Patent ID: 7102619

Claim:
A keyboard control apparatus with a universal serial bus (USB) interface for use in a notebook computer having a plurality of keys, comprising: a mapping unit for storing a plurality of key matrix codes corresponding to said plurality of keys; a shift register for generating a reference signal and a plurality of scan output signals in accordance with a clock signal and a start signal; a key matrix circuit coupled to said shift register to receive said plurality of scan output signals, for outputting a plurality of scan input signals and triggering one of said plurality of scan input signals when a corresponding key of said notebook computer is actuated, in which said plurality of keys are rendered by means of said plurality of scan output signals together with said plurality of scan input signals; an address generator coupled to said shift register to receive said reference signal and coupled to said key matrix circuit to receive said plurality of scan input signals, for generating an address signal in accordance with said reference signal and said triggered scan input signal; a selector separately coupled to said address generator and said mapping unit, for receiving said address signal and selecting one of said plurality of key matrix codes which is designated to said address signal; and an interface converter coupled to said selector, for converting said selected key matrix code into a pair of differential signals compliant with the universal serial bus (USB) specification.