Patent ID: 6081856
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An adapter for use with a computer having a keyboard port, for enabling the computer to receive keyboard data other than through a keyboard, the adapter comprising:a controller that is not part of a keyboard;a data link that is not part of a keyboard; andan interface operative to receive the keyboard data from an external device and to provide the controller with access to the keyboard data;the controller being operative to receive the keyboard data and to cause transmission of the keyboard data to the data link;the data link being operative to receive the keyboard data from the controller and to provide the keyboard data to the keyboard port at substantially all times that the computer is operative; andthe data link having a functional connection to the keyboard port, and the data link being further operative to cause the computer to enable the keyboard port,whereby the keyboard data is received by the controller, and transmitted to and through the data link to the computer in place of being received and transmitted through a keyboard, andwhereby the functional connection of the data link to the keyboard port causes the computer to enable the keyboard port.