DE202013101905U1 - Profile-configurable peripheral device and related system - Google Patents

Abstract

Profile-configurable peripheral device comprising
A housing and a communication interface (409) connectable to a computer system (4), wherein circuit elements are arranged in the housing, which comprise a microcontroller (301) for processing circuit signals in the peripheral device, an input interface circuit (302) electrically connected to the microcontroller (301) for processing signals generated by the user interface (321) of the peripheral, a terminal interface circuit (303) electrically connected to the microcontroller (301) for processing signals between the peripheral device and the computer system (4) connected thereto the memory (304) electrically connected to the microcontroller (301) for storing one or more profiles and a key processing circuit (306) electrically connected to the microcontroller (301) for processing input signals, and
- A button which is used for switching between the profiles, via the key processing circuit (306) is electrically connected to the microcontroller (301) and is arranged on the housing of the peripheral device.

Description

The present invention relates to a profile-configurable peripheral device and a related system, in particular a profile-configurable peripheral device that can store one or more profiles and thus switch various functions, and a related system.

In the architecture of the conventional computer system, a peripheral device can only communicate with the computer system via a driver program installed in the operating system of the computer system. The operating system also provides an adjustment interface so that the user can make adjustments as needed, including, for example, the sensitivity of the computer mouse, the response time of the keyboard keys, and the volume of the speaker and microphone. Such settings of certain hardware are made in the operating system by respective driver programs.

As in 1A shown is a conventional computer system 10 via an input and output interface 103 to a peripheral device like a computer mouse 12 , a keyboard 14 , a headband microphone 16 or a loudspeaker can be connected. The computer system 10 communicates through the operating system 101 via the input and output interface 103 with different internal and external peripherals.

For example, the computer system swaps 10 Information with the peripheral devices via the driver programs driving the peripheral devices to operate the peripherals. So have in the conventional computer system 10 a driver program ONE 111 to the corresponding operation of the computer mouse 12 , a driver program TWO 112 to exchange information with the keyboard 14 and a driver program 113 for the headband microphone 16 be installed so that the user through these driver programs the operating system 101 can serve.

Next is out 1B seen that some manufacturers in addition to the original in the computer system 101 installed driver programs 111 . 112 . 113 Further customer-specific driver programs for the various peripheral devices, such as the set of customer-specific driver programs shown in the drawing (English: custom driver set). 105 develop so that the mentioned peripherals have additional functions.

Usually in the operating system 101 preprogrammed driver programs can at least provide the basic functions of the peripherals, such as: As the usual motion control of the mouse, the control of playback and the control of the volume of the audio / video peripherals. By the above, additionally in the operating system 101 installed set of custom driver programs 105 Additional driver programs can be added to the operating system or the preprogrammed driver programs can be replaced.

If that of the operating system 101 different set of custom driver programs 105 additionally in the operating system 101 installed, it will be in the operating system 101 give several program elements, which can either add to the original driver programs or replace them. As shown in the drawing, drive the first, the second and the third custom driver program 111 ' . 112 ' . 113 ' , the peripherals give new functions, each the different peripherals 12 . 14 . 16 at. such custom driver programs are aimed, inter alia, at equipping general peripherals with functions that differ from the functions to be provided by preprogrammed driver programs.

In the prior art, the user can make only a single device setting according to preferences; For the frequent switching of various settings of multiple peripherals there is no integrated solution in the prior art.

The invention has for its object to provide a profile-configurable peripheral device, wherein the peripherals connected to a computer system are managed by a system host installed in the control program and can store multiple profiles with the function keys of the peripherals to preferences or as needed the environment are easily switchable.

The object of the invention is achieved by a profile-configurable peripheral device which may be a computer mouse, a keyboard, a sound input / output device or even a computer system housing; the peripheral device is provided with a housing and a connectable to the computer system communication interface, wherein in the housing circuit elements are arranged, a microcontroller for processing circuit signals in the peripheral device and to the microcontroller electrically connected essential circuits such. For example, an input interface circuit for processing signals generated by the user interface of the peripheral device, a port interface circuit for processing signals between the peripheral device and the the same connected computer system, a key processing circuit for processing input signals, and a memory for storing one or more profiles; In this case, the profile is recorded in the connected computer system, wherein in particular the setting of one or more controlled details of the peripheral device are recorded in the profile, so that on the outer side of the peripheral device at least one or more control buttons, such. B. profile buttons for configuring the profiles, are arranged.

According to a further embodiment, in addition to the profile keys for configuring the profiles, for example, a command key for switching the controlled details of the profiles is provided; For example, in another embodiment, another set key is provided for adjusting the functions of the controlled items, the key signals being processed by the key processing circuit.

According to the invention, for example, a display interface circuit for processing and displaying the profiles, the controlled details and the functional contents of the controlled details and a related display field are arranged on the peripheral device.

If the peripheral device is a computer mouse, the profile key represents the first key and the command key the second key on the mouse, and the adjust key can be the scroll wheel of the computer mouse.

If the peripheral device is a keyboard device, the profile button represents the first button and the command button the second button on the keyboard and the adjustment button can be a rotary button on the keyboard.

If the peripheral device is a sound input / output device, several keys can be arranged on the device, the profile key being defined, for example, as a first key, the command key as a second key, and the adjustment key as a rotary knob.

According to the invention, the system employing the profile-configurable peripheral device comprises, for example, a computer system connected to this system to be equipped with circuits for processing the key signals of the aforesaid profile key, the command key and / or the set key, and also a memory for storing a or more profiles recorded in the peripherals.

In the following, the technical contents, measures and functions of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the description and the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1A and 1B a schematic representation of the conventional connection relationships between the computer system and the peripheral devices,

2 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the connection of a profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention with a computer system,

3 a circuit diagram of an applied in the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention circuit,

4 a first schematic representation of the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention,

5 a second schematic representation of the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention,

6 a third schematic representation of the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention,

7 a fourth schematic representation of the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention, and

8th a schematic representation of an embodiment of an applied in the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention system.

The invention provides a profile-configurable peripheral device and system therefor, the peripheral device being, in particular, a variety of applications connected to a computer system. The peripheral device may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a headphone or a peripheral device, which is provided with a knob / knobs, a screen and / or an input and output control. Furthermore, it is not excluded to use other hardware related to peripherals setting techniques such as: As a housing for the computer system, wherein the adjustable functions of the housing, for example, on the housing mountable lamps or on the housing can be arranged cooler.

To realize the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention according to the embodiment of the invention will initially In one embodiment, control software may be arranged that integrates the operation and set values of all computer peripherals. The control software is first installed in a storage medium of the system and becomes a daemon in memory after execution. Furthermore, a user interface may be provided that allows the user to easily set, save or change the parameters of the peripherals, including adding and deleting the related profiles.

For a related embodiment of the connection of a profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention with a computer system is on 2 directed.

In 2 is a computer system 20 shown in which an operating system 201 to operate the computer system 20 is installed. In addition to the own operation of the computer system 20 is the operating system 201 according to the embodiment of the invention for the communication between the signals of the peripherals 211 . 213 responsible; in the computer system 20 is also a control software 207 installed, which integrates the ways of driving peripherals.

According to the embodiment of the invention, the control software is used 207 the user essential to the computer system 20 the to the computer system 20 connected peripherals 211 . 213 to control and adjust. This includes providing the graphical user interface execution settings, including adding, updating, saving, and deleting multiple profiles with setting parameters of one or more peripheral devices.

Next is out 2 seen that the computer system 20 with a storage unit 203 which is both the general programs for operating the computer system 20 stores and the driver programs for operating the peripheral devices, the program set of the control software 207 and stores one or more of the aforementioned profiles.

In this embodiment, the operating system is driving 201 via a driver module 205 in the system 20 a peripheral device ONE 211 and a peripheral device TWO 213 ; after starting the system 20 Run it according to the command of the operating system 201 connected driver module 205 the driver program; for example, the system is driving 20 the commands and interfaces of the peripherals.

The aim of the embodiment of the invention is to provide a function with which the peripheral devices 211 . 213 store commands set for each other; In particular, it generates those in the system 20 installed control software 207 according to the preferences of the user or after presetting the system a system-side profile 231 for the respective peripherals in the storage unit 203 is stored. The peripherals 211 . 213 should each be equipped with a memory to a profile ONE 221 and a profile 223 that of the computer system 20 stored system-side profile 231 optionally downloaded, save; In a further embodiment, the peripheral devices only one or more set connections of one or more in the system 20 recorded according to stored profiles, whereby the corresponding set connections for the respective peripheral devices are quickly found using a lookup table.

That in the system 20 stored system-side profile 231 and the profiles stored in the peripherals 221 . 223 are set contents resulting from integrating the setting parameters of one or more peripheral devices, for example, setting according to specific work tasks, user preferences, etc. According to the invention, the user can set several profiles via the control software installed in the computer system, wherein the peripheral device connected to the computer system and supporting this technique is to be provided with a device-side memory for accessing the control software 207 of the computer system 20 several profiles 231 for different work environments and store the same in the device memory; alternatively, in the device-side memory set connection corresponding to these profiles can be arranged; then switching between multiple profiles can be made with related peripheral function keys.

In the architecture of the system according to the invention, the peripheral devices 211 . 213 by integrating the control software 207 of the system 20 be set for each other. The control software integrates 207 of the system 20 the driver programs of the peripherals 211 . 213 and thus can be that of the peripherals 211 . 213 accept set commands and drive the devices accordingly; Furthermore, the control software controls 207 one or more system-side profiles stored in the memory of the computer system, which are the source of the profiles recorded in the peripherals.

If the system has a profile, that of a user-operated specific profile button on the peripherals 211 . 213 corresponds, receives, the control software 207 according to the setting parameter recorded by the profile, the respective peripheral devices 211 . 213 drive, with the peripherals 211 . 213 according to the content of the drive, the hardware will be set. It is particularly important that the peripheral devices that support the inventive technique can be provided with a memory or storage to store the profiles or map the set connections of the profiles stored in the computer system (map), the memory preferably a Flash memory that is set and controlled by a profile key, command key or a rotary device located on the peripheral device. The architecture of the software will be explained later.

For example, if the peripheral device is a computer mouse, the relative computer mouse settings recorded in the profile may include dots per inch (DPI). That is, the resolution of the optical element allows switching between multiple levels of DPI settings with a softkey located on a particular peripheral device (not limited to the mouse). Furthermore, the computer mouse's lift-off-distance (LOD) can be adjusted for the working sensitivity of surfaces with different roughness; Further, a polling rate for the frequency of how many times per second the mouse sends information to the host can be set.

In addition to the above-mentioned essential parameters for the computer mouse, according to the invention further peripheral devices connected to the same computer system can be set via the function keys on the computer mouse; for example, with the rotary device (eg, the rolling wheel) on the mouse, the volume, the sound quality, and the distribution of the high and low voices of a headphone or a speaker can be adjusted; It is also possible to set the color temperature and the brightness of a luminaire arranged on the computer housing or the keyboard or the rotational speed of the cooler with the rotating device.

In the aforementioned embodiment of the computer mouse, a profile may include one or more adjustment parameters such that the user may set peripheral devices for various uses; For example, when switching to a particular profile, all computer peripherals will work together, such as the computer mouse for specific points per inch, a specific lift-off-distance (LOD), a specific polling rate, a specific volume of the headphone certain luminous brightness of the computer system and a certain speed of the radiator is set; In this case, a preliminary fine adjustment in combination with other function keys or a rotary device is possible. Alternatively, the relative profiles can be saved as a new profile.

Further, when performing a computer game, appropriate dots per inch and an appropriate mouse lift-off-distance (LOD), loudness, and high / low voice of the speaker or headphone and the response of the keys of the keyboard can be adjusted. To write can be switched to another profile due to different needs. If the user is working under a particular profile and is temporarily setting during the application of the profile, e.g. B. an increase in the volume of the headphone, the originally set content is reset at the next switching, if the setting made before falling or switching to another profile is not saved.

As far as the design of the architecture of the hardware is concerned, the peripheral devices applying the aforementioned technique, such as the peripheral devices, can be used. As mice, headphones, computer cases, are provided with selection buttons for switching between the main functions and setting buttons for fine tuning. For an embodiment of this is on 3 reference is made in which the circuit diagram of a circuit used in the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention is illustrated.

3 shows the schematic of the main functions of a computer system 32 connected peripheral device 30 which, as previously stated, may be a keyboard, a mouse, a headphone, a computer case, or an input / output device to be driven and adjusted by the system. To realize the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention, the essential circuit of the peripheral device comprises 30 a microcontroller 301 for processing the circuit signals in the peripheral device 30 and to the microcontroller 301 electrically connected circuit units, such. B. an input interface circuit 302 for processing by a user interface 321 generated signals; at the input interface circuit 302 it is a circuit that the original functions of the peripheral device 30 processed. If the peripheral device 30 such as a computer mouse, includes the operator interface 321 at least one left and one right button, scroll wheel, or input interface on the computer mouse, with which further basic operations are performed; For example, the operator interface includes 321 a left key as a first key, a right key as a second key and a rolling wheel, wherein further touch inputs are not excluded; if the peripheral device 30 For example, a keyboard is the operator interface 321 Buttons and knobs for different purposes; if the peripheral device 30 a sound input / output device such. B. is a headphone, the user interface 321 be the volume knob of the headphone; if the peripheral device 30 a computer case, includes the operator interface 321 Buttons and knobs for different purposes, which are originally arranged on the housing. In this input interface circuit 302 it is a circuit that processes the signals generated by the user when operating the input interface; the input interface circuit 302 will interpret the signals generated by the operation and so the microcontroller 301 provide these signals, the microcontroller 301 will convert the signals into digital control signals.

The peripheral device 30 includes a port interface circuit 303 that signals with the computer system 32 exchanges that to the peripheral device 30 connected. The port interface circuit 303 is for the communication of the peripheral device 30 responsible with an external system and can, for example, via a cable to the computer system 32 get connected. The port interface circuit 303 can be executed, for example, as a control circuit for processing USB signals; when connecting to the computer system 32 wirelessly, the port interface circuit can 303 as a circuit for processing wireless communication signals such. Radio, Bluetooth ^™ , WiFi ^™ , etc. are executed.

In the embodiment of the invention, the peripheral device 30 be provided with a memory for storing one or more profiles, wherein the profile or profiles one or more system-side profiles of the computer system 32 are; the profiles plot the settings of one or more controlled details of the peripheral device 30 on. The user can via the on the computer system 32 running control software download a profile or set a profile according to certain preferences, the profile on the properties of the peripheral device 30 refers. For example, the computer mouse is provided with a rolling wheel, so that the related control function can be connected to the property of the rolling wheel; a keyboard has several keys, so the control function of the profile is better matched to the keyboard's characteristics.

To implement the technique of the invention provides the peripheral device 30 an input means in which the input signal is processed by a specific processing circuit. The input means is, for example, a button for switching between the profiles and may be the aforementioned operator interface originally arranged on the device 321 be; the key of this type is arranged on the housing of a peripheral device and is operated by the user. For this reason, the peripheral device becomes 30 with a key processing circuit of signals generated by the key.

In a further embodiment, the peripheral device according to the invention 30 more detailed settings ready. In addition to the peripheral device 30 arranged profile button for switching between the profiles, the peripheral device 30 Further, a command key for switching between the controlled details of a profile, wherein the exact setting by another setting button, which serves to set the functions of the controlled details, is performed.

The peripheral device according to the invention may be a display, wherein a peripheral device without display can still be used in the embodiment of the invention. If the peripheral device 30 is provided with a device for displaying contents or signals, the aforesaid profiles to be switched and controlled by one or more keys, the controlled details and the set accurate contents in a display field 351 of the peripheral device 30 with the displayed contents such as the profiles, the controlled details and the functions of the controlled details through a display interface circuit 305 according to one of the microcontroller 301 signal generated and then displayed. Through the display panel 351 or other display modes can be pointed to the currently active profile, the currently controlled further peripheral device or its functions; for example, the user can be notified of the color, the brightness and the number of displays of the lights on the current setting content; the display may be an LCD display, a bistable display, an E-paper display, or another display that can display content; Furthermore, the currently set content can be displayed in fonts or pictures.

Furthermore, the peripheral device 30 an operator interface located on the original device 321 on, the enter key, a Knob, a touchpad or another input device may be, the, or originally on the device 30 is arranged; Alternatively, the user interface 321 be an inventive, additionally provided input device. Regardless of whether an original input function is applied or a new key is additionally placed on the peripheral device's enclosure, the input interface circuitry provides 302 essentially means for switching between the profiles, means for switching between the controlled details and means for adjusting the functions.

For example, the profile key on the computer mouse may be defined as the first key of the left key and the command key as the second key, and the set key may be defined as the scroll wheel of the computer mouse; the profile key on the keyboard device may be defined as the first key and the command key as the second key, and the set key may optionally be a new or original rotary knob on the keyboard; if the peripheral device has a sound input / output device, such. As an on-ear headphones, the headphone can be provided with original or new keys, the profile key is executed as the first key, the command key as the second key and the adjustment key as a knob.

In the embodiment of the basic operation of the profile-configurable peripheral device according to the invention, the profile key, for example, as a arranged on the housing of the device key or a touch key are executed; alternatively, the profile key may act as a circuit for receiving the control signal generated by the computer system 32 generated and used for switching between the profiles to be executed; Pressing the profile button on the profile-configurable peripheral device allows you to switch between the memories in the memory 304 stored profiles are switched. After a particular profile has been turned on, the generated signal is applied to the computer system 32 sent, the corresponding device is operated according to the set value.

In the profiles, since the set values of the controlled details of the various peripheral devices are stored, switching among the controlled details can be performed according to another embodiment with a command key located on the peripheral device; Further, the setting value of the details of the controlled item is set with a set key, and the setting may be preliminary or temporary in the technical field of the invention. However, the user can still use a control software (such as 207 in 2 ) store the set value on the computer system; if the setting value is not saved, the original setting value is reset when the system is restarted or when switching between the profiles.

It is worth noting that the computer system 32 can be provided with a circuit for processing the key signal of the profile key, the command key and / or the setting key; the means for setting, commanding and regulating, which are executed by the profile key, the command key and the setting key, can also be replaced by different input means; for example, these three buttons are replaced with the respective functions by a combo button, which can be both rotated and pressed; alternatively, the functions of said three keys can be realized by a software key on a touchpad. All input means is to switch between the profiles with different control commands, to switch between the controlled details and to control the set values of the controlled details.

First embodiment

If the peripheral device is a computer mouse, the polling rate, dots per inch (DPI), lift-off-distance (LOD), light source, and button definition are set; for the design of the relative hardwares the computer mouse will open 4 directed. According to the embodiment of the invention, the computer mouse 4 with a communication interface connected to the computer system 409 provided that the connection is not limited to a wireless or a wired; especially the computer mouse 4 from the computer system to receive a command to operate. The computer mouse 4 is with a memory 407 provided for storing one or more of the setting values of the peripheral devices corresponding profiles or related information.

As shown in the drawing, is the computer mouse 4 provided with a rotating device, for example, a rolling wheel 401 which is originally used to scroll the page on the computer screen. According to the function of the invention is the computer mouse 4 further with a first and a second button 403 . 404 each used as a profile key for switching between the profiles and as a command key for switching between the controlled details; in cooperation with the rolling wheel 401 For example, the user may use the set button to control the exact functions of the controlled details.

According to this embodiment, the computer mouse is 4 further with an advertisement 405 which indicates the currently active profile, the currently controlled detail or the currently regulated In another embodiment, the computer mouse is 4 with no indication 405 provided, the previously set information about the connected computer system in the display 421 Of the screen 42 can be displayed, with the display panel 421 preferably caused by the control software on the computer system.

The user can through the rolling wheel 401 , the first button 403 and the second button 404 the computer mouse 4 and perform the entire set content of other related peripherals. The computer system to which the computer mouse 4 is connected via the communication interface 409 one through the computer mouse 4 generated key code, which is made by decoding a driver program to a control command, wherein the set content corresponding to the command is further converted into an operation command, which is transmitted to the peripheral devices to perform the corresponding set content. A profile can record the set contents of multiple peripherals, so that the corresponding peripherals achieve the appropriate overall set circumstances when executing a profile according to the recorded set contents.

For example, the profile key (eg the first key 403 ) of the profile are switched with the setting values of several peripheral devices; Furthermore, a command key (eg, the second key), a rotary knob, or a rotary device such as a rotary knob may be used. B. a rolling wheel 401 to be operated to the rules. When the profile button is toggled between profiles, a button can be switched in a rotating manner, such as the number 1 for the first profile, the number 2 for the second profile, the number 3 for the third profile, and so on; by successively pressing on the profile key, ie by rotating all the numbers 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the different profiles, the first, second and third profiles are switched on in sequence. However, other embodiments for the keys and the control device are also conceivable and not limited to those shown in the drawing. If a certain number (which corresponds to a profile) via the profile button (or an adjustment) on the computer mouse 4 is turned on, the control software will operate in the computer system according to the appropriate setting parameter, the relevant peripheral device to perform the appropriate hardware setting; then, with the command key (or command means), the user may select a controlled item and continue to set an accurate or tentative setting, such as by using the set key (or an adjustment means). As the volume, the brightness of the light, etc., make.

It is worth noting that the invention can achieve more, more flexible, and more extensible peripheral device setups. For example, if four peripherals are connected to the computer system and the respective peripheral device has a six-level setting function, there are at least 24 possible combinations for the setting, whereby an extension of the functions is achieved.

Second embodiment

5 shows a keyboard device as an embodiment of the inventive profile-configurable peripheral device. According to the keyboard device is 5 with a memory 507 provided for storing one or more in the connected computer system (not in 5 shown) recorded profiles is used; Furthermore, the keyboard device 5 a communication interface wirelessly or cabled to the computer system 509 on.

Usually, a keyboard device 5 provided with several keys; for carrying out the function according to the invention can on the keyboard device 5 an additional button 501 (a first key) for implementing the aforementioned profile key are arranged, which are used to switch between the in memory 507 the keyboard device recorded profiles is used; however, it is not excluded that the button 501 is executed as a single key or as combined keys originally arranged on the keyboard device to perform the same function.

The keyboard device 5 can with the originally arranged on the keyboard specific keys (the second key), z. Ctrl, Shift, Alt and Fn, perform the function of the command key to switch to the controlled item to be set in the selected profile; For example, when setting a computer mouse, the polling rate, dots per inch (DPI), lift-off-distance (LCD), light source, and key definition are among the controlled details.

The keyboard device 5 Can additionally with a knob 503 be provided; after a controlled detail with the button 501 and a particular key has been selected, the adjustment parameter of the controlled item can be adjusted with the knob 503 be set. At the display 505 on the keyboard device 5 can the current profile, the controlled detail and the set accurate content can be displayed using, for example, lights, colors and images.

To the settings of the keyboard device 5 include the polling rate, the backlight of the keys and the definition of the function keys. For example, the configuration file (English: profile) of the default value can be set to 1, where the configuration file corresponds to a profile; when pressing the button once 501 (the first key), the configuration file is switched once, switched to 2, where the number 2 here corresponds to the following profile; by pressing, on the button 501 in a multiple number, the configuration files are sequentially switched in a corresponding number. The ad 505 is used to display the current on state that the user is looking at through the display 505 based on z. As numbers, letters or colors (eg, several LEDs with different colors) and images is pointed.

To set a particular item, switching between functions may be performed with certain definable keys, e.g. B. the selection key (Alt), on the keyboard device 5 be made, with an arrangement of an additional button (a second button) is not excluded. Pressing the selection key (Alt) or the second key switches to an adjustable detail (eg the volume of a headset); The settings continue with the knob shown in the drawing 503 or the other function keys adjusted, for example, the regulation of the volume; a further press on the selection key (the second key) switches to the item "the dots per inch (DPI)" of the mouse, and then the detail with the rotary knob 503 adjusted. The signals generated by these set values are communicated to the computer system via communications, received by the control software of the computer system, and decoded therefrom in parameters for controlling particular peripherals; then the settings are completed via the driver program.

When the keyboard device 5 but with no indication 505 may also be generated by the control software of the computer system, an image for indicating the adjusted content; The control software also serves the user to store newly set values.

The design of the keys on the keyboard device 5 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the drawing; Alternatively, the currently active profile instead of the display 505 with several lights (eg LED lights).

Third embodiment

6 shows a sound input / output device as an embodiment of the inventive profile-configurable peripheral device. According to the invention, the sound input / output device is here as a headset 6 which plays a substantial role in sound recording and output and which can be executed as a general speaker or another audio input / output device. To the settings of the headset 6 or the other audio input / output device includes the audio output channel, the output volume, the output dimming setting, the equalizer, the volume of the microphone, the input dimming setting, the automatic volume monitoring and other sound effects.

On the earpiece on one side of the headset 6 are appropriately, for example, a first key 601 to perform switching between profiles, a second button 602 for carrying out the selection of the controlled item and a knob 603 arranged to perform the precise adjustment of the controlled item. In addition, an ad 605 be arranged, which is pointed to the information about the current setting.

If the headset 6 but with no indication 605 can also by the control software of the computer system (not in 6 an image for indicating the adjusted content is generated; the design of the buttons on the headset 6 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the drawing; also the design of the knob 603 and the ad 605 limited to the embodiment of the invention.

Fourth embodiment

In addition to the widespread computer peripherals, the inventive technique can be applied to the controllable peripherals with memory and communication interface. 7 shows a housing device 7 as an exemplary embodiment of the inventive profile-configurable peripheral device.

In this embodiment, the housing device 7 be executed as a housing of a conventional computer device or a housing of a particular electronic device. The housing device 7 according to this embodiment is designed as a housing of a conventional computer system and to the computer system electrically connected so that it can receive a control command from the computer system and send out a set command. To the controllable details of the housing device 7 For example, include the speed of the fan 707 and the brightness of the lamp (s) located on the outside of the housing.

According to the invention, the housing device 7 provided with a memory (not shown) which stores one or more profiles; Furthermore, the housing device 7 with a first key 701 for switching between the profiles, a second button 702 for switching between the controlled details of a profile and a knob 703 for regulating the setting values of the details; Furthermore, the housing device 7 with an ad 705 be provided, indicating the set state. For the system of the profile-configurable peripheral device realized by the above embodiments, the related system of the profile-configurable peripheral device is disclosed 8th directed.

How out 8th can be seen, are connected to a computer system 80 several peripherals, such. B. a computer mouse 811 , a keyboard 813 , a headset 815 and a housing device 817 , connected.

These profile-configurable peripherals are provided with setting functions for switching between profiles, switching between the controlled details and controlling the functions; preferably, multiple buttons or knobs are provided so that the user can simultaneously switch between the profiles for multiple peripherals when operating a peripheral device; In this way, the other peripherals can be controlled by a peripheral device. Here is the computer system 80 with a control software 82 provided, as in 8th will be shown. After booting up the computer system and starting a specific operating system, the control right for the peripherals is made by executing the control software 82 , which integrates the operation of the peripherals, so that the operating system acts as a control platform on which the control software 82 controls the peripherals.

The control software 82 includes a demon 872 by running the control software 82 will remain resident in the main memory of the system to listen at any time information from the peripherals (English: listen), so that the control software 82 be able to respond promptly to the information.

The control software 82 includes a driver program 821 for operating various peripheral devices, the driver program 821 a program loaded when installing the peripheral or one from the operating system of the computer system 80 supported, common driver program for peripherals. The driver program is used here 821 especially for decoding the signals generated by the function keys of the peripheral devices according to the invention; In addition, the driver program is used to operate the peripheral device that sends out information.

Furthermore, the control software 82 to one or more in the memory of the computer system 80 saved profiles 823 connected, the correspondence table 825 as a lookup table or database. By obtaining a key code or control signal sent from a particular peripheral device, the information corresponding to the control signal can be obtained from the correspondence table 825 be determined. When receiving the key code of a profile key, the corresponding, activated profile can be determined using the correspondence table 825 be determined; It is equally important that the controlled detail corresponding to the profile and the setting values of the relevant details are also based on the correspondence table 825 can be determined.

According to a possible way of recording the correspondence table 825 For example, the key code of the profile key for switching between the profiles corresponds to the respective peripheral device, for example one of the profiles stored in the respective peripheral device; the key code of the command key used for switching between the controlled details corresponds to a controlled detail of the selected profile, and the key code of the set key serving to adjust the function of the selected controlled item corresponds to a controlled item function to be set.

The control software 82 Above all, a user-friendly user interface 829 provide the user through the graphical user interface 829 can receive the information about the peripherals attached to the computer system.

After the system has been set up for the peripheral device of the present invention, the system in the technical process performed by the profile-configurable peripheral device is first initialized to establish a connection between the computer system and one or more peripheral devices; then the user can start the control software manually or automatically, the control software via the operating system and the hardware interface, the information about the peripherals, including the state of the operation to learn which peripheral devices support the inventive technique for configuring the profiles on the peripheral device.

By executing the control software, a daemon of the memory of the resident system will always listen to the information of the peripheral devices; if the user operates a particular peripheral device and generates a control signal with a key or certain means, the control software will receive the control signal through the hardware input / output port and the operating system of the computer system. The control software also controls one or more system-side profiles stored in the memory of the computer system, the peripheral devices loading one or more compatible profiles via the control software.

The control signal may come from a particular peripheral device such that the control software, by decoding the control signal from a corresponding driver program, receives a corresponding control command which may be an inter-profile switch command; By comparison, a profile is determined which is obviously one of the stored profiles recorded in the peripheral emitting the control signal; By comparing a set connection for this profile can be determined, because the related profiles can all be stored in the computer system. Now, the control software will operate according to this profile the relevant profile, which includes that a particular detail is operated and set. At this time, the profile key or the related switching means will send out a control signal which, by comparing with the correspondence table, determines the corresponding command which is, for example, a command to switch between the profile, a command to switch between the controlled details or a command to set the controlled item ,

For example, set values for one or more peripheral devices are recorded in a profile determined by comparison; thus, the setting values can be transcoded by the driver programs corresponding to the peripheral devices into signals at which the peripheral devices are operated. As a result, the entire computer system and related peripheral devices all enter the working environment set by that profile.

For example, the user operates a computer mouse having a button for switching between the profiles, a button for switching between the controlled items, and an adjustment button or an equivalent input interface. Pressing the profile key once or several times selects a profile, whereby the computer system receives the content of the profile; then the peripherals are operated by the control software to set, for example, the dots per inch (DPI) of the computer mouse, the response speed of the keys of the keyboard, the headset volume, and the speed of the fan located on the housing. Thereupon the computer system is in a working environment corresponding to this profile. Furthermore, the user can set a specific device or specific devices; that is, he continues to operate the computer mouse; pressing the command key one or more times will set a controlled item to be set, e.g. As the volume of a headset selected.

After the user, by switching a button or by another optional way a controlled detail such. B. the headset volume selected, this information is also obtained from the system-side control software. Subsequently, the corresponding peripheral device takes over the right to set this detail, whereby the user in this mode continues to control the volume of the headset via the computer mouse with the adjustment button (eg the rolling wheel). The adjustment signal is received by the system and also decoded by the driver program of the system-side control software, based on the result obtained by decoding and comparing a corresponding setting, for. As the zooming in or out of the volume with the rolling wheel is made. Further, the corresponding peripheral device is operated by the control software so that the value desired by the user, for. B., the volume of the headset, is reached.

In summary, the profile-configurable peripheral device of the present invention and the related system allow multiple profiles to be stored by a particular peripheral device so that other peripheral devices can thus be controlled; according to the preferences of the user or the environment as required, several setting parameters of several computer peripherals are recorded and set in the profile; According to the invention, the switch means for switching between the profiles enables the peripherals connected to a computer system to be operated and then easily made to enter a work environment; Moreover, according to the invention, it is possible to set specific, precise details in order to fulfill different interests or to meet different needs.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather modifications are possible in the manner that individual features omitted or other combinations of features can be realized as long as the scope of protection of the appended claims is not abandoned. The disclosure of the present invention includes all combinations of the featured individual features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

computer system

101

operating system

103

Input and output interface

105

Set of custom driver programs

111

Driver program ONE

111 '

first custom driver program

112

Driver program TWO

112 '

second custom driver program

113

Driver program THREE

113 '

third user-specific driver program

12

computer mouse

14

keyboard

16

Headset microphone

20

computer system

201

operating system

203

storage unit

205

driver module

207

control software

211

Peripheral device ONE

213

Peripheral TWO

221

Profile ONE

223

Profile TWO

231

System-side profile

30

peripheral

301

microcontroller

302

Input interface circuit

303

Connection interface circuit

304

Storage

305

Display interface circuit

306

Key processing circuit

32

computer system

321

Operator interface

351

display

361

first key

362

second button

363

third button

4

computer mouse

401

scroll wheel

403

first key

404

second button

405

display

407

Storage

409

Communication Interface

42

screen

421

Display area of the screen

5

keyboard device

501

button

503

knob

505

display

507

Storage

509

Communication Interface

6

headset

601

first key

602

second button

603

knob

605

display

7

housing means

701

first key

702

second button

703

knob

705

display

707

fan

80

computer system

811

computer mouse

813

keyboard

815

headset

817

housing means

82

control software

821

driver program

823

profile

825

correspondence table

827

demon

829

User interface

Claims (10)

Profile-configurable peripheral device comprising - a chassis and a computer system ( 4 ) connectable communication interface ( 409 ), wherein in the housing circuit elements are arranged which a microcontroller ( 301 ) for processing circuit signals in the peripheral device, one to the microcontroller ( 301 ) electrically connected input interface circuit ( 302 ) for processing by the user interface ( 321 ) of the peripheral device, one to the microcontroller ( 301 ) electrically connected connection interface circuit ( 303 ) for processing signals between the peripheral device and the computer system connected thereto ( 4 ), one to the microcontroller ( 301 ) electrically connected memory ( 304 ) for storing one or more profiles and one to the microcontroller ( 301 ) electrically connected key processing circuit ( 306 ) for processing input signals, and - a key for switching between the profiles via the key processing circuit ( 306 ) to the microcontroller ( 301 ) electrically is connected and arranged on the housing of the peripheral device. Peripheral device according to claim 1, characterized in that the key is a profile key for switching between the profiles, wherein the peripheral device further comprises a command key, which serves for switching between the controlled details of the profiles, wherein the profile key and the command key arranged on the housing of the peripheral device are. Peripheral device according to claim 2, characterized in that the peripheral device further comprises a setting button, which serves to set the functions of the controlled details, wherein the setting button is arranged on the housing of the peripheral device. Peripheral device according to claim 3, characterized in that the key processing circuit ( 306 ) is electrically connected to the profile key, the command key and / or the adjustment key. Peripheral device according to claim 4, characterized in that the peripheral device further comprises a display interface circuit ( 305 ) for displaying the contents of the profiles, the contents of the controlled details and the contents of the functions of the controlled details. Peripheral device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the peripheral device is a computer mouse ( 4 ), with the profile key as a first key ( 403 ), the command key as a second key ( 404 ) and the adjustment button as a rolling wheel ( 401 ) the computer mouse ( 4 ) is defined. Peripheral device according to claim 5, characterized in that the peripheral device is a keyboard device ( 5 ), with the profile key as a first key, the command key as a second key and the adjustment key as a rotary knob ( 503 ) is defined. Peripheral device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the peripheral device is a sound input / output device, the profile button being used as a first button ( 601 ), the command key as a second key ( 602 ) and the set button as a rotary knob ( 603 ) is defined. A system using the profile-configurable peripheral device of claim 1. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the system comprises a computer system ( 32 ) connected to the peripheral device ( 30 ), the computer system ( 32 ) is provided with a circuit for processing the key codes of a profile key, a command key and / or a setting key, and that in the computer system ( 32 ) a memory ( 304 ) for storing one or more profiles for the peripherals ( 30 ) serves.

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