Abstract:
The present invention discloses a keyboard device for different operating systems in communication with an electronic apparatus. The keyboard device includes at least a key and a control unit. When the control unit recognizes that a first operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus, the control unit outputs a corresponding first key signal in response to the first key code generated by the key, such that the electronic apparatus executes a first key command. When the control unit recognizes that a second operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus, the control unit switches the first key code into a second key code and then outputs a corresponding second key signal, such that the electronic apparatus still executes the first key command.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a keyboard device, and more particularly to a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Here in the technology and information age, the computer and peripherals thereof has become a part of the daily life of everybody whether at work or entertainment, and the input devices, such as the mouse device, the keyboard device, the trackball device and so on, used as the communication between the computer and the user has attracted increasing attention. 
         [0003]    An object herein is concentrated in a keyboard device among the input devices, and a structure of a conventional keyboard device is illustrated hereinafter.  FIG. 1  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a conventional keyboard device. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the conventional keyboard device  1  comprises a plurality of keys  10 , wherein the plurality of keys are exposed by a surface of the conventional keyboard device  1 , and the plurality of keys  10  can be categorized into common keys  101 , number keys  102 , function keys  103  and expansion keys  104  and so on. 
         [0004]    Each one of the keys is capable of being pressed down by a user with his finger, so as to generate a corresponding key signal to an electronic apparatus, and thus the electronic apparatus are enabled to execute a function of the key being pressed down. Herein, it is able to key in an English letter, a special symbol or a standard command by pressing down any one of the common keys  101 . For example, a surface of a key cap of the key “C” of the common keys  101  is presented with an English letter character “C”, and it is able to key in an English letter C by pressing down it, while it is able to execute a certain standard command by pressing down the key “Ctrl”. In addition, it is able to key in a number by pressing down any one of the number keys  102 , it is able to execute a function, such as any one of F1 to F12, by pressing down any one of the function keys  103 , while it is able to execute a command of Delete, a command of shifting to Home, a command of shifting to End, a command of Pageup, a command of Pagedown, a command of moving upward, a command of moving downward, a command of moving leftward and a command of moving rightward and so on by pressing down any one of the expansion keys  104 . 
         [0005]    The conventional keyboard device  1  is capable of being in communication with an electronic apparatus (not shown), so as to operate the electronic apparatus by using the conventional keyboard device  1 . In general, the electronic apparatus is certainly installed with an operating system (OS), so as to provide a user interface (UI) for enabling the user to operate the electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus in communication with the conventional keyboard device  1  can be installed with a Windows operating system (OS), wherein the electronic apparatus is a desktop host. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the keyboard device  1  further comprises a control unit  11 , wherein the control unit  11  is disposed within the conventional keyboard device  1 , in communication with each one of the foregoing keys, and capable of recognizing which one of the forgoing keys is pressed down by the user. In detail, in the conventional keyboard device  1 , when one of the forgoing keys is pressed down, the key being pressed down generates a corresponding key code to the control unit  11 . In addition, a human interface device usage table (HID Usage Table) is defaulted in the control unit  11 , wherein the HID Usage Table records each one of the keys with a corresponding key code. As a result, it is able to recognize which one of the keys is pressed down. The HID Usage Table is shown as the table below: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Key 
               
               
                   
                 Key 
                 code 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 a A 
                 04 
               
               
                   
                 b B 
                 05 
               
               
                   
                 c C 
                 06 
               
               
                   
                 d D 
                 07 
               
               
                   
                 e E 
                 08 
               
               
                   
                 f F 
                 09 
               
               
                   
                 g G 
                 0A 
               
               
                   
                 h H 
                 0B 
               
               
                   
                 i I 
                 0C 
               
               
                   
                 j J 
                 0D 
               
               
                   
                 k K 
                 0E 
               
               
                   
                 l L 
                 0F 
               
               
                   
                 m M 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 n N 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 o O 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 p P 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 q Q 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 r R 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 s S 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 t T 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 u U 
                 18 
               
               
                   
                 v V 
                 19 
               
               
                   
                 w W 
                 1A 
               
               
                   
                 x X 
                 1B 
               
               
                   
                 y Y 
                 1C 
               
               
                   
                 z Z 
                 1D 
               
               
                   
                 1 ! 
                 1E 
               
               
                   
                 2 @ 
                 1F 
               
               
                   
                 3 # 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 4 $ 
                 21 
               
               
                   
                 5 % 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 6 {circumflex over ( )} 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 7 &amp; 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 8 * 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 9 ( 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 0 ) 
                 27 
               
               
                   
                 Return 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Escape 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 Backspace 
                 2A 
               
               
                   
                 Tab 
                 2B 
               
               
                   
                 Space 
                 2C 
               
               
                   
                 -  —   
                 2D 
               
               
                   
                 = + 
                 2E 
               
               
                   
                 [ { 
                 2F 
               
               
                   
                 ] } 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 \ | 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 Europe 1 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 ; : 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 ′ ″ 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 {grave over ( )} ~ 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 , &lt; 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 . &gt; 
                 37 
               
               
                   
                 / ? 
                 38 
               
               
                   
                 Caps Lock 
                 39 
               
               
                   
                 F1 
                 3A 
               
               
                   
                 F2 
                 3B 
               
               
                   
                 F3 
                 3C 
               
               
                   
                 F4 
                 3D 
               
               
                   
                 F5 
                 3E 
               
               
                   
                 F6 
                 3F 
               
               
                   
                 F7 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 F8 
                 41 
               
               
                   
                 F9 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 F10 
                 43 
               
               
                   
                 F11 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                 F12 
                 45 
               
               
                   
                 Print Screen 
                 46 
               
               
                   
                 Scroll Lock 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 Break 
                 48 
               
               
                   
                 (Ctrl-Pause) 
               
               
                   
                 Pause 
                 48 
               
               
                   
                 Insert 
                 49 
               
               
                   
                 Home 
                 4A 
               
               
                   
                 Page Up 
                 4B 
               
               
                   
                 Delete 
                 4C 
               
               
                   
                 End 
                 4D 
               
               
                   
                 Page Down 
                 4E 
               
               
                   
                 Right Arrow 
                 4F 
               
               
                   
                 Left Arrow 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 Down Arrow 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                 Up Arrow 
                 52 
               
               
                   
                 Num Lock 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad / 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad * 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad − 
                 56 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad + 
                 57 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad Enter 
                 58 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 1 End 
                 59 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 2 
                 5A 
               
               
                   
                 Down 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 3 
                 5B 
               
               
                   
                 PageDn 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 4 
                 5C 
               
               
                   
                 Left 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 5 
                 5D 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 6 
                 5E 
               
               
                   
                 Right 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 7 
                 5F 
               
               
                   
                 Home 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 8 
                 60 
               
               
                   
                 Up 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 9 
                 61 
               
               
                   
                 PageUp 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad 0 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                 Insert 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad . 
                 63 
               
               
                   
                 Delete 
               
               
                   
                 Europe 2 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 (Note 2) 
               
               
                   
                 App 
                 65 
               
               
                   
                 Keyboard 
                 66 
               
               
                   
                 Power 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad = 
                 67 
               
               
                   
                 F13 
                 68 
               
               
                   
                 F14 
                 69 
               
               
                   
                 F15 
                 6A 
               
               
                   
                 F16 
                 6B 
               
               
                   
                 F17 
                 6C 
               
               
                   
                 F18 
                 6D 
               
               
                   
                 F19 
                 6E 
               
               
                   
                 F20 
                 6F 
               
               
                   
                 F21 
                 70 
               
               
                   
                 F22 
                 71 
               
               
                   
                 F23 
                 72 
               
               
                   
                 F24 
                 73 
               
               
                   
                 Execute 
                 74 
               
               
                   
                 Help 
                 75 
               
               
                   
                 Menu 
                 76 
               
               
                   
                 Select 
                 77 
               
               
                   
                 Stop 
                 78 
               
               
                   
                 Again 
                 79 
               
               
                   
                 Undo 
                 7A 
               
               
                   
                 Cut 
                 7B 
               
               
                   
                 Copy 
                 7C 
               
               
                   
                 Paste 
                 7D 
               
               
                   
                 Find 
                 7E 
               
               
                   
                 Mute 
                 7F 
               
               
                   
                 Volume Up 
                 80 
               
               
                   
                 Volume Dn 
                 81 
               
               
                   
                 Locking 
                 82 
               
               
                   
                 Caps Lock 
               
               
                   
                 Locking 
                 83 
               
               
                   
                 Num Lock 
               
               
                   
                 Locking 
                 84 
               
               
                   
                 Scroll Lock 
               
               
                   
                 (Brazilian 
                 85 
               
               
                   
                 Keypad .) 
               
               
                   
                 Equal Sign 
                 86 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 1 
                 87 
               
               
                   
                 Intl&#39;2 
                 88 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 3 
                 89 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 4 
                 8A 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 5 
                 8B 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 6 
                 8C 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 7 
                 8D 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 8 
                 8E 
               
               
                   
                 Int&#39;l 9 
                 8F 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 1 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 2 
                 91 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 3 
                 92 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 4 
                 93 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 5 
                 94 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 6 
                 95 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 7 
                 96 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 8 
                 97 
               
               
                   
                 Lang 9 
                 98 
               
               
                   
                 Alternate 
                 99 
               
               
                   
                 Erase 
               
               
                   
                 SysReq/ 
                 9A 
               
               
                   
                 Attention 
               
               
                   
                 Cancel 
                 9B 
               
               
                   
                 Clear 
                 9C 
               
               
                   
                 Prior 
                 9D 
               
               
                   
                 Return 
                 9E 
               
               
                   
                 Separator 
                 9F 
               
               
                   
                 Out 
                 A0 
               
               
                   
                 Oper 
                 A1 
               
               
                   
                 Clear/Again 
                 A2 
               
               
                   
                 CrSel/Props 
                 A3 
               
               
                   
                 ExSel 
                 A4 
               
               
                   
                 Left Control 
                 E0 
               
               
                   
                 Left Shift 
                 E1 
               
               
                   
                 Left Alt 
                 E2 
               
               
                   
                 Left GUI 
                 E3 
               
               
                   
                 Right 
                 E4 
               
               
                   
                 Control 
               
               
                   
                 Right Shift 
                 E5 
               
               
                   
                 Right Alt 
                 E6 
               
               
                   
                 Right GUI 
                 E7 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0006]    For example, when the key “C” of the common keys  101  is pressed down by the user, that common key  101  generates the key code “06”, and then the key code “06” is transmitted the control unit  11  via an internal circuit, so that the control unit  11  generates the key signal corresponding to the key code “06” and then transmits the key signal to the electronic apparatus according to the key code “06”. Certainly, the Windows operating system in the electronic apparatus is defaulted with a function command corresponding to that key signal. As a result, the Windows operating system obtains that the command that the user desires to execute is to key in the English letter “C” according to the key signal, and then the electronic apparatus executes that command accordingly. The other results operated by pressing down the other keys are all similar to the above mentioned operation of the common key  101  and thus are omitted herein. 
         [0007]    In contrast, when the conventional keyboard device  1  is in communication with an another electronic apparatus (not shown) and the another electronic apparatus is installed with a Macintosh operating system, the operation case is not completely the same. It is because the key signals generated by the conventional keyboard device  1  are always the same, no matter which one of the operating systems is installed in the electronic apparatus. As a result, when the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system receives the key signal, the Macintosh operating system may not recognize the command corresponding to the key signal. 
         [0008]    Take an example of the key “C” of the above mentioned common keys  101 . As the conventional keyboard device  1  generates the key signal corresponding to the key code “06”, the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system receives the key signal. Since most of the common keys  10  are capable of being commonly used for both of the Windows operating system and the Macintosh operating system, the Macintosh operating system can enable the electronic apparatus to execute the command of keying in the English letter “C” according to the key signal. Generally speaking, most of the key signals generated by the common keys  10  can be recognized by the Macintosh operating system as described above. However, the Macintosh operating system is not always able to recognize any key combination enabled by at least two keys or any shortcut key having a special function. As a result, a key code generated by either the key combination or the shortcut key must be matched up with the operating system, so as to enable the electronic apparatus to recognize any one of the key codes generated by one of the key combinations or the shortcut keys, and then a key combination command corresponding to one of the key codes or a shortcut key command corresponding to one of the shortcut key is capable of being executed. 
         [0009]    Take an example of a Copy command of the key combination commands. The Copy command in the Windows operating system is able to be executed by pressing down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the common keys  101  of the conventional keyboard device  1  together. When the user presses down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the common keys  101  of the conventional keyboard device  1  together, a key code “E0” corresponding to the key “Ctrl” and a key code “06” corresponding to the key “C” are generated and then transmitted to the control unit  11 . As a result, the control unit  11  outputs a key signal corresponding to the above mentioned key codes to the electronic apparatus according to the above mentioned key codes. Next, the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system can recognize that the key signal corresponds to the Copy command and execute the Copy command. However, the Copy command in the Windows operating system is unable to be used in the Macintosh operating system. 
         [0010]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , which illustrates an external structural schematic view of a conventional keyboard device applied to a Macintosh operating system. Comparing  FIG. 1  with  FIG. 2 , it can be understood that a plurality of keys  20  of the conventional keyboard device  2  applied to the Macintosh operating system are not all the same as the plurality of keys  10  of the conventional keyboard device  1 . For example, the plurality of keys  20  comprises an Apple key  201  (also called Command key) and a Clear key  202 , but does not have the Num Lock key. When the conventional keyboard device  2  in communication with the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system, the Windows operating system is unable to recognize key signals generated by the Apple key  201  and the Clear key  202 , and thus corresponding commands are unable to be executed. 
         [0011]    A Copy command in the Macintosh operating system is executed by pressing down the Apple key  201  and the key “C” together, so as to enable the conventional keyboard device  2  to generate a key signal corresponding to the Apple key  201  and the key “C”. When the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system receives the key signal, the Macintosh operating system recognizes the key signal as a Copy command, so as to enable the electronic apparatus to execute the Copy command. In another word, when the user presses down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the common keys  101  in the conventional keyboard device  1  together, the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system would not execute the Copy command. Similarly, when the user presses down the Apple key  201  and the key “C” in the conventional keyboard device  2  together, the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system would not execute the Copy command as well. 
         [0012]    An operation instance of the shortcut key is illustrated hereinafter. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the conventional keyboard device  1  further comprises a first shortcut function key  105  and a second shortcut function key  106 , while the key signal generated by the first shortcut function key  105  defaulted in the Windows operating system  21  corresponds to a command for playing the multi media player, and the key signal generated by the second shortcut function key  106  defaulted in the Windows operating system  21  corresponds to a command for stopping playing the multi media player. As a result, when the user presses down the first shortcut function key  105  and thus enables the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system to recognize the key signal thereof, the command for playing the multi media player is executed. In contrast, when the user presses down the second shortcut function key  106  and thus enables the electronic apparatus installed with the Windows operating system to recognize the key signal thereof, the command for stopping playing the multi media player is executed. 
         [0013]    However, the commands corresponding to the first shortcut function key  105  and the second shortcut function key  106  defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may be different from those defaulted in the Windows operating system. For example, the key signal generated by the first shortcut function key  105  defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may correspond to a command for stopping playing the multi media player, while the key signal generated by the second shortcut function key  106  defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may correspond to a command for playing the multi media player. As a result, when the user presses down the first shortcut function key  105  and thus enables the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system to recognize the key signal thereof, the command for stopping playing the multi media player is executed. In contrast, when the user presses down the second shortcut function key  106  and thus enables the electronic apparatus installed with the Macintosh operating system to recognize the key signal thereof, the command for playing the multi media player is executed. In another word, the commands defaulted in the Macintosh operating system may be just contrary to those defaulted in the Windows operating system. 
         [0014]    In summary, a keyboard device capable of being applied to two different operating systems is not yet commercially available. As a result, the user needs to remember two different methods for inputting the same key command for the Windows operating system and the Macintosh operating system. For example, the method for inputting the copy command in the Windows operating system is pressing down the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” together, while that in the Macintosh operating system is pressing down the Apple key and the key “C” together, and thus an input error may be occurred due to the user is likely to be confused in operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention is directed to providing a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems. 
         [0016]    The present invention is further directed to providing a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and conforming to the user&#39;s operation habit. 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a keyboard device for different operating systems, which is in communication with an electronic apparatus, and the keyboard device comprises:
       at least one key, exposed by a surface of the keyboard device, wherein the at least one key is capable of being pressed down and thus correspondingly generates a first key code, so as to enable the electronic apparatus installed with a first operating system to execute a first key command, or enable the electronic apparatus installed with a second operating system to execute a second key command; and   a control unit, in communication with the at least one key and the electronic apparatus and capable of receiving the first key code, wherein the control unit comprises:
           a memory unit, storing the first key code and a second key code, wherein the second key code is capable of enabling the electronic apparatus installed with the second operating system to execute the first key command; and   a logic unit, in communication with the memory unit, the at least one key and the electronic apparatus, capable of recognizing which one of the first operating system and the second operating system is installed in the electronic system and determining a key signal to be outputted according to a recognition result, wherein the logic unit receives the first key code and then outputs a first key signal corresponding to the first key code when the electronic apparatus is installed with the first operating system, so as to enable the electronic apparatus installed with the first operating system to execute the first key command in response to the first key signal, while the logic unit receives the first key code, switches the first key code into the second key code and then outputs a second key signal corresponding to the second key code when the electronic apparatus is installed with the second operating system, so as to enable the electronic apparatus installed with the second operating system to execute the first key command in response to the second key signal.   
               
 
         [0022]    In a preferred embodiment, the control unit further comprises an auto install program. Herein, the auto install program is activated when the keyboard device is in communication with the electronic apparatus, so as to automatically install a recognition program into the electronic apparatus. In addition, the electronic apparatus transmits a recognition signal to the control unit after the recognition program is installed, so as to enable the logic unit to determine which one of the first operating system and the second operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus according to the recognition signal. 
         [0023]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a connection wire, which is capable of being in communication with the electronic apparatus for either transmitting the first key signal to the electronic apparatus or transmitting the recognition signal to the control unit, wherein the keyboard device is a wired keyboard device. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus further comprises a recognition program, wherein the recognition program controls the electronic apparatus to transmit a recognition signal to the control unit when the keyboard device is in communication with the electronic apparatus, so as to enable the logic unit to determine which one of the first operating system and the second operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus according to the recognition signal. 
         [0025]    In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard device for different operating systems of the present invention further comprises:
       a wireless signal emitter, disposed within the keyboard device, in communication with the control unit, and capable of transmitting the first key signal, the second key signal and the recognition signal; and   a wireless signal receiver, which is capable of being plugged in the electronic apparatus for receiving the first key signal and either transmitting the first key signal to the electronic apparatus or transmitting the recognition signal to the wireless signal emitter, wherein the keyboard device is a wireless keyboard device.       
 
         [0028]    In a preferred embodiment, a key cap surface of the at least one key is presented with a play character for a multi media player, and the first key command is a function for playing the multi media player. 
         [0029]    In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard device for different operating systems of the present invention further comprises an another key, wherein the another key is exposed by the surface of the keyboard device, capable of being pressed down and thus correspondingly generates an another first key code, so as to enable the electronic apparatus installed with the first operating system to execute the second key command. In addition, a key cap surface of the another key is presented with a stop playing character for a multi media player, and the second key command is a function for stopping playing the multi media player. 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus is a desktop host, a notebook or a smart phone, the first operating system and the second operating system are any two of a Windows operating system, a Macintosh operating system, an Android operating system and an iOS operating system, and the second operating system is different from the first operating system. 
         [0031]    In a preferred embodiment, the first key signal or the second key signal is generated by the control unit in response to the at least one key being pressed down alone, and the at least one key is a shortcut function key. 
         [0032]    In a preferred embodiment, the first key signal or the second key signal is generated by the control unit in response to a key combination comprising the at least one key being pressed down together, and the at least one key is a common key. 
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment, the memory unit stores a HID usage table, and the first key code is any one of key codes originally comprised in the HID usage table including a key code “04” to a key code “E7” and a key code “F0”, while the second key code is a key code “F2” additionally added into the HID usage table. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a conventional keyboard device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a conventional keyboard device applied to a Macintosh operating system. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates an operation block diagram of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus installed with a first operating system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates an operation block diagram of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus installed with a second operating system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0041]    Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the present invention. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. In fact, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a through understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations are not described in detail in order not to obscure the present invention. 
         [0042]    In view of the defects of the conventional arts, the present invention provides a keyboard device capable of making up the disadvantages of the conventional keyboard device.  FIG. 3  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, while  FIG. 4  illustrates an operation block diagram of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus installed with a first operating system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  together, the keyboard device  3  capable of being applied to different operating systems is in communication with an electronic apparatus  4 , and the electronic apparatus  4  is installed with a first operating system  41 . In the present preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus  4  is a desktop host, while the first operating system  41  is a Windows operating system. The keyboard device  3  capable of being applied to different operating systems comprises a plurality of keys  30 , a control unit  31  and a connection wire  32 . The plurality of keys  30  are exposed by a surface of the keyboard device  3  and divided into common keys  301 , number keys  302 , function keys  303 , expansion keys  304  and shortcut function keys  305 . Each one of the above mention keys  30  is capable of being pressed down by a user and thus correspondingly generates a first key code C 1 . In the present preferred embodiment, the shortcut function keys  305  comprise a first shortcut function key  3051  and a second shortcut function key  3052 , and a key cap surface of the first shortcut function key  3051  is presented with a play character for a multi media player, while a key cap surface of the second shortcut function key  3052  is presented with a stop playing character for the multi media player. 
         [0043]    The control unit  31  is in communication with the plurality of keys  30  and the electronic apparatus  4 , which is capable of receiving the above mentioned first key codes C 1 , and the control unit  31  comprises a memory unit  311 , a logic unit  312  and an auto install program  313 . The memory unit  311  stores a HID Usage Table  3111 , and the key codes included in the HID Usage Table  3111  further comprises a key code “F0”, a key code “F1”, a key code “F2” and a key code “F3” except the key code “04” to the key code “E7”. The key code “F0” and the key code “F3” correspond to the first shortcut function key  3051 , and the key code “F1” and the key code “F2” correspond to the second shortcut function key  3052 , wherein the details of the key code “F0”, the key code “F1”, the key code “F2” and the key code “F3” will be further described later. Any one of the key code “04” to the key code “E7”, the key code “F0” and the key code “F1” included in the HID 
         [0044]    Usage Table  3111  is defined as one of the above mentioned first key codes C 1 , while any one the key code “F2” and the key code “F3” is defined as a second key code C 2 . 
         [0045]    In addition, the logic unit  31  is in communication with the memory unit  311 , the plurality of keys  30  and the electronic apparatus  4 , which is capable of recognizing the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus  4 , so as to determine the key signal to be outputted according to the recognition result. Furthermore, the auto install program  313  is capable of being activated when the keyboard device  3  is in communication with the electronic apparatus  4 , so as to install a recognition program  40  in the electronic apparatus  4  automatically. After that, the electronic apparatus  4  transmits a first recognition signal M 1  to the control unit  31  when the installation of the recognition program  40  is finished, so as to enable the logic unit  31  to recognize the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus  4  based on the first recognition signal M 1 . In the present preferred embodiment, the memory unit  311  can be practiced by using an Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or a Flash Read-Only Memory (Flash ROM), while the logic unit is a microprocessor. 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the keyboard device  3  capable of being applied to different operating systems is in communication with the electronic apparatus  4  by the connection wire  32 , wherein the connection wire  32  is a cable with an Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The connection wire  32  is capable of transmitting the key signal corresponding to the first key code C  1  to the electronic apparatus  4 , or transmitting the first recognition signal M 1  to the control unit  31 . In another word, the keyboard device  3  is a wired keyboard device. 
         [0047]    The operation case of the keyboard device  3  is illustrated hereinafter. Referring to  FIG. 4  also, when the keyboard device  3  is in communication with the electronic apparatus  4  via the connection wire  32 , the auto install program  313  of the control unit  31  thereof is activated, so that the recognition program  40  is transmitted into the electronic apparatus  4  via the connection wire  32  and automatically installed after the transmission is finished. After the installation of the recognition program  40  is finished, the recognition program  40  transmits the first recognition signal M 1  to the control unit  31  via the connection wire  32 , so as to enable the logic unit  312  to determine that the electronic apparatus  4  is installed with the first operating system  41 . As a result, when any one of the keys  30  is pressed down and thus correspondingly generates a first key code C 1 , and the first key code C 1  is received by the control unit  31 , the logic unit  312  can recognize which one of the keys  30  is pressed down according to the first key code C 1  and the HID Usage Table  3111 . After that, the logic unit  312  outputs the first key signal S 1  corresponding to the first key code C 1  to the electronic apparatus  4  according to the recognition result provided by the first recognition signal M 1 , so as to enable the first operating system  41  to recognize the first key signal S 1  and then execute the first key command corresponding to the first key signal S 1 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates an operation block diagram of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus installed with a second operating system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the keyboard device  3  is in communication with an another electronic apparatus  5  via the connection wire  32 , and the another electronic apparatus  5  is installed with a second operating system  51 . In the present preferred embodiment, the another electronic apparatus  5  is a desktop host as well, and the second operating system  51  is a Macintosh operating system. After that, the auto install program  313  of the control unit  31  is activated, so that a recognition program  50  is transmitted into the another electronic apparatus  5  via the connection wire  32  and automatically installed after the transmission is finished. After the installation of the recognition program  50  is finished, the recognition program  50  transmits the second recognition signal M 2  to the control unit  31  via the connection wire  32 , so as to enable the logic unit  312  to determine that the electronic apparatus  5  is installed with the second operating system  51 . As a result, when any one of the keys  30  is pressed down and thus correspondingly generates a first key code C 1 , and the first key code C 1  is received by the control unit  31 , the logic unit  312  switches the first key code C 1  into the second key code C 2  according to the recognition result provided by the second recognition signal M 2 , and then outputs a second key signal S 2  corresponding to the second key code C 2  to the another electronic apparatus  5 , so as to enable the second operating system  51  to recognize the second key signal S 2  and then execute a second key command corresponding to the second key signal S 2 . 
         [0049]    Hereinafter take an example by using the first shortcut function key  3051  and the second shortcut function key  3052 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when the keyboard device  3  is in communication with the electronic apparatus  4 , the logic unit  312  thereof obtains that the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus  4  is the first operating system  41  according to the first recognition signal M 1 . In addition, when the first shortcut function key  3051  is pressed down by the user, the first shortcut function key  3051  generates the first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F0” corresponding to the first shortcut function key  3051 ) to the control unit  31 . Since the electronic apparatus  4  is installed with the first operating system  41 , the logic unit  312  outputs the first key signal  51  corresponding to the first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F0”) to the electronic apparatus  4 , so as to enable the first operating system  41  to execute the first key command (i.e. the command for playing the multi media player) according to the first key signal S 1 . In contrast, when the second shortcut function key  3052  is pressed down by the user, the second shortcut function key  3052  generates an another first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F1” corresponding to the second shortcut function key  3052 ) to the control unit  31 . Since the electronic apparatus  4  is installed with the first operating system  41 , the logic unit  312  outputs a third key signal S 3  corresponding to the another first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F1”) to the electronic apparatus  4 , so as to enable the first operating system  41  to execute the second key command (i.e. the command for stopping playing the multi media player) according to the third key signal S 3 . 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , when the keyboard device  3  is in communication with the another electronic apparatus  5 , the logic unit  312  thereof obtains that the operating system installed in the another electronic apparatus  5  is the second operating system  51  according to the second recognition signal M 2 . In addition, when the first shortcut function key  3051  is pressed down by the user, the first shortcut function key  3051  generates the first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F0” corresponding to the first shortcut function key  3051 ) to the control unit  31 . Since the another electronic apparatus  5  is installed with the second operating system  51 , the logic unit  312  switches the first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F0”) to the second key code C 2  (i.e. the key code “F2” corresponding to the first shortcut function key  3051 ) by the HID Usage Table  3111  in the memory unit  311 . After that, the logic unit  312  outputs the second key signal S 2  corresponding to the second key code C 2  (i.e. the key code “F2”) to the another electronic apparatus  5 , so as to enable the second operating system  51  to execute the first key command (i.e. the command for playing the multi media player) according to the second key signal S 2 . 
         [0051]    In contrast, when the second shortcut function key  3052  is pressed down by the user, the second shortcut function key  3052  generates an another first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F1” corresponding to the second shortcut function key  3052 ) to the control unit  31 . Since the another electronic apparatus  5  is installed with the second operating system  51 , the logic unit  312  switches the another first key code C 1  (i.e. the key code “F1”) to an another second key code C 2  (i.e. the key code “F3” corresponding to the second shortcut function key  3052 ) by the HID Usage Table  3111  in the memory unit  311 . After that, the logic unit  312  outputs a fourth key signal S 4  corresponding to the another second key code C 2  (i.e. the key code “F3”) to the another electronic apparatus  5 , so as to enable the second operating system  51  to execute the second key command (i.e. the command for stopping playing the multi media player) according to the fourth key signal S 4 . 
         [0052]    In a word, the function of the first shortcut function key  3051  in the first operating system  41  is a function for playing multi media player, but the function of the second shortcut function key  3052  in the first operating system  41  is a function for stopping playing the multi media player. In contrast, the function of the first shortcut function key  3051  in the second operating system  51  is the function for stopping playing multi media player, but the function of the second shortcut function key  3052  in the second operating system  51  is the function for playing the multi media player. However, the keyboard device  3  of the present invention is capable of recognizing the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus by itself and determining that it is necessary to switch the key code or not according to the recognition of the operating system. As a result, the function of the first shortcut function key  3051  is identical to the character presented on the key cap of the first shortcut function key  3051 , and thus the user does not need to remember what the function of the first shortcut function key  3051  in whether the first operating system  41  or the second operating system  51  is. 
         [0053]    With regard to the key combinations, the functions thereof are similar as well, and hereinafter take a simple example by using the copy function. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when the keyboard device  3  is in communication with the electronic apparatus  4 , the logic unit  312  thereof obtains that the operating system installed in the electronic apparatus  4  is the first operating system  41  according to the first recognition signal M 1 . In addition, when the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the keys  30  are pressed down by the user together, the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” generate the first key codes C 1  (i.e. the key code “E0” corresponding to the key “Ctrl” and the key code “06” corresponding to the key “C”) to the control unit  31 . Since the electronic apparatus  4  is installed with the first operating system  41 , the logic unit  312  outputs the first key signal  51  corresponding to the first key codes C 1  (i.e. the key code “E0” and the key code “06”) to the electronic apparatus  4 , so as to enable the first operating system  41  to execute the first key command (i.e. the command for copying in the first operating system  41 ) according to the first key signal  51 . 
         [0054]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , when the keyboard device  3  is in communication with the another electronic apparatus  5 , the logic unit  312  thereof obtains that the operating system installed in the another electronic apparatus  5  is the second operating system  51  according to the second recognition signal M 2 . In addition, when the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the keys  30  are pressed down by the user together, the key “Ctrl” and the key “C” of the keys  30  generate the first key codes C 1  (i.e. the key code “E0” corresponding to the key “Ctrl” and the key code “06” corresponding to the key “C”) to the control unit  31 . Since the another electronic apparatus  5  is installed with the second operating system  51 , the logic unit  312  switches the first key codes C 1  (i.e. the key code “E0” and the key code “06”) to the second key codes C 2 , wherein the second key codes C 2  comprise the key code corresponding to the Apple key (for example the key code “F4”) and the key code “06”. After that, the logic unit  312  outputs the second key signal S 2  corresponding to the second key codes C 2  (i.e. the key code “F4” and the key code “06”) to the another electronic apparatus  5 , so as to enable the second operating system  51  to execute the first key command (i.e. the command for copying in the second operating system  51 ) according to the second key signal S 2 . 
         [0055]    In addition, the present invention further provides a second preferred embodiment to the keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems.  FIG. 6  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the keyboard device  6  capable of being applied to different operating systems comprises a plurality of keys  60 , a control unit  61 , a wireless signal emitter  62  and a wireless signal receiver  63 . The plurality of keys  60  and the control unit  61  are substantially similar to those in the first preferred embodiment and are omitted herein. The difference between these two preferred embodiments is merely about that the control unit  61  does not have the auto install program. In addition, the wireless signal emitter  62  is disposed within the keyboard device  6 , in communication with the control unit  61 , and capable of transmitting the first key signal, the second key signal, the first recognition signal and the second recognition signal. Besides, the wireless signal receiver  63  is capable of being plugged in an electronic apparatus  7  and capable of receiving the first key signal and the second key signal by using a wireless transmission technology. Further, the wireless signal receiver  63  is capable of transmitting the first key signal and the second key signal to the electronic apparatus  7 , or transmitting the recognition signal and the second key signal to the wireless signal emitter  62  by using a wireless transmission technology. In the present preferred embodiment, the keyboard device  6  is a wireless keyboard device, and the electronic apparatus  7  is a desktop host. 
         [0056]    Moreover, the electronic apparatus  7  can further comprise a recognition program  70 . When the keyboard device  6  is in communication with the electronic apparatus  7 , the recognition program  70  controls the electronic apparatus  7  to transmit the first recognition signal or the second recognition signal to the control unit  61 , so as to enable the control unit  61  to recognize that the electronic apparatus  7  is installed with the first operating system according to the first recognition signal or installed with the second operating system according to the second recognition signal. Herein, when the electronic apparatus  7  is installed with the first operating system, the recognition program  70  is able to control the electronic apparatus  7  to transmit the first recognition signal to the control unit  61 . In contrast, when the electronic apparatus  7  is installed with the second operating system, the recognition program  70  is able to control the electronic apparatus  7  to transmit the second recognition signal to the control unit  61 . In the present preferred embodiment, the recognition program  70  is previously installed in the electronic apparatus  7 , wherein the recognition program  70  can be stored in the electronic apparatus  7  by being downloaded with a network, or the recognition program  70  can be stored in the electronic apparatus  7  by using an external storage device (such as a flash device, an external hard disk device, an optical disk and so on). With regard to the keyboard device  6  capable of being applied to different operating systems, an operation case thereof is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment except the signals are transmitted by using the wireless transmission technology, and thus it is omitted herein. 
         [0057]    Moreover, the present invention further provides a third preferred embodiment to the keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems as well.  FIG. 7  illustrates an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems and in communication with an electronic apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the keyboard device  8  capable of being applied to different operating systems comprises a plurality of keys  80 , a control unit  81  and a first bluetooth transmission module  82 . The plurality of keys  80  and the control unit  81  are substantially similar to the keyboard device  6  in the second preferred embodiment and are omitted herein. The difference between these two preferred embodiments is merely about that the keyboard device  8  is disposed with the first bluetooth transmission module  82 . The first bluetooth transmission module  82  is disposed within the keyboard device  8 , in communication with the control unit  71 , and capable of transmitting the first key signal, the second key signal, the first recognition signal and the second recognition signal. 
         [0058]    In addition, an electronic apparatus  9  in communication with the keyboard device  8  comprises a recognition program  90  and a second bluetooth transmission module  91 . The recognition program  90  is completely the same as the recognition program  70  disclosed in the second preferred embodiment and thus omitted herein. Further, the second bluetooth transmission module  91  thereof is capable of matching up with the first bluetooth transmission module  82  of the keyboard device  8 , so as to establish a connection between the keyboard device  8  and the electronic apparatus  9  for transmitting the first key signal, the second key signal, the first recognition signal and the second recognition signal. In the present preferred embodiment, the electronic apparatus  9  is a tablet personal computer (Tablet PC). With regard to the keyboard device  8  capable of being applied to different operating systems, an operation case thereof is substantially similar to the second preferred embodiment except the signals are transmitted by using the bluetooth transmission technology, and thus it is omitted herein. 
         [0059]    In the other preferred embodiments, the electronic apparatus can be practiced by using a smart phone or a notebook personal computer (Notebook PC), while the first operating system and the second operating system can be practiced by using any two of a Windows operating system, a Macintosh operating system, an Android operating system and an iOS operating system, and the second operating system is different from the first operating system. 
         [0060]    According to the above mentioned descriptions, it is understood that the keyboard device capable of being applied to different operating systems of the present invention can determine the key signal to be outputted according to the operating system installed within the electronic apparatus. Therefore, the user can press down the desired key in response to the function character presented on the plurality of keys, so as to enable the electronic apparatus to execute the function command corresponding to the function character. As a result, the user does not need to remember the input methods of the function commands for different operating system, and thus the operation of the keyboard device disclosed in the present invention is simpler and more convenient than the conventional keyboard devices. 
         [0061]    Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0062]    According to the above mentioned descriptions, it is understood that the keyboard device of the present invention utilizes a feature of that the first number key and the second number key can key in the same number with different key codes. As a result, a second number key code is correspondingly transferred into a first number key code when the control unit receives a second number key code corresponding to a second number key, so as to key in a number. In addition, a cutoff signal is outputted when the control unit receives the shift key code and the second number key code together, so as to ensure that only a number can be keyed in when any one of the second number keys is pressed down due to the computer host not to execute the commands. As a result, it is unnecessary to switch the functions of the second number keys by using the number lock key when the user operates the keyboard device of the present invention, but the numbers can be keyed in by directly pressing down the second number keys instead, and thus it is convenient to be operated by the user. Certainly, in the keyboard device of the present invention, it is unnecessary to disposed with a number lock indicating lamp corresponding to the number lock key as well. 
         [0063]    Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.