Patent Application
20130249715
The present invention generally relates to a keyboard device, and more particularly to a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems.
Here in the technology and information age, the computer and peripherals thereof has become a part of the daily life of everybody whether at work or entertainment, and the input devices, such as the mouse device, the keyboard device, the trackball device and so on, used as the communication between the computer and the user has attracted increasing attention.
An object herein is concentrated in a keyboard device among the input devices, and a structure of a conventional keyboard device is illustrated hereinafter.
Each one of the keys is capable of being pressed down by a user with his finger, so as to generate a corresponding key signal to an electronic apparatus, and thus the electronic apparatus are enabled to execute a function of the key being pressed down. Herein, it is able to key in an English letter, a special symbol or a standard command by pressing down any one of the common keys 101. For example, a surface of a key cap of the key “C” of the common keys 101 is presented with an English letter character “C”, and it is able to key in an English letter C by pressing down it, while it is able to execute a certain standard command by pressing down the key “Ctrl”. In addition, it is able to key in a number by pressing down any one of the number keys 102, it is able to execute a function, such as any one of F1 to F12, by pressing down any one of the function keys 103, while it is able to execute a command of Delete, a command of shifting to Home, a command of shifting to End, a command of Pageup, a command of Pagedown, a command of moving upward, a command of moving downward, a command of moving leftward and a command of moving rightward and so on by pressing down any one of the expansion keys 104.
The conventional keyboard device 1 is capable of being in communication with an electronic apparatus (not shown), so as to operate the electronic apparatus by using the conventional keyboard device 1. In general, the electronic apparatus is certainly installed with an operating system (OS), so as to provide a user interface (UI) for enabling the user to operate the electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus in communication with the conventional keyboard device 1 can be installed with a Windows operating system (OS), wherein the electronic apparatus is a desktop host. As illustrated in
For example, when the key “C” of the common keys 101 is pressed down by the user, that common key 101 generates the key code “06”, and then the key code “06” is transmitted the control unit 11 via an internal circuit, so that the control unit 11 generates the key signal corresponding to the key code “06” and then transmits the key signal to the electronic apparatus according to the key code “06”. Certainly, the Windows operating system in the electronic apparatus is defaulted with a function command corresponding to that key signal. As a result, the Windows operating system obtains that the command that the user desires to execute is to key in the English letter “C” according to the key signal, and then the electronic apparatus executes that command accordingly. The other results operated by pressing down the other keys are all similar to the above mentioned operation of the common key 101 and thus are omitted herein.
In contrast, when the conventional keyboard device 1 is in communication with an another electronic apparatus (not shown) and the another electronic apparatus is installed with a Macintosh operating system, the operation case is not completely the same. It is because the key signals generated by the conventional keyboard device 1 are always the same, no matter which one of the operating systems is installed in the electronic apparatus. As a result, when the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system receives the key signal, the Macintosh operating system may not recognize the command corresponding to the key signal.
Take an example of the key “C” of the above mentioned common keys 101. As the conventional keyboard device 1 generates the key signal corresponding to the key code “06”, the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system receives the key signal. Since most of the common keys 10 are capable of being commonly used for both of the Windows operating system and the Macintosh operating system, the Macintosh operating system can enable the electronic apparatus to execute the command of keying in the English letter “C” according to the key signal. Generally speaking, most of the key signals generated by the common keys 10 can be recognized by the Macintosh operating system as described above. However, the Macintosh operating system is not always able to recognize any key combination enabled by at least two keys or any shortcut key having a special function. As a result, a key code generated by either the key combination or the shortcut key must be matched up with the operating system, so as to enable the electronic apparatus to recognize any one of the key codes generated by one of the key combinations or the shortcut keys, and then a key combination command corresponding to one of the key codes or a shortcut key command corresponding to one of the shortcut key is capable of being executed.
Take an example of a Copy command of the key combination commands. The Copy command in the Windows operating system is able to be executed by pressing down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the common keys 101 of the conventional keyboard device 1 together. When the user presses down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the common keys 101 of the conventional keyboard device 1 together, a key code “E0” corresponding to the key “Ctrl” and a key code “06” corresponding to the key “C” are generated and then transmitted to the control unit 11. As a result, the control unit 11 outputs a key signal corresponding to the above mentioned key codes to the electronic apparatus according to the above mentioned key codes. Next, the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system can recognize that the key signal corresponds to the Copy command and execute the Copy command. However, the Copy command in the Windows operating system is unable to be used in the Macintosh operating system.
Referring to
A Copy command in the Macintosh operating system is executed by pressing down the Apple key 201 and the key “C” together, so as to enable the conventional keyboard device 2 to generate a key signal corresponding to the Apple key 201 and the key “C”. When the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system receives the key signal, the Macintosh operating system recognizes the key signal as a Copy command, so as to enable the electronic apparatus to execute the Copy command. In another word, when the user presses down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the common keys 101 in the conventional keyboard device 1 together, the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system would not execute the Copy command. Similarly, when the user presses down the Apple key 201 and the key “C” in the conventional keyboard device 2 together, the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system would not execute the Copy command as well.
An operation instance of the shortcut key is illustrated hereinafter. As illustrated in
However, the commands corresponding to the first shortcut function key 105 and the second shortcut function key 106 defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may be different from those defaulted in the Windows operating system. For example, the key signal generated by the first shortcut function key 105 defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may correspond to a command for stopping playing the multi media player, while the key signal generated by the second shortcut function key 106 defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may correspond to a command for playing the multi media player. As a result, when the user presses down the first shortcut function key 105 and thus enables the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system to recognize the key signal thereof, the command for stopping playing the multi media player is executed. In contrast, when the user presses down the second shortcut function key 106 and thus enables the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system to recognize the key signal thereof, the command for playing the multi media player is executed. In another word, the commands defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may be just contrary to those defaulted in the Windows operating system.
In summary, a keyboard device capable of being applied to two different operating systems is not yet commercially available. As a result, the user needs to remember two different methods for inputting the same key command for the Windows operating system and the Macintosh operating system. For example, the method for inputting the copy command in the Windows operating system is pressing down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” together, while that in the Macintosh operating system is pressing down the Apple key and the key “C” together, and thus an input error may be occurred due to the user is likely to be confused in operation.
The present invention is directed to providing a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems.
The present invention is further directed to providing a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and conforming to the user's operation habit.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a keyboard device for different operating systems, which is in communication with an electronic apparatus, and the keyboard device comprises:
In a preferred embodiment, the control unit further comprises an auto install program. Herein, the auto install program is activated when the keyboard device is in communication with the electronic apparatus, so as to automatically install a recognition program into the electronic apparatus. In addition, the electronic apparatus transmits a recognition signal to the control unit after the recognition program is installed, so as to enable the logic unit to determine which one of the first operating system and the second operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus according to the recognition signal.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a connection wire, which is capable of being in communication with the electronic apparatus for either transmitting the first key signal to the electronic apparatus or transmitting the recognition signal to the control unit, wherein the keyboard device is a wired keyboard device.
In a preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus further comprises a recognition program, wherein the recognition program controls the electronic apparatus to transmit a recognition signal to the control unit when the keyboard device is in communication with the electronic apparatus, so as to enable the logic unit to determine which one of the first operating system and the second operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus according to the recognition signal.
In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard device for different operating systems of the present invention further comprises:
In a preferred embodiment, a key cap surface of the at least one key is presented with a play character for a multi media player, and the first key command is a function for playing the multi media player.
In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard device for different operating systems of the present invention further comprises an another key, wherein the another key is exposed by the surface of the keyboard device, capable of being pressed down and thus correspondingly generates an another first key code, so as to enable the electronic apparatus installed with the first operating system to execute the second key command. In addition, a key cap surface of the another key is presented with a stop playing character for a multi media player, and the second key command is a function for stopping playing the multi media player.
In a preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus is a desktop host, a notebook or a smart phone, the first operating system and the second operating system are any two of a Windows operating system, a Macintosh operating system, an Android operating system and an iOS operating system, and the second operating system is different from the first operating system.
In a preferred embodiment, the first key signal or the second key signal is generated by the control unit in response to the at least one key being pressed down alone, and the at least one key is a shortcut function key.
In a preferred embodiment, the first key signal or the second key signal is generated by the control unit in response to a key combination comprising the at least one key being pressed down together, and the at least one key is a common key.
In a preferred embodiment, the memory unit stores a HID usage table, and the first key code is any one of key codes originally comprised in the HID usage table including a key code “04” to a key code “E7” and a key code “F0”, while the second key code is a key code “F2” additionally added into the HID usage table.
Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the present invention. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. In fact, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a through understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations are not described in detail in order not to obscure the present invention.
In view of the defects of the conventional arts, the present invention provides a keyboard device capable of making up the disadvantages of the conventional keyboard device.
The control unit 31 is in communication with the plurality of keys 30 and the electronic apparatus 4, which is capable of receiving the above mentioned first key codes C1, and the control unit 31 comprises a memory unit 311, a logic unit 312 and an auto install program 313. The memory unit 311 stores a HID Usage Table 3111, and the key codes included in the HID Usage Table 3111 further comprises a key code “F0”, a key code “F1”, a key code “F2” and a key code “F3” except the key code “04” to the key code “E7”. The key code “F0” and the key code “F3” correspond to the first shortcut function key 3051, and the key code “F1” and the key code “F2” correspond to the second shortcut function key 3052, wherein the details of the key code “F0”, the key code “F1”, the key code “F2” and the key code “F3” will be further described later. Any one of the key code “04” to the key code “E7”, the key code “F0” and the key code “F1” included in the HID
Usage Table 3111 is defined as one of the above mentioned first key codes C1, while any one the key code “F2” and the key code “F3” is defined as a second key code C2.
In addition, the logic unit 31 is in communication with the memory unit 311, the plurality of keys 30 and the electronic apparatus 4, which is capable of recognizing the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus 4, so as to determine the key signal to be outputted according to the recognition result. Furthermore, the auto install program 313 is capable of being activated when the keyboard device 3 is in communication with the electronic apparatus 4, so as to install a recognition program 40 in the electronic apparatus 4 automatically. After that, the electronic apparatus 4 transmits a first recognition signal M1 to the control unit 31 when the installation of the recognition program 40 is finished, so as to enable the logic unit 31 to recognize the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus 4 based on the first recognition signal M1. In the present preferred embodiment, the memory unit 311 can be practiced by using an Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or a Flash Read-Only Memory (Flash ROM), while the logic unit is a microprocessor.
As illustrated in
The operation case of the keyboard device 3 is illustrated hereinafter. Referring to
Hereinafter take an example by using the first shortcut function key 3051 and the second shortcut function key 3052. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In contrast, when the second shortcut function key 3052 is pressed down by the user, the second shortcut function key 3052 generates an another first key code C1 (i.e. the key code “F1” corresponding to the second shortcut function key 3052) to the control unit 31. Since the another electronic apparatus 5 is installed with the second operating system 51, the logic unit 312 switches the another first key code C1 (i.e. the key code “F1”) to an another second key code C2 (i.e. the key code “F3” corresponding to the second shortcut function key 3052) by the HID Usage Table 3111 in the memory unit 311. After that, the logic unit 312 outputs a fourth key signal S4 corresponding to the another second key code C2 (i.e. the key code “F3”) to the another electronic apparatus 5, so as to enable the second operating system 51 to execute the second key command (i.e. the command for stopping playing the multi media player) according to the fourth key signal S4.
In a word, the function of the first shortcut function key 3051 in the first operating system 41 is a function for playing multi media player, but the function of the second shortcut function key 3052 in the first operating system 41 is a function for stopping playing the multi media player. In contrast, the function of the first shortcut function key 3051 in the second operating system 51 is the function for stopping playing multi media player, but the function of the second shortcut function key 3052 in the second operating system 51 is the function for playing the multi media player. However, the keyboard device 3 of the present invention is capable of recognizing the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus by itself and determining that it is necessary to switch the key code or not according to the recognition of the operating system. As a result, the function of the first shortcut function key 3051 is identical to the character presented on the key cap of the first shortcut function key 3051, and thus the user does not need to remember what the function of the first shortcut function key 3051 in whether the first operating system 41 or the second operating system 51 is.
With regard to the key combinations, the functions thereof are similar as well, and hereinafter take a simple example by using the copy function. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In addition, the present invention further provides a second preferred embodiment to the keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems.
Moreover, the electronic apparatus 7 can further comprise a recognition program 70. When the keyboard device 6 is in communication with the electronic apparatus 7, the recognition program 70 controls the electronic apparatus 7 to transmit the first recognition signal or the second recognition signal to the control unit 61, so as to enable the control unit 61 to recognize that the electronic apparatus 7 is installed with the first operating system according to the first recognition signal or installed with the second operating system according to the second recognition signal. Herein, when the electronic apparatus 7 is installed with the first operating system, the recognition program 70 is able to control the electronic apparatus 7 to transmit the first recognition signal to the control unit 61. In contrast, when the electronic apparatus 7 is installed with the second operating system, the recognition program 70 is able to control the electronic apparatus 7 to transmit the second recognition signal to the control unit 61. In the present preferred embodiment, the recognition program 70 is previously installed in the electronic apparatus 7, wherein the recognition program 70 can be stored in the electronic apparatus 7 by being downloaded with a network, or the recognition program 70 can be stored in the electronic apparatus 7 by using an external storage device (such as a flash device, an external hard disk device, an optical disk and so on). With regard to the keyboard device 6 capable of being applied to different operating systems, an operation case thereof is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment except the signals are transmitted by using the wireless transmission technology, and thus it is omitted herein.
Moreover, the present invention further provides a third preferred embodiment to the keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems as well.
In addition, an electronic apparatus 9 in communication with the keyboard device 8 comprises a recognition program 90 and a second bluetooth transmission module 91. The recognition program 90 is completely the same as the recognition program 70 disclosed in the second preferred embodiment and thus omitted herein. Further, the second bluetooth transmission module 91 thereof is capable of matching up with the first bluetooth transmission module 82 of the keyboard device 8, so as to establish a connection between the keyboard device 8 and the electronic apparatus 9 for transmitting the first key signal, the second key signal, the first recognition signal and the second recognition signal. In the present preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus 9 is a tablet personal computer (Tablet PC). With regard to the keyboard device 8 capable of being applied to different operating systems, an operation case thereof is substantially similar to the second preferred embodiment except the signals are transmitted by using the bluetooth transmission technology, and thus it is omitted herein.
In the other preferred embodiments, the electronic apparatus can be practiced by using a smart phone or a notebook personal computer (Notebook PC), while the first operating system and the second operating system can be practiced by using any two of a Windows operating system, a Macintosh operating system, an Android operating system and an iOS operating system, and the second operating system is different from the first operating system.
According to the above mentioned descriptions, it is understood that the keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems of the present invention can determine the key signal to be outputted according to the operating system installed within the electronic apparatus. Therefore, the user can press down the desired key in response to the function character presented on the plurality of keys, so as to enable the electronic apparatus to execute the function command corresponding to the function character. As a result, the user does not need to remember the input methods of the function commands for different operating system, and thus the operation of the keyboard device disclosed in the present invention is simpler and more convenient than the conventional keyboard devices.
Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
According to the above mentioned descriptions, it is understood that the keyboard device of the present invention utilizes a feature of that the first number key and the second number key can key in the same number with different key codes. As a result, a second number key code is correspondingly transferred into a first number key code when the control unit receives a second number key code corresponding to a second number key, so as to key in a number. In addition, a cutoff signal is outputted when the control unit receives the shift key code and the second number key code together, so as to ensure that only a number can be keyed in when any one of the second number keys is pressed down due to the computer host not to execute the commands. As a result, it is unnecessary to switch the functions of the second number keys by using the number lock key when the user operates the keyboard device of the present invention, but the numbers can be keyed in by directly pressing down the second number keys instead, and thus it is convenient to be operated by the user. Certainly, in the keyboard device of the present invention, it is unnecessary to disposed with a number lock indicating lamp corresponding to the number lock key as well.
Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101110108 | Mar 2012 | TW | national |
