WSKBD(4)                  OpenBSD Programmer's Manual                 WSKBD(4)

NAME
     wskbd - generic keyboard support in wscons

SYNOPSIS
     wskbd* at pckbd? console ? mux 1
     wskbd* at ukbd? console ? mux 1
     wskbd0 at akbd? console ? mux 1

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:

     o   Mapping from keycodes (defined by the specific keyboard driver) to
         keysyms (hardware independent, defined in
         /usr/include/dev/wscons/wsksymdef.h).

     o   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.

     o   Certain translations, like turning an ``ALT'' modifier into an
         ``ESC'' prefix.

     o   Automatic key repetition (``typematic'').

     o   Parameter handling for ``keyboard bells''.

     o   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 associ-
     ated ``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(4) device instance.

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

SEE ALSO
     wscons(4), wsmux(4), pckbd(4), ukbd(4), wsconsctl(8)

OpenBSD 2.9                     March 20, 1999                               1
