Abstract: A method of setting a key mapping used to generate key information from a keyboard responsive to manipulation of a key on the keyboard is described. A connected keyboard device having a programmable component is detected. A keyboard map usage corresponding to the detected keyboard device is determined. The keyboard map usage is transmitted to the programmable component of the keyboard device replacing a default keyboard map usage on the programmable component. The transmitted keyboard map usage may include a key matrix usage, a key matrix usage and a key matrix offset, or a plurality of key matrix usages. The keyboard map usage may remap one, some, or all of the keys on the keyboard. A corresponding keyboard, computer readable medium, and computer system for use with the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving the appearance of persistent memory in a system environment requiring persistent memory using a device having non-persistent memory. More particularly, the device having non-persistent memory has volatile memory and a storage device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting lock position information from a human interface device coupled via universal serial bus is described. The lock position information is transmitted using a keylock usage. Numerous lock positions are possible and exemplary positions include locked, normal, supervisor, and maintenance. A lock unit aspect for generating lock position information is described. The lock unit includes a lock having at least two positions, a lock sensor coupled to the lock and adapted to sense the lock position, and a data connection adapted to interface with a computer and pass a keylock usage.

Abstract: A method of generating a tone from a human interface device (HID) or keyboard (including a speaker) responsive to manipulation of a key on the HID is described. A key manipulation at the HID is detected and a keyboard tone usage corresponding to the detected key manipulation is determined. A tone is generated from the keyboard speaker responsive to the detected key manipulation and based on the keyboard tone usage. The keyboard tone usage specifies the volume, duration, and frequency of the generated tone Another aspect includes a method of configuring the keyboard to generate a tone responsive to manipulation of a key. A connected keyboard device is detected and a keyboard tone usage corresponding to the detected keyboard device is determined. The keyboard tone usage is stored on the keyboard device specifying the tone to be generated.

Abstract: A method of setting a key mapping used to generate key information from a keyboard responsive to manipulation of a key on the keyboard is described. A connected keyboard device having a programmable component is detected. A keyboard map usage corresponding to the detected keyboard device is determined. The keyboard map usage is transmitted to the programmable component of the keyboard device replacing a default keyboard map usage on the programmable component. The transmitted keyboard map usage may include a key matrix usage, a key matrix usage and a key matrix offset, or a plurality of key matrix usages. The keyboard map usage may remap one, some, or all of the keys on the keyboard. A corresponding keyboard, computer readable medium, and computer system for use with the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A system and method obfuscates a reference voltage being applied to a touch screen to reduce the likelihood that location coordinates may be obtained from electrically coupling to the touch screen. The method is performed by applying a varying reference voltage to a first plane of a touch screen with a time of application duration being substantially less than a touch period and by measuring a voltage present on a second plane during a portion of the application duration of the voltage to the first plane. A system may include a controller for randomly varying the reference voltage level and coupling a reference source that generates the reference voltage to a first plane of a touch screen for an application period that is significantly less than the touch period.

Abstract: A system and method compensates for drift in electronic touch screens. A plurality of touch areas and drift areas are defined for a touch screen. From location coordinates generated by the screen, a ratio between detected touch hits in each defined touch area and detected touch hits in each corresponding drift area is computed. The computed ratio is compared to a calibration threshold to determine whether the number of touch hits in the drift area are excessive. If they are, a correction vector for all or a portion of the screen may be computed and used to adjust subsequent location coordinates or a calibration signal may be generated. The calibration signal may be a data message transmitted to a remote site to indicate a service call is required at the site of the touch screen and computer. Preferably, the system includes a location adjustor that determines whether the adjustment vectors for a plurality of keypad areas have a corresponding direction and magnitude.

Abstract: A system for interfacing at least one peripheral device with a personal computer is disclosed as including a personal computer microcontroller, a keyboard microcontroller directly connected to the personal computer microcontroller by means of a clock line and a data line, a switching device positioned between the personal computer microcontroller and the keyboard microcontroller, and a wedge microcontroller to which the peripheral device may be connected. The wedge microcontroller further includes a first set of connections to the clock and data lines positioned between the switching device and the keyboard microcontroller, a second set of connections to the clock and data lines positioned between the switching device and the personal computer microcontroller, and a switch control connection to the switching device for opening and closing the switching device.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system includes a plurality of terminals in which one of the terminals is selected to be a primary terminal and the remaining terminals are selected to be secondary terminals. Program means in the primary terminal will store the data messages received from the secondary terminals and transmit the received data messages to memory means in each of the secondary terminals. Each secondary terminal will determine if it has received all the data messages. If there is found to be a discrepancy in the number of data message received, the secondary terminal will notify the primary terminal of such a discrepancy and the primary terminal will supply the missing data messages.