Portable computer keyboard for use with a plurality of different host computers

摘要

Disclosed is a portable computer keyboard capable of operation in three distinct modes: stand-alone mode, automatic mode and a conventional mode. In stand-alone mode, information entered is stored in an on-board memory buffer, and may be edited by using a set of predetermined editing keys in conjunction with a display mounted on the device. In automatic mode, the contents of the on-board memory buffer are transmitted, by a keystroke emulation technique, to an attached host computer via a conventional keyboard connector cable. In the conventional keyboard mode, keystrokes entered are transmitted directly to an attached host computer. The keyboard of the invention may be operated in connection with a plurality of different host computers, and includes host detection and host identification to facilitate operation with such a plurality of different host computers. Also disclosed is a power conservation technique where the device enter a dwell or sleep mode when waiting to process keystrokes.