DE202005014685U1 - Keyboard system for computers has language change switch that is disposed sunk into recess in housing of keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A keyboard (1) has keys (2-9) each assigned with a biunique key allocation. The key allocation of at least one of the keys is alterable from a first language e.g. German to at least another language e.g. Turkish by operating a language change switch (15) on the keyboard. The language change switch is arranged sunk into a recess in a keyboard housing (18) and may be a two-position switch or a multi-position switch. An independent claim is also included for a data entry terminal.

Description

The The present invention relates generally to keyboards for data entry in computers, notebook PCs and the like, and in particular Keyboard system that is easy and fast for bilingual or multilingual Applications can be customized.

Caused through increasingly international trade relations, but also through the requirements of a modern multicultural society exist increasingly a need for a simple and reliable Input of alphanumeric characters in data processing equipment, which optionally can be done in one of several different languages. While the keyboard layout in Western countries by the usual AZERTY keyboard layout is different, the keyboard layout of others countries or language rooms sometimes considerably. To fix this problem with a standard keyboard to solve, is a double assignment or even multiple assignment of the keys in unambiguously in correspondence with a country-specific keyboard layout known.

So For example, U.S. Patent 5,387,042 discloses a multilingual keyboard system with a custom keyboard unit to control the keyboard input in multiple languages using a single keyboard. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, which in a first Language is assigned a one-to-one key assignment. The language The keyboard can be activated by means of a two - position (toggle) button in the series of special function keys at the top of the keyboard is provided, be switched back and forth. Thus, that is included of at least one of the keys of the first language in at least another language changeable, by pressing the Caps Lock key. A software or a keyboard controller translates the keyboard code (scan code) of the keyboard in accordance with the the position of the two-position switch fixed keyboard table (Keymap) into a character or a language symbol in the selected language.

A such two-position key, which is relatively hidden in the keyboard is integrated, namely arranged within the series of general special function keys is relatively easy to accidentally operate, resulting in an undesirable Data entry leads and entails a complex correction process.

alternative a keyboard layout can also be switched by software. For example, the MS-DOS operating system already contained commands for the Change keyboard layout. However, the keyboard layout could be in a different language usually not shown on the keys of the keyboard, which has easily led to confusion and data input errors. Corresponding functions for the change The language can also be found in modern operating systems, such as Windows XP, with the same restrictions, as stated above. The Change of language or keyboard layout by operating system commands is not suitable for that fast switching between different languages, for example if in a single sentence words in a first and in a second, should be written in another language, such as this is quite common in international commercial correspondence.

Just Asian languages are characterized by complex language symbols, which must be laboriously constructed by means of normal computer keyboards. This requires multiple input operations for "building" a character, for example, a Japanese Kanji symbol. The change between a data entry according to Western keyboard layout scheme and construction a Far Eastern Character can be replaced by an operating system command or with a caps lock key on the keyboard, be accomplished.

US Patent No. 6,014,616 discloses a method of displaying the ones for generation a character used by an operating system. In contrast, however, the present invention relates to the Change between different keyboard layouts with one-to-one Assignment of key and character to be generated.

Consequently It is an object of the present invention, a keyboard or a keyboard system for data input devices, such as For example, computers provide, bringing a change between keyboard layouts, in different languages quickly and reliable can accomplish. In particular, according to the present Faulty input due to accidental operation of a Voice changing means, for example, a two-position button, according to the prior art, as far as possible be excluded. According to one Another aspect of the present invention is further intended Data Input Device provided with such a keyboard, for example in the form of a PC, notebook PC, or the like.

These and further objects are according to the present Invention by a keyboard system with the feature of claim 1 and solved by a data input device according to claim 22. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the referenced Dependent claims.

Consequently The present invention is based on a keyboard system a plurality of keys, each with a one-to-one key assignment is assigned, it is the key assignment of at least one the keys of a first language in at least one other language changeable. According to the invention Keyboard a language change switch to change assigned to the key assignment.

Different as in a two-position key according to the prior art, ie a key of a keyboard that is still essentially normal, this is the language change switch in the sense of the present invention to a mechanical or electromechanical Switch provided at a separate location on the keyboard or the data input device is, so in a different place than the place of the normal keys the keyboard, in particular the alphanumeric input keys. In this case, the key assignment by manually switching the language change switch accomplished, in particular by active depression or Tilting the switch. The advantage is that so data entry error can be minimized because the change of language always requires an active process, for example, a depression or tilting the switch by hand.

alternative can the language change switch also be manually movable, in two or more different Positions. In these positions can be replaced by an additional Locking the position also a further mechanical feedback for the user to disposal to prevent accidental operation of the language changeover switch excluded.

To the rapid change between two different languages is basically sufficient according to the invention so-called two-position switch (toggle), so a simple switch with two different positions. In principle, however, according to the invention also a multi-position switch for specifying several different ones Be provided positions so that with a single keyboard too more than two different keyboard languages can be realized can.

Around to prevent accidental switching even more reliable, is the Language change switch according to a another embodiment in a recess of a housing sunk arranged, for example in a keyboard housing or in the case of a notebook PC in the same housing. By the sunk Arrangement in interaction with the sensing of the position of the voice change switch becomes so for the user a sensitive feedback created, which leads to a certain habituation effect.

According to one another embodiment is the language change switch so sunk in the depression that an upper end of the same not over the of the case, for example, the keyboard housing or notebook PC case, protruding plane protrudes. Preferably, the upper is End of the language change switch below the aforementioned level. A user thus has to switch the language into this depression and the language change switch actuate.

Is appropriate the aforementioned recess in their dimensions designed so that a normal fingertip the language change switch just yet actuate can, especially during insertion of the finger at a certain angle, for example in the area between about 30 ° and 60 °. When flat Placing a hand or a finger can thus not the language change switch be operated inadvertently.

Around the probability of incorrect operation of the voice change switch still further to minimize, the language change switch is in accordance with a another embodiment outside a main input area of the keyboard, in particular outside the area of an alphanumeric keyboard and / or a separate one Number blocks, usually is arranged to the right of an alphanumeric keyboard. In In these areas, the user's hands are the most common. Therefore, the language change switch is according to this embodiment at a certain minimum distance of, for example, more than 1 cm apart from these main input areas.

According to one another embodiment is a display device for displaying a currently selected language provided the keyboard. Preferably, this display device shows the current key assignment of at least the switchable buttons visually on, either on the buttons themselves or according to a alternative embodiment also immediately adjacent to the associated keys in the case of a keyboard with gaps between adjacent keys.

Basically, at least the buttons switchable according to the present invention unmarked Be keys, the respective key assignment active by means of the display device is shown. However, a further simplification arises when the respective key assignment in a first language on the key is printed and only in the second or in the other languages is displayed by means of the aforementioned display device, wherein the display change is linked to the position of the language change switch.

When Optical display device are particularly suitable bulbs, such as LEDs or OLEDs that are in the alphanumeric Keypad input keys are integrated or at least suitable for one Illumination of the assigned keys provide the respective key assignment display.

According to one another embodiment is the aforementioned language change switch not housed in the keyboard, but in a computer mouse, which is assigned to the keyboard, for example, connected directly to the keyboard or to a data input of a computer case. there In particular, the language change switch can be provided at the lateral edge of the computer mouse, in particular in the area where the thumb or ring finger constantly touches the peripheral edge, if the index finger or the middle finger on the two buttons of the Computer mouse is resting.

following The invention will be described by way of example with reference to FIG the attached drawings be described, resulting in more features, advantages to be solved tasks and in which:

1 in a schematic plan view shows a computer keyboard according to the present invention;

2 in a schematic flow diagram shows an operation of a keyboard system according to the invention;

3 shows a computer mouse for use in a keyboard system according to the invention.

In identical reference numerals denoted by the figures Substantially equal elements or groups of elements.

The 1 shows a general with 1 designated computer keyboard for connection to a PC. The keyboard 1 uses software to provide appropriate signals corresponding to the operation of the keys of the keyboard to a CPU one with the keyboard 1 to submit to a connected computer. Alternatively, the keyboard can of course also be integrated in the computer, for example in a notebook PC. The keyboard 1 is designed to allow data input in at least two different languages, in the illustrated embodiment in German and Turkish languages.

According to the 1 includes the keyboard 1 a main input area 19 with a plurality of alphanumeric keys 2 in usual arrangement. On the alphanumeric keys 2 the language assignment is printed in the first language (German) as indicated by the reference numeral 10 indicated. Further, on some keys, the key assignment in the second language (here Turkish) is also printed as indicated by the reference numeral 11 indicated. The key assignment can be displayed at least in the second language by means of a display device, for example by means of LEDs or OLEDs. Thus, the alphanumeric data entry area includes 19 the ordinary alphabetic keys, such as sentence and character separation symbols, the space bar, and the number keys. Further, modification keys 3 , such as "Shift", "Ctrl", "Alt" and the like, which must be pressed together with the alphanumeric keys to change their occupancy, and lock keys, such as the Capslock key 4 and the numlock key 5 , intended to be permanent capitalization or activation of the numeric keypad 20 convert. Above the alphanumeric input area 19 there is a row with special function keys F1 ... F12. Further, to the right of the alphanumeric input area 19 other special function keys, such as 'cursor up', etc., as well as special function keys 8th , such as insert, remove, scroll up or scroll down, are provided.

Above the numeric keypad 20 For the purposes of the present application, outside a main data entry area, the language change-over switch is located 15 which defines a key assignment in a first position and a different key assignment for another language in a second position. According to the 1 the language change switch is circular and stands from the surface of the area 18 in front. The desk 15 is mechanically biased, so a minimum force must be applied to the switch 15 switch. According to further embodiments, the switch 15 in a correspondingly formed opening in the area 18 be arranged sunk. The desk 15 is a two-position switch (toggle).

Above the switch 15 There are two LEDs 16 . 17 , which serves as an indicator for the German key assignment (LED 16 ) and for the Turkish key assignment (LED 17 ) serve.

The switch 15 is integrated with a software of the keyboard in the operating system of the computer (not shown), as described below with reference to 2 described. First, in step S10, for example when starting up the computer, the current, active keyboard language or key assignment is determined. For this purpose, the operating system of the computer may, for example, specify a standard language and thus a standard key assignment, in particular in correspondence with the system settings of the computer. According to the language thus determined, a keyboard table is uniquely determined (step S20) by means of which the signals (keyboard code or scancode) generated by operating the keys of the keyboard are translated into characters. This translation process can be done by the operating system or by a controller associated with the keyboard.

Subsequently, will in the step S30 checks if a Keyboard input is done. If this is the case, in the Step S40 checks if since one last key press the language change switch has been activated. If this is not the case, the process goes over to that Step 560 to get the keyboard-generated signal (keyboard code) by means of the operating system defined in step S20 or by the operating system to translate a given keyboard table into characters. If, however, in In step S40, it is determined that the voice change switch is intermittent has been activated, the keyboard table to be used becomes changed (Step 50). This process can be done by sending a control signal to the operating system of the computer to change the system setting respectively. in principle however, this step may also be in the controller associated with the keyboard is or is provided in this, are executed. Then you go the process over to the above-described step 560. The thus translated Character can still be used by the mapped computer for example, in step S70 and / or in an application can be used. Then the process returns to the Step S30 to get to the next Keystroke (S30).

The keyboard table can also be stored in an internal memory of the keyboard. The character translated by the controller may be passed to the computer in a suitably coded form. As stated above, however, the translation of the signals output from the keyboard into characters can also be made in the computer itself, for example from a CPU. For this, the keyboard table of the operating system can be used. As stated above, the current keyboard table can be changed by operating the language change switch. In the case of changing the keyboard layout, the controller of the keyboard controls a display for displaying the current language or key assignment, such as in the 1 represented LEDs ( 16 . 17 ).

According to a further embodiment, the key assignment in the second language (according to the 1 ) are also actively displayed by appropriate illumination of those keys that have a different key assignment in the second language. For this purpose, transparent buttons, for example made of a transparent plastic, in the form of characters in the keys can be integrated in these keys, for example, which are backlit in the event that the second language is selected, for example by means of LEDs or OLEDs are arranged below a respective key. Of course, several such bulbs can also be integrated into a respective key, for example in the form of a character.

The 3 FIG. 12 shows a computer mouse wired or wirelessly connected to a keyboard as described above or to a computer to form, together with the keyboard, a keyboard system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The computer mouse 30 is custom designed, with a domed top, with a front edge 32 and a wrap around page margin 33 , At the front end of the top 31 is a left mouse button 34 and a right mouse button 35 arranged between which a wheel 36 is arranged, for example, for fast downward scrolling. According to the 3 is in the side edge 33 a language change switch 35 provided that can be operated by thumb pressure in the case of a right-handed computer mouse. That of the language change switch 15 generated signal is detected to the keyboard or the operating system to change the active keyboard layout or keyboard table, as described above.

While the active keyboard layout in the embodiment according to the 1 can be changed during writing, without the user's hand the active data entry area (reference numeral 19 in the 1 ) must leave the computer mouse according to the 3 For example, for graphic-intensive applications where a computer mouse is used extensively, but the user can make short inputs with the other hand, such as a dimensioning in CAD drawings using a numeric keypad and the associated alphanumeric keyboard.

As the expert in studying the above description readily can be seen, a language change switch or language switch also provided at any other suitable location on a data input device be. Is appropriate however, if the language change switch in the immediate vicinity of Data input keyboard is arranged.

1

keyboard

2

alphanumeric button

3

modification key

4

Capslock key

5

Numlock key

6

Special Function key

7

Special Function key

8th

Special Function key

9

number key

10

symbol for normal assignment / first language assignment

11

symbol for second language assignment

15

Language change switch

16

display for first language

17

display for second language

18

Language change region

19

Main entry area

20

Numeric Keypad

30

computer mouse

31

arched top

32

front edge

33

margin

34

left mouse button

35

right mouse button

36

wheel

Claims (23)

Keyboard system for computers, with a keyboard ( 1 ), which have a plurality of keys ( 2 - 9 ), to each of which a one-to-one key assignment is assigned, wherein the key assignment of at least one of the keys can be changed from a first language to at least one other language, wherein the keyboard ( 1 ) a language change switch ( 15 ) is assigned to change the key assignment of the at least one key, characterized in that the language change switch ( 15 ) in a recess of a housing ( 18 ) is sunk. Keyboard system according to claim 1, wherein the recess is dimensioned in such a way that the language change switch ( 15 ) when placing a hand or a finger flat on the housing ( 18 ) can not be accidentally operated. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing ( 18 ) is a keyboard housing. Keyboard system according to the preceding claim, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) is sunk in the depression such that an upper end of the speech change switch ( 15 ) below one of the housing ( 18 ) spanned level is located. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess is designed so that the language change switch by inserting the Tip of a human finger is confirmable. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) is manually depressible or tiltable to change the key assignment of the at least one key. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) is manually displaceable to change the key assignment of the at least one key. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) is a two-position switch (toggle) or a multi-position switch. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) outside a main input area ( 19 ) of the keyboard ( 1 ) is provided. Keyboard system according to the preceding claim, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) outside the range of an alphanumeric keyboard ( 19 ) is provided. Keyboard system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) above a number block ( 20 ) of the keyboard is arranged. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display device ( 16 . 17 ) for displaying a currently selected language of the keyboard ( 1 ). Keyboard system according to the preceding claim, wherein the display device ( 16 . 17 ) is coupled to a keyboard controller and displays the currently selected language in accordance with a keyboard table designated by the keyboard controller and the language change switch for translating a keyboard code (scan code). Keyboard system according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the display device comprises a plurality of LEDs ( 16 . 17 ), each associated with a language. Keyboard system according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the alphanumeric input keys ( 2 ) one symbol each ( 10 ) is assigned to indicate the respective key assignment in the first language, and wherein at least one of the keys in each case a further symbol ( 11 ) is assigned to the to display the respective key assignment in another language. Keyboard system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first language is German and the second language is Turkish. The keyboard system of claim 15, wherein the symbols ( 10 . 11 ) on the alphanumeric input keys ( 2 ) are printed. Keyboard system according to claim 15, wherein at least the symbols ( 11 ) in the other language by a light source. Keyboard system according to the preceding claim, wherein the illuminant or bulbs in the alphanumeric input keys ( 2 ) is or are integrated. Keyboard system after one of the two previous ones Claims, wherein the one or more lighting means comprises at least one LED or OLED or include. Keyboard system for data entry, in particular for use with computers, with a plurality of keys ( 2 - 9 ), to each of which a one-to-one key assignment is assigned, wherein the key assignment of at least one of the keys can be changed from a first language to at least one other language, and wherein the keyboard ( 1 ) a language change switch ( 15 ) in order to change the key assignment of the at least one key, characterized in that the language change switch is inserted into a computer mouse ( 30 ) is integrated. Keyboard system according to the preceding claim, wherein the language change switch ( 15 ) in a lateral edge ( 33 ) of the computer mouse is integrated. Data input device, in particular PC or notebook computer characterized by a keyboard ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims for data input.