DE9000561U1 - Device for switching between two input devices for microcomputers - Google Patents

Description

Thomas Hoffmann, Egonstrasse 13, 4650 Gelsenkirchen
Lothar Wippermann, Egonstrasse 7, 4650 Gelsenkirchen

Van ich tung for ^switching between two input devices for micro -computers

The invention relates to a device for switching between two input devices for microcomputers, at least one of which serves as an input device for moving a cursor over the surface of a screen connected to the microcomputer, with a housing, a multi-pole switch, further electronic components, two female-pole inputs for the input devices and a preferably 9-pole output for connection to the microcomputer.

There are a number of input devices for use with computers, which on the one hand control the movements of the cursor (the place on the screen where the computer expects an input) and on the other hand can activate a command specified within a program by closing a contact. The best-known input devices are the mouse and the joystick, with the mouse being a convenient instrument for carrying out large-scale movements on the screen, for example to position the cursor at a specific point in a text or a menu. To do this, the mouse, a handy "box" with two or more buttons, is moved across the desk surface. Inside the mouse, a (relatively heavy) ball is mounted in such a way that the movements of the mouse are converted into a corresponding rolling movement of the ball and this into corresponding control signals. This means that the cursor or a special arrow on the screen carries out the same movement as the hand on the table. Commands can be entered using the mouse buttons.

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The joystick, a stick-like device for controlling the cursor, is used primarily in low-performance computers, called micro or home computers, to carry out computer games.

However, other input devices are also known, for example - especially in the field of computer-aided design (CAD - Computer Aided Design) - the designer's drawing board is moved to the screen, where drawing can be done directly on the screen surface using a so-called "light pen".

Microcomputers usually have two 9-pin subminiature D sockets, hereinafter referred to as Sub-D-9 sockets, as control inputs for input devices. These inputs, also known as control ports, are usually designed so that a mouse or joystick can be connected to one port and a (possibly additional) joystick to the other port.

Control ports of the type described above can also be used to connect screen text (BTX) or digitizer signals. Digitizers are interfaces in which images, speech, music, etc. are converted into digital signals. So-called dongles, copy protection plugs, without which a correspondingly protected program cannot run, are also used in control ports.

It is quickly apparent that the two control ports available are quickly "used up" when used extensively. Especially in the area of micro or home computers, which are often used as "gaming computers", two joysticks are often required for games for two people. However, such games are often run by a workbench (the user interface of a computer).

nus 'Jf-! st, ;ir I, a t, , WR I (.hf! fieri GRbrauchh a H ids is required. From 'Mesnm (!run rln it is, it is toc kmglich i. Cj , &pgr; i iir device for switching /wiping (In us &ugr;&pgr; rl J &eegr; y st. irk. This . 11 can be used to avoid the plug of input devices, which is on the one hand the circumstance J i s, since the control ports are usually located on the back of the micro-computer and on the other hand can lead to damage to the input sockets in the long term. Also, changing the plug during operation can cause a reset function in some programs, ie lead to the "crash" of this program.

A device with the features described above is known which is equipped with a 2-pole switch. In this case, only the signal connections for the directions of movement "up" and "down ^" are switched from one control panel to the other. This is sufficient in many cases, but - particularly in connection with connected memory extensions - malfunctions often occur which suppress the signals "left" and "right". In addition, it is not possible with the known device to switch between two mice as input devices, for example.

Based on this, the invention is based on the object of designing and developing a device of the type described at the outset in such a way that a safe function is achieved when switching between any two input devices in a reliable and crash-free manner, while still allowing a wide range of applications with different microcomputers. It is also desirable to improve the handling of the device as a whole.

To solve this problem, it is proposed that a switch that switches at least four poles, preferably six poles, is provided as the changeover switch and that the poles to be switched in the case of a 4-pole design include at least the signal connections for the cursor movement directions up and down as well as the plus and minus poles.

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I) Ii r cn the device according to the invention is achieved &ugr;. a. as an advantage that

- universal usability, with a large number of microcomputers on the market, for example with the following devices: Commodore 500, 1000, 2000; Commodore 64, 128, VIC 20; MSX Computer; Spectrum/Plus and all Atari computers,

- can switch between any two input devices at any time,

- the switching is reliable and crash-free,

- the input sockets can accommodate all common plug shapes of known input devices and

- the device is extremely handy and practical to use.

The above-mentioned components, as well as those claimed and described in the embodiments, to be used according to the invention are not subject to any special exceptional conditions in terms of their size, shape, choice of material and technical conception, so that the selection criteria specified in the respective application area can be applied without restriction, in particular they can also be used advantageously independently of one another to solve the problem or at least a sub-problem. This applies in particular to the features according to claims 11 to 19. I

There are now various ways to explain the teaching of the Er- 'i

invention, for which purpose reference is made on the one hand to the subclaims and on the other hand to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention.

h direction is referred to in the drawing. In the drawing

Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention for switching between two input devices for micro computers. The whole is in perspective view.

Fig. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a device according to the invention " ¹ " of a first embodiment,

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of a device according to the invention in a second embodiment and

Fig. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

Before we go into the figures in detail,

The following table provides an overview of the assignment of the nine pins of input devices.

'? The corresponding function or signal is called the terminal (pin):

I Pin Signal

Î 1 left

I* 2 right

I 3 to the power

i 4 down

f 5 (switch 2)

f 6 Switch 1

r 7 + 5 V

&igr;. 8 Negative pole

9 (any)

For better understanding, this Sub-D-9 arrangement is shown enlarged as circle 10 in Fig. 1. Fig. 1

also shows a housing 11 which has inputs L 2 A and IZQ as well as an output 1 '. It is expedient - as can be seen from Fig. 1 - that the changeover switch is designed as a toggle switch 14. According to another teaching of the invention, the changeover switch can also be designed as a push button switch 15 or as a rotary switch (not shown), which is indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 1. In order to visually indicate to the operator which of the two input devices is currently connected, it is advantageous to arrange the toggle switch 14 in relation to the position of the two input sockets 12A and 12B in the housing 11 in such a way that the toggle lever in its respective position points to the side of the housing 11 with the corresponding input socket 12A or 12B.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the input device connected at any one time is indicated by a light-emitting diode 16A or 16B. Such a display is particularly advantageous since work with computers often takes place in darkened rooms, so that an "active" light display always reliably indicates the connected input device. Such a display is made even more reliable by using two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors, for example a red and a green LED.

From Fig. 1 it can also be seen that the two input sockets 12A and 12B are completely separated from each other and are arranged at such a distance from each other on the housing 11 that all known input plugs of input devices can be used. This is extremely important for universal use. With a known, commercially available device that also has a Sub-D-9 plug as the output and uses a single 25-pin Sub-D standard plug for the inputs, from which only the inner seven connection pins have been removed, such universal use is not possible. Some input devices, in particular

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particularly Mäuje, often have Sub-D-9 plugs, where a fastening screw is arranged on both sides in the extension of the row of connection pins for a firm connection to the corresponding socket. It is not possible to use such input devices with the known device, since after connecting such a plug to one input of the known device, the other input is at least partially covered and is therefore no longer accessible.

It is also advantageous to design the device according to the invention as a free-standing device, in that the housing 11 is equipped with several feet 17 made of rubber or the like, four in the illustrated and preferred embodiment. In this way, the device according to the invention is given a firm stand, so that both the changeover switch and any LEDs present have a "fixed place" on the work table.

As already mentioned, the control ports of microcomputers are usually located on the back of the microcomputer. For this reason, it is advantageous if a cable 18 with a Sub-D-9 output plug 13 is provided as the output for connection to the microcomputer. In this way, the device according to the invention can be arranged next to the microcomputer, so that on the one hand good operation of the switch and on the other hand a constant optical control option are guaranteed. Fig. 1 shows such a cable 18, which is attached to the housing 11 on the device side by means of a strain relief element 19 and on the plug side is connected in the direction of arrow P to a control port of a microcomputer (not shown).

As already mentioned, the connectors of some input devices have side fastening screws (4-^JUnC thread)
Since according to the invention such plugs can also be used and a ^h ?iu &Ggr; i ^r | cr; IJm r, tf V &eegr;&eegr; not, mohr nrfordorLict

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is, a secure connection of such plugs with the device according to the invention can be achieved by providing two threaded holes 20 next to the input sockets 12A and 12B, which serve to attach corresponding input plug housings, which are provided with fastening screws.

Now that the external structure of the device according to the invention has been adequately described, the circuit design will be discussed in more detail below. In principle, it is possible for the switching to take place either mechanically or mechanically/electronically.

If a 4-pole switch is used as a changeover switch, the individual poles are best connected according to the circuit diagram in Fig. 2. In this - simplest - embodiment, the 4-pole switch switches pins 3 and 4 as well as pins 7 and 8. As already mentioned, these are the connections for the signals "up" (3), "down" (4), "+ 5 V" (7) and "minus" (8). As can also be seen from Fig. 2 and has already been described above, in a suitable embodiment of the invention, two light-emitting diodes 16A and 16B are provided, each of which is connected in series with a series resistor R (220 -i^- ) between the connections 7 and 8 of both inputs 12A and 12B. The device according to the invention with the previously described circuit works with all common microcomputers, but it is advantageous - especially when memory extensions are used at the same time - to provide a 6-pole switch. Such a circuit arrangement (also mechanically designed) is shown in Fig. 3. The circuit arrangement corresponds exactly to the circuit according to Fig. 2, only connections 1 and 2 have been switched to the two other poles of the switch. With this design of the device according to the invention, the alternating operation of any two input devices with all of the microcomputers mentioned is made possible without any problems.

Finally, Fig. 4 shows the circuit arrangement of a mechanical/electronic circuit. The circuit is constructed on a circuit board 21, preferably using CMOS technology (complementary metal oxide silicon). Essentially, this circuit consists of four 4-way analog switch ICs 22A to D and a fifth IC, which, together with the R/C arrangement 25 shown in Fig. 4, is designed as a 4-NAND gate 23 with two inputs each and is connected as a pulse generator (H=high-L=low level). In this embodiment, control is carried out via a ^cross -connected switch 26 (2 ijm = 4-pole). The circuit is constructed in detail as follows .

For greater clarity, the circuit structure is described from output 13 to inputs 12A ₁ 12B. From the 9-pin output 13, poles 1, 2, 3 and 4 are connected to the four inputs El to E of IC 22A and poles 5, 6, 7 and 8 are connected to the four inputs f to E4 of IC 22B. Both the four outputs Ql to Q4 of IC 22A and the four outputs Ql to Q4 of IC 22B are connected to input 12A to poles 1, 2, 3, 4 _to 5, 6, 7 and 8 there. A corresponding circuit leads from the 9-pin output 13 via ICs 22C and 22D to input 12B.

By connecting the four control inputs C of IC 22A with the four control inputs C of IC 22B, the low-level pulse L emitted by IC 23 closes the eight normally open contacts of the corresponding inputs E and outputs Q of the two ICs 22A and 22B when the 4-pin switch 24 is switched. Switching the switch 24 simultaneously causes a high-level pulse H to be emitted by IC 23, so that the eight normally open contacts between the corresponding inputs E and outputs Q of ICs 22C and 22D open, since their eight control inputs are also connected to one another, to which the high-level pulse H is switched.

10 -

The circuit described above ensures that when a low-level pulse L is present, the 9-pin output 13 with its poles I ₁ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 is switched to the input 12A. In this case, the input 12B is open. When switching to the high-level pulse H, the eight poles of the 9-pin output 13 are connected to the poles I 8 of the input 12B, so that the input 12A is now open. The pole 9 of the output IS ~ot is led directly to ^the respective poles 9 of the two inputs 12A and 12B. It goes without saying that a circuit arrangement is also conceivable in which all 9 poles can be switched.

The circuit described is suitable for all microcomputers that supply a 5 V voltage to the input for the input devices. This ensures the supply voltage for the ICs. It can also be seen from Fig. 4 that the supply voltage U _R supplies all ICs that are connected to ground via the terminals G. Commercially available 4016 ICs can be used as switching ICs 22A-D, for example, and a 7400 IC as the control IC.

From the inputs 12A and 12S?, one LED 16A or 16B is illuminated by the voltage-carrying poles 7 according to the respective wiring.

Reference/niehonl i s t. &agr; :

1 " 1 &igr;. &eegr; k s " - 4-way analog switch IC C l·' &ogr;&eegr; t r &ogr; I. Ie i nqnncj Z "right" 4 NAND gates (control IC) U _R V cr G &ogr; rq &ugr;&eegr; (jss &rgr; a &eegr;&eegr;&ugr;&eegr; g 3 " h r h " Switch G Earth 4 "down" R/C arrangement L Iow level pulse 5 (Page 2) H High level pulse 6 Switch 1 P Control port 7 + 5V 8th Minus (GNO) 9 (any) 10 Sub-D-9 arrangement 11 Housing 12A Entrance 12B Entrance 13 Exit 14 Toggle switch 15 Pressure switch 16A LED 16B LEO 17 Stand and foot 18 Cable 19 Strain relief element 20 Threaded hole 21 circuit board 22A 22D 23 24 25

R series resistor (220 �Lgr;.)

input Output

Claims (18)

Expectations: 1. Device for switching between two input devices for microcomputers, in which at least one input device serves to control a cursor over the surface of a screen connected to the microcomputer, with a housing, a multi-pole switch, further electronic components, two preferably 9-pole inputs for the input devices and a preferably 3-pole A &ugr; sya &eegr; y tu m connection to the microcomputer, characterized, that a switch (14, 15) which switches at least four poles, preferably six poles, is provided as the changeover switch and the poles to be switched in the case of a 4-pole design comprise at least the signal connections for the cursor movement directions up (3) and down (4) as well as the plus and minus poles (7 and 8). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a 6-pole switch is provided as the changeover switch and the poles to be switched comprise at least the signal connections left (1), right (2), up (3) and down (4) as well as the plus and minus poles (7 and S). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the changeover switch is designed as a toggle switch (14). 4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the changeover switch is designed as a pressure switch (15). 5. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the changeover switch is designed as a rotary switch. 6. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the toggle switch (14) is arranged in relation to the position of the two input sockets (12A, 12B) forming the inputs in the housing (11) in such a way that is arranged so that the rocker arm in its respective position points to the side of the housing (11) with the corresponding input socket (12A or 12B). 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a light-emitting diode (16A, 16B) is assigned to each input device connected. 8. Device according to five claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an electronic circuit with at least two ICs (22) each with at least two switching functions and a control IC (23) is provided as the switch and that the switching ICs (22) can be controlled with different levels (L, H). 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by shielding of all electrically conductive parts. 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two input sockets (12A, 12B) are designed in particular as 9-pin subminiature D sockets and
are spatially completely separated from each other. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the two input sockets (12A, 12B) are arranged at such a distance from one another on the housing (11) that all known input plugs of input devices can be used. 12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the device is designed as a stand-alone device and the housing (11) has several, preferably four, feet (17) made of rubber or the like, 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a cable (18) with a 9-pin output plug ( ¹³ ) is provided as output for connection to the micro computer. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the cable (18) is attached to the housing (11) by means of a strain relief element (19). 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that two threaded holes (20) are provided next to the input sockets (12A, 12B), which serve to fasten corresponding input plug housings with fastening screws. 16. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the two input sockets (12A, 12B) are designed in particular as 9-pin subminiature D sockets and are spatially completely separated from one another. 17. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the two input sockets (12A. 12B) are arranged at such a distance from one another on the housing (11) that all known input plugs of input devices can be used. 18. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, preferably according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the device is designed as a standing device and the housing (11) has several, preferably four, feet (17) made of rubber or the like.