JP2006072921A - Switching system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily switch computers to become information output objects. <P>SOLUTION: This switching system includes a repeater 10, a transmitter for a keyboard 40, and a sheet 60. The sheet 60 includes a pattern for expressing coordinates in the sheet 60. The transmitter for the keyboard 40 includes a position recognition part for detecting the coordinates of the transmitter for the keyboard 40 from the pattern of the sheet 60, an input terminal 48 for receiving an input of information, and a data transmission part 42 for transmitting the coordinates of the transmitter for the keyboard 40 and the information received by the input terminal 48. The repeater 10 includes a data reception part 12 for receiving the coordinates of the transmitter for the keyboard 40 and the information, a storage part 19 for storing information for expressing that the coordinates of the transmitter for the keyboard 40 belongs to any of a plurality of sections in the sheet 60, an operation selecting part 16 for selecting the computer, and an operation control part 18 for outputting the information to the computer selected by the operation selecting part 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a switching system, and more particularly to a switching system that simultaneously handles a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a cordless mouse in which a transmitter is attached to a mouse body (a mouse ball is excluded). The personal computer body recognizes the position of the mouse and the direction of movement by analyzing the directivity of the radio wave transmitted by the mouse transmitter. According to the present invention, a plane space for moving the mouse can be eliminated.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a control method in which a computer can determine whether or not data is transmitted to itself by adding a transmission destination device number and a transmission source device number to transmission data. According to the present invention, a plurality of computers can be operated with a single cordless mouse.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a switching device that transmits the coordinates of a cursor to another machine. The coordinates transmitted by the switching device are coordinates indicating that the cursor is at the end of the display screen. The switching device transmits coordinates using a trigger that the cursor has reached the end on the opposite side of the end as described above. According to the present invention, a plurality of machines can be operated using one pointing device (such as a mouse).

  Patent Document 4 discloses an input device that communicates with a counterpart terminal that supports switching by switching a dial-type changeover switch (provided in a mouse). The keyboard also communicates with a partner terminal that supports switching. According to the present invention, one input device can be provided for a plurality of computers. Thereby, space can be used effectively, resources can be used effectively, and operability can be improved.

  Patent Document 5 discloses an input device that transmits a user input from a keyboard to a computer selected by a switch attached to the keyboard. According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the labor of wiring between the input device and the computer and the restriction on the installation location.

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that a plurality of PCs cannot be operated in parallel.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, there is a problem in that complicated work occurs for the user. This is because the PC to be operated must be manually selected.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3, when many PCs are operated, there is a problem that switching of PCs to be operated becomes complicated. In order to switch the PC to be operated, the user must move the mouse pointer to the edge of the display. As the number of PCs to be operated increases, the mouse pointer moves over a number of displays. This is the cause of complications.

The invention disclosed in Patent Document 4 and the invention disclosed in Patent Document 5 have the same problems as the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-282093 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-116151 JP 11-95931 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-272409 JP 2000-276269 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a switching system capable of easily switching a computer to which information is output.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a switching system includes a seat, a transmitter secured to a keyboard, and a repeater. The sheet includes a pattern representing coordinates on the sheet. The transmitter includes a detecting unit for detecting the coordinates of the transmitter in the sheet from the pattern of the sheet, a receiving unit for receiving input of information acquired by the keyboard, and the coordinates received by the transmitter and the receiving unit. Transmitting means for transmitting. The repeater stores information indicating the coordinates of the transmitter and the receiving means for receiving the information received by the receiving means, and the area where the coordinates of the transmitter in the sheet are aligned along the side of the sheet Selecting means for selecting a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas of the area along the side of the sheet the transmitter coordinates belong, and the selection means Output means for outputting the information received by the receiving means to the computer.

  That is, the accepting unit accepts input of information acquired by the keyboard. The selection means selects a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas aligned along the side of the sheet belongs to the transmitter coordinates. The transmitter is attached to the keyboard. Since the transmitter is fixed to the keyboard, changing the position of the keyboard on the transmitter side along the side of the sheet can change the coordinates of the transmitter. Since the coordinates can be changed, the computer to which information is output can be switched. Even if the position of the keyboard is changed, the user can easily input information. As a result, the user can easily switch the computer to which information is output and can easily input information. Moving the transmitter along the side of the sheet in order to switch the computer to which information is output does not burden the user's work very much. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily switch the computer to which information is output without burdening the user's work and can easily input information.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the switching system includes a sheet, a transmitter, and a repeater. The sheet includes a pattern representing coordinates on the sheet. The transmitter transmits, from the sheet pattern, detection means for detecting the coordinates of the transmitter in the sheet, reception means for receiving information input, and information received by the transmitter coordinates and reception means. Transmission means. The repeater is for receiving the coordinates of the transmitter and the receiving means for receiving the information received by the receiving means, and for storing the information indicating which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the coordinates of the transmitter in the sheet belong to A storage means; a selection means for selecting a computer to which information is to be output depending on which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the transmitter coordinates; and a receiving means in the computer selected by the selection means Output means for outputting the received information.

  That is, the selection means selects a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the transmitter coordinates belong to. Thus, when the user moves the transmitter, the user can easily switch the computer to which information is output. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily switch the computer to which information is output.

  The transmitter described above preferably includes a transmitter fixed to the device. In addition, it is desirable that the accepting means includes means for accepting input of information acquired by the device.

  That is, the transmitter is fixed to the device. The accepting unit accepts input of information acquired by the device. The selection means selects a computer to output information according to which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the transmitter coordinates belong to. The output means outputs information to the computer selected by the selection means. Thus, the user can easily switch the computer that outputs information acquired by the device depending on which of the sheets the coordinates of the device belong to. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily switch the computer to which information is output.

  In addition, the above-described device desirably includes a keyboard.

  That is, the accepting unit accepts input of information acquired by the keyboard. The selection means selects a computer to output information according to which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the transmitter coordinates belong to. The transmitter is fixed to the keyboard. Since the transmitter is attached to the keyboard, changing the position of the keyboard can change the coordinates of the transmitter. Since the coordinates can be changed, the computer to which information is output can be switched. Even if the position of the keyboard is changed, the user can easily input information. As a result, the user can easily switch the computer to which information is output and can easily input information. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily switch the computer to which information is output and can easily input information.

  Further, it is desirable that the plurality of areas of the above-described sheet include an area aligned along the side of the sheet.

  In other words, the selection unit selects a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas arranged along the side of the sheet belongs to the coordinates of the transmitter. Thus, the user can easily switch the computer to which information is output when the transmitter is moved along the side of the sheet. Moving the transmitter along the side of the sheet in order to switch the computer to which information is output does not burden the user's work very much. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily switch the computer to which information is output without giving a burden to the user's work.

  The switching system according to the present invention can easily switch a computer to which information is output.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the switching system according to the present embodiment includes a repeater 10, a keyboard transmitter 40, a mouse 50, and a seat 60. The repeater 10 receives a signal transmitted by either the keyboard transmitter 40 or the mouse 50. The repeater 10 is a device that outputs a signal received from either the keyboard transmitter 40 or the mouse 50 to the first computer 20 or the second computer 30. When the repeater 10 outputs a signal to the first computer 20 or the second computer 30, the PC operated by either the mouse 50 or the keyboard 70 (with the keyboard transmitter 40 attached) is switched. The keyboard transmitter 40 transmits a signal to the repeater 10. The mouse 50 transmits a signal to the repeater 10. The sheet 60 causes the keyboard transmitter 40 and the mouse 50 to read the coordinates of the position where the keyboard transmitter 40 and the mouse 50 are placed. In the case of the present embodiment, the sheet 60 is fixed to the repeater 10.

  The sheet 60 includes a pattern that represents a position on the sheet by a grid. The sheet 60 includes a first area 62, a second area 63, a third area 64, a fourth area 65, and an area other than the first area 62 to the fourth area 65 (hereinafter referred to as a general area 66). Including. The first area 62 to the fourth area 65 are areas that exist on the sheet 60 one by one. The distance between the cells (not shown) in the first area 62 to the fourth area 65 is narrower than the space between the cells (not shown) in the general area 66. Among the cells in the first area 62 to the fourth area 65, there is no cell having the same combination of vertical and horizontal intervals. Thereby, in the 1st area 62-the 4th area 65, if the space | interval of each vertical and horizontal grid is measured, the coordinate in the sheet | seat 60 of those grids can be specified. The intervals between the cells in the general area 66 are constant.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the switching system, the first computer 20 (connected to the first monitor 26), and the second computer 30 (connected to the second monitor 36) according to the present embodiment. is there. In the present embodiment, information is output from the switching system to the first computer 20 and the second computer 30.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the repeater 10 includes a data reception unit 12, a signal analysis unit 14, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 15, an operation selection unit 16, an operation control unit 18, and a storage unit 19. Including. In FIG. 4, the external appearance of the repeater 10 is shown. The data receiving unit 12 receives signals from the data transmitting unit 42 of the keyboard transmitter 40 and the data transmitting unit 52 of the mouse 50. In the present embodiment, the data receiving unit 12 is provided so as to face the keyboard transmitter 40 and the mouse 50. The signal analysis unit 14 analyzes the signal received by the data reception unit 12. The LED 15 emits light to notify the user of a PC from which information is output (that is, a target of operation by the user). The user can know the following from the color of the LED 15. The first is that only information received by the mouse 50 is output. The second is that only the information received by the keyboard 70 is output. The third is that information received by the mouse 50 and information received by the keyboard 70 are output together. The repeater 10 includes a plurality of LEDs 15. Each LED 15 corresponds to a PC from which information is output. The operation selection unit 16 selects a PC to be operated according to the signal analyzed by the signal analysis unit 14. The operation control unit 18 controls information output to the PC. The storage unit 19 stores information necessary for the operation selection unit 16 and the operation control unit 18 to select a PC and output information.

  Referring to FIG. 3, keyboard transmitter 40 includes a data transmission unit 42, a transmission control unit 44, a storage unit 45, a position recognition unit 46, and an input terminal 48. FIG. 5 shows an appearance of the keyboard transmitter 40. The keyboard transmitter 40 is fixed to the end of the keyboard 70. In the case of the present embodiment, the fixation is realized by an adhesive. Thus, the keyboard transmitter 40 and the keyboard 70 are integrated. The data transmission unit 42 transmits a signal to the repeater 10. The data transmitter 42 is provided so as to face the repeater 10. The transmission control unit 44 controls each unit of the keyboard transmitter 40. The transmission control unit 44 is also a part that generates a signal to be transmitted to the repeater 10. The storage unit 45 stores the following information. The first information is information necessary for the transmission control unit 44 to generate a signal. The second piece of information is information necessary for the position recognition unit 46 to detect the coordinates on the sheet 60. The position recognition unit 46 detects the coordinates on the sheet 60 of the keyboard 70 by detecting the cells on the sheet 60. The position recognition unit 46 is provided so as to face the sheet 60 (downward). The input terminal 48 receives input of information acquired by the keyboard 70. In the case of the present embodiment, the input terminal 48 can accept input of information when a connector (this connector is a connector that is supposed to be directly inserted into the PC) is inserted.

  Referring to FIG. 3, mouse 50 includes a data transmission unit 52, a transmission control unit 54, a button 55, a storage unit 56, and a position recognition unit 58. The data transmission unit 52 transmits a signal to the repeater 10. The transmission control unit 54 controls each unit of the mouse 50. The transmission control unit 54 is also a part that generates a signal to be transmitted to the repeater 10. Button 55 accepts input of information. The storage unit 56 stores information necessary for the transmission control unit 54 to generate a signal and information necessary for the position recognition unit 58 to detect coordinates on the sheet 60. The position recognition unit 58 detects the coordinates of the mouse 50 on the sheet 60 by detecting the cells on the sheet 60. In the present embodiment, the mouse 50 is a kind of transmitter that constitutes the switching system.

  The area of the sheet 60 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the sheet 60 is classified into two areas. The repeater 10 selects a PC to be operated based on in which area on the sheet 60 the mouse 50 and the keyboard 70 (strictly, the transmitter 40 for the keyboard) are placed. An area described as “first computer” in FIG. 6 is an area for operating the first computer 20 (first area). An area described as “second computer” is an area (second area) for operating the second computer 30. The plurality of areas are arranged along the side of the sheet 60. In the case of the present embodiment, the storage unit 19 of the repeater 10 stores a data table that indicates which of the areas where the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 in the sheet 60 are aligned along the side of the sheet 60.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the program executed in the switching system has the following control structure regarding the change of the PC to be operated.

  In step 100 (hereinafter, “step” is abbreviated as “S”), the transmission control unit 44 of the keyboard transmitter 40 replaces its own coordinates on the sheet 60 (the storage unit 45 stores the coordinates) with the data transmission unit 42. Output to. Specifically, the process of S120-S144 mentioned later is implemented. Accordingly, the position recognition unit 46 detects the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 on the sheet 60 from the pattern of the sheet 60. When the coordinates are output, the data transmission unit 42 transmits the coordinates output by the transmission control unit 44 to the data reception unit 12 of the repeater 10. With reference to FIG. 9, the format of the signal when the keyboard transmitter 40, mouse 50, and repeater 10 communicate in the present embodiment will be described. This format includes an identification number area 80, a terminal type area 82, and a position information area 84. The identification number area 80 stores an identification number for identifying either the keyboard transmitter 40 or the mouse 50. In the present embodiment, the keyboard transmitters 40 each have a built-in dip switch (not shown). The identification number is determined by setting the dip switch. Thereby, the switching system concerning this embodiment is realizable using a general-purpose keyboard. The mouse 50 also includes a dip switch (not shown). The identification number of the mouse 50 is also determined by setting the dip switch. The terminal type area 82 stores information for identifying whether the transmission source is the keyboard transmitter 40 or the mouse 50. The position information area 84 stores the coordinates of the transmission source (either the keyboard transmitter 40 or the mouse 50). In the present embodiment, when coordinates are not communicated, the position information area 84 stores information acquired by the mouse 50 and information acquired by the keyboard 70. The transmission control unit 54 of the mouse 50 also outputs its own coordinates to the data transmission unit 52. Specifically, the process of S120-S144 mentioned later is implemented. As a result, the position recognition unit 58 detects the coordinates of the mouse 50 on the sheet 60 from the pattern of the sheet 60. When the coordinates are output, the data transmission unit 52 transmits the coordinates output by the transmission control unit 54 to the data reception unit 12 of the repeater 10. When coordinates are transmitted from either the keyboard transmitter 40 or the mouse 50, the data receiving unit 12 receives the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 (or the mouse 50). When the coordinates are received, the data receiving unit 12 outputs the received coordinates to the signal analyzing unit 14. The signal analysis unit 14 analyzes the coordinates output from the data reception unit 12. The signal analysis unit 14 outputs the analyzed result to the operation selection unit 16. The operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) and the mouse 50 have entered another area from the previous area based on the result output by the signal analysis unit 14. If it is determined that another zone has been entered (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102. If not (NO in S100), the process proceeds to S110.

  In S102, the repeater 10, the keyboard transmitter 40, and the mouse 50 communicate coordinates using the same procedure as in S100. In the case of the present embodiment, this communication is performed after a predetermined time (in the case of the present embodiment, this time is “1 second”) after the completion of the communication of S100. The operation selection unit 16 determines whether the position of either the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) or the mouse 50 is fixed for a certain period of time based on the result of analysis by the signal analysis unit 14. Based on this determination, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 (or the mouse 50) belong to the area arranged along the side of the sheet 60 (at this time, the data table of the storage unit 19 is The computer to which information is to be output is selected. If determined to be fixed (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104. If not (NO in S102), the process proceeds to S106.

  In S104, the operation selection unit 16 outputs a signal indicating that the PC to be operated should be changed to the operation control unit 18. The operation control unit 18 changes the PC to be operated by changing a flag inside the operation control unit 18. In addition, the operation control unit 18 turns on the LED 15 corresponding to the PC to be operated. When the LED 15 is turned on, the data receiving unit 12 receives information (that is, information acquired by the keyboard 70 or the mouse 50) received separately from the input terminal 48 from the keyboard 70 (from the button 55 when the mouse 50 transmits information). To do. When the information is received, the data receiving unit 12 outputs the received information to the signal analyzing unit 14. The signal analysis unit 14 analyzes the information output from the data reception unit 12. The signal analysis unit 14 outputs the analyzed information to the operation selection unit 16. The operation selection unit 16 outputs the information output from the signal analysis unit 14 to the operation control unit 18. The operation control unit 18 outputs the information output by the operation selection unit 16 to the computer selected by the operation selection unit 16. Thereby, the information received by the input terminal 48 (button 55 when the mouse 50 transmits information) is output.

  In S106, the repeater 10, the keyboard transmitter 40, and the mouse 50 communicate coordinates using the same procedure as in S100. When the coordinates are communicated, the operation selection unit 16 determines that the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) or the mouse 50 are the original positions (in the case of the present embodiment, based on the analysis result of the signal analysis unit 14). Finally, it is determined whether or not the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) or the coordinates of the mouse 50 before returning to S100 is returned. If it is determined that the position has returned to the original position (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108. If not (NO in S106), the process returns to the main routine (not shown).

  In S108, the operation selection unit 16 outputs to the operation control unit 18 that the PC to be operated should not be changed. When it is output that the PC to be operated should not be changed, the data receiving unit 12 receives information received from the input terminal 48 from the keyboard 70 (or from the button 55 when the mouse 50 transmits information) (ie, the keyboard 70). Alternatively, the information acquired by the mouse 50) is received. When the information is received, the data receiving unit 12 outputs the received information to the signal analyzing unit 14. The signal analysis unit 14 analyzes the information output from the data reception unit 12. The signal analysis unit 14 outputs the analyzed information to the operation selection unit 16. The operation selection unit 16 outputs the information output from the signal analysis unit 14 to the operation control unit 18. The operation control unit 18 outputs the information output by the operation selection unit 16 to the computer being operated. Thereby, the information received by the input terminal 48 (button 55 when the mouse 50 transmits information) is output.

  In S110, the operation selection unit 16 outputs to the operation control unit 18 that the PC to be operated should not be changed. When it is output that the PC to be operated should not be changed, the data receiving unit 12 receives information received from the input terminal 48 from the keyboard 70 (or from the button 55 when the mouse 50 transmits information) (ie, the keyboard 70). Alternatively, the information acquired by the mouse 50) is received. When the information is received, the data receiving unit 12 outputs the received information to the signal analyzing unit 14. The signal analysis unit 14 analyzes the information output from the data reception unit 12. The signal analysis unit 14 outputs the analyzed information to the operation selection unit 16. The operation selection unit 16 outputs the information output from the signal analysis unit 14 to the operation control unit 18. The operation control unit 18 outputs the information output by the operation selection unit 16 to the computer being operated. Thereby, the information received by the input terminal 48 (button 55 when the mouse 50 transmits information) is output.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed in the switching system has the following control structure regarding the calculation and output of coordinates.

  In S120, position recognition unit 46 (or position recognition unit 58. The same applies to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 hereinafter) captures an image of sheet 60. In the case of the present embodiment, the size of the image captured at this time is larger than the size of the first area 62 to the fourth area 65. When the image is captured, the position recognition unit 46 corrects the tilt of the captured image. The corrected image is stored in the storage unit 45 (when the position recognition unit 58 captures an image of the sheet 60, the storage unit 56. The same applies to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 below). In S122, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the amount of movement of the keyboard transmitter 40 by pattern matching. A reference pattern used for pattern matching is stored in the storage unit 45.

  In S124, the position recognition unit 46 uses the movement amount calculated in S122 and the coordinates before the movement of the keyboard transmitter 40 (the coordinates are stored in advance in the storage unit 45) for the keyboard. The coordinates after the movement of the transmitter 40 are calculated. When the coordinates after movement are calculated, the position recognition unit 46 causes the storage unit 45 to store the coordinates after movement. The value of the coordinates before the movement is continuously stored in the storage unit 45.

  In S126, position recognition unit 46 determines whether or not to update the reference pattern. In the present embodiment, the position recognition unit 46 determines to update the reference pattern if the reference pattern is at the edge of the image captured in S120. In the present embodiment, the position recognition unit 46 determines to update the reference pattern even when the coordinates calculated in S124 are values that do not actually exist. If it is determined to update the reference pattern (YES in S126), the process proceeds to S128. If not (NO in S126), the process proceeds to S144.

  In S128, the position recognition unit 46 causes the storage unit 45 to store a new reference pattern. In the present embodiment, the new reference pattern is an image including any one of the minimum size cells of the first area 62 to the fourth area 65 among the images captured in S120. This image is searched by pattern matching. If the image captured in S120 does not include an image that matches any of the minimum size cells in the first area 62 to the fourth area 65, the new reference pattern is different from the previous reference pattern. It is an image of the target area.

  In S130, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the pixel interval in the new reference pattern. Hereinafter, the “pixel interval” in each step shown in FIG. 8 is a threshold value with a predetermined luminance among the pixels of the image captured in S120 (this threshold value is the designer of the repeater 10). Is an arbitrarily determined value). In the case of the present embodiment, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the pixel interval in two directions orthogonal to each other. When calculating the pixel interval, the position recognizing unit 46 stores the coordinates of each pixel in the image captured in S120 in the storage unit 45 after associating the coordinates with the pixel interval.

  In S <b> 132, the position recognition unit 46 determines whether or not the pixel interval in two directions orthogonal to each other in the new reference pattern is different from the interval between the cells drawn in the general area 66. If it is determined that the interval is different from the interval drawn in the general area 66 (YES in S132), the process proceeds to S134. Otherwise (NO at S132), the process proceeds to S144.

  In S134, the position recognition unit 46 compares the interval calculated in S130 with the interval stored in the storage unit 45, so that the new reference pattern represents which cell in the first area 62 to the fourth area 65. Identify.

  In S136, the position recognition unit 46, from the storage unit 45, in the image captured in S120, the apex of the mesh identified in S134 (which apex is predetermined by the designer of the repeater 10). Read the coordinates of.

  In S138, the position recognizing unit 46 coordinates the coordinates corresponding to the vertexes of the meshes identified in S134 in the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 (coordinates calculated in S124), the coordinates read in S136, and the reference pattern before update. Are used to calculate the coordinates of the vertexes of the cells identified in S134.

  In S140, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the difference between the coordinates calculated in S138 and the coordinates of the vertexes of the meshes (vertices identified in S134) stored in the storage unit 45. In S142, the position recognition unit 46 corrects the coordinates calculated in S124 using the difference calculated in S140.

  In S144, position recognition unit 46 (or position recognition unit 58) outputs the coordinates calculated in S124 to transmission control unit 44 (or transmission control unit 54 when position recognition unit 58 outputs). The transmission control unit 44 (or the transmission control unit 54) outputs the coordinates to the data transmission unit 42 (when the transmission control unit 54 outputs, the data transmission unit 52).

The operation of the switching system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.
[For keyboard]
A switching process when the keyboard 70 is moved will be described.

  Assume that the keyboard 70 in the area of the first computer 20 is once lifted by the user and moved to the area of the second computer 30. Further, it is assumed that the position recognition unit 46 of the keyboard transmitter 40 is placed on the second area 63. The position recognition unit 46 captures an image of the sheet 60 (S120). When the image is captured, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the amount of movement of the keyboard transmitter 40 by pattern matching (S122). Since the keyboard 70 is once lifted, the amount of movement becomes a value that does not actually exist. When the movement amount is calculated, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the coordinates after movement of the keyboard transmitter 40 using the movement amount calculated in S122 and the coordinates before movement of the keyboard transmitter 40. (S124). When the coordinates are calculated, the position recognition unit 46 determines whether or not to update the reference pattern (S126). In this case, since the coordinates are values that do not actually exist (YES in S126), the position recognition unit 46 stores a new reference pattern in the storage unit 45 (S128). The new reference pattern is an image including the minimum size cell of the second area 63 among the images captured in S120. When the new reference pattern is stored, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the pixel interval in the new reference pattern (S130). When the pixel interval is calculated, the position recognizing unit 46 determines whether or not the pixel interval in the two directions orthogonal to each other in the new reference pattern is different from the interval of the cells drawn in the general area 66. Judgment is made (S132). In this case, since it is determined that the interval is different from the interval drawn in the general area 66 (YES in S132), the position recognition unit 46 determines which cell in the first area 62 to the fourth area 65 the new reference pattern is. (S134). When it is identified that the new reference pattern represents the smallest cell of the second area 63, the position recognition unit 46, from the storage unit 45, coordinates of the vertex of the cell identified in S134 in the image captured in S120. Is read (S136). When the coordinates are read, the position recognition unit 46 calculates the coordinates of the vertexes of the meshes identified in S134 (S138). When the coordinates are calculated, the position recognizing unit 46 calculates the difference between the coordinates calculated in S138 and the coordinates of the vertex of the mesh (the vertex identified in S134) stored in the storage unit 45 (S140). When the difference in coordinates is calculated, the position recognition unit 46 corrects the coordinates calculated in S124 using the difference calculated in S140 (S142). Thereby, even if the coordinates calculated in S124 are values that do not actually exist, the coordinates are corrected correctly. When the coordinates are corrected, the position recognition unit 46 outputs the coordinates calculated in S124 to the transmission control unit 44. The transmission control unit 44 outputs the coordinates to the data transmission unit 42 (S144).

When the coordinates are output to the data transmission unit 42 and the coordinates are received by the data reception unit 12, the data transmission unit 42 transmits the coordinates output by the transmission control unit 44 to the data reception unit 12 of the repeater 10. When the coordinates are transmitted from the keyboard transmitter 40, the data receiving unit 12 receives the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40. When the coordinates are received, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) has entered the area of the second computer 30 (S100). Based on this determination, the operation selection unit 16 selects a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas arranged along the side of the sheet 60 the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 belong to. . In this case, since it is determined that it has entered the area of second computer 30 (YES in S100), repeater 10 and keyboard transmitter 40 communicate coordinates. When the coordinates are communicated, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the position of the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) is fixed for “1” seconds or more (S102). Initially, since the position of the keyboard 70 (keyboard transmitter 40) has just been moved (NO in S102), the repeater 10 and the keyboard transmitter 40 communicate coordinates. When the coordinates are communicated, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the coordinates of the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) have returned to the original position (S106). In this case, if the position of keyboard 70 (keyboard transmitter 40) does not return (NO in S106), the process returns to the main routine. After the process returns to the main routine, the operation selection unit 16 again determines whether or not the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) has entered the area of the second computer 30 (S100). Since the keyboard 70 (keyboard transmitter 40) has entered the area of the second computer 30 (YES in S100), the operation selector 16 indicates that the position of the keyboard transmitter 40 (keyboard 70) is “1”. It is determined whether or not it is fixed for at least a second (S102). In this case, since the position of the keyboard 70 (keyboard transmitter 40) is already fixed for “1” seconds or more (YES in S102), the operation control unit 18 corresponds to the PC to be operated among the LEDs 15. Light up what you want to do. When the LED 15 is turned on, the data receiving unit 12 receives information that the input terminal 48 separately receives from the keyboard 70 (that is, information acquired by the keyboard 70). When the information is received, the operation control unit 18 outputs the information to the computer selected by the operation selection unit 16. Thereby, the information received by the input terminal 48 is output (S104).
[For mouse]
A switching process when the mouse 50 is moved will be described.

  Assume that the mouse 50 in the area of the first computer 20 is dragged by the user and moved to the area of the second computer 30. The position recognition unit 58 captures an image of the sheet 60 (S120). When the image is captured, the position recognition unit 58 calculates the amount of movement of the mouse 50 by pattern matching (S122). When the movement amount is calculated, the position recognition unit 58 calculates the coordinates after the movement of the mouse 50 using the movement amounts calculated in S122 and the coordinates before the movement of the mouse 50 (S124). When the coordinates after movement are calculated, the position recognition unit 58 determines whether or not to update the reference pattern (S126). In this case, if the reference pattern is not updated (NO in S126), position recognition unit 58 outputs the coordinates calculated in S124 to transmission control unit 54. The transmission control unit 54 outputs the coordinates to the data transmission unit 52 (S144). As a result, the position recognition unit 58 detects the coordinates of the mouse 50 on the sheet 60 from the pattern of the sheet 60. When the coordinates are output, the data transmission unit 52 transmits the coordinates output by the transmission control unit 54 to the data reception unit 12 of the repeater 10. When the coordinates are transmitted from the mouse 50, the data receiving unit 12 receives the coordinates of the mouse 50. When the coordinates are received, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the mouse 50 has entered the area of the second computer 30 (S100). Based on this determination, the operation selection unit 16 selects a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas arranged along the side of the sheet 60 the mouse 50 coordinates belong to. In this case, since it is determined that it has entered the area of second computer 30 (YES in S100), repeater 10 and mouse 50 communicate coordinates. When the coordinates are communicated, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the position of the mouse 50 is fixed for “1” seconds or more (S102). Initially, if mouse 50 is moving (NO in S102), repeater 10 and mouse 50 communicate coordinates. When the coordinates are communicated, the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the coordinates of the mouse 50 have returned to the original position (S106). In this case, if the position of mouse 50 does not return (NO in S106), the process returns to the main routine. After the process returns to the main routine, the operation selection unit 16 again determines whether or not the mouse 50 has entered the area of the second computer 30 (S100). Since the mouse 50 has entered the area of the second computer 30 (YES in S100), the operation selection unit 16 determines whether or not the position of the mouse 50 is fixed for “1” seconds or longer (S102). ). In this case, assuming that the position of mouse 50 has already been fixed for “1” seconds or more (YES in S102), operation control unit 18 turns on LED 15 corresponding to the PC to be operated. When the LED 15 is lit, the data receiving unit 12 receives information that the input terminal 48 separately receives from the button 55 (that is, information acquired by the mouse 50). When the information is received, the operation selection unit 16 outputs the information to the operation control unit 18. The operation control unit 18 outputs the information output by the operation selection unit 16 to the computer selected by the operation selection unit 16. Thereby, the information received by the button 55 is output (S104).

  As described above, the switching system according to the present embodiment selects a PC to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas where the coordinates of the mouse and keyboard belong along the side of the sheet. To do. The coordinates on which the mouse and keyboard are placed are detected by the pattern (the grid) on the sheet. In the case of a keyboard, since the keyboard transmitter is fixed to the keyboard, the coordinates of the transmitter can be changed by changing the position of the keyboard on the transmitter side along the side of the sheet. Since the coordinates can be changed, it is possible to switch the PC from which information is output. Even if the position of the keyboard is changed, the user can easily input information. This eliminates the need for the user to manually switch the PC that can be operated. The user can easily switch the PC from which information is output and can easily input information. Moving the transmitter along the side of the sheet in order to switch the PC to which information is to be output does not place much burden on the user's work. This is because moving the keyboard along the side of the sheet is often performed unconsciously by the user when the PC to which information is output changes. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily switch the computer to which information is output without burdening the user's work and can easily input information. The mouse and keyboard can operate different PCs. These PCs can operate different OSs (Operating Systems). In particular, it is possible to operate another PC regardless of whether the operating OS is an OS that uses a pointing device. Thereby, it becomes easy to perform the work specialized for every PC. As a result, it is possible to provide a switching system that can easily perform specialized work for each PC. This effect is particularly valuable in the following cases. In this case, while the first PC is executing a module as a test, another module that uses the module is programmed on the second PC.

  The area of the sheet 60 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the areas of the sheet 60 may be arranged in line symmetry. This is because the positions of the mouse 50 and the keyboard 70 differ depending on the user's dominant hand. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the areas of the sheet 60 are arranged so as to be radial and line symmetric. In this case, in S104, the operation selection unit 16 has a line-symmetric relationship depending on which of the areas of the keyboard transmitter 40 belongs to which of the areas arranged radially and line-symmetrically along the side of the sheet 60. It is possible to select a computer from which information is output so that the same computer is the target regardless of which of the areas the coordinate belongs to.

  Further, the area of the sheet 60 may be set and changed freely by the user. Next, an example of a specific configuration of the repeater 10 for that purpose will be described. In the case of this example, the storage unit 19 stores the bitmap file created by the user as a data table representing the area of the sheet 60. This bitmap file includes information on the color represented by each bit when displayed as an image. Each color corresponds to one area. The user creates a bitmap file of the following image in advance. The image is an image in which the area designated as the first area is painted blue and the area designated as the second area is painted red (the colors used to designate the first area and the second area are other colors) May be). Such an image is created by a commercially available editor.

  Further, the area of the sheet 60 may be different from the area for the position of the mouse 50 and the area for the position of the keyboard 70 (strictly, the transmitter 40 for the keyboard). A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows that the area of the sheet 60 is different between the area for the position of the mouse 50 and the area for the position of the keyboard 70 (strictly the transmitter 40 for the keyboard). FIG. 4 is a diagram representing an area regarding the position of the transmitter 40). In this case, the area for the position of the mouse 50 is the same as that shown in FIG. Compared to the area shown in FIG. 6, the area shown in FIG. 11 is narrower in width and area. This is because, generally, even if the PC to be operated is changed, the position of the keyboard 70 is hardly changed. However, the width of one area may be a width corresponding to the interval between PCs. This is because as the interval between the PCs becomes wider, the keyboard is often moved more greatly. Further, the areas shown in FIG. 11 are not arranged so as to be line symmetric in the sheet 60. This is because the user's dominant hand hardly affects the position of the keyboard 70.

  Further, the general area 66 and the first area 62 to the fourth area 65 do not necessarily have to be drawn with a grid. For example, a point may be drawn.

  Further, the coordinates of the sheet 60 are not necessarily specified by the first area 62 to the fourth area 65. For example, the intervals of all the meshes on the sheet 60 may be different from each other. In this case, the keyboard transmitter 40 and the mouse 50 can specify the coordinates on their own sheet 60 by the following method. The method is a method in which the grid of the sheet 60 is imaged, the inclination of the captured image is corrected, the distance between the vertical and horizontal grids in the corrected image is measured, and the coordinates are specified from the distance. In order to specify the coordinates from the grid intervals, the position recognition unit 46 or the position recognition unit 58 collates a database of grid intervals and coordinates stored in advance. In the case of the present embodiment, this database is stored in the storage unit 45 or the storage unit 56. This method can be carried out in place of S120 to S144 described above.

  In addition, the devices from which the repeater 10 receives information are not limited to one mouse 50 and one keyboard 70 (strictly, the transmitter 40 for keyboard). For example, information from two keyboards may be received.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a top view of a switching system, a 1st computer, and a 2nd computer concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a front view of a switching system, a 1st computer, and a 2nd computer concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a control block diagram of the switching system concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is an external view of the repeater which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the transmitter for keyboards concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure showing the area on the sheet | seat which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the change process of PC which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the correction process of the coordinate which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the format of communication which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the area (the 1) on the sheet | seat which concerns on the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the area (the 2) on the sheet | seat which concerns on the modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 repeater, 12 data receiving part, 14 signal analysis part, 15 LED, 16 operation selection part, 18 operation control part, 19, 45,56 memory | storage part, 20 1st computer, 26 1st monitor, 30 2nd computer, 36 Second monitor, 40 Transmitter for keyboard, 42, 52 Data transmission unit, 44, 54 Transmission control unit, 46, 58 Position recognition unit, 48 Input terminal, 50 Mouse, 55 buttons, 60 sheets, 62 First area, 63 Second area, 64 Third area, 65 Fourth area, 66 General area, 70 Keyboard, 80 Identification number area, 82 Terminal type area, 84 Location information area

Claims (5)

A switching system including a seat, a transmitter secured to a keyboard, and a repeater;
The sheet includes a pattern representing coordinates in the sheet,
The transmitter is
Detection means for detecting coordinates of a transmitter in the sheet from the pattern of the sheet;
Receiving means for receiving input of information acquired by the keyboard;
Transmitting means for transmitting the coordinates of the transmitter and information received by the receiving means,
The repeater is
Receiving means for receiving the coordinates of the transmitter and the information received by the receiving means;
Storage means for storing information indicating which of the areas where the coordinates of the transmitter in the sheet belong along the side of the sheet;
Selection means for selecting a computer to which information is to be output, depending on which of the areas aligned along the side of the sheet the coordinates of the transmitter belong;
A switching system comprising: output means for outputting the information received by the receiving means to the computer selected by the selecting means. A switching system including a sheet, a transmitter, and a repeater,
The sheet includes a pattern representing coordinates in the sheet,
The transmitter is
Detection means for detecting coordinates of a transmitter in the sheet from the pattern of the sheet;
An accepting means for accepting input of information;
Transmitting means for transmitting the coordinates of the transmitter and information received by the receiving means,
The repeater is
Receiving means for receiving the coordinates of the transmitter and the information received by the receiving means;
Storage means for storing information indicating to which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the coordinates of the transmitter in the sheet belong;
Selection means for selecting a computer to output information according to which of the plurality of areas of the sheet the coordinates of the transmitter belong to;
A switching system comprising: output means for outputting the information received by the receiving means to the computer selected by the selecting means. The transmitter includes a transmitter secured to a device;
The switching system according to claim 2, wherein the reception unit includes a unit for receiving an input of information acquired by the device.   The switching system according to claim 3, wherein the device includes a keyboard.   The switching system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of areas of the sheet include areas arranged along a side of the sheet.

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