Patent ID: 6091675
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A control apparatus for controlling a CD-ROM drive of a computer system to drive different types of CD-ROMs, comprising:a control panel having a plurality of input keys and a display window, outputting key signals designating specific CD-ROM titles and the operation of the CD-ROM drive, and displaying a message indicating the CD-ROMs by type and icons distinguishing between functions of different corresponding ones of said input keys, said control panel displaying said message on said display window and positioning said input keys in a first spaced array within an area located outside of said display window that extends continuously along a periphery of said display window, with said control panel panel selectively presenting said icons in a second spaced array located within said display window and extending continuously along said periphery with a spacial alignment between each of said input keys and corresponding ones of said icons;a controller operationally cooperating with said control panel and a central processing unit of the computer system, by driving said control panel to initiate said displaying of said icons and said type of the CD-ROMs on said display window, and reading the CD-ROM titles in response to said key signals; andsaid central processing unit of the computer system executing an adaptable software driver and operating the CD-ROM drive to perform different operational functions in response to corresponding preset command signals received from said controller.