Embedded Controller Key Mapping for Virtual Keyboard Signal Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-standard keyboards, such as those used in ATMs and virtual machines, face challenges in being recognized by operating systems due to access restrictions, preventing the identification of specific key scan codes and subsequent function triggering.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a signal source terminal, storage unit, processor, and embedded controller with a key mapping table, which determines whether input key code signals are virtual or keyboard scan code signals, and sends the appropriate signals to the operating system to simulate physical-keyboard signals, enabling the execution of preset functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If drivers or plug-ins are used to enable the operating system to identify non-standard keyboard scan codes, then the operating system can recognize specific keys, but access restrictions prevent obtaining keyboard scan codes through software or drivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard compatibilityVSAvoidsignal acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an embedded controller as an intermediary component between the keyboard and the operating system. The embedded controller intercepts key scan codes at the hardware level, translates them through a key mapping table, and generates simulated standard keyboard scan codes that the operating system can recognize. This intermediary approach bypasses the access restrictions that block software-based driver communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the software-based driver system with a hardware-based embedded controller system. Instead of using software drivers that are blocked by access restrictions, the solution uses hardware-level signal interception and translation through the embedded controller, substituting the mechanical/electrical signal processing path to achieve reliable keyboard code acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a virtual keyboard program is used to send input key code signals, then input functionality is provided, but the operating system cannot identify the signals as physical keyboard inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidsignal authenticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a hardware-level copy of physical keyboard scan codes through the embedded controller. When a virtual keyboard program sends an input key code signal, the embedded controller looks up the corresponding physical keyboard scan code in its key mapping table and generates an identical hardware signal that the operating system cannot distinguish from a real physical keyboard input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded controller acts as an intermediary that translates virtual key code signals into authentic physical keyboard scan codes. It receives signals from the virtual keyboard program, maps them to corresponding physical keyboard codes, and outputs signals that are indistinguishable from genuine physical keyboard inputs to the operating system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-standard keyboards are used for special machines like ATMs and virtual machines, then specific functions are enabled, but the operating system cannot trigger corresponding functions due to unrecognized scan codes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialized functionalityVSAvoidfunction triggering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary translation of non-standard keyboard scan codes into standard scan codes through the key mapping table in the embedded controller. By pre-establishing the mapping relationships and translating codes before they reach the operating system, the system ensures that specialized keyboard functions are automatically recognized and can trigger corresponding operations without requiring additional software configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded controller provides universal functionality by handling multiple types of keyboard inputs (virtual keyboards, special-standard keyboards, physical keyboards) through a single key mapping table mechanism. This unified approach enables the system to recognize and process various keyboard types and their specialized functions while maintaining compatibility with the standard operating system interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11455260B1System and method for simulating physical-keyboard signal

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 GETAC TECH CORP

AI summary

A method for simulating a physical-keyboard signal includes executing a monitoring program in an operating system, receiving at least one input key code signal by the monitoring program, sending the input key code signal to an embedded controller, looking up a key mapping table by the embedded controller according to the input key code signal to obtain a keyboard scan code signal corresponding to the input key code signal, sending the obtained keyboard scan code signal to the operating system, and performing a corresponding function by the operating system according to the keyboard scan code signal.