Daniel J Powers

US Patent:

6460103, Oct 1, 2002

Filed:

Apr 13, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/290281

Inventors:

Daniel J. Powers - Spring TX
Henry M. DSouza - Cypress TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 1314

US Classification:

710129

Abstract:

A input device, such as a keyboard, having an array of unique rapid response keys for responding rapidly and conveniently to routine requests from software applications. Such routine requests include those requiring a âyes,â ânoâ or âcancelâ response. Other routine tasks includes saving and closing files, which typically causes software to issue a save request. Instead of responding to such requests with input from a pointing device, the unique rapid response keys allow a user to respond to such routine requests without removing her hands from the keyboard. Four dedicated keys are preferably located above an escape key on the keyboard. A device driver receives scan codes from the keyboard and translates the scan codes corresponding to the response keys for providing a properly formatted response to the requesting software application.