WSKBD(4)

WSKBD(4) | Kernel Interfaces Manual | WSKBD(4)

# NAME

wskbd — generic keyboard support in wscons

# SYNOPSIS

wskbd* at pckbd? console ? mux 1 (standard PC keyboard)
wskbd* at ukbd? console ? mux 1 (USB keyboard)
wskbd* at lkkbd? console ? mux 1 (DEC LK200/400 serial keyboard)
wskbd0 at akbd? console ? mux 1 (Apple ADB keyboard)
wskbd0 at nextkbd? console ? mux 1 (NeXT keyboard)
wskbd* at vrkiu? console ? mux 1 (NEC VR4000 series HPC keyboard)
wskbd* at skbd? console ? mux 1 (keyboard of misc hpcmips handheld devices)
wskbd* at btkbd? console ? mux 1 (Bluetooth keyboard)

# DESCRIPTION

The wskbd driver handles common tasks for keyboards within the wscons(4) framework. It is attached to the hardware specific keyboard drivers and provides their connection to “wsdisplay” devices and a character device interface.

The common keyboard support consists of:

- Mapping from keycodes (defined by the specific keyboard driver) to keysyms (hardware independent, defined in /usr/include/dev/wscons/wsksymdef.h).
- Handling of “compose” sequences. Characters commonly not present as separate key on keyboards can be generated after either a special “compose” key is pressed or a “dead accent” character is used.
- Certain translations, like turning an “ALT” modifier into an “ESC” prefix.
- Automatic key repetition (“typematic”).
- Parameter handling for “keyboard bells”.
- Generation of “keyboard events” for use by X servers.

The wskbd driver provides a number of ioctl functions to control key maps and other parameters. These functions are accessible though the associated “wsdisplay” device as well. A complete list is in /usr/include/dev/wscons/wsconsio.h. The wsconsctl(8) utility allows to access key maps and other variables.

The console locator in the configuration line refers to the device's use as input part of the operating system console. A device specification containing a positive value here will only match if the device is in use as system console. (The console device selection in early system startup is not influenced.) This way, the console device can be connected to a known wskbd device instance.

# FILES

- /dev/wskbd*
- /usr/include/dev/wscons/wsksymdef.h
- /usr/include/dev/wscons/wsconsio.h.

# SEE ALSO

btkbd(4), pckbd(4), ukbd(4), wscons(4), wsmux(4), wsconsctl(8), wskbd(9)

October 31, 2006 | NetBSD 5.99