ASCII universal control

Hello Wizards,
So I made this simple patch the other day because I wanted to make music when I was writing emails. BUT I didn't realize that the key and key up only work when I am typing in the max program. I posted in the MSP forum and it was suggested that I try the Hi object, I've read all about it and did the human interface tutorials but it really doesn't work for this patch I made. Is there a way to get the info to the key in and keyup, while I'm typing in say safari or word? Basically I just like the way this patch sounds and is working and I don't see how to use the hi object and unpack to get the same data that the key and keyup objects give me. I'll attach the patch.
thanks a lot,
jjr