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US6445381B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for switching keypad
Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp
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Filing: 2000-03-09
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Granted: 2002-09-03
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Expires: 2020-03-09
Abstract
Abstract A method for switching a keypad is to adopt an externally coupled keypad to a personal computer, wherein a switching program for switching between a hot-key function and a Num Lock function is programmed in a microprocessor of the keypad; when a hot-key or a Num Lock key is pressed, the hot-key function or the Num Lock function is enabled. Besides, every key of the keypad is printed with a figure and a symbol for performing at least two functions.
Inventors
- 👤 Chin-Wen Chou
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 04:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for switching a numeric keypad having a switching program programmed in a microprocessor of the keypad for switching keys in the keypad between one of three functions: a hot-key function, a Num Lock function, and a normal key function, the method comprising: a) scanning keys of the numeric keyboard, memorizing whether a hot-key or a Num Lock key has been pressed and, if any key in the keypad is pressed, reading the key address; b) judging whether said hot-key is pressed or not after confirmation of the key address and, if pressed, sending out a hot-key code and enabling said hot-key function or judging whether said Num Lock key is pressed; and c) sending out a Num Lock figure code if said Num Lock key is pressed, otherwise, sending out a normal key code.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for switching a numeric keypad having a switching program programmed in a microprocessor of the keypad for switching keys in the keypad between one of three functions: a hot-key function, a Num Lock function, and a normal key function, the method comprising: a) scanning keys of the numeric keyboard, memorizing whether a hot-key or a Num Lock key has been pressed and, if any key in the keypad is pressed, reading the key address; b) judging whether said hot-key is pressed or not after confirmation of the key address and, if pressed, sending out a hot-key code and enabling said hot-key function or judging whether said Num Lock key is pressed; and c) sending out a Num Lock figure code if said Num Lock key is pressed, otherwise, sending out a normal key code.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method for switching a keypad according to claim 1 , wherein every keycap of said keypad is printed with a figure and a symbol for performing at least two functions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method for switching a keypad according to claim 1 , wherein said hot-key and said Num Lock key coexist in a common key.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
The method for switching a keypad according to claim 3 , wherein said switching program is programmed in a microprocessor of a conventional keyboard; a hot-key lamp is lighted and said hot-key function is enabled when pressing the common key the first time; similarly, a Num Lock lamp is lighted and said Num Lock function is enabled when pressing the common key the second time; and, both said hot-key lamp and said Num Lock lamp are turned off and said hot-key function and said Num Lock function are disabled and the arrow keys of the keypad are available when pressing the common key the third time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method for switching a keypad according to claim 1 , wherein said keypad is an externally coupled keypad provided with a USB interface for plugging in a personal computer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-09-02 | 2006-03-04 | 2006-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-09-02 | 2010-03-04 | 2010-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-09-02 | 2014-03-04 | 2014-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |