WO2003003183A1 - Foot operated input device and method for processing inputted data - Google Patents

Foot operated input device and method for processing inputted data Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003003183A1
WO2003003183A1 PCT/KR2001/001250 KR0101250W WO03003183A1 WO 2003003183 A1 WO2003003183 A1 WO 2003003183A1 KR 0101250 W KR0101250 W KR 0101250W WO 03003183 A1 WO03003183 A1 WO 03003183A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key
scan code
key scan
operated
input device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2001/001250
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2003003183B1 (en
Inventor
Shin-Kon Kim
Jeong-Sik Park
Original Assignee
Shin-Kon Kim
Jeong-Sik Park
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 Shin-Kon Kim, Jeong-Sik Park filed Critical Shin-Kon Kim
Publication of WO2003003183A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003003183A1/en
Publication of WO2003003183B1 publication Critical patent/WO2003003183B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0334—Foot operated pointing devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an input device and method for processing inputted
  • the present invention relates to a foot-operated input device and
  • processing devices such as computer, Internet TV, and game machine.
  • the mouse is an example of processing devices, such as computer, Internet TV, and game machine.
  • the keyboard is an effective input device under text-based circumstances.
  • mouse than keyboard, and the mouse has an advantage that a novice can use the mouse with dexterity as an experienced user.
  • application program such as word processor
  • FIG. 1 depicts the situation of inputting data in characters by conventional hand-
  • KOREAN/ENGLISH toggle key or function
  • Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a foot-operated input
  • a foot-operated input device coupled between a
  • hand-operated keyboard and an electrical data processing device comprising at least
  • one input key operated by a foot comprises: a first transceiver for receiving a first key
  • transceiver to generate first key scan data indicative of an activated key, wherein the
  • keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key, a scan code generator coupled to the
  • keyboard matrix to generate a second key scan code in accordance with the key scan data
  • a memory for storing a key allocation table and/or a collision processing routine
  • the key allocation table comprises key scan code allocated to foot-key and the collision processing routine solves a situation that the first key scan code collides with the second
  • a central processing unit for processing the first key scan code and/or the
  • the input key is a non-
  • the predetermined criterion is as follows: when the second key scan code is not
  • the first key scan code is inputted after the second key scan code and the first key scan code collides
  • the third key scan code is generated according to the
  • the second transceiver coupled to the electrical data processing device via wireless
  • wireless key scan code comprises the third key scan code, a keyboard identifier that the
  • electrical data processing device can recognize the foot-operated input device, channel
  • the central processing unit can change a key scan code in the key allocation table
  • the collision processing routine is as follows: when the second key scan code is
  • the foot-operated input device further comprises a position control device
  • the position control device controls a pointer that is located on a monitor.
  • the method comprising the steps of: determining
  • the foot-operated input device comprises at least one input key, wherein the
  • input key is indicative of a key on the hand-operated keyboard and the input key has an
  • non-character key comprises conversion key
  • the method further comprises receiving reallocated key in accordance with
  • an input device for an electrical data processing device which input device can
  • a foot-operated input device for producing a
  • a device comprises at least one of a first input key and a hand-operated input device coupled
  • a foot-operated input device coupled to a hand-operated input device comprises: a
  • keyboard matrix for producing a key scan data indicative of an activated key
  • keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key, a scan code generator coupled to the
  • keyboard matrix to generate a first key scan code in accordance with the key scan data
  • a transceiver for transmitting the first key scan code to the hand-operated input device.
  • the foot-operated input device further comprises a position control device,
  • the position control device controls a pointer that is located on monitor.
  • a hand-operated input device coupled between a foot-operated input device and an
  • a first transceiver for receiving a first key scan code from the foot-
  • a keyboard matrix for producing a key scan data indicative of an
  • the input keys comprises a plurality of character keys and a
  • a scan code generator coupled to the keyboard matrix to
  • allocation table comprises key scan code allocated to input key of the foot-operated input
  • the predetermined criterion is as follows: when the first key scan code is not
  • the first key scan code is directly outputted without processing; when the first key scan
  • the third key scan code is generated according to the
  • the second transceiver which is coupled to the electrical data processing device
  • the wireless key scan code comprises the third key scan code, a keyboard
  • a channel information which channel is used to communicate between the hand- operated input device and the electrical data processing device via wireless link and an
  • the central processing unit can change a key scan code in the key allocation table
  • the collision processing routine is as follows: when the first key scan code is
  • the first key scan code and if the attribute of the first key scan code is an extension key, then awaiting a third key scan code from the hand-operated keyboard, determining whether
  • the method further comprises receiving a reallocated key in accordance with
  • a foot-operated input system which can be used together with a hand-operated keyboard in
  • an electrical data processing device comprises: a foot-operated input device coupled to the
  • electrical data processing device comprising: (a) a keyboard matrix for producing a key
  • keyboard matrix comprises at least
  • a scan code generator coupled to the keyboard matrix to generate a first
  • keyboard and the foot-operated input device to process the first key scan code and/or a
  • predetermined criterion change a processed key scan code to character code applicable to the electrical data processing device.
  • the transceiver coupled to the electrical data processing device via wireless link
  • the wireless key scan code comprises the first key scan code, a keyboard identifier
  • the electrical data processing device can recognize the hand-operated input device
  • channel information which channel is used to communicate between the hand-operated
  • the foot-operated input device further comprises a position control device
  • the position control device controls a pointer that is located on the monitor.
  • a hand-operated keyboard used together with a hand-operated keyboard and comprises at least one input key operated
  • the method comprises the following steps: receiving a key input from the hand-
  • a method for processing inputted data from a hand-operated keyboard and a foot-operated input device comprises the following steps: determining
  • the method further comprises receiving reallocated key in accordance with input
  • the collision processing routine is as follows: when the second key scan code is
  • a foot-operated input device coupled between a hand-operated input device and an
  • electrical data processing device comprises: a base, a projecting part located on an upper
  • a first foothold located on another side opposite to the first socket of the projecting panel, a first foothold
  • a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a first connector corresponding to the first socket
  • FIG. 1 depicts the situation of inputting data in characters by conventional hand-
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer user using one embodiment of present
  • FIG. 3a to 3e show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present
  • FIG. 4a to 4c show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present invention that is operated by a foot
  • FIG. 5a to 5c show illustrations of the present invention that includes position
  • FIG. 6a to 6d show the installation process of a foot-operated input device and a
  • FIG. 7a to 7c show the installation process of a foot-operated input device in
  • FIG. 8 is an attribute table of input keys
  • FIG. 9 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
  • FIG. 10a shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-
  • FIG. 10b depicts wireless key scan code format
  • FIG. 10c depicts another wireless key scan format
  • FIG. lOd depicts another wireless key scan format
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with a
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
  • FIG. 14 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
  • FIG. 15a is a block diagram of a hand-operated input device in accordance with
  • FIG. 15b is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
  • FIG. 16a is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in
  • FIG. 16b is a flowchart of an operation of the hand-operated input device in
  • FIG. 17 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
  • FIG. 18 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing inputted data from a conventional keyboard
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
  • An input device that can be used to input data together with the hand-operated
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer user using one embodiment of present
  • the computer user 10 can input data into computer 13
  • the hand-operated input device 11 is a conventional keyboard such as keyboard
  • the foot-operated input device 12 comprises a plurality of input keys on right/left
  • input device further comprises a pointer operating device such as touch pad, positioning
  • the computer user 10 can have the same result of depressing a key located on the hand-
  • foot-operated input device 12 Preferably the foot-operated input device 12 is located
  • the foot-operated input device 12 can be designed for one foot.
  • a computer 13 is a typical electrical data processing device and is controlled by
  • FIG. 3a to 3e show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present
  • the foot-operated input device 20 comprises a plurality of
  • the foot-operated input device 20 has an inclined upper surface for user
  • surface (1) can be inclined by the use of an angle adjusting member that is capable of-
  • the fifth input key and the sixth input key 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f are circular or
  • foot-operated input device 20 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of
  • the first input key, the second input key and the third input key 20a, 20b, 20c are identical to The first input key, the second input key and the third input key 20a, 20b, 20c.
  • fourth input key, the fifth input key and the sixth input key 20d, 20e, 20f are located at the
  • angle between the fourth input key 20d and the sixth input key 20f are less than 60 degrees.
  • Foot resting positions 21a, 21b are formed to be uneven or as a foot-shaped
  • the foot-operated input device 22 comprises a plurality of
  • the fifth input key and the sixth input key 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f are shaped as a
  • foot-operated input device 22 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of
  • the first input key, the second input key and the third input key 22a, 22b, 22c are identical to The first input key, the second input key and the third input key 22a, 22b, 22c.
  • fourth input key, the fifth input key and the sixth input key 22d, 22e, 22f are located at the
  • angle between the fourth input key 22d and the sixth input key 22f are less than 90 degrees.
  • the second input key 22b and the fourth input key 22e are preferably located in front
  • Foot resting positions 23a, 23b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
  • the foot-operated input device 24 comprises a plurality of
  • the first input key, the second input key, the third input key, the fourth input key 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are shaped like a circle or a rectangle for the user to easily operate.
  • foot-operated input device 24 preferably the upper surface of foot-operated input device 24 is covered with synthetic
  • the first input key and the second input key 24a, 24b are located at the
  • the third input key 24c preferably are located in front of each foot.
  • Foot resting positions 25a, 25b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
  • the foot-operated input device 26 comprises a plurality of
  • the first input key, the second input key, the third input key, and the fourth input key 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are shaped like a circle or a rectangle for the user to easily operate.
  • foot-operated input device 26 preferably the upper surface of foot-operated input device 26 is covered with synthetic
  • the first input key and the second input key 26a, 26b are located at the
  • the fourth input key 26d preferably are located on the same horizontal line.
  • Foot resting positions 27a, 27b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
  • the foot-operated input device 28 comprises a plurality of
  • key 28a, 28b are shaped like a circle or a rectangle for user to easily operate. Because the foot-operated input device 28 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur due to dust
  • foot-operated input device 28 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of
  • the first input key 28a is located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on
  • the heel of left foot and the third input key, and the fourth input key 28b is located at the
  • the first input key 28a and the second input key 28b preferably are located in front of each
  • Foot resting positions 29a, 29b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
  • FIG. 4a to 4c show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present
  • the foot-operated input device 30 comprises a plurality of
  • the foot-operated input device 30 has an inclined upper surface for user
  • the upper surface of foot-operated input device 30 that can be combined with the hand-operated input device is level, however, preferably the upper surface (1) can be
  • the first input key, the second input key, and the third input key 30a, 30b, 30c are identical to The first input key, the second input key, and the third input key 30a, 30b, 30c.
  • foot-operated input device 30 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of circular
  • the first input key, the second input key and the third input key 30a, 30b, 30c are identical to The first input key, the second input key and the third input key 30a, 30b, 30c.
  • FIG. 4a preferably the angle between the first input key 30a and the third input key 30c is
  • Foot resting positions 31 are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped projection
  • the foot-operated input device 32 comprises a plurality of
  • the first input key and the second input key 32a, 32b are shaped like a circle or a
  • the first input key and the second input key 32a, 32b are located at the
  • the angle between the first input key 32a and the second input key 32b is less
  • Foot resting positions 33 are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped projection
  • the foot-operated input device 34 comprises an input key 35
  • the input key 35 is shaped like a circle or a rectangle for user to easily operate.
  • foot-operated input device 34 is covered with synthetic resins, and a
  • the input key 35 is located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on the
  • Foot resting positions 36 are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped projection
  • FIG. 5a to 5c show illustrations of the present invention that includes a position
  • the foot-operated input device 37 comprises a plurality of
  • the touch pad 40 is located between foot resting positions 39a, 39b and generates
  • touch pad 40 is preferably larger than an ordinary touch pad for the user to operate it easily.
  • the foot-operated input device 41 comprises a plurality of
  • the track ball 44 is located between foot resting positions 43 a, 43b and generates
  • the track ball 44 is preferably larger
  • the foot-operated input device 45 comprises a plurality of
  • the positioning bar 48 is located between foot resting positions 47a, 47b and generates position data caused by the computer user's foot.
  • the positioning bar 48 is
  • FIG. 6a to 6d show the installation process of a foot-operated input device and a
  • foot-operated input device 51 are combined with each other, the keyboard 50 is located on
  • the foot-operated' input device 51 When the foot-operated input device 51 is not used,
  • the foot-operated input device can be used as a wrist rest.
  • the foot-operated input device 51 can be detached from the
  • keyboard 50 is located at a suitable place for use.
  • the foot-operated input device 51 is
  • an angle-adjusting member can be any angle-adjusting member.
  • the foot-operated input device 51 is inclined by using an extra angle-adjusting
  • FIG. 7a to 7c show the installation process of a foot-operated input device in
  • a plurality of input keys, foot resting positions and/or position control device are provided.
  • the lower surface member 63 comprises an angle-adjusting member 65. One end of the angle adjusting member 65 is connected to the lower surface 63 by
  • FIG. 8 is an attribute table of input keys.
  • a plurality of input keys installed on a hand-operated input
  • foot-operated input device can be classified into non-character key and
  • the non-character key comprises an extension key that extends input
  • ENTER key BACKSPACE key, FUNCTION key, ESCAPE key
  • ARROW keys and keyboard own function keys The character keys comprise A ⁇ Z and
  • the non-character keys can be classified into extension keys
  • CONTROL key that comprise CONTROL key, SHIFT key and ALT key and conversion keys that comprise CAPS LOCK key, NUM LOCK key, and KOREAN/ENGLISH key.
  • extension keys are used with character keys in order to input hot-key (i.e., shortened key),
  • key scan code 1 for the extension key
  • key scan code 2 for the extension key
  • a conversion key is used to convert input state of keyboard, that is, capital
  • a typical hand-operated input device for processing inputted keys at AT keyboard, a typical hand-operated input device, as an
  • Keyboard comprises a plurality of input keys that are respectively assigned an
  • keyboard output from keyboard is a scan code that is assigned to the 'A' key, not 'A' character. Formerly a keyboard that was used before the AT keyboard generated a key
  • the transmitted key scan code is converted by key scan code
  • the user's key input can be divided into an
  • user's key input comprises both an initiation of depressing key and a termination of
  • depressing key Whenever the initiation of depressing key or the termination of
  • keyboard takes off his/her finger from the depressed input key, keyboard generates brake key and transmits the brake code to computer system.
  • keyboard's load for processing is
  • keyboard's load for processing is increased on account that conventional AT
  • keyboard has 101 to 108 input keys and generates key scan code that has 2 bytes in length
  • the key scan code processing routine at computer system generates an interruption
  • CPU central processing unit
  • converted character code is transmitted to some place designated by CPU. According to
  • the key scan code processing method after transmission the key scan code processing
  • routine processes key input as follows: (a) determine whether an extension key and a
  • FIG. 9 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
  • FIG. 10a shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-operated input
  • FIG. 10b depicts wireless key scan code format
  • FIG. 10c depicts another
  • FIG. lOd depicts another wireless key scan format.
  • the foot-operated input device 100 is connected between
  • the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated input device 150 is combined with the
  • input device 100 generates a combined key scan code same like a key scan code that is
  • the foot-operated input device 100 and computer system 160 can be connected by
  • a foot-operated input device 101 transmits data inputted by
  • the foot-operated input device can be any type of user to computer 161 with wireless communication.
  • the foot-operated input device can be any type of user to computer 161 with wireless communication.
  • radio frequency signals it is more preferable to use radio frequency signals than infrared signals.
  • foot-operated input device 101 transmits data to computer 161 via wireless
  • the foot-operated input device 101 transmits a wireless key scan code
  • FIG. 10b code are shown in FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c and FIG. lOd.
  • keyboard identifier 101a comprises keyboard identifier 101a, 103a, 105a, key scan code 101b, 103c, 105d, channel
  • the keyboard identifier 101a, 103a, 105a are indigenous identifier that computer
  • 103a, 105a is dependent on the type of wireless communication and operating system
  • the key scan code 101b, 103c, 105d are conventional key scan codes generated by
  • the channel information 101c, 103d, 105e comprises information of channel for
  • the error checksum lOld, 103e, 105f comprises information of error correction
  • the wireless key scan code further comprises a make
  • the make code/brake code 103b indicates whether the wireless
  • key scan code is a make code or brake code.
  • the wireless key scan code further comprises a non-
  • the non-character key flag 105c indicates whether non- character key is included or not and which non-character key such as SHIFT key, CTRL
  • the non-character key flag 105c has a function of error correction different to the
  • the wireless key scan code for a character key is transmitted to computer.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with the
  • a foot-operated input device comprises a keyboard matrix
  • the foot-operated input device furthermore, a scan code generator 109, a central processing unit 113, a first transceiver 117, a second transceiver 121 and memory 123. Also, the foot-operated input device further
  • touch pad controller 109 Each element is connected as shown in FIG. 11 but
  • the keyboard matrix 107 comprises a plurality of input keys and generates a key
  • the key scan data are an indigenous
  • identifier assigned to the input key is a standard of judgment in which the input key is
  • the keyboard matrix 107 comprises at least one input key on the right part of the
  • top for right foot and at least one input key on the left part of the top for left foot.
  • the keyboard matrix 107 comprises at least
  • the scan code • generator 109 generates a key scan code for the key scan data
  • the scan code generator generates key scan code corresponding to key scan data
  • first input key on left/right part can be assigned to SHIFT key, the second input key on the
  • left/right part can be CTRL key and the third input keys on the left/right part can be
  • the key scan code generated by the scan code generator 109 is a general-purpose key scan code that can be converted directly into a character code
  • the first transceiver 117 receives a key scan code from the hand-operated input
  • the first transceiver generates an interruption to notify a key scan code outputted
  • 117 comprises a communication port for receiving a key scan code from the hand-operated
  • the communication port can be one selected from the group including USB
  • transceiver 117 comprises USB port, PS/2 port, serial communication port and port
  • the port selector detects which port is connected to the hand-operated input
  • the first transceiver 117 If the hand-operated input device is a wireless keyboard, the first transceiver 117
  • the wireless keyboard is designed to directly transmit a key
  • the hand-operated input device is a wireless keyboard, it is preferable to change the setup for input device of computer or to install an
  • the central processing unit 113 produces a key scan code to be transmitted to
  • processing unit 113 combines key scan codes outputted from the hand-operated input
  • the combined key scan code is
  • the central processing unit 113 operates differently depending on operating mode
  • the operating mode comprises a standard mode and an allocation mode.
  • the central processing unit 113 produces a key scan code to be transmitted
  • the central processing unit 113 In the allocation mode, the central processing unit 113
  • transceiver 121 and is stored in the key allocation table of memory 123 by the central
  • the central processing unit 113 replaces the key scan code outputted from the scan code
  • combination of at least two keys can be assigned together
  • CTRL key and SHIFT key can be depressing CTRL key and SHIFT key at the same time.
  • a control key of a position control device i.e., mouse
  • a pop-up menu comprising brief control order is displayed on monitor. If user wants to
  • the central processing unit 113 converts a key scan code into a wireless key scan code.
  • a wireless key scan code is generated by adding a
  • keyboard identifier into a key scan code
  • the central processing unit 113 transmits the position data outputted from touch
  • the second transceiver 121 transmits a key scan code outputted from the central
  • the processing unit 113 to computer and receives a reallocated key from computer.
  • the second transceiver 121 comprises a communication port for transmitting a key scan code
  • the communication port can be one selected from the
  • USB port USB port
  • PS/2 port PS/2 port
  • serial communication port
  • the second transceiver 121 modulates a wireless
  • the second transceiver 121 can transmit position data of the position control
  • the second transceiver 121 further comprises an additional communication port, such as
  • PS/2 port or serial communication port for transmitting the position data produced by the
  • the memory 123 stores information for operating the hand-operated input device
  • the foot-operated input device such as a key allocation table and/or a collision
  • the touch pad controller 111 comprises at least one touch pad sensor, a
  • the coordinates determining circuit produces
  • the produced position data are transmitted to the central processing unit 113 via interface circuit.
  • controller 111 can be one selected from the group including mouse, positioning bar, track
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in
  • FIG. 12 describes the procedure of processing a key input on the hand-operated
  • step 125 if a user operates the hand-operated input device
  • the foot-operated input device for inputting data, the foot-operated input device
  • operated input device is a key scan code produced by a conventional keyboard and can be
  • An input signal from the foot-operated input device is a key scan code
  • the user can input an extension key and a character
  • step 129 that the foot-operated input device is waiting for a key input from the hand-
  • step 127 to transmit the first key scan code
  • step 129 From the foot-operated input device, proceed to step 129.
  • the foot-operated input device determines whether the depressed key
  • input device checks the operating mode at first and then converts the key scan data into the
  • the key scan code 2 is the same as a conventional
  • second key scan code can be included in step 125.
  • depressed key is a conversion key, proceed to step 131 to transmit the second key scan
  • depressed key is an extension key, proceed to step 133.
  • the foot-operated input device waits for key input from the hand-
  • step 125 without any key input from the hand-operated input device, return to step 125.
  • the foot operated input device determines whether the second scan
  • step 139 proceed to step 137 and otherwise proceed to step 137.
  • a foot-operated input device right after the foot-operated input device inputs an extension key.
  • an extension key For example, a
  • CTRL key or a combination of CTRL key and a character key of the hand-operated input device.
  • key scan code processing routine of computer will receive two make codes for
  • scan code comprises an extension key the same as the second key scan code, proceed to
  • step 139 and otherwise proceed to step 137.
  • the foot-operated input device combines the second key scan code and the
  • key scan code for an extension key into a few bits or a byte of key scan code for a character key conventionally having 2 bytes in length, or (2) combining at least two key
  • produced fourth key scan code is transmitted to computer and then return to step 125.
  • the foot-operated input device resolves the collision between two key scan
  • extension key is outputted from the hand-operated input device, the second key scan code
  • a priority can be assigned to the hand-operated input device or the foot-
  • FIG. 13 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
  • the hand-operated input device 270 is connected between the
  • foot-operated input device 200 and computer system 280. That is, data outputted from
  • the foot-operated input device 200 by user is converted into key scan code successively
  • the foot-operated input device 200 is combined with the key scan code generated in the
  • the hand-operated input device 270 generates a
  • serial cable regarding the foot-operated input device 200 further comprises position control
  • FIG. 14 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
  • a hand-operated input device 271 transmits data inputted by
  • the hand-operated input device 271 transmits a wireless key scan code
  • FIG. 10b scan code are shown in FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c and FIG. lOd.
  • FIG. 15 a is a block diagram of a hand-operated input device in accordance with
  • a hand-operated input device comprises a keyboard matrix
  • the keyboard matrix 203 comprises a plurality of input keys that include character
  • key and non-character key and generates key scan data when a user depresses the input key.
  • the scan code generator 205 generates a key scan code for the key scan data
  • the scan code generator generates key scan code corresponding to key scan data
  • the first transceiver 213 receives key scan data or a key scan code from the foot-
  • the first transceiver 213 received a key scan data or a key scan
  • the first transceiver generates an interruption to
  • the first transceiver 213 comprises a communication port for receiving a key
  • the communication port can be one
  • USB port selected from the group including USB port, PS/2 port and serial communication port.
  • the first transceiver 213 comprises USB port, PS/2 port, serial
  • the port selector detects which port is connected to the hand-operated input device and transfers the key scan code from the communication
  • the hand-operated input device is a wireless keyboard
  • the central processing unit 209 transmits a key scan code produced by the key
  • the central processing unit 209 produces a key scan code to be transmitted to
  • the central processing unit 209 combines key scan codes outputted from the hand-
  • scan code is transmitted to computer by a second transceiver 217.
  • the central processing unit 209 operates differently depending on the operating
  • operating mode which operating mode comprises a standard mode and an allocation mode.
  • the central processing unit 209 Whenever there is a key input from the foot-operated input device, the central processing unit 209.
  • processing unit 209 replaces the key scan code outputted from the foot-operated input
  • the hand-operated input device are combined by the central processing unit 209 and then
  • conversion of key scan code can be
  • the reallocated key can be
  • combination of at least two keys can be assigned together
  • CTRL key and SHIFT key can be
  • a control key of a position control device i.e., mouse
  • a pop-up menu comprising brief control order is displayed on the monitor. If user wants
  • the user depresses left button for displaying pop-up menu and then selects brief control order on the pop-up menu by positioning cursor and depressing
  • the central processing unit 209 converts a key scan code into a wireless key scan code.
  • a wireless key scan code is generated by adding a
  • keyboard identifier keyboard identifier, channel information and error checksum into a key scan code
  • the second transceiver 217 transmits a key scan code outputted from the central-
  • processing unit 209 to computer and receives a reallocated key from computer.
  • second transceiver 217 comprises a communication port for transmitting a key scan code
  • the communication port can be one selected from the group including USB port, PS/2 port and serial communication port.
  • the memory 219 stores information for operating the hand-operated input device
  • the foot-operated input device such as a key allocation table and/or a collision
  • FIG. 15b is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
  • the foot-operated input device comprises a keyboard matrix
  • FIG. 15b shows that generator and power supply are omitted in FIG. 15b.
  • the keyboard matrix 221 comprises a plurality of input keys and generates key
  • the scan code generator 223 generates a key scan code for the key scan data
  • the scan code generator 223 generates key scan code corresponding to key scan
  • the key scan data can be transmitted to the hand-operated input device without converting into key scan code.
  • the output controller 227 distinguishes the key scan code outputted from the scan
  • the touch pad controller 229 comprises at least one touch pad sensor, a
  • the coordinates determining circuit produces
  • the produced position data are
  • the touch pad controller 229 is transmitted to the output controller 227 via interface circuit.
  • the touch pad controller 229 is transmitted to the output controller 227 via interface circuit.
  • the transceiver 235 transmits key scan data, a key scan code or position data
  • the transceiver 235 modulates a key scan code received from
  • the output controller into a proper signal for wireless communication.
  • FIG. 16a is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foot-operated input device determines
  • the foot-operated input device produces a key scan code for that key input and transmits
  • FIG. 16b is a flowchart of an operation of the hand-operated input device in
  • FIG. 16b shows the procedure that the hand-operated input device processes key
  • step "245 if a user operates the hand-operated input
  • the hand-operated input device for inputting data, the hand-operated input
  • the hand-operated input device is a key scan code produced by a conventional keyboard and can be used in common.
  • An input signal from the foot-operated input device is a key
  • the user can input an extension key and a
  • step 251 that the hand-operated input device is waiting for a key input

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an input device and method for processing inputted data. According to the present invention, a foot-operated input device and method for processing inputted data tha is easily operated with hand and foot at the same time by a user unaccustomed to a conventional keyboard can be provided. By the use of the present invention, a user can input data by foot to prevent a decline of typing rate due to frequently changing the position of the user's hands.

Description

FOOT OPERATED INPUT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
PROCESSING INPUTTED DATA
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an input device and method for processing inputted
data. More particularly, the present invention relates to a foot-operated input device and
method for processing inputted data, in which a foot-operated input device can be operated
with conventional hand-operated keyboard.
BACKGROUND ART
Keyboard and mouse are most conventional input devices of electrical data
processing devices, such as computer, Internet TV, and game machine. The mouse is an
effective input device under the GUI (GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE) circumstances, and
the keyboard is an effective input device under text-based circumstances. Operating
systems for personal computer system are mostly developed on the basis of GUI. On
these operating systems, it is true that a mouse is a convenient input device for simple
operation, such as selecting an application program, executing one by double click and
controlling one. In the view of a user's convenience and controllability, it is easier to use
mouse than keyboard, and the mouse has an advantage that a novice can use the mouse with dexterity as an experienced user. In application program such as word processor,
however, it is still effective to input data in characters by a keyboard.
FIG. 1 depicts the situation of inputting data in characters by conventional hand-
operated keyboard.
Referring to FIG. 1, in order to input capital letters or small letters, an
experienced user with a keyboard doesn't feel inconvenienced by depressing SHIFT key
with character key or depressing character key immediately after depressing CAPS LOCK
key. Also, to input hot keys as a control command in an application program, the
experienced user can dexterously undertake a sequence of actions that depresses character
key with CONTROL key or ALT key and then puts the hand on right position for next
input.
However, it is a very difficult work for a user unaccustomed to keyboard (i.e.,
child or novice) to input capital letters and small letters alternately or to input hot key. In
the case of child, because a conventional keyboard is made for adults, it is not easy for a
child whose hands are smaller than an adult's to depress f key with SHIFT KEY for the
purpose of inputting "F". Also, while using MICROSOFT WORD, it is difficult to
depress s key with CONTROL key for saving document. These situations also occur
when the user depresses BACKSPACE key, KOREAN/ENGLISH toggle key or function
keys. The aforementioned difficulties while using a keyboard are the same for a novice. Also whenever novice or child inputs capital letters, much time is required to
depress SHIFT key and move any hand to the right position from right SHIFT key or left
SHIFT key. Therefore the typing speed of novice or child is slower than that of an
experienced user. Furthermore, due to this, the rate of misspelled and/or omitted words
by novice or child is increasingly greater than that of an experienced user.
Regarding an experienced user who is accustomed to using a computer, sometimes
pain in the wrists, shoulders or fingers occurs after using a keyboard for a long time.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a foot-operated input device and
method for processing inputted data that is easily operated with hand and foot at the same
time by a user unaccustomed to a conventional keyboard.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a foot-operated input device
and method for processing inputted data that can alleviate pain in the wrists, shoulders or
fingers caused by using conventional keyboard for a long time.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a foot-operated input
device and method for processing inputted data that a user can input data with foot to
prevent decline in the typing rate due to frequently changed position of one's hands.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a foot-operated input device and method for processing inputted data that can be coupled between a
conventional keyboard and computer without any modification in hardware or any
additional software.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a foot-operated input
device and method for processing inputted data whereby children have to use both hands
and feet for operating computer. As a result, side effects such as physical exhaustion are
decreased, so well-balanced physical and mental growth can be achieved.
To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, according to one aspect of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a foot-operated input device coupled between a
hand-operated keyboard and an electrical data processing device and comprising at least
one input key operated by a foot, comprises: a first transceiver for receiving a first key
scan code from the hand-operated keyboard, wherein the hand-operated keyboard is a
conventional keyboard for personal computer, a keyboard matrix coupled to the first
transceiver to generate first key scan data indicative of an activated key, wherein the
keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key, a scan code generator coupled to the
keyboard matrix to generate a second key scan code in accordance with the key scan data,
a memory for storing a key allocation table and/or a collision processing routine, wherein
the key allocation table comprises key scan code allocated to foot-key and the collision processing routine solves a situation that the first key scan code collides with the second
key scan code, a central processing unit for processing the first key scan code and/or the
second key scan code with reference to the key allocation table and/or the collision
processing routine and producing a third key scan code with reference to a predetermined
criterion and a second transceiver coupled to the central processing unit to transmit the
third key scan code to the electrical data processing device and receiving reallocated key
from the electrical data processing device is provided. Here, the input key is a non-
character key.
The predetermined criterion is as follows: when the second key scan code is not
inputted, if the first key scan code is inputted, then the first scan code is directly outputted
without processing; when the second key scan code is inputted, if the second key scan code
is in accordance with a conversion key with reference to the key allocation table, then the
second key scan code is directly outputted without processing; when the second key scan
code is inputted, if the second key scan code is in accordance with an extension key with
reference to the key allocation table and the first key scan code is inputted after the second
key scan code, then the third key scan code that is the same key scan code indicative of an
extension key and a character key generated by the hand-operated keyboard is generated
and outputted; when the second key scan code is inputted, if the second key scan code is in
accordance with an extension key with reference to the key allocation table, the first key scan code is inputted after the second key scan code and the first key scan code collides
with the second key scan code, then the third key scan code is generated according to the
collision processing routine and outputted.
The second transceiver coupled to the electrical data processing device via wireless
link transmits and receives a wireless key scan code and the reallocated key, and the
wireless key scan code comprises the third key scan code, a keyboard identifier that the
electrical data processing device can recognize the foot-operated input device, channel
information, in which channel is used to communicate between the foot-operated input
device and the electrical data processing device via wireless link and an error checksum for
correcting errors.
The central processing unit can change a key scan code in the key allocation table
by the use of the reallocated key received by the second transceiver.
The collision processing routine is as follows: when the second key scan code is
inputted, if the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard and the second
key scan code are indicative of the same extension key, then the second key scan code is
disregarded and the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard is directly
outputted without processing.
Also, the foot-operated input device further comprises a position control device,
wherein the position control device controls a pointer that is located on a monitor. According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a method for processing inputted data in a foot-operated input device that is coupled
between a hand-operated keyboard and an electrical data processing, and comprises at least
one input key device operated by a foot, the method comprising the steps of: determining
whether there is a key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard or the foot-
operated input device, in response to the determination, if there is a first key scan code
outputted from the hand-operated keyboard, then outputting the first key scan code, and if
there is a second key scan code outputted from the foot-operated input device, then
identifying an attribute of the second key scan code, in the response to the identification, if
the attribute of the second key scan code is a conversion key, then outputting the second
key scan code, and if the attribute of the second key scan code is an extension key, then
awaiting a third key scan code from the hand-operated keyboard, determining whether
there is a collision between the second key scan code and the third key scan code by the
use of a collision processing routine and in response to the determination, outputtmg the
result of processing the second key scan code and the third key scan code.
Here, the foot-operated input device comprises at least one input key, wherein the
input key is indicative of a key on the hand-operated keyboard and the input key has an
attribute of a non-character key, wherein the non-character key comprises conversion key
and extension key. Also, the method further comprises receiving reallocated key in accordance with
input key of the foot-operated input device and reallocating the input key with the
reallocated key.
According to one aspect of the another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an input device for an electrical data processing device, which input device can
be operated by hand and/or foot, comprises: a foot-operated input device for producing a
first key scan code in response to a key input by a user, wherein the foot-operated input
device comprises at least one of a first input key and a hand-operated input device coupled
to the foot-operated input device to produce a second key scan code in response to a key
input by the user, produce a third key scan code by processing the first key scan code
and/or the second key scan code with reference to a predetermined criterion and output the
third key scan code to the electrical data processing device.
According to one aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a foot-operated input device coupled to a hand-operated input device, comprises: a
keyboard matrix for producing a key scan data indicative of an activated key, wherein the
keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key, a scan code generator coupled to the
keyboard matrix to generate a first key scan code in accordance with the key scan data and
a transceiver for transmitting the first key scan code to the hand-operated input device. The
input key is a non-character key or a combination of keys. Also, the foot-operated input device further comprises a position control device,
wherein the position control device controls a pointer that is located on monitor.
According to one aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a hand-operated input device coupled between a foot-operated input device and an
electrical data processing device and comprising a plurality of input keys operated by
hands, comprises: a first transceiver for receiving a first key scan code from the foot-
operated input device, a keyboard matrix for producing a key scan data indicative of an
activated input key, wherein the input keys comprises a plurality of character keys and a
plurality of non-character keys, a scan code generator coupled to the keyboard matrix to
produce a second key scan code in accordance with the key scan data, a memory for
storing a key allocation table and/or a collision processing routine, wherein the key
allocation table comprises key scan code allocated to input key of the foot-operated input
device and the collision processing routine resolves a situation when the first key scan code
collides with the second key scan code, a central processing unit for processing the first
key scan code and/or the second key scan code with reference to the key allocation table
and/or the collision processing routine and producing a third key scan code with reference
to a predetermined criterion and a second transceiver coupled to the central processing unit
to transmit the third key scan code to the electrical data processing device and receiving
reallocated key from the electrical data processing device. The predetermined criterion is as follows: when the first key scan code is not
inputted, if the second key scan code is inputted, then the second scan code is directly
outputted without processing; when the first key scan code is inputted, if the first key scan
code is in accordance with a conversion key with reference to the key allocation table, then
the first key scan code is directly outputted without processing; when the first key scan
code is inputted, if the first key scan code is in accordance with an extension key with
reference to the key allocation table and the second key scan code is inputted after the first
key scan code, then the third key scan code that is the same key scan code indicative of an
extension key and a character key generated by the hand-operated keyboard is generated
and outputted; when the first key scan code is inputted, if the first key scan code is in
accordance with an extension key with reference to the key allocation table, the second key
scan code is inputted after the first key scan code and the second key scan code collides
with the first key scan code, then the third key scan code is generated according to the
collision processing routine and outputted.
The second transceiver, which is coupled to the electrical data processing device
via wireless link, transmits and receives a wireless key scan code and the reallocated key.
The wireless key scan code comprises the third key scan code, a keyboard
identifier that the electrical data processing device can recognize the hand-operated input
device, a channel information, which channel is used to communicate between the hand- operated input device and the electrical data processing device via wireless link and an
error checksum for correcting errors.
The central processing unit can change a key scan code in the key allocation table
by the use of the reallocated key received by the second transceiver.
The collision processing routine is as follows: when the first key scan code is
inputted, if the first key scan code and the second key scan code are indicative of the same
extension key, then the first key scan code is disregarded and the second key scan code is
directly outputted without processing.
According to another aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method for processing inputted data in a hand-operated input device that is
coupled between a foot-operated input device and an electrical data processing comprises a
plurality of input keys operated by hands, the method comprising the following steps:
determining whether there is a key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard
or the foot-operated input device, in response to the determination, if there is a first key
scan code outputted from the foot-operated input device, then identifying an attribute of the
first key scan code, and if there is a second key scan code outputted from the hand-
operated input device, then outputting the second key scan code, in the response to the
identification, if the attribute of the first key scan code is a conversion key, then outputting
the first key scan code, and if the attribute of the first key scan code is an extension key, then awaiting a third key scan code from the hand-operated keyboard, determining whether
there is a collision between the first key scan code and the third key scan code by the use
of a collision processing routine and in response to the determination, outputting the result
of processing the first key scan code and the third key scan code.
Also, the method further comprises receiving a reallocated key in accordance with
input key of the foot-operated input device and reallocating the input key with the
reallocated key.
According to one aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a foot-operated input system, which can be used together with a hand-operated keyboard in
an electrical data processing device, comprises: a foot-operated input device coupled to the
electrical data processing device comprising: (a) a keyboard matrix for producing a key
scan data indicative of an activated key, wherein the keyboard matrix comprises at least
one input key, (b) a scan code generator coupled to the keyboard matrix to generate a first
key scan code in accordance with the key scan data and (c) a transceiver for transmitting
the first key scan code to the electrical data processing device, and a processing unit
located in the electrical data processing device that is coupled to the hand-operated
keyboard and the foot-operated input device to process the first key scan code and/or a
second key scan code generated by the hand-operated keyboard with reference to a
predetermined criterion and change a processed key scan code to character code applicable to the electrical data processing device.
The transceiver coupled to the electrical data processing device via wireless link
transmits and receives a wireless key scan code and the reallocated key.
The wireless key scan code comprises the first key scan code, a keyboard identifier
that the electrical data processing device can recognize the hand-operated input device,
channel information, which channel is used to communicate between the hand-operated
input device and the electrical data processing device via wireless link and an error
checksum for correcting errors.
Also, the foot-operated input device further comprises a position control device,
wherein the position control device controls a pointer that is located on the monitor.
According to another aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method for processing inputted data in a foot-operated input device that can be
used together with a hand-operated keyboard and comprises at least one input key operated
by a foot, the method comprises the following steps: receiving a key input from the hand-
operated keyboard and/or the foot-operated input device and producing a key scan code in
response to the key input, wherein the input key is indicative of a key on the hand-operated
keyboard.
According to another aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method for processing inputted data from a hand-operated keyboard and a foot-operated input device, the method comprises the following steps: determining
whether there is a key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard or the foot-
operated input device, in response to the determination; if there is a first key scan code
outputted from the hand-operated keyboard, then outputting the first key scan code, and if
there is a second key scan code outputted from the foot-operated input device, then
identifying an attribute of the second key scan code, in the response to the identification; if
the attribute of the second key scan code is a conversion key, then outputting the second
key scan code, and if the attribute of the second key scan code is an extension key, then
awaiting a third key scan code from the hand-operated keyboard, determining whether
there is a collision between the second key scan code and the third key scan code by the
use of a collision processing routine and in response to the determination, outputtmg the
result of processing the second key scan code and the third key scan code.
The method further comprises receiving reallocated key in accordance with input
key of the foot-operated input device and reallocating the input key with the reallocated
key.
The collision processing routine is as follows: when the second key scan code is
inputted, if the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard and the second
key scan code are indicative of the same extension key, then the second key scan code is
disregarded and the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated keyboard is directly outputted without processing.
According to one aspect of another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a foot-operated input device coupled between a hand-operated input device and an
electrical data processing device comprises: a base, a projecting part located on an upper
panel of the base, a first socket located on one side of the projecting part, a second socket
located on another side opposite to the first socket of the projecting panel, a first foothold
having a first connector corresponding to the first socket, a second foothold having a
second connector corresponding to the second socket and at least one input key located on
the first foothold and the second foothold, wherein the connector is coupled to the input
key to output an on/off signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts the situation of inputting data in characters by conventional hand-
operated keyboard;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer user using one embodiment of present
invention to input data and other information into a computer system;
FIG. 3a to 3e show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present
invention that is operated by feet;
FIG. 4a to 4c show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present invention that is operated by a foot;
FIG. 5a to 5c show illustrations of the present invention that includes position
control device;
FIG. 6a to 6d show the installation process of a foot-operated input device and a
hand-operated input device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7a to 7c show the installation process of a foot-operated input device in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an attribute table of input keys;
FIG. 9 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
operated input device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10a shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-
operated input device via wireless link in accordance with another preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 10b depicts wireless key scan code format;
FIG. 10c depicts another wireless key scan format;
FIG. lOd depicts another wireless key scan format;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
hand-operated input device according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 14 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
hand-operated input device via wireless link in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15a is a block diagram of a hand-operated input device in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15b is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
■• " ' FIG. 16a is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16b is a flowchart of an operation of the hand-operated input device in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
operated input device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-
operated input device via wireless link in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing inputted data from a conventional keyboard
and a foot-operated input device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention; and
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described
with accompanying drawings.
Before providing the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, a foot-
operated input device and the method for processing inputted data, we define terms used in
this description. Conventional input devices operated by hand, for example a keyboard,
mouse, touch screen, touch pad, track ball or digitizer are defined as "hand-operated input
device". An input device that can be used to input data together with the hand-operated
input device, coupled to computer or hand-operated input device, and also operated by foot
is defined as "foot-operated input device".
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer user using one embodiment of present
invention to input data and other information into a computer system. Referring to FIG. 2, the computer user 10 can input data into computer 13
together with a hand-operated input device 11 and foot-operated input device 12.
The hand-operated input device 11 is a conventional keyboard such as keyboard
for personal computer or a keyboard for stenograph. Generally, a hand-operated input
device 11 is located some place where the computer user 10 can conveniently input data
with hands.
The foot-operated input device 12 comprises a plurality of input keys on right/left
part of the upper surface, in which input keys are operated by feet. The foot-operated
input device further comprises a pointer operating device such as touch pad, positioning
bar or track ball (hereinafter 'position control device') on center part of the upper surface.
The computer user 10 can have the same result of depressing a key located on the hand-
operated input device 11 by depressing the input key located on the upper surface of the
foot-operated input device 12. Preferably the foot-operated input device 12 is located
under the table where hand-operated input device 11 or computer 13 is placed so that the
computer user conveniently operates the foot-input device with feet.
If there is some problem to use the foot-operated input device 12 with feet from an
ergonomic point of view, the foot-operated input device 12 can be designed for one foot.
A computer 13 is a typical electrical data processing device and is controlled by
character data outputted from the hand-operated input device 11 and/or position data outputted from the position control device.
FIG. 3a to 3e show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present
invention that is operated by feet.
Referring to FIG. 3 a, the foot-operated input device 20 comprises a plurality of
input keys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f and foot resting positions 21a, 21b located on the
upper surface.
Preferably the foot-operated input device 20 has an inclined upper surface for user
to conveniently select and depress the input keys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f by foot. As
shown in FIG. 6a to 6d, the upper surface of the foot-operated input device that can be
combined with the hand-operated input device is level. However, preferably the upper
surface (1) can be inclined by the use of an angle adjusting member that is capable of-
adjusting the inclination, or (2) can be inclined by the use of an internal angle adjusting
member.
The first input key, the second input key, the third input key, the fourth input key,
the fifth input key and the sixth input key 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f are circular or
rectangular shaped for the user to easily operate. Because the foot-operated input device
20 is placed on the ground, much trouble could occur due to dust accumulated around input
keys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f. In order to prevent this trouble, preferably the upper surface of foot-operated input device 20 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of
projecting parts having circular or rectangular shape for input keys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e,
20f are formed.
The first input key, the second input key and the third input key 20a, 20b, 20c are
located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of the left foot, and the
fourth input key, the fifth input key and the sixth input key 20d, 20e, 20f are located at the
circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of the right foot. As shown in FIG.
3a, preferably the angle between the first input key 20a and the third input key 20c and the
angle between the fourth input key 20d and the sixth input key 20f are less than 60 degrees.
Foot resting positions 21a, 21b are formed to be uneven or as a foot-shaped
projection in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d,
20e, 20f.
Referring to FIG. 3b, the foot-operated input device 22 comprises a plurality of
input keys 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f and foot resting positions 23a, 23b located on the
upper surface.
The first input key, the second input key, the third input key, the fourth input key,
the fifth input key and the sixth input key 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f are shaped as a
circle or a rectangle for user to easily operate. Because the foot-operated input device 22
is placed on the ground, much trouble could occur due to dust accumulated around input keys 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f. In order to prevent trouble, preferably the upper
surface of foot-operated input device 22 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of
projecting parts having circular or rectangular shape for input keys 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e,
22f are formed.
The first input key, the second input key and the third input key 22a, 22b, 22c are
located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of the left foot, and the
fourth input key, the fifth input key and the sixth input key 22d, 22e, 22f are located at the
circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of the right foot. As shown in FIG.
3b, preferably the angle between the first input key 22a and the third input key 22c and the
angle between the fourth input key 22d and the sixth input key 22f are less than 90 degrees.
Also, the second input key 22b and the fourth input key 22e are preferably located in front
of each foot.
Foot resting positions 23a, 23b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
projection in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d,
22e, 22f.
Referring to FIG. 3c, the foot-operated input device 24 comprises a plurality of
input keys 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and foot resting positions 25a, 25b located on the upper
surface.
The first input key, the second input key, the third input key, the fourth input key 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are shaped like a circle or a rectangle for the user to easily operate.
Because the foot-operated input device 24 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur
due to dust accumulated around input keys 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d. In order to prevent trouble,
preferably the upper surface of foot-operated input device 24 is covered with synthetic
resins, and a plurality of circular or rectangular shaped projecting parts for input keys 24a,
24b, 24c, 24d are formed.
The first input key and the second input key 24a, 24b are located at the
circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of left foot, and the third input key
and the fourth input key 24c, 24d are located at the circumference of a circle that is
centered on the heel of right foot. As shown in FIG. 3c, preferably the angle between the
first input key 24a and the second input key 24b and the angle between the third input key
24c and the fourth input key 24d are less than 60 degrees. Also, the second input key 24b
and the third input key 24c preferably are located in front of each foot.
Foot resting positions 25a, 25b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
projection in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d.
Referring to FIG. 3d, the foot-operated input device 26 comprises a plurality of
input keys 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d and foot resting positions 27a, 27b located on the upper
surface.
The first input key, the second input key, the third input key, and the fourth input key 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are shaped like a circle or a rectangle for the user to easily operate.
Because the foot-operated input device 26 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur
due to dust accumulated around input keys 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d. In order to prevent trouble,
preferably the upper surface of foot-operated input device 26 is covered with synthetic
resins and a plurality of circular or rectangular shaped projecting parts for input keys 26a,
26b, 26c, 26d is formed.
The first input key and the second input key 26a, 26b are located at the
circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of left foot, and the third input key
and the fourth input key 26c, 26d are located at the circumference of a circle that is
centered on the heel of right foot. As shown in FIG. 3d, preferably the angle between the
first input key 26a and the second input key 26b and the angle between the third input key
26c and the fourth input key 26d are less than 60 degrees. Also, the first input key 26a
and the fourth input key 26d preferably are located on the same horizontal line.
Foot resting positions 27a, 27b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
projection in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d.
Referring to FIG. 3e, the foot-operated input device 28 comprises a plurality of
input keys 28a, 28b and foot resting positions 29a, 29b located on the upper surface.
The first input key, the second input key, the third input key, and the fourth input
key 28a, 28b are shaped like a circle or a rectangle for user to easily operate. Because the foot-operated input device 28 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur due to dust
accumulated around input keys 28a, 28b. In order to prevent trouble, preferably the upper
surface of foot-operated input device 28 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of
circular or rectangular shaped projecting parts for input keys 28a, 28b are formed.
The first input key 28a is located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on
the heel of left foot and the third input key, and the fourth input key 28b is located at the
circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of right foot. As shown in FIG. 3e,
the first input key 28a and the second input key 28b preferably are located in front of each
foot.
Foot resting positions 29a, 29b are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped
projection in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 28a, 28b.
FIG. 4a to 4c show illustrations of input keys configuration for the present
invention that is operated by a foot.
Referring to FIG. 4a, the foot-operated input device 30 comprises a plurality of
input keys 30a, 30b, 30c and foot resting position 31 on the upper surface.
Preferably the foot-operated input device 30 has an inclined upper surface for user
to conveniently select and depress the input keys 30a, 30b, 30c by foot. As shown in FIG.
6a to 6d, the upper surface of foot-operated input device 30 that can be combined with the hand-operated input device is level, however, preferably the upper surface (1) can be
inclined by the use of an angle adjusting member that is capable of adjusting the
inclination, or (2) can be inclined by the use of an internal angle adjusting member.
The first input key, the second input key, and the third input key 30a, 30b, 30c are
shaped like a circle or a rectangle for user to easily operate. Because the foot-operated
input device 30 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur due to dust accumulated
around input keys 30a, 30b, 30c. In order to prevent trouble, preferably the upper surface
of foot-operated input device 30 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of circular
or rectangular shaped projecting parts for input keys 30a, 30b, 30c are formed.
The first input key, the second input key and the third input key 30a, 30b, 30c are
located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of foot. As shown in
FIG. 4a, preferably the angle between the first input key 30a and the third input key 30c is
less than 60 degrees.
Foot resting positions 31 are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped projection
in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 30a, 30b, 30c.
Referring to FIG. 4b, the foot-operated input device 32 comprises a plurality of
input keys 32a, 32b and foot resting positions 33 on the upper surface.
The first input key and the second input key 32a, 32b are shaped like a circle or a
rectangle for user to easily operate. Because the foot-operated input device 32 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur due to dust accumulated around input keys 32a,
32b. In order to prevent trouble, preferably the upper surface of foot-operated input
device 32 is covered with synthetic resins, and a plurality of circular or rectangular shaped
projecting parts for input keys 32a, 32b are formed.
The first input key and the second input key 32a, 32b are located at the
circumference of a circle that is centered on the heel of foot. As shown in FIG. 4b,
preferably the angle between the first input key 32a and the second input key 32b is less
than 60 degrees.
Foot resting positions 33 are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped projection
in order to indicate a normal position for operating input keys 32a, 32b.
Referring to FIG. 4c, the foot-operated input device 34 comprises an input key 35
and foot resting position 36 on the upper surface.
The input key 35 is shaped like a circle or a rectangle for user to easily operate.
Because the foot-operated input device 34 is placed on the ground, much trouble will occur
due to dust accumulated around the input key 35. In order to prevent trouble, preferably
the upper surface of foot-operated input device 34 is covered with synthetic resins, and a
plurality of circular or rectangular shaped projecting parts for the input key 35 are formed.
The input key 35 is located at the circumference of a circle that is centered on the
heel of foot. As shown in FIG. 4c, preferably the input key 35 is located in front of foot. Foot resting positions 36 are formed to be uneven or like a foot-shaped projection
in order to indicate a normal position for operating the input keys 35.
FIG. 5a to 5c show illustrations of the present invention that includes a position
control device.
Referring to FIG. 5a, the foot-operated input device 37 comprises a plurality of
input keys 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, 38e, 38f, foot resting positions 39a, 39b and a touch pad 40.
The touch pad 40 is located between foot resting positions 39a, 39b and generates
position data (i.e., coordinates) caused by the computer user's foot. The input area of
touch pad 40 is preferably larger than an ordinary touch pad for the user to operate it easily.
Referring to FIG. 5b, the foot-operated input device 41 comprises a plurality of
input keys 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e, 42f, foot resting positions 43a, 43b and a track ball 44.
The track ball 44 is located between foot resting positions 43 a, 43b and generates
position data caused by the computer user's foot. The track ball 44 is preferably larger
than an ordinary track ball in size for the user to operate it easily
Referring to FIG. 5c, the foot-operated input device 45 comprises a plurality of
input keys 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e, 46f, foot resting positions 47a, 47b and a positioning
bar 48.
The positioning bar 48 is located between foot resting positions 47a, 47b and generates position data caused by the computer user's foot. The positioning bar 48 is
preferably larger than an ordinary positioning bar in size for the user to operate it easily.
FIG. 6a to 6d show the installation process of a foot-operated input device and a
hand-operated input device in accordance with the present invention. Because electrical
connections among a foot-operated input device, hand-operated input device, and computer
are changed according to the embodiment, these connections are not shown in FIG. 6a, 6b,
6c, 6d.
Referring to FIG. 6a, a keyboard 50 for personal computer and foot-operated input
device 51 can be combined together for easy detachment. When the keyboard 50 and the
foot-operated input device 51 are combined with each other, the keyboard 50 is located on
the foot-operated' input device 51. When the foot-operated input device 51 is not used,
the foot-operated input device can be used as a wrist rest. As a result of the combination
of the keyboard 50 and the foot-operated input device 51, it is easy to move and manage
the keyboard 50 and the foot-operated input device 51 at the same time.
Referring to FIG. 6b, the foot-operated input device 51 can be detached from the
keyboard 50. For sliding the mechanism during combination and detachment, a rail is
installed on the keyboard 50 and a groove is formed on the foot-operated input device 51.
Another mechanism for combination and detachment can be applied to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6c, the foot-operated input device 51 detached from the
keyboard 50 is located at a suitable place for use. The foot-operated input device 51 is
preferably located within 50 centimeters in front of user's chair.
Referring to FIG. 6d, to improve the operability, an angle-adjusting member can be
used to slope the foot-operated input device 51. When the foot-operated input device 51
is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped and does not have an inclined upper surface,
preferably the foot-operated input device 51 is inclined by using an extra angle-adjusting
member.
FIG. 7a to 7c show the installation process of a foot-operated input device in
accordance with the present invention.
Referring FIG. 7a, 7b, 7c, the upper surface member 61 and the lower surface
member 63 of the foot-operated input device are connected by a conventional pivot
assembly 62.
A plurality of input keys, foot resting positions and/or position control device are
located on the top of the upper surface member 61, and a plurality of grooves 64a, 64b 64c
to fix the angle adjusting member of the lower surface member 63 are formed on the back
of the upper surface member 61.
The lower surface member 63 comprises an angle-adjusting member 65. One end of the angle adjusting member 65 is connected to the lower surface 63 by
pivot, and the user can fix the other end of the angle adjusting member 65 on one of
grooves 64a, 64b, 64c formed on the back of the upper surface member 61 for adjusting
inclination.
FIG. 8 is an attribute table of input keys.
Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of input keys installed on a hand-operated input
device and/or foot-operated input device can be classified into non-character key and
character key. The non-character key comprises an extension key that extends input
range of input key such as CAPS LOCK key for capital letter/lowercase letter selection or
KOREAN ENGLISH key and a conversion key that converts input state of the input
device. In a conventional keyboard used for the personal computer, non-character keys
further comprise ENTER key, BACKSPACE key, FUNCTION key, ESCAPE key,
INSERT key, DELETE key, HOME key, END key, PAGEUP key, PAGEDOWN key,
ARROW keys and keyboard own function keys. The character keys comprise A~Z and
0-9.
The conventional keyboard comprises a plurality of non-character keys and a
plurality of character keys. The non-character keys can be classified into extension keys
that comprise CONTROL key, SHIFT key and ALT key and conversion keys that comprise CAPS LOCK key, NUM LOCK key, and KOREAN/ENGLISH key. The
extension keys are used with character keys in order to input hot-key (i.e., shortened key),
capital letter/lowercase letter and control command. When the extension key and
character key are depressed and scan codes for extension key and character key are
respectively generated, (1) two scan codes are linked to each other with BACKSPACE
control character (ISO/IEC 646), or (2) non-spacing character is inserted between two scan
codes (ISO/IEC 6937). According to a conventional key scan algorithm, when an
extension key is depressed, delay occurs until a character key is depressed and then the
character key is depressed, key scan code 1 for the extension key and key scan code 2 for
the character key are linked.
A conversion key is used to convert input state of keyboard, that is, capital
letter/lowercase letter input state or Korean/English input state; Accordingly, unlike
extension key, additional input of a character key is not needed.
With reference to the attribute of input keys, hereinafter we describe the method
for processing inputted keys at AT keyboard, a typical hand-operated input device, as an
example.
Keyboard comprises a plurality of input keys that are respectively assigned an
indigenous identifier (hereinafter 'key scan code'). When user depresses 'A' key on the
keyboard, output from keyboard is a scan code that is assigned to the 'A' key, not 'A' character. Formerly a keyboard that was used before the AT keyboard generated a key
scan code that had 1 byte in length and transmitted the generated key scan code to
computer system. The present keyboard being used after AT keyboard, however,
generates a key scan code that has 2 bytes in length and transmits the generated key scan
code to computer system. The transmitted key scan code is converted by key scan code
processing routine into character code such as ASCII code that is manageable in computer
system.
When user depresses input key, the keyboard produces an interruption of the
computer system for the purpose of notifying user's key input to computer system and then
transmits key scan code to computer system. The user's key input can be divided into an
initiation of depressing key and a termination of depressing key. In detailed description,
user's key input comprises both an initiation of depressing key and a termination of
depressing key. Whenever the initiation of depressing key or the termination of
depressing key occurs, the keyboard generates key scan code. A key scan code that is
generated when initiation of depressing key occurs is 'make code', and a key scan code
that is generated when termination of depressing key occurs is 'brake code'.
Regarding inputting a character, when user depresses any input key, keyboard
generates a make code and transmits the make code to computer system. And when user
takes off his/her finger from the depressed input key, keyboard generates brake key and transmits the brake code to computer system.
Regarding inputting an extension key with a character key, the processing method
is (1) generating key scan code and transmitting the generated key scan code to computer
system whenever the user's key input occurs, then linking the key scan code for extension
key and the key scan code for character key at computer system by key scan code
processing routine (hereinafter, a key scan code processing method after transmission), or
(2) linking the key scan code for extension key and the key scan code for character key at
keyboard and transmitting the linked key scan code to computer system (hereinafter, a key
scan code processing method before transmission). According to the key scan code
processing method after transmission the keyboard generates only key scan code for
depressed input key, and key scan code processing routine at computer system processes
extension key input with a character key. Accordingly, keyboard's load for processing is
reduced, however, computer system's load for processing is increased. As a result, the
key scan code processing method after transmission is not a preferable method for
processing inputted key. According to the key scan code processing method before
transmission, keyboard's load for processing is increased on account that conventional AT
keyboard has 101 to 108 input keys and generates key scan code that has 2 bytes in length,
however, in the view of resource management of computer system, processing load of
computer system is reduced. Accordingly, in this detailed description, we mainly describe the key scan code processing method before transmission as an example. We,
however, do not intend to limit the scope of the present invention to the key scan code
processing method before transmission and those skilled in the art can embody the present
invention with the key scan code processing method after transmission on the basis of the
key scan code processing method after transmission.
The key scan code processing routine at computer system generates an interruption
to a central processing unit(CPU) for the purpose of notifying key input from keyboard and
converts the transmitted key scan code into the predetermined character code. The
converted character code is transmitted to some place designated by CPU. According to
the key scan code processing method after transmission, the key scan code processing
routine processes key input as follows: (a) determine whether an extension key and a
character key are depressed together, (b) if not corresponding to (a), determine whether a
conversion key is depressed, (c) if not corresponding to (b), determine whether special
combination of keys such as CTRL key + ALT key + DELETE key are depressed, and (d)
if not corresponding to (c), determine that the depressed key is a character key.
Hereinafter, the foot-operated input device and the method for processing inputted
data are described in detail with accompanying drawings.
FIG. 9 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
operated input device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10a shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-operated input
device via wireless link in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 10b depicts wireless key scan code format, FIG. 10c depicts another
wireless key scan format and FIG. lOd depicts another wireless key scan format. A hand-
operated input device, a foot-operated input device and a computer system are connected
with each other in the same way shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10a.
Referring to FIG. 9, the foot-operated input device 100 is connected between
conventional hand-operated input device 150 and computer system 160. That is, data
outputted from the hand-operated input device 150 by user is converted into key scan code
successively according to the input sequence and then is transmitted to computer system
160 via the foot-operated input device 150. Also, when that user inputs data by the use of
the hand-operated input device 150 and the foot-operated input device 100 at the same time,
the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated input device 150 is combined with the
key scan code generated in the foot-operated input device 100 and then is transmitted to
computer system 160. That is, if user depresses 's' key on the hand-operated input device
150 while depressing 'SHIFT' key on the foot-operated input device 100, the foot-operated
input device 100 generates a combined key scan code same like a key scan code that is
generated in the hand-operated input device 150 when user depresses 'SHIFT' key and 's'
key at the same time. The foot-operated input device 100 and computer system 160 can be connected by
the use of serial cable, however, preferably they are connected by the use of Universal
Serial Bus(USB). If the foot-operated input device 100 is connected to computer system
160 with serial cable when the foot-operated input device 100 further comprises position
control device, then additional communication cable is needed to transmit position data
outputted from the position control device to computer system 160.
Referring to FIG. 10a, a foot-operated input device 101 transmits data inputted by
user to computer 161 with wireless communication. The foot-operated input device can
transmit data to computer 161 via either infrared signals or radio frequency signals.
When the foot-operated input device 101 and computer 161 are not located on the same
plane, it is more preferable to use radio frequency signals than infrared signals.
If the foot-operated input device 101 transmits data to computer 161 via wireless
communication, the foot-operated input device 101 transmits a wireless key scan code
unlike the key scan code that is transmitted when the foot-operated input device is
connected to computer via wire communication. Various formats of wireless key scan
code are shown in FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c and FIG. lOd.
Referring to FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c and FIG. lOd, the wireless key scan code
comprises keyboard identifier 101a, 103a, 105a, key scan code 101b, 103c, 105d, channel
information 101c, 103d, 105e and error checksum lOld, 103e, 105f. The keyboard identifier 101a, 103a, 105a are indigenous identifier that computer
161 can recognize the foot-operated input device 101. When wireless input device such
as wireless mouse is used together with the foot-operated input device 101, computer 161
can determine which wireless input devices transmit data on the basis of the keyboard
5 identifier 101a, 103a, 105a. The number of bits assigned to the keyboard identifier 101a,
103a, 105a is dependent on the type of wireless communication and operating system
installed in the computer.
The key scan code 101b, 103c, 105d are conventional key scan codes generated by
either the foot-operated input device 101 or the hand-operated input device 151 and are the
L0 same as a key scan code that is generated like the wired connection as shown in FIG 9.
The channel information 101c, 103d, 105e comprises information of channel for
wireless communication between the foot-operated input device 101 and computer 161.
The error checksum lOld, 103e, 105f comprises information of error correction,
which error is occurring during wireless communication.
L5 Referring to FIG. 10c, the wireless key scan code further comprises a make
code/brake code 103b. The make code/brake code 103b indicates whether the wireless
key scan code is a make code or brake code.
Referring to FIG. lOd, the wireless key scan code further comprises a non-
character key flag 105c. The non-character key flag 105c indicates whether non- character key is included or not and which non-character key such as SHIFT key, CTRL
key or ALT key is included.
The non-character key flag 105c has a function of error correction different to the
error checksum lOld, 103e, 105f. In the key scan code processing method after
transmission, a wireless key scan code for an extension key and a wireless key scan code
for a character key are transmitted separately. Accordingly, if the key scan code for an
extension key is missed during transmission, then the computer, which receives the key
scan code for a character key following the key scan code for an extension key, can not
determine whether the extension key is inputted or not. To resolve this situation,
information of the extension key, which is depressed with a character key, is included in
the wireless key scan code for a character key and is transmitted to computer.
Accordingly, even if a wireless key scan code for an extension key, which is inputted with
a character key, is missed, the computer can perceive whether the extension key is inputted
or not.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 11, a foot-operated input device comprises a keyboard matrix
107, a scan code generator 109, a central processing unit 113, a first transceiver 117, a second transceiver 121 and memory 123. Also, the foot-operated input device further
comprises touch pad controller 109. Each element is connected as shown in FIG. 11 but
buffers, clock generator and power supply are omitted in FIG. 11.
The keyboard matrix 107 comprises a plurality of input keys and generates a key
scan data when a user depresses the input key. The key scan data are an indigenous
identifier assigned to the input key and is a standard of judgment in which the input key is
depressed.
The keyboard matrix 107 comprises at least one input key on the right part of the
top for right foot and at least one input key on the left part of the top for left foot. In
another embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard matrix 107 comprises at least
one input key on the top for one foot.
The scan code • generator 109 generates a key scan code for the key scan data
received from the keyboard matrix 107. When the scan code generator 109 receives key
scan data, the scan code generator generates key scan code corresponding to key scan data,
in which key scan code is fundamentally assigned to each input key. In a foot-operated
input device that has 3 input keys each on the left part and the right part, for example, the
first input key on left/right part can be assigned to SHIFT key, the second input key on the
left/right part can be CTRL key and the third input keys on the left/right part can be
Korean/English conversion key. The key scan code generated by the scan code generator 109 is a general-purpose key scan code that can be converted directly into a character code
in computer, and it is preferable that the key scan code generated by the scan code
generator 109 is equal to the key scan code for the same key depressed in the hand-
operated input device.
The first transceiver 117 receives a key scan code from the hand-operated input
device. If the first transceiver 117 received a key scan code from the hand-operated input
device, the first transceiver generates an interruption to notify a key scan code outputted
from the hand-operated input device to central processing unit 113. The first transceiver
117 comprises a communication port for receiving a key scan code from the hand-operated
input device. The communication port can be one selected from the group including USB
port, PS/2 port and serial communication port. In another embodiment, the first
transceiver 117 comprises USB port, PS/2 port, serial communication port and port
selector. The port selector detects which port is connected to the hand-operated input
device and transfers the key scan code from the communication port to central processing
unit 113.
If the hand-operated input device is a wireless keyboard, the first transceiver 117
can receive key scan code from the hand-operated input device via wireless
communication. Generally, the wireless keyboard is designed to directly transmit a key
scan code to computer. Accordingly, if the hand-operated input device is a wireless keyboard, it is preferable to change the setup for input device of computer or to install an
additional program on computer in order to prohibit the computer from receiving key scan
code.
The central processing unit 113 produces a key scan code to be transmitted to
computer by processing the key scan code outputted from the hand-operated input device
and the key scan code outputted from the scan code generator 109. That is, the central
processing unit 113 combines key scan codes outputted from the hand-operated input
device and the foot-operated input device to produce a key scan code that is the same as
one produced only by the hand-operated input device. The combined key scan code is
transmitted to computer by a second transceiver 121.
The central processing unit 113 operates differently depending on operating mode,
in which the operating mode comprises a standard mode and an allocation mode. In the
standard mode, the central processing unit 113 produces a key scan code to be transmitted
to computer by a key scan code in accordance with the key basically assigned to input key
of the foot-operated input device. In the allocation mode, the central processing unit 113
produces a key scan code to be transmitted to computer by a key scan code in accordance
with the key newly assigned to input key of the foot-operated input device. To operate
the foot-operated input device in the allocation mode, user allocates a new key (hereinafter,
'reallocated key') to the input key of the foot-operated input device though user interface display. The reallocated key is transmitted to foot-operated input device by the second
transceiver 121 and is stored in the key allocation table of memory 123 by the central
processing unit 113. Whenever there is a key input from the foot-operated input device,
the central processing unit 113 replaces the key scan code outputted from the scan code
generator with the key scan code in accordance with the reallocated key in the key
allocation table of memory 123. The replaced key scan code and the key scan code
received from the hand-operated input device are combined by the central processing unit
113 and then transmitted to computer.
In another embodiment, combination of at least two keys can be assigned together
to an input key of the foot-operated input device. That is, to have a same result of
depressing CTRL key and SHIFT key at the same time, CTRL key and SHIFT key can be
assigned together to an input key.
In another embodiment, a control key of a position control device (i.e., mouse) not
installed on the foot-operated input device can be assigned to the input key of the foot-
operated input device. For example, during use of web browsing program such as
Microsoft's INTERNET EXPLORER, if user depresses the right button of the mouse, then
a pop-up menu comprising brief control order is displayed on monitor. If user wants to
go forward or backward, the user depresses left button for displaying pop-up menu and
then selects a brief control order on the pop-up menu by positioning cursor and depressing left button or by depressing a character key (for example, 'B' or 'O' in EXPLORER) on the
hand-operated input device. To simplify these input operations, a combination of the
right button of mouse and a character key can be assigned to an input key. To embody
the above-mentioned function, an additional program that processes the signal for button
from the foot-operated input device as a signal from position control device must be
installed on computer in advance.
When the foot-operated input device and computer are connected by wireless link,
the central processing unit 113 converts a key scan code into a wireless key scan code.
That is, as shown in FIG. 10b to lOd, a wireless key scan code is generated by adding a
keyboard identifier, channel information, and error checksum into a key scan code
produced by the hand-operated input device, a key scan code produced by the foot-
operated input device, or a key scan code produced by both devices.
The central processing unit 113 transmits the position data outputted from touch
pad controller 111 to computer via the second transceiver.
The procedure of processing a key scan code outputted from the hand-operated
input device and/or the foot-operated input device and producing a key scan code to be
transmitted to computer is shown in FIG. 12.
The second transceiver 121 transmits a key scan code outputted from the central
processing unit 113 to computer and receives a reallocated key from computer. The second transceiver 121 comprises a communication port for transmitting a key scan code
and receiving a reallocated key. The communication port can be one selected from the
group including USB port, PS/2 port and serial communication port.
As shown in FIG. 10a, if the foot-operated input device 101 and computer 161 are
connected to each other via wireless link, the second transceiver 121 modulates a wireless
key scan code received from the central processing unit 113 into a proper signal for
wireless communication.
The second transceiver 121 can transmit position data of the position control
device comprised in the foot-operated input device to computer. In another embodiment,
the second transceiver 121 further comprises an additional communication port, such as
PS/2 port or serial communication port, for transmitting the position data produced by the
position control device to computer.
The memory 123 stores information for operating the hand-operated input device
and/or the foot-operated input device, such as a key allocation table and/or a collision
routine.
The touch pad controller 111 comprises at least one touch pad sensor, a
coordinates determining circuit and an interface circuit. If there is an electrical change
due to touch of the user's foot on a touch pad, the coordinates determining circuit produces
data of X axis and Y axis where the touch occurs. The produced position data are transmitted to the central processing unit 113 via interface circuit. The touch pad
controller 111 can be one selected from the group including mouse, positioning bar, track
ball and joystick.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Explaining in more
detail, FIG. 12 describes the procedure of processing a key input on the hand-operated
input device, a key input on the foot-operated input device or a key input on both devices
and producing a key scan code in accordance with the key input.
Referring to FIG. 12, at step 125, if a user operates the hand-operated input device
and/or the foot-operated input device for inputting data, the foot-operated input device
determines that an input signal comes from which device. An input- signal from the hand-
operated input device is a key scan code produced by a conventional keyboard and can be
use in common. An input signal from the foot-operated input device is a key scan code
assigned to input key of the foot-operated input device.
According to a user's dexterity, the user can input an extension key and a character
key only with the hand-operated input device. Accordingly, if it is not the case, such as
step 129, that the foot-operated input device is waiting for a key input from the hand-
operated input device thereafter receiving an extension key outputted from the foot- operated input device, a first key scan code from the hand-operated input device is directly
transmitted to computer. According to the determination, if the key input comes from the
hand-operated input device, proceed to step 127 to transmit the first key scan code to
computer and return to step 125. According to the determination, if the key input comes
from the foot-operated input device, proceed to step 129.
At step 129, the foot-operated input device determines whether the depressed key
is a conversion key or an extension key. Because input keys of the foot-operated input
device have a different key scan code according to the operating mode, the foot-operated
input device checks the operating mode at first and then converts the key scan data into the
second key scan code by the use of the key allocation table in accordance with the
operating mode. It is preferable that the key scan code 2 is the same as a conventional
keyboard produces. The above-mentioned step that converts the key scan data into the
second key scan code can be included in step 125. In response to the determination, if the
depressed key is a conversion key, proceed to step 131 to transmit the second key scan
code to computer and return to step 125. In response to the determination, if the
depressed key is an extension key, proceed to step 133.
At step 133, the foot-operated input device waits for key input from the hand-
operated input device. If the third key scan code outputted from the hand operated input
device with the input key of the foot-operated input device is depressed by a user, proceed to step 135. If the user stops depressing the input key of the foot-operated input device
without any key input from the hand-operated input device, return to step 125.
At step 135, the foot operated input device determines whether the second scan
code and the third key scan code collide with each other. The aspects of collision
between key scan codes depends on whether the processing method is a key scan code
processing method after transmission or a key scan code processing method before
transmission. The aspects of collision between key scan codes in the key scan code
processing method before transmission are as follows: (1) same extension key is outputted
from the hand-operated input device, (2) there is no key scan code assigned to the
combination of the depressed keys, and (3) the combination of the depressed keys are a
control command. We describe the above-mentioned aspects with an example. In case
(1) a user depresses SHIFT key or a combination of SHIFT key and a character key of the
hand-operated input device by depressing SHIFT key of the foot-operated input device or a
user depresses CTRL key or a combination of CTRL key and a character key of the hand-
operated input device by depressing CTRL key of the foot-operated input device. In case
(2) a user depresses a combination of SHIFT key and ALT key of the hand-operated input
device by depressing CTRL key of the foot-operated input device. In case (3) a user
depresses a combination of ALT key and DELETE key of the hand-operated input device
by depressing CTRL key of the foot-operated input device. According to the determination, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code collide with each
other, proceed to step 139 and otherwise proceed to step 137.
In the key scan code processing method after transmission, collision between key
scan codes occur when same extension keys are outputted from the hand operated input
device right after the foot-operated input device inputs an extension key. For example, a
user depresses a CTRL key of foot-operated input device and then depresses a CTRL key
or a combination of CTRL key and a character key of the hand-operated input device.
That is, if an input key of the foot-operated input device and an input key of the hand-
operated input device, which input keys have same key scan code, are depressed one after
another, key scan code processing routine of computer will receive two make codes for
same input key without a brake code. According to the determination, if the third key
scan code comprises an extension key the same as the second key scan code, proceed to
step 139 and otherwise proceed to step 137.
At step 137, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code do not collide
with each other, the foot-operated input device combines the second key scan code and the
third key scan code to produce the fourth key scan code to be transmitted to computer.
The method for combining two key scan codes and producing a key scan code is dependent
on a communication protocol between conventional keyboard and computer: (1) inserting a
key scan code for an extension key into a few bits or a byte of key scan code for a character key conventionally having 2 bytes in length, or (2) combining at least two key
scan codes with a control character or non-spacing character. That is, at step 137, a key
scan code for an extension key from the foot-operated input device and a key scan code for
a character key from the hand-operated input device are processed like a key scan code for
combination of an extension key and a character key from a keyboard. At step 141, the
produced fourth key scan code is transmitted to computer and then return to step 125.
At step 139, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code collide with
each other, the foot-operated input device resolves the collision between two key scan
codes according to the predetermined collision processing routine and then produces the
fourth key scan code. We describe the collision processing routine of the key scan code
processing method before transmission. In order to resolve the situation that the same
extension key is outputted from the hand-operated input device, the second key scan code
is disregarded and the third key scan code is transmitted to computer. In order to resolve
the situation that a combination of input keys from both devices does not have an assigned
key scan code, a priority can be assigned to the hand-operated input device or the foot-
operated input device so that if above-mentioned case occurs, the key scan code from
prioritized input device is transmitted and the key scan code from other input device is
disregarded. At step 141, the produced key scan code is transmitted to computer. FIG. 13 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
hand-operated input device according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 13, the hand-operated input device 270 is connected between the
foot-operated input device 200 and computer system 280. That is, data outputted from
the foot-operated input device 200 by user is converted into key scan code successively
according to the input sequence in the foot-operated input device 200 and then is
transmitted to computer system 280 via the hand-operated input device 270.
Also, when the user inputs data by the use of the hand-operated input device 270
and the foot-operated input device 200 at the same time, the key scan code outputted from
the foot-operated input device 200 is combined with the key scan code generated in the
hand-operated input device 270 and then is transmitted to computer system 280: That is,
if user depresses 's' key on the hand-operated input device 270 while depressing 'SHIFT'
key on the foot-operated input device 200, the hand-operated input device 270 generates a
combined key scan code same as a key scan code that is generated in the hand-operated
input device 270 when user depresses 'SHIFT' key and 's' key at the same time. • •
The foot-operated input device 200 connection to the hand-operated input device
270 and the hand-operated input device 270 connection to computer system 280 can be
accomplished by the use of serial cable, however, preferably connection occurs by the use of USB. If the hand-operated input device 270 is connected to computer system 280 with
serial cable regarding the foot-operated input device 200 further comprises position control
device, then additional communication cable is required to transmit position data outputted
from the position control device to computer system 280.
FIG. 14 shows a computer system coupled to a foot-operated input device and a
hand-operated input device via wireless link in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 14, a hand-operated input device 271 transmits data inputted by
user to computer 281 with wireless communication. The hand-operated input device 271
can transmit data to computer 281 via either infrared signals or radio frequency signals.
- ■ ■ ' If the hand-operated input device 271 transmits data to computer 281 via wireless
communication, the hand-operated input device 271 transmits a wireless key scan code
unlike the key scan code that is transmitted when the hand-operated input device 271 is
connected to computer 281 via wire communication. Various formats of wireless key
scan code are shown in FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c and FIG. lOd.
FIG. 15 a is a block diagram of a hand-operated input device in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15a, a hand-operated input device comprises a keyboard matrix
203, a scan code generator 205, a central processing unit 209, a first transceiver 213, a
second transceiver 215 and memory 219. Each element is connected as shown in FIG.
15a, however, the buffers, clock generator and power supply are omitted in FIG. 15a.
The keyboard matrix 203 comprises a plurality of input keys that include character
key and non-character key and generates key scan data when a user depresses the input key.
The scan code generator 205 generates a key scan code for the key scan data
received from the keyboard matrix 203. When the scan code generator 205 receives key
scan data, the scan code generator generates key scan code corresponding to key scan data,
which key scan code is fundamentally assigned to each input key.
The first transceiver 213 receives key scan data or a key scan code from the foot-
operated input device. If the first transceiver 213 received a key scan data or a key scan
code from the foot-operated input device, the first transceiver generates an interruption to
notify a key scan code outputted from the foot-operated input device to central processing
unit 209. The first transceiver 213 comprises a communication port for receiving a key
scan code from the foot-operated input device. The communication port can be one
selected from the group including USB port, PS/2 port and serial communication port. In
another embodiment, the first transceiver 213 comprises USB port, PS/2 port, serial
communication port and port selector. The port selector detects which port is connected to the hand-operated input device and transfers the key scan code from the communication
port to central processing unit 209.
If the hand-operated input device is a wireless keyboard, the first transceiver 213
can receive key scan code from the foot-operated input device via wireless communication.
The central processing unit 209 transmits a key scan code produced by the key
scan code generator 205 via the second transceiver 217.
The central processing unit 209 produces a key scan code to be transmitted to
computer by processing the key scan data or the key scan code outputted from the foot-
operated input device and the key scan code outputted from the scan code generator 205.
That is, the central processing unit 209 combines key scan codes outputted from the hand-
operated input device and the foot-operated input device to produce a key scan code that is
' the same as one produced only by the hand-operated input device. The combined' key
scan code is transmitted to computer by a second transceiver 217.
The central processing unit 209 operates differently depending on the operating
mode, which operating mode comprises a standard mode and an allocation mode. To
operate the foot-operated input device in the allocation mode, user allocates a reallocated
key to the input key of the foot-operated input device though user interface display. The
reallocated key is transmitted to the hand-operated input device by the second transceiver
217 and is stored in the key allocation table of memory 219 by the central processing unit 209. Whenever there is a key input from the foot-operated input device, the central
processing unit 209 replaces the key scan code outputted from the foot-operated input
device with the key scan code in accordance with the reallocated key in the key allocation
table of memory 219. The replaced key scan code and the key scan code received from
the hand-operated input device are combined by the central processing unit 209 and then
transmitted to computer. In another embodiment, conversion of key scan code can be
executed in the foot-operated input device. For this, the reallocated key can be
transmitted to the foot-operated input device and stored in the memory of the foot-operated
input device.
In another embodiment, combination of at least two keys can be assigned together
to an input key of the foot-operated input device. That is, to have a same result when
- depressing CTRL key and SHIFT key at the same time, CTRL key and SHIFT key can be
assigned together to an input key.
In another embodiment, a control key of a position control device (i.e., mouse) not
installed on the foot-operated input device can be assigned to the input key of the foot-
operated input device. For example, during use of a web browsing program such as
Microsoft's INTERNET EXPLORER, if user depresses the right button of the mouse, then
a pop-up menu comprising brief control order is displayed on the monitor. If user wants
to go forward or backward, the user depresses left button for displaying pop-up menu and then selects brief control order on the pop-up menu by positioning cursor and depressing
left button or by depressing a character key on the hand-operated input device. To
simplify these input operations, a combination of the right button of mouse and a character
key can be assigned to an input key. To embody the above-mentioned function, an
additional program which processes the signal for button from the foot-operated input
device as a signal from position control device must be installed on computer in advance.
When the hand-operated input device and computer are connected by wireless link,
the central processing unit 209 converts a key scan code into a wireless key scan code.
That is, as shown in FIG. 10b to lOd, a wireless key scan code is generated by adding a
keyboard identifier, channel information and error checksum into a key scan code
produced by the hand-operated input device, a key scan code produced by the foot-
operated input device or a key scan code produced by both devices.
The procedure of processing a key scan code outputted from the hand-operated
input device and/or the foot-operated input device and producing a key scan code to be
transmitted to computer is shown in FIG. 16b.
The second transceiver 217 transmits a key scan code outputted from the central-
processing unit 209 to computer and receives a reallocated key from computer. The
second transceiver 217 comprises a communication port for transmitting a key scan code
and receiving a reallocated key. The communication port can be one selected from the group including USB port, PS/2 port and serial communication port.
The memory 219 stores information for operating the hand-operated input device
and/or the foot-operated input device, such as a key allocation table and/or a collision
routine.
FIG. 15b is a block diagram of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 15b, the foot-operated input device comprises a keyboard matrix
221, a scan code generator 223, output controller 227, a transceiver 235 and a touch pad
controller 229. Each element is connected as shown in FIG. 15b, however, buffers, clock
generator and power supply are omitted in FIG. 15b.
• " The keyboard matrix 221 comprises a plurality of input keys and generates key
scan data when a user depresses the input key.
The scan code generator 223 generates a key scan code for the key scan data
received from the keyboard matrix 221. When the scan code generator 223 receives key
scan data, the scan code generator 223 generates key scan code corresponding to key scan
data, in which the key scan code is fundamentally assigned to each input key. In the
allocation mode, because the conversion of key scan code is executed in the hand-operated
input device, the key scan data can be transmitted to the hand-operated input device without converting into key scan code.
The output controller 227 distinguishes the key scan code outputted from the scan
code generator 223 and the position data outputted from the touch pad controller 229 to be
transmitted.
The touch pad controller 229 comprises at least one touch pad sensor, a
coordinates determining circuit and an interface circuit. If there is an electrical change
due to touch of the user's foot on a touch pad, the coordinates determining circuit produces
data of X axis and Y axis where the touch occurs. The produced position data are
transmitted to the output controller 227 via interface circuit. The touch pad controller 229
can be one selected from the group including mouse, positioning bar, track ball and
joystick.
The transceiver 235 transmits key scan data, a key scan code or position data
outputted from the output controller 227 to the hand-operated input device and receives
control command.
If the foot-operated input device and hand-operated input device are connected to
- each other via wireless link, the transceiver 235 modulates a key scan code received from
the output controller into a proper signal for wireless communication.
FIG. 16a is a flowchart of an operation of the foot-operated input device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 16a, at step 237, the foot-operated input device determines
whether the input signal comes from keyboard matrix or touch pad. According to the
determination, if the input signal comes from the touch pad, the foot-operated input device
produces position data at step 239 and transmits the position data to the hand-operated
input device at step 243.
According to the determination, if the input signal comes from the keyboard matrix,
the foot-operated input device produces a key scan code for that key input and transmits
the key scan code to the hand-operated input device.
FIG. 16b is a flowchart of an operation of the hand-operated input device in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Described in
detail, FIG. 16b shows the procedure that the hand-operated input device processes key
input of the hand-operated input device, a key input of the foot-operated input device or
key inputs of both devices and produces a key scan code to be transmitted.
Referring to FIG. 16b, at step "245, if a user operates the hand-operated input
device and/or the foot-operated input device for inputting data, the hand-operated input
device determines that an input signal comes from which device. An input signal from
the hand-operated input device is a key scan code produced by a conventional keyboard and can be used in common. An input signal from the foot-operated input device is a key
scan code assigned to input key of the foot-operated input device.
According to the user's dexterity, the user can input an extension key and a
character key only with the hand-operated input device. Accordingly, if that is not the
case, such as in step 251, that the hand-operated input device is waiting for a key input
from the hand-operated input device thereafter receiving an extension key outputted from
the foot-operated input device, a first key scan code from the hand-operated input device is
directly transmitted to computer. According to the determination, if the key input comes
from the hand-operated input device, proceed to step 247 to transmit the first key scan code
to computer and return to step 245. According to the determination, if the key input
comes from the foot-operated input device, proceed to step 251.
At step 251, the hand-operated input device determines whether the depressed key
is a conversion key or an extension key. Because input keys of the foot-operated input
device have a different key scan code according to the operating mode, the hand-operated
input device checks the operating mode at first and then converts the key scan data into the
second key scan code by the use of the key allocation table in accordance with the
operating mode. Preferably the second key scan code is the same as a conventional
keyboard produces. The above-mentioned step that converts the key scan data into the
second key scan code can be included in step 245. In response to the determination, if the depressed key is a conversion key, proceed to step 253 to transmit the second key scan
code to computer and return to step 245. In response to the determination, if the
depressed key is an extension key, proceed to step 255.
At step 255, the hand-operated input device waits for key input from the hand-
operated input device. If the third key scan code is? outputted from the hand operated
input device with the input key of the foot-operated input device depressed by a user,
proceed to step 259. If the user stops depressing the input key of the foot-operated input
device without any key input from the hand-operated input device, return to step 245.
At step 257, the hand-operated input device determines whether the second scan
code and the third key scan code collide with each other. The aspects of collision
between key scan codes depend on whether the processing method is a key scan code
processing method after transmission or a key scan code processing method before
transmission. According to the determination, if the second key scan code and the third
key scan code collide with each other, proceed to step 259 and otherwise proceed to step
261.
At step 259, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code do not collide
with each other, the hand-operated input device combines the second key scan code and
the third key scan code to produce the fourth key scan code to be transmitted to computer.
The method for combining two key scan codes and producing a key scan code is dependent on a communication protocol between conventional keyboard and computer: (1) inserting a
key scan code for an extension key into a few bits or a byte of key scan code for a
character key conventionally having 2 bytes in length, or (2) combining at least two key
scan codes with a control character or non-spacing character. That is, at step 259, a key
scan code for an extension key from the foot-operated input device and a key scan code for
a character key from the hand-operated input device are processed like a key scan code for
combination of an extension key and a character key from a keyboard. At step 263, the
produced fourth key scan code is transmitted to computer and return to step 245.
At step 261, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code collide with
each other, the hand-operated input device resolves the collision between the two key scan
codes according to the predetermined collision processing routine and then produces the
fourth key scan code. We describe the collision processing routine of the key scan code
processing method before transmission. In order to resolve the situation that same
extension key is outputted from the hand-operated input device, the second key scan code
is disregarded and the third key scan code is transmitted to computer. In order to resolve
the situation that a combination of input keys from both devices does not have an assigned
key scan code, a priority can be assigned to the hand-operated input device or the foot-
operated input device so that if the above-mentioned case occurs, the key scan code from
prioritized input device is transmitted and the key scan code from the other input device is disregarded. At step 263, the produced key scan code is transmitted to computer.
FIG. 17 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and a foot-
operated input device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 17, a hand-operated input device 350 and a foot-operated input
device 300 connect to a computer 360. The computer 360 receives the first key scan code
outputted from the hand-operated input device 350 and the second key scan code outputted
from the foot-operated input device 300.
A foot-operated input device driver (hereinafter 'FIDD'), which receives the
second key scan code from the foot-operated input device and combines the first key scan
code and the second key scan code to produce the third key scan code that can be used by
operating system of computer, is installed in computer. The procedure of FIDD is shown
in FIG. 19. The configuration of foot-operated input device 300 is the same as shown in
FIG. 15b, and the hand-operated input device is a conventional keyboard.
FIG. 18 shows a computer system coupled to a conventional keyboard and foot-
operated input device via wireless link in accordance with another preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 18, a hand-operated input device 351 is connected to computer 361 via wired link, and a foot-operated input device 301 is connected to computer via
wireless link.
The configuration of the foot-operated input device 301 is the same as shown in
FIG. 15b, however, the transceiver 235 can convert the key scan code outputted from the
output controller 227 into a wireless key scan code to be transmitted to computer 361.
The computer 361 receives the first key scan code from the hand-operated input
device 351 by conventional method. The hand-operated input device 351 can be
connected to computer via wireless link. If the hand-operated input device 351 is
connected to computer via wireless link, a wireless key scan code shown in FIG. 10b to
FIG. lOd is preferable for a user.
The computer 361 receives the second key scan code outputted from the foot-
operated input device 301. And FIDD, which receives the second key scan code from the
foot-operated input device 301 and combines the first key scan code and the second key
scan code to produce the third key scan code that can be used by operating system of
computer, is installed in computer 361.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing inputted data from a conventional keyboard
and a foot-operated input device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Described in detail, FIG. 19 shows the procedure that FIDD processes key input of the hand-operated input device, key input of the foot-operated input device or
key inputs of both devices and produces a key scan code to be transmitted.
Referring to FIG. 19, at step 303, if a user operates the hand-operated input device
and/or the foot-operated input device for inputting data, FIDD determines that an input
signal comes from which device. Especially, if the hand-operated input device and the
foot-operated input device are connected to computer via wireless link, FIDD uses a
keyboard identifier to determine that an input signal comes from which device. An input
signal from the hand-operated input device is a key scan code produced by a conventional
keyboard and can be used in common. An input signal from the foot-operated input
device is a key scan code assigned to input key of the foot-operated input device.
According to the determination, if the key input comes from the hand-operated input
device, proceed to step 305 to convert the first key scan code into a character code that can
be handled in operating system. According to the determination, if the key input comes
from the foot-operated input device, proceed to step 309.
At step 309, FIDD determines whether the depressed key in the foot-operated input
device is a conversion key or an extension key. Because input keys of the foot-operated
input device have a different key scan code according to the operating mode, FIDD checks
the operating mode at first and then converts the key scan data into the second key scan
code by the use of the key allocation table in accordance with the operating mode. It is preferable that the second key scan code is the same as that which a conventional keyboard
produces. The above-mentioned step that converts the key scan data into the second key
scan code can be included in step 303. It is preferable to assign a key scan code to an
input key, however, a key scan code for combination of at least two input keys to an input
key is allowed. That is, to receive the effect of depressing CTRL key and SHIFT key, these
keys can be assigned to an input key of the foot-operated input device.
In another embodiment, a control key of a position control device not installed on
the foot-operated input device can be assigned to the input key of the foot-operated input
device. For example, during use of web browsing program such as Microsoft's
INTERNET EXPLORER, if user depresses the right button of the mouse, then a pop-up
menu comprising brief control order is displayed on monitor. If user wants to go forward
or backward, the user depresses left button for displaying pop-up menu and then selects
brief control order on the pop-up menu by positioning cursor and depressing left button or
by depressing a character key (for example, 'B' or 'O' in EXPLORER) on the hand-
operated input device. To simplify these input operations, a combination of the right
button of mouse and a character key can be assigned to an input key. To embody the
above-mentioned function, an additional step, in which FIDD processes the signal for
button from the foot-operated input device as a signal from position control device, must
be further comprised. In response to the determination, if the depressed key is a conversion key, proceed
to step 311 to convert the second key scan code into a character code to be handled in
operating system and then proceed to step 313. At step 313, the character code is turned
into operating system and return to step 303. In response to the determination, if the
depressed key is an extension key, proceed to step 315.
At step 315, FIDD waits for key input from the hand-operated input device. If the
third key scan code is inputted to the hand operated input device with the input key of the
foot-operated input device depressed by a user to input combination of extension key and
text key , proceed to step 317. If the user stops depressing the input key of the foot-
operated input device without a key input from the hand-operated input device, return to
step 303.
At step 317, FIDD determines whether the second scan code and the third key scan
code collide with each other. According to the determination, if the second key scan code
and the third key scan code collide with each other, proceed to step 319 or otherwise
proceed to step 321.
At step 319, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code collide with
each other, FIDD resolves the collision between two key scan codes according to the
predetermined collision processing routine and then converts the resolved key scan code
into a character code. At step 323, the character code is transmitted to operating system. At step 321, if the second key scan code and the third key scan code do not collide
with each other, FIDD combines the second key scan code and then converts the combined
key scan code into a character code. At step 323, the character code is transmitted to
operating system and return to step 303.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a foot-operated input device in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 20, the foot-operated input device comprises a lower part 400, a
right upper part 410 and a left upper part 420. The lower part 400 comprises the first
socket for connecting the left upper part 410 and the second socket for connecting the right
upper part 420.
The left upper part 410 comprises a connector for connecting the lower part"411, a
first input key 413, a second input key 415 and a third input key 417.
The right upper part 420 comprises a connector for connecting the lower part 421,
a first input key 423, a second input key 425 and a third input key 427.
By the use of a plurality of input keys comprised in the left upper part 410 and the
right upper part 420, the same effect to depress an input key of the hand-operated input
device can be achieved by the foot-operated input device. It is preferable to locate the
foot-operated input device under the computer or table so that a user can operate the foot- operated input device by foot. And a user can assemble the foot-operated input device
with the left upper part 410 and the right upper part 420 separately on the lower part 400.
The present invention has been described with particularity in connection with the
specific embodiments. It should be appreciated, however, that many changes may be
made to the disclosed embodiments without departing form the inventive concepts.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As described in detail, according to the present invention, a foot-operated input
device and method for processing inputted data that is easily operated with hand and foot
at the same time by a user unaccustomed to a conventional keyboard is provided.
Also, according to the present invention, a foot-operated input device and method
for processing inputted data that can alleviate pain on wrists, shoulder or fingers caused by
using conventional keyboard for a long time is provided.
Also, according to the present invention, a foot-operated input device and method
for processing inputted data that a user can input data with foot to prevent the drop of
typing rate due to frequently changed position of one's hands can is provided. -
Also, according to the present invention, a foot-operated input device and method
for processing inputted data that can be coupled between a conventional keyboard and
computer without any modification in hardware or any additional software is provided. Also, according to the present invention, a foot-operated input device and method
for processing inputted data that can be coupled to computer together with conventional
keyboard without any modification in hardware or any additional software is provided
Also, according to the present invention, a foot-operated input device and method
for processing inputted data is provided such that because children have to use both their
hands and feet for operating the computer, and as a result, side effects such as physical
exhaustion are decreased, then a well-balanced physical and mental growth can be
achieved.

Claims

1. A foot-operated input device coupled between a hand-operated keyboard and an
electrical data processing device and comprising at least one input key operated by a foot,
comprising:
a first transceiver for receiving a first key scan code from the hand-operated
keyboard, wherein the hand-operated keyboard is a conventional keyboard for personal
computer;
a keyboard matrix to generate first key scan data indicative of an activated key,
wherein said keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key;
a scan code generator coupled to said keyboard matrix to generate a second key
scan code in accordance with the key scan data;
a memory for storing a key allocation table and/or a collision processing routine,
wherein the key allocation table comprises key scan code allocated to foot-key and the
collision processing routine resolves a situation that the first key scan code collides with
the second key scan code;
a central processing unit for processing the first key scan code and/or the second
key scan code with reference to the key allocation table and/or the collision processing
routine and producing a third key scan code with reference to a predetermined criterion;
and a second transceiver coupled to said central processing unit to transmit the third
key scan code to said electrical data processing device and receiving reallocated key from
said electrical data processing device.
2. The device stated in claim 1, wherein the input key is a non-character key or
combination of keys .
3. The device stated in claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is the
following:
when the second key scan code is not inputted, if the first key scan code is inputted,
then the first scan code is directly outputted without processing,
• when the second key scan code is inputted, if the second key scan' code is in
accordance with a conversion key with reference to the key allocation table, then the
second key scan code is directly outputted without processing,
when the second key scan code is inputted, if the second key scan code is in
accordance with an extension key with reference to the key allocation table and the first
key scan code is inputted after the second key scan code, then the third key scan code that
is the same key scan code indicative of an extension key and a character key generated by
said hand-operated keyboard is generated and outputted, and when the second key scan code is inputted, if the second key scan code is in
accordance with an extension key with reference to the key allocation table, the first key
scan code is inputted after the second key scan code and the first key scan code collide
with the second key scan code, then the third key scan code is generated according to the
collision processing routine and outputted.
4. The device stated in claim 1, wherein said second transceiver coupled to said
electrical data processing device via wireless link transmits and receives a wireless key
scan code and the reallocated key.
5. The device stated in claim 4, wherein the wireless key scan code comprises
the third key scan code;
a keyboard identifier that said electrical data processing device can recognize said
foot-operated input device;
channel information, which channel is used to communicate between said foot-
operated input device and said electrical data processing device via wireless link; and
an error checksum for correcting errors.
6. The device stated in claim 1, wherein said central processing unit can change a key scan code in the key allocation table by the use of the reallocated key received by said
second transceiver.
7. The device stated in claim 1, wherein the collision processing routine is the
following:
when the second key scan code is inputted, if the key scan code outputted from
said hand-operated keyboard and the second key scan code are indicative of the same
extension key, then the second key scan code is disregarded and the key scan code
outputted from said hand-operated keyboard is directly outputted without processing.
8. The device stated in claim 1, wherein said foot-operated input device further
comprises a position control device, wherein said position control device controls a pointer
that is located on a monitor.
9. A method for processing inputted data in a foot-operated input device that is
coupled between a hand-operated keyboard and electrical data processor, and comprises at
least one input key device operated by a foot, said method comprising the following steps:
determining whether there is a key scan code outputted from said hand-operated
keyboard or said foot-operated input device; in response to the determination, if there is a first key scan code outputted from
said hand-operated keyboard, then outputting the first key scan code, and if there is a
second key scan code outputted from said foot-operated input device, then identifying an
attribute of the second key scan code;
in the response to the identification, if the attribute of the second key scan code is a
conversion key, then outputting the second key scan code, and if the attribute of the second
key scan code is an extension key, then awaiting a third key scan code from said hand-
operated keyboard;
determining whether there is a collision between the second key scan code and the
third key scan code by the use of a collision processing routine; and
in response to the determination, outputting the result of processing the second key
scan code and the third key scan code.
10. The method stated in claim 9, wherein said foot-operated input device
comprises at least one input key, wherein said input key is indicative of a key on said hand-
operated keyboard. ■ ■
11. The method stated in claim 10, wherein said input key has an attribute of a non-
character key, wherein the non-character key comprises conversion key and extension key.
12. The method stated in claim 9, wherein said method further comprises
receiving the reallocated key in accordance with input key of said foot-operated
input device; and
reallocating said input key with the reallocated key.
13. An input device for an electrical data processing device, which input device can
be operated by hand and/or foot, comprising:
a foot-operated input device for producing a first key scan code in response to a
key input by a user, wherein said foot-operated input device comprises at least one of a
first input key; and
a hand-operated input device coupled to said foot-operated input device to produce
a second key scan code in response to a key input by the user, produce a third key scan
code by processing the first key scan code and/or the second key scan code with reference
to a predetermined criterion and output the third key scan code to said electrical data
processing device.
14. A foot-operated input device coupled to a hand-operated input device,
comprising: a keyboard matrix for producing key scan data indicative of an activated key,
wherein said keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key;
a scan code generator coupled to said keyboard matrix to generate a first key scan
code in accordance with the key scan data; and
a transceiver for transmitting the first key scan code to said hand-operated input
device.
15. The device stated in claim 14, wherein the input key is a non-character key or a
combination of keys.
16. The device stated in claim 14, wherein said foot-operated input device further
comprises a position control device, wherein said position control device controls a pointer
that is located on monitor.
17. A hand-operated input device coupled between a foot-operated input device
and an electrical data processing device and comprising a plurality of input keys operated
by hands, comprising:
a first transceiver for receiving a first key scan code from said foot-operated input
device: a keyboard matrix for producing key scan data indicative of an activated input key,
wherein said input keys comprise a plurality of character keys and a plurality of non-
character keys;
a scan code generator coupled to said keyboard matrix to produce a second key
scan code in accordance with the key scan data;
a memory for storing a key allocation table and/or a collision processing routine,
wherein the key allocation table comprises key scan code allocated to input key of said
foot-operated input device and the collision processing routine resolves a situation when
the first key scan code collides with the second key scan code;
a central processing unit for processing the first key scan code and/or the second
key scan code with reference to the key allocation table and/or the collision processing
routine and producing a third key scan code with reference to a predetermined criterion;
and
a second transceiver coupled to said central processing unit to transmit the third
key scan code to said electrical data processing device and receiving reallocated key from
said electrical data processing device.
18. The device stated in claim 17 wherein the predetermined criterion is the
following: when the first key scan code is not inputted, if the second key scan code is inputted,
then the second scan code is directly outputted without processing,
when the first key scan code is inputted, if the first key scan code is in accordance
with a conversion key with reference to the key allocation table, then the first key scan
code is directly outputted without processing,
when the first key scan code is inputted, if the first key scan code is in accordance
with an extension key with reference to the key allocation table and the second key scan
code is inputted after the first key scan code, then the third key scan code that is the same
key scan code indicative of an extension key and a character key generated by said hand-
operated keyboard is generated and outputted, and
when the first key scan code is inputted, if the first key scan code is in accordance
with an extension key with reference to the key allocation table, the second key scan code
is inputted after the first key scan code and the second key scan code collides with the first
key scan code, then the third key scan code is generated according to the collision
processing routine and outputted.
19. The device stated in claim 17, wherein said second transceiver coupled to said
electrical data processing device via wireless link transmits and receives a wireless key
scan code and the reallocated key.
20. The device stated in claim 19, wherein the wireless key scan code comprises
the third key scan code;
a keyboard identifier that said electrical data processing device can recognize said
5 hand-operated input device;
channel information, which channel is used to communicate between said hand-
operated input device and said electrical data processing device via wireless link; and
an error checksum for correcting errors.
L0 21. The device stated in claim 17, wherein said central processing unit can change
a key scan code in the key allocation table by the use of the reallocated key received by
said second transceiver.
22. The device stated in claim 17, wherein the collision processing routine is the
15 following:
when the first key scan code is inputted, if the first key scan code and the second
key scan code are indicative of same extension key, then the first key scan code is
disregarded and the second key scan code is directly outputted without processing.
23. A method for processing inputted data in a hand-operated input device that is
coupled between a foot-operated input device and an electrical data processor, and
comprises a plurality of input keys operated by hands, said method comprising the steps of:
determining whether there is a key scan code outputted from said hand-operated
keyboard or said foot-operated input device;
in response to the determination, if there is a first key scan code outputted from
said foot-operated input device, then identifying an attribute of the first key scan code, and
if there is a second key scan code outputted from said hand-operated input device, then
outputting the second key scan code;
in the response to the identification, if the attribute of the first key scan code is a
conversion key, then outputting the first key scan code, and if the attribute of the first key
scan code is an extension key, then waiting a third key scan code from said hand-operated
keyboard;
determining whether there is a collision between the first key scan code and the
third key scan code by the use of a collision processing routine; and
in response to the determination, outputting the result of processing the first key
scan code and the third key scan code.
24. The method stated in claim 23, wherein said method further comprises receiving a reallocated key in accordance with input key of said foot-operated input
device; and
reallocating said input key with the reallocated key.
25. A foot-operated input system, which can be used together with a hand-operated
keyboard in an electrical data processing device, comprising:
a foot-operated input device coupled to said electrical data processing device
comprising:
(a) a keyboard matrix for producing key scan data indicative of an activated key,
wherein said keyboard matrix comprises at least one input key;
(b) a scan code generator coupled to said keyboard matrix to generate a first key
scan code in accordance with the key scan data; and
(c) a transceiver for transmitting the first key scan code to said electrical data
processing device, and
a processing unit located in said electrical data processing device that is coupled to
said hand-operated keyboard and said foot-operated input device to process the first key
scan code and/or a second key scan code generated by said hand-operated keyboard with
reference to a predetermined criterion and change a processed key scan code to character
code applicable to said electrical data processing device.
26. The system stated in claim 25, wherein said transceiver coupled to said
electrical data processing device via wireless link transmits and receives a wireless key
scan code and the reallocated key.
27. The system stated in claim 26, wherein the wireless key scan code comprises
the first key scan code;
a keyboard identifier that said electrical data processing device can recognize said
hand-operated input device;
channel information, which channel is used to communicate between said hand-
operated input device and said electrical data processing device via wireless link; and
an error checksum for correcting errors.
28. The system stated in claim 25, wherein said foot-operated input device further
comprises a position control device, wherein said position control device controls a pointer
that is located on monitor.
29. A method for processing inputted data in a foot-operated input device that can
be used together with a hand-operated keyboard and comprises at least one input key operated by a foot, said method comprising the following steps:
receiving a key input from said hand-operated keyboard and/or said foot-operated
input device; and
producing a key scan code in response to the key input,
wherein said input key is indicative of a key on said hand-operated keyboard.
30. A method for processing inputted data from a hand-operated keyboard and a
foot-operated input device, said method comprising the following steps:
determining whether there is a key scan code outputted from said hand-operated
keyboard or said foot-operated input device;
in response to the determination, if there is a first key scan code outputted from
said hand-operated keyboard, then outputting the first key scan code, and if there is a
second key scan code outputted from said foot-operated input device, then identifying an
attribute of the second key scan code;
in the response to the identification, if the attribute of the second key scan code is a
conversion key, then outputting the second key scan code, and if the attribute of the second
key scan code is an extension key, then waiting a third key scan code from said hand-
operated keyboard;
determining whether there is a collision between the second key scan code and the third key scan code by the use of a collision processing routine; and
in response to the determination, outputting the result of processing the second key
scan code and the third key scan code.
31. The method stated in claim 30, wherein said method further comprises
receiving reallocated key in accordance with input key of said foot-operated input
device; and
reallocating said input key with the reallocated key.
32. The method stated in claim 30, wherein the collision processing routine is the
following:
when the second key scan code is inputted, if the key scan code outputted from
said hand-operated keyboard and the second key scan code are indicative of same
extension key, then the second key scan code is disregarded and the key scan code
outputted from said hand-operated keyboard is directly outputted without processing.
33. A foot-operated input device coupled between a hand-operated input device
and an electrical data processing device, comprising:
a base; a projecting part located on an upper panel of said base;
a first socket located on one side of said projecting part;
a second socket located on another side opposite to said first socket of said
projecting panel;
a first foothold having a first connector corresponding to said first socket;
a second foothold having a second connector corresponding to said second socket;
and
at least one input key located on said first foothold and said second foothold,
wherein said connector is coupled to said input key to output on/off signal.
PCT/KR2001/001250 2001-06-28 2001-07-23 Foot operated input device and method for processing inputted data WO2003003183A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR2001/37487 2001-06-28
KR10-2001-0037487A KR100452796B1 (en) 2001-06-28 2001-06-28 Foot operated input device and method for processing inputted data

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003003183A1 true WO2003003183A1 (en) 2003-01-09
WO2003003183B1 WO2003003183B1 (en) 2004-03-04

Family

ID=19711451

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2001/001250 WO2003003183A1 (en) 2001-06-28 2001-07-23 Foot operated input device and method for processing inputted data

Country Status (2)

Country Link
KR (1) KR100452796B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003003183A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011008100A1 (en) * 2009-07-14 2011-01-20 Rita Eilen Aronsen Foot operated computer mouse

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102274780B1 (en) 2019-07-23 2021-07-07 박종태 Input device according to six axis movement of foot
KR102274781B1 (en) 2019-08-13 2021-07-07 박종태 Method of command generation according to six-axis motion analysis of feet and legs
KR102230825B1 (en) * 2020-09-27 2021-03-22 주식회사 스마트플랫 Foot pad
KR102324975B1 (en) * 2021-04-02 2021-11-10 전승환 Standalone keyboard module

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5635957A (en) * 1994-08-02 1997-06-03 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Cursor control apparatus having foot operated pedal and method for same
JPH11119909A (en) * 1997-10-17 1999-04-30 Nec Corp Foot operation input device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS616723A (en) * 1984-06-21 1986-01-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Keyboard
JPH05204511A (en) * 1991-11-18 1993-08-13 Nec Corp Keyboard with foot-operated control key
JPH05216569A (en) * 1992-01-27 1993-08-27 Nec Corp Information input device with foot change cursor key
KR19990034365A (en) * 1997-10-29 1999-05-15 구자홍 PC's foothold key input method and device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5635957A (en) * 1994-08-02 1997-06-03 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Cursor control apparatus having foot operated pedal and method for same
JPH11119909A (en) * 1997-10-17 1999-04-30 Nec Corp Foot operation input device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011008100A1 (en) * 2009-07-14 2011-01-20 Rita Eilen Aronsen Foot operated computer mouse

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20030001123A (en) 2003-01-06
KR100452796B1 (en) 2004-10-14
WO2003003183B1 (en) 2004-03-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6213880B1 (en) Game pad apparatus and method for navigation on a digital video disk (DVD) system
US6014616A (en) Method for monitoring the language used for character generation by an operating system
US5267181A (en) Cybernetic interface for a computer that uses a hand held chord keyboard
WO2004010276A1 (en) Information display input device and information display input method, and information processing device
US7383553B2 (en) Accessing a platform independent input method editor from an underlying operating system
CN101197075B (en) Remote controller simulating keyboard input
EP1703367A2 (en) Remote-control system, remote controller, remote-control method, information-processing device, information-processing method, and program
JPH05241729A (en) Mouse support for subordinate work station
CA2606305C (en) Method and system for data input
US6786823B2 (en) Game keyboard device
WO2003003183A1 (en) Foot operated input device and method for processing inputted data
US6307570B1 (en) Virtual input device
US5973622A (en) Keyboard with a two-dimensional actuator for generating direction signals
KR100397265B1 (en) Method and apparatus for transmitting multimedia wireless data to a host system
US20030137491A1 (en) Computer mouse with multimedia hot-keys
JPH11249806A (en) User input device
JP2003263264A (en) Character input device and character input method
KR100421362B1 (en) Charactor input apparatus and method for set-top box
CN100385375C (en) Character inputting system and method
CN100371869C (en) Advanced mouse
US20030089783A1 (en) Pen for use with devices comprising a touch-sensitive display device
CN212990089U (en) Computer input device
US20050078089A1 (en) Computer mouse with multimedia hotkeys and processing method thereof
US7117279B2 (en) Keycode page switching apparatus and method for the same
WO2010031123A1 (en) Input apparatus and method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
B Later publication of amended claims

Effective date: 20021028

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP