Zenith Data Systems Corporation

Brian C Barnes

Mark J Foster

Lloyd W Gauthier

Steven L Belt

David J DeLisle

Mark A Ruthenbeck

Randy J VanderHeyden

Saifee Fakhruddin

David R Veit

A plurality of processors form a network used to communicate with one or more peripheral devices and the system control processor. One processor is dedicated to at least one peripheral device. Since the system control processor is not burdened with the relatively slow communications protocol with the peripheral devices, it is free to do other tasks which improves the overall system performance. Communication protocol between the dedicated processors allows for local and global communication.

Personal computer having dedicated processors for peripheral devices

A computing device includes a system control processor, a built-in keyboard having a plurality of keys, a connector which facilitates connection of an external keyboard or keypad to the device, an electronic switch which is controlled by the internal keyboard processor and can electrically couple the connector to the system control processor. The internal keyboard processor monitors signals from the system control processor, connector and internal keyboard keys in order to open and close the analog switch so as to facilitate transfers between the system control processor and the internal keyboard through itself, and transfers between the system control processor and an external keyboard through the electronic switch.

Method and apparatus facilitating communication between two keyboards

Growing community of inventors

Benton, MI, United States of America

Brian C Barnes