Keyboard Key Remapping via On-Board Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards are often limited by fixed key arrangements and functions, requiring users to purchase multiple keyboards to accommodate different applications, which is costly and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a keyboard that includes on-board processors to receive control signals, access a key remapping database, and send appropriate commands to a host computing device to remap key functions dynamically, allowing for customizable key assignments and combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keyboard devices are purchased to accommodate different applications, then key function adaptability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed with a key remapping database that stores multiple key trigger combinations and their corresponding remapped key targets. The processor dynamically remaps key functions by detecting pressed keys, searching the database for matching triggers, and sending appropriate make/break commands to the host device. This allows a single keyboard to perform multiple functions across different applications without requiring multiple separate keyboard devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard implements dynamic key remapping where the functional assignment of keys changes based on the detected key combination. When a specific key combination is detected, the processor dynamically remaps the keys to different targets by sending make commands for the target keys and break commands for the original modifier keys. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical keyboard to adapt its functionality in real-time without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If key functions are fixed in traditional keyboards, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard includes a pre-configured key remapping database that stores multiple key trigger combinations and their corresponding remapped key targets before use. This preliminary preparation of remapping rules allows the keyboard to quickly adapt to different applications without requiring complex real-time processing or user configuration during operation. The database is populated with common key combinations and their desired remapped targets in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard autonomously performs key remapping by detecting pressed keys, searching the remapping database for matching triggers, and automatically sending make/break commands to the host device. The system self-manages the remapping process without requiring external intervention or complex host-side processing, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising receiving a first control signal indicating that a first key on a keyboard is being pressed, the first key functionally assigned as a (logical) modifier; sending a first make command indicating that the modifier is active; receiving a second control signal indicating that a second key on the keyboard is contemporaneously being pressed, the second key functionally assigned as a non-modifier, alphanumeric character; accessing a key remapping database stored on the keyboard that includes key triggers and remapped key targets; in response to determining that the combination of the first key and second keys are included as a key trigger in the key remapping database: sending a first break command indicating that the modifier is inactive; and sending a second make command corresponding to a key target of the remapping database that is associated with the combination of the first and second keys being pressed.