U.S. patent application number 10/859848 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for method and apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic device functions.
This patent application is currently assigned to MITAC TECHNOLOGY CORP.. Invention is credited to Wu, Chia-Chuan.
Application Number | 20040218351 10/859848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301381 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040218351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wu, Chia-Chuan |
November 4, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for integrating personal computer and
electronic device functions
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for integrating personal computer and
electronic device functions. An input device, personal computer
host, and encoder in turn integrate hardware, operating system, and
application programs to provide personal computer and electronic
device functions at the same time.
Inventors: |
Wu, Chia-Chuan; (Kaohsiung,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUINTERO LAW OFFICE
1617 BROADWAY, 3RD FLOOR
SANTA MONICA
CA
90404
US
|
Assignee: |
MITAC TECHNOLOGY CORP.
4TH FLOOR NO. 1, R&D 2ND ROAD HSIN-CHU SCIENCE BASED
INDUSTRIAL PARK
HSIN-CHU HSIEN
TW
|
Family ID: |
46301381 |
Appl. No.: |
10/859848 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10859848 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
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10352676 |
Jan 28, 2003 |
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6765788 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.08 ;
361/679.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/32 20130101; G06F
3/0219 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/680 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2002 |
TW |
TW91133178 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions, comprising: an input device, comprising a
personal computer function hot key and at least one electronic
device function hot key, the personal computer function hot key
enabling personal computer mode and providing personal computer
functions and electronic device function hot keys enabling
electronic device mode and providing electronic device functions; a
personal computer host, comprising a customized BIOS and at least
one electronic device application program, the customized BIOS
executing power-up procedures when in electronic device mode, and
electronic device application programs for executing electronic
device functions when in electronic device mode; an encoder,
coupled with the personal computer host and the input device,
producing a corresponding code according to the hot key used and
sending the corresponding code to the personal computer host.
2. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input device,
electronic device function hot keys are enabled by adding dedicated
function keys to the input device layout.
3. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the input
device, electronic device function hot keys are enabled by
assigning functionality to existing keys on the input device.
4. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the personal
computer host, electronic device application programs execute
corresponding electronic device functions according to the hot key
used and registered by the encoder.
5. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the personal
computer host, electronic device application programs are enabled
by computer-executable program language.
6. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input device is
a keyboard.
7. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input device is
a remote controller.
8. The apparatus for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 1, wherein the encoder is a
keyboard encoder.
9. A method for integrating personal computer and electronic device
functions, comprising: providing an input device, personal computer
host, and encoder, the input device comprising a personal computer
function hot key and at least one electronic device function hot
key, the personal computer host comprising a customized BIOS and at
least one electronic device application program for executing
personal computer functions and electronic device functions, and
the encoder coupled with the personal computer host and the input
device, for producing corresponding code according to hot keys
used; the encoder producing code corresponding to the hot key used
and sending the corresponding code to the personal computer host;
the personal computer host determining whether the hot key used is
the personal computer function hot key or electronic device
function hot key according to the corresponding code; the personal
computer host entering personal computer mode and executing
personal computer functions if the hot key used is the personal
computer function hot key; and the personal computer host entering
electronic device mode and initiating electronic device application
programs to execute electronic device function if the hot key used
is one of the electronic device function hot keys.
10. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein the input device,
electronic device function hot keys are enabled by adding dedicated
function keys to the input device layout.
11. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein the input device,
electronic device function hot keys are enabled by assigning
functionality to existing keys on the input device.
12. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein in the personal
computer host, electronic device application programs execute the
corresponding electronic device functions according to the hot key
used and registered by the encoder.
13. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein in the personal
computer host, electronic device application programs are enabled
by computer-executable program language.
14. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein the input device is
a keyboard.
15. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein the input device is
a remote controller.
16. The method for integrating personal computer and electronic
device functions as claimed in claim 9, wherein the encoder is a
keyboard encoder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/352,676, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
INTEGRATING PERSONAL COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FUNCTIONS",
filed on Jan. 28, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a personal computer
integration technology, and in particular to an apparatus and a
method for integrating personal computer and electronic device
functions.
[0003] Presently, personal computers feature powerful computing
capability and a wide range of multimedia capabilities. Integrating
personal computer and electronic device functions has become an
important priority in the personal computer industry. However,
there exist problems in integrating personal computer and
electronic device functions.
[0004] One challenge is to provide an integrated interface, such as
a keyboard or a remote controller, to execute the personal computer
and electronic device functions. In addition, the information and
text conventionally appearing in the display accompanying the
power-up procedures of the personal computer are complex and overly
technical in the integrated mode. Finally, personal computer
hardware dedicated to integration of this type is costly and cannot
fully satisfy user requirements.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a
method and apparatus for integration of hardware, operating system,
and application programs. Using an input device with integrating
functions, such as a keyboard or a remote controller, the personal
computer can maintain its original powerful functions while
enabling electronic device function.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a customized
BIOS to improve power-up procedures to make integrate them with
electronic device function.
[0007] To achieve the present objects, one embodiment of the
invention discloses an apparatus for integrating personal computer
and electronic device functions, comprising an input device, a
personal computer host, and an encoder.
[0008] The input device includes dedicated personal computer and
electronic device function hot keys. The personal computer hot key
enables a standard personal computer mode. Electronic device
function hot keys enable electronic device mode. Electronic device
function hot keys are provided by adding extra keys to the input
device layout or by assigning existing keys to function on the
input device as hot keys.
[0009] The input device can be designed specifically for personal
computer integration with electronic device functions such as DVD,
VCD, CD, MP3, TV, VCR and Radio. Alternatively, the input device
can be enabled by assigning existing keys to function on the input
device as electronic device function hot keys, eliminating the need
for extra keys on an input device. Practically, the input device
can be implemented as a keyboard or a remote controller. When the
input device is a keyboard, the encoder can be a keyboard. When the
input device is a remote controller, the encoder can be a
corresponding encoder.
[0010] The personal computer host includes a customized BIOS and
electronic device application programs. The customized BIOS
executes power-up procedures in electronic device mode. If the hot
key used is the personal computer function hot key, the personal
computer host enters personal computer mode and standard follow-up
steps of the power-up procedure follow. Thus, standard personal
computer functions are provided, irrespective of mode employed. For
electronic device function, the personal computer host enters
electronic device mode and the follow-up steps of power-up
procedures are performed by the customized BIOS, in which power-up
procedures are accompanied by graphics and text matching electronic
device function.
[0011] Electronic device application programs execute electronic
device function according to keys used and registered by the
encoder. As an example, if the DVD/VCD hot key is used, electronic
device application programs execute DVD/VCD function. If the
FM/Radio hot key is used, electronic device application programs
execute FM/Radio function. Electronic device application programs
are provided by any computer-executable program language, such as
C, C++. As given above, electronic device functions are enabled
without affecting the original personal computer functions,
accomplishing a major aim of the invention.
[0012] The encoder is coupled with the personal computer host and
the input device. The encoder produces code corresponding to the
hot key used in the input device, and sends the corresponding code
to the personal computer host.
[0013] In addition, another embodiment of the invention discloses a
method for integrating personal computer and electronic device
functions. First, an input device, personal computer host, and
encoder are provided. The input device includes dedicated personal
computer and electronic device function hot keys. The personal
computer host, comprising customized BIOS and electronic device
application programs, executes the personal computer functions and
electronic device function. The encoder, coupled with the personal
computer host, and the input device, produces corresponding code
from hot keys used.
[0014] Using a hot key, with the personal computer in off or
standby mode enables the personal computer host. The encoder
produces the corresponding code according to the hot key used and
sends the corresponding code to the personal computer host.
[0015] The personal computer host then determines whether the hot
key used is the personal computer function hot key or electronic
device function hot key according to the corresponding code, and,
accordingly, enters personal computer mode, executing standard
personal computer functions, or electronic device mode, initiating
electronic device application programs to execute electronic device
function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention can be more fully understood by
reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with
references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the apparatus for integrating
personal computer and electronic device functions according to a
first embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the method for integrating personal
computer and electronic device functions according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the apparatus for integrating
personal computer and electronic device functions according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment,
the invention discloses an apparatus comprising an input device 14,
a personal computer host 10, and an encoder 12. In the first
embodiment, the input device 14 is an integrated keyboard and the
encoder 12 is a keyboard encoder.
[0020] The input device 14, i.e. an integrated keyboard, includes a
personal computer function hot key 140 and electronic device
function hot keys. The diagrammed electronic device function hot
keys include DVD/VCD hot key 142, CD/MP3 hot key 144, TV/VCR hot
key 146, and FM/Radio hot key 148, although the inventive apparatus
and method can encompass any applied electronic device functions.
The personal computer function hot key 140 enables the personal
computer mode, providing the personal computer functions.
Electronic device function hot keys are provided by adding
dedicated keys to a standard keyboard layout, or by assigning
existing keys to function as the hot keys in a standard keyboard.
Here, the input device 14 can be implemented in other devices, such
as a remote controller.
[0021] The personal computer host 10 includes a customized BIOS 16
and electronic device application programs 18. The customized BIOS
16 executes power-up procedures in electronic device mode.
Electronic device application programs 18 execute electronic device
functions in electronic device mode, according to the hot keys used
and registered by the keyboard decoder 12. The DVD/VCD hot key 142,
for example, instructs the personal computer host to initiate the
corresponding electronic device programs 18 and execute DVD/VCD
function. Like key use for other functions enables like activation
of corresponding devices. Electronic device application programs 18
are provided by any computer-executable program language, such as
C, C++.
[0022] The keyboard encoder 12 is coupled with the personal
computer host 10 and the input device 14. The keyboard encoder 12
produces a corresponding code when activated by a hot key in the
input device 14, and sends the corresponding code to the personal
computer host 10.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the method for integrating personal
computer and electronic device functions according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, an
input device, personal computer host, and encoder are first
provided. The input device includes dedicated personal computer and
electronic device function hot keys. Electronic device function hot
keys are provided by adding dedicated keys to the input device
layout or by assigning existing keys to function as hot keys on the
input device. The input device can be a keyboard or a remote
controller. In the second embodiment, the input device is a
keyboard and the encoder is a keyboard encoder.
[0024] The personal computer host includes a customized BIOS and
electronic device application programs. The personal computer host
executes both personal computer and electronic device functions.
Electronic device function programs are provided by any
computer-executable program language. Electronic device application
programs execute electronic device function according to the hot
key used and registered by the keyboard encoder. The keyboard
encoder is coupled with the personal computer host and the input
device. The keyboard encoder produces the corresponding code
according to the key used.
[0025] A hot key on the input device is used with the computer
system in off or standby mode (S200, S202) and the hot key used
enables the personal computer host (S204). The personal computer
and electronic device function hot keys provide corresponding
functionalities, respectively, such that, when enabled, the
personal computer host enters power-up mode from off or standby
mode.
[0026] The keyboard encoder identifies the hot key used, produces
the corresponding code (S206), and sends the corresponding code to
the personal computer host. The personal computer host then
determines whether the hot key used is the personal computer
function hot key or the electronic device function hot key
according to the corresponding code (S208). If the personal
computer function hot key is used, the personal computer host
enters personal computer mode and executes personal computer
functions (S210). If the electronic device function hot key is
used, the personal computer host initiates the customized BIOS
(S212) and enters electronic device mode (S214). The personal
computer host then initiates the corresponding electronic device
application programs to execute electronic device function
(S216).
[0027] Thus, the described embodiments of the apparatus and method
for integrating personal computer and electronic device functions,
integrating personal computer hardware with modified operation
system and application programs to accomplish personal computer
functions and electronic device function at the same time. The
personal computer can maintain normal functions and, at the same
time, enables electronic device function with the integrated
interface.
[0028] While embodiments of the invention have been described by
way of example and in terms of preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the
contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar
arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art).
Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the
broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications
and similar arrangements.
* * * * *