is suspended
US7853826B2 (en) * 2004-09-24 2010-12-14 Phoenix Technologies, Ltd. Operating system transfer and launch without performing post
KR100643301B1 (ko) 2005-09-12 2006-11-10 삼성전자주식회사 핫 키 입력에 의한 아이콘 출력 시스템 및 방법
US20090083375A1 (en) * 2006-07-10 2009-03-26 Chong Benedict T Installation of a Virtualization Environment
US7441113B2 (en) * 2006-07-10 2008-10-21 Devicevm, Inc. Method and apparatus for virtualization of appliances
US20090089396A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-02 Yuxi Sun Integrated Method of Enabling a Script-Embedded Web Browser to Interact with Drive-Based Contents
JP5161558B2 (ja) * 2007-12-25 2013-03-13 歐締科技股▲分▼有限公司 キーボードのホットキーコード伝送方法
US20090237276A1 (en) * 2008-03-21 2009-09-24 Inventec Corporation Computer apparatus and the function activating method thereof
US20100115254A1 (en) * 2008-10-30 2010-05-06 Thomas Deng Synchronization in Multiple Environments

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030063071A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Wyatt David A. Method and apparatus for signaling user initiated hot-key switch control
US20060064571A1 (en) * 2004-09-22 2006-03-23 Wei-Hsin Tseng Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing efficient startup to computers with peripheral devices
US7600105B2 (en) 2004-09-22 2009-10-06 Cyberlink Corp. Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing efficient startup to computers with peripheral devices
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US20060168376A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-07-27 Oleg Ilyasov Usage of keyboard driver in extensible firmware interface for adding new hot keys at firmware level
US7996570B1 (en) 2005-01-25 2011-08-09 American Megatrends, Inc. Usage of keyboard driver in extensible firmware interface for adding new hot keys at firmware level
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US20060285143A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-21 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Driver call apparatus and method using shortcut key
US20070234092A1 (en) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-04 Freeman Joseph W Apparatus, system, and method for selecting a waking process
US7673161B2 (en) 2006-03-28 2010-03-02 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Apparatus, system, and method for selecting a waking process
US20080168187A1 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-07-10 Microsoft Corporation Web configurable human input devices
WO2008055011A3 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-06-26 Microsoft Corp Web configurable human input devices
US8650345B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2014-02-11 Microsoft Corporation Web configurable human input devices
CN100527056C (zh) * 2007-06-04 2009-08-12 威盛电子股份有限公司 手动输入装置的特别扫描码的设定方法
CN106294117A (zh) * 2015-06-12 2017-01-04 神讯电脑(昆山)有限公司 客制化机种的嵌入式控制器bios的测试方法
US10871969B1 (en) * 2019-08-28 2020-12-22 Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation Method for switching basic input/output system (BIOS) interface

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20050044296A1 (en) 2005-02-24
DE10332307A1 (de) 2004-05-27
TW200407757A (en) 2004-05-16
DE10332307B4 (de) 2006-11-30
TW577010B (en) 2004-02-21
DE20320853U1 (de) 2005-05-19
US7010627B2 (en) 2006-03-07
JP2004164542A (ja) 2004-06-10

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Owner name: MITAC TECHNOLOGY CORP., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LIN, CHIA-HUANG;REEL/FRAME:013710/0889

Effective date: 20030122

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION