USB HID Keyboard Protocol Converter for ASCII Unicode Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face complexity and expense in modifying application programs to accept ASCII or Unicode data from non-keyboard input ports, as they differ significantly from PS/2 and USB keyboard standards, making direct conversion impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that converts ASCII or Unicode data into USB Human Interface Device (HID) keyboard standards, allowing for the simulation of standard PC keyboard keys and supporting maximum data rate without requiring hardware or software changes to existing computers, using a USB interface, non-USB interface, and a converter with a programmed microprocessor to handle data translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application programs are modified to accept ASCII or Unicode data from non-keyboard input ports, then data entry flexibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a keyboard interface device as an intermediary between non-keyboard input ports (serial RS-232, parallel LPT) and the computer system. This device translates ASCII/Unicode data from these ports into keyboard protocol format, allowing applications to receive data from multiple input sources without modification while maintaining compatibility with existing keyboard-oriented software
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is modified to connect to USB port, then universality is improved, but device complexity increases due to USB protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the keyboard interface device as an intermediary that handles USB protocol complexity internally. The device translates USB keyboard protocol requirements into simple ASCII/Unicode data transmission, allowing connection to universal USB ports while shielding users from protocol complexity through automated enumeration and keyboard protocol emulation
3Adaptability or versatility
If PS/2 keyboard protocol is used, then keyboard compatibility is improved, but data transmission capability is limited to one key at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the USB keyboard interrogation mechanism where the computer queries the keyboard every 10 milliseconds. During each interrogation cycle, the device can report multiple key states simultaneously, achieving high-speed data transmission by packing multiple characters into periodic USB keyboard reports while maintaining PS/2-like compatibility through the keyboard interface
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for converting protocol and code for use with a Human Interface Device (HID)-compliant keyboard device comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, non-USB interface and a converter. The USB interface receives standard USB data from an USB host or hub and provides responses required by an USB Specification for the HID-compliant keyboard device. The non-USB interface can receive data coded in American Standard Character Interchange Interface (ASCII) or Unicode. The converter converts the data coded in ASCII or Unicode into code and format in accordance with the USB Specification for the HID-compliant keyboard device.