Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Including keyboard
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-13
2001-04-03
Wu, Xiao (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Including keyboard
C345S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06211862
ABSTRACT:
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY
This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. §119 from an application for A WIRE/WIRELESS KEYBOARD FOR USE IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME earlier filed in the Korean Industrial Property Office on Mar. 15, 1997, and there duly assigned Serial No. 8836/1997, a copy of which application is annexed hereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to computer systems such as office computers, personal computers, and data processors including a wire/wireless keyboard, and more particularly, relates to a wire/wireless keyboard for use in a computer system and a method of operating the same.
2. Related Art
A typical computer system comprises a display unit, input devices such as a keyboard, a central processing unit (CPU) and data storage devices (e.g., floppy or hard disk drive) in a separate enclosure. This architecture is commonly used in “desk-top” personal computer systems, work stations, terminals and the like. The display unit, the keyboard and the main body containing all the essential circuitry of the computer may be integrated in a single, deployable portable housing structure, typically referred to as “lap-top” computers. Keyboard is typically connected to the main body through a connector cable to control operation of the computer. The cable which connects the keyboard to the main body of the computer is very stable and reliable for data transmission. However, the cable can be cumbersome, unattractive, and more importantly, cannot be moved freely because its length is standardized. If the connector cable is lengthened more than the standardized length, noise is often generated during data transmission.
Advanced wireless keyboard has been developed to provide a viable substitute for traditional keyboard for data transmission between the keyboard and the central processing unit of the computer without using cable. Examples of wireless keyboards can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,928 for Hand-Held Wireless Computer Controller System issued to Kendall et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,628 for Cordless Keyboard issued to Maekawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,285 for Standup Portable Personal Computer With Detachable Wireless Keyboard And Adjustable Display issued to Yokota et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,338 for Ergonomic Laptop Computer And Ergonomic Keyboard issued to Bowen, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,393 for Computer System Having A Cordless Keyboard And An Induction Coil In A Plug-In Electronic Card Module issued to Kikinis et al.
Wireless keyboard transmits data to the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer via either radio frequency (RF) signals or infrared (IR) signals. While contemporary designs of wireless keyboards are becoming acceptable substitutes for cable keyboards, I have observed that there are still problems associated with wireless transmission. The first problem is noise that may be generated during wire communication because of other wireless devices in the proximity of the computer system. The second problem is limited use of battery power for the wireless keyboard. The wireless keyboard must be designed to operate for extended period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an advanced keyboard for a computer system with high reliability and improved operability.
It is also an object to provide a versatile keyboard for a computer system with both wire and wireless communication capability and eithout noise interference.
It is another object to provide an advanced keyboard having a rechargeable battery that is chargeable during wire communication with a computer system for subsequent use during wireless communication.
It is further an object to provide an advanced keyboard for a computer system that is configured with an identification setting function to avoid noise interference from other wireless devices in the proximity of the computer system during wireless communication.
These and other objects of the present invention can be achieved by a computer system which comprises an advanced keyboard for wire and wireless communications; and a computer main unit comprising at least a main system and a power supply source for receiving data information from the keyboard via one of said wire and wireless communications; and a connector cable for connecting the keyboard to the computer main unit, when the keyboard and the computer main unit operate with wireless communications; wherein the keyboard comprises at least a rechargeable battery, a wireless transceiver for transforming data information into wireless signals for wireless transmission to the computer main unit, and a controller for controlling data information from the keyboard to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver to the computer main unit during wireless communications and transmitted through the connector cable during wire communications, and wherein the rechargeable battery is charged with a power voltage supplied from the power supply source of the computer main unit during wire communications.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a computer system using an advanced wire/wireless keyboard comprises the steps of determining whether the keyboard is connected to the computer main unit through a connector cable; when the keyboard is connected to the computer main unit, key input data is transmitted through the connector cable to the computer main unit; and when the keyboard is not connected to the computer main unit, wireless signals corresponding to the key input data are transmitted to the computer main unit.
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Lee Surg-June
Park Hee-Duck
Bushnell , Esq. Robert E.
Samsung Electronics Co,. Ltd.
Wu Xiao
LandOfFree
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