GB2054471A - A freely assignable keyboard - Google Patents

A freely assignable keyboard Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2054471A
GB2054471A GB8024202A GB8024202A GB2054471A GB 2054471 A GB2054471 A GB 2054471A GB 8024202 A GB8024202 A GB 8024202A GB 8024202 A GB8024202 A GB 8024202A GB 2054471 A GB2054471 A GB 2054471A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
keyboard
keys
function
video display
assignable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8024202A
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of GB2054471A publication Critical patent/GB2054471A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J5/00—Devices or arrangements for controlling character selection
    • B41J5/08—Character or syllable selected by means of keys or keyboards of the typewriter type
    • B41J5/10—Arrangements of keyboards, e.g. key button disposition
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • G06F3/0238—Programmable keyboards

Abstract

A keyboard, which can be used in a video display terminal, has keys which can be assigned freely to any one of a common set of input functions. Each key has an immediately adjacent alphanumeric display indicating keyboard function-state and assigned function of the relevant key. The function assignment can be controlled by means of a computer or a programmable store.

Description

SPECIFICATION A freely assignable keyboard This invention relates to a freely assignable keyboard arrangement which can be used in a video display terminal wherein keys each have a different significance in different function states of the terminal.
By an assignable keyboard is meant the follow ins :" the keyboard of a terminal can be assigned a different significance depending upon the function state in which the terminal operates. The terminal can operate, for example, as screen terminal or as a teleprinter. Depending upon the function state in which the terminal operates particular keys each have respective different functions. In order to inform the operator of the different functions of the keys in different function states of the terminal the keys are each provided with a display (plasma- or LED-display) which can be changed appropriately.
This display can be adjusted by means of signals, for example, from a processor and the significance of a given key for the subsequent operation of the terminal can thus be indicated. German specification No. 2260328 discloses an assignable keyboard arrangement. However, computer-controlled systems are known wherein a selection of alternatively permissible operations by means of a dynamic allocation of functions to operating keys is offered by displaying this function allocation the display screen of a video data terminal. This has the disadvantage that this screen is not unreservedly available for recording operating parameters. Programmes which do not relate to the operation in process (e.g.
compilers, assemblers) are not permitted during the period in which function selection is offered.
It is an object of the invention to provide a keyboard arrangement such that required input functions can be effected via a keyboard which can be independent of a separate video display screen.
According to this invention there is provided a freely assignable keyboard which can be used in a video display terminal, said keyboard having a plurality of keys each of which can be assigned any one of a common set of input functions to be provided by the keyboard, alphanumeric display means being provided immediately adjacent the keys for indicating the function assignments of the respective keys.
Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example.
A desk-mounted assignable keyboard has a plurality of keys whose associated input function can be freely selected from a set of input functions to be provided by the keyboard. The selection at any given time will depend on which of a number of operational states is in effect and is indicated by means of alphanumeric displays immediately adjacent the keys and independent of any video display unit which may be associated with the keyboard.
In the specific embodiment the first character line of the desk-mounted keyboard display serves permanently for displaying an indication of the operational state, the second line for more detailed indication and display of the state of the desk. The keys can each have a different significance in each operation phase. The operating system enables the input functions which are currently useful. These functions are written out in clear each beside a respective arbitrary key which is thus enabled. The actuation of keys which are not thus marked are ignored by the operating system. Using a limited number of keys as full a supply of possible functions is obtained by means of this free allocation as in the case of a code word input.
Thus in a computer-controlled keyboard arrange ment having an associated video display screen, the latter can unreservedly be used for parameter pre setting and operation recording. Programmes which do not relate directly to the operation can likewise use the screen.
This arrangement has application in a keyboard without an associated video display screen, for example, in the case of numerical controls having a changing sequence (automatic testing machines and common controls).
The keyboard can be used as controls whose functions are not directed via a computer and in which the key-function allocation is predetermined for example, with the aid of programmable storage modules. This can likewise be carried out sequential- ly and only thereby enable the alternatively permis sible functions. Thus complex control sequences can be directed rapidly and reliably with the aid of only a few operating keys.
The essential advantage of the embodiment de scribed above consists in that a simple, rapid and reliable operation of controls of high complexity which in particular provides variability and ease of operation is achieved. The operation can also readily be transferred into other languages using appropri ate key-function assignment.

Claims (6)

1. Afreely assignable keyboard which can be used in a video display terminal, said keyboard having a plurality of keys each of which can be assigned any one of a common set of input functions oto be provided by the keyboard, alpha-numeric display means being provided immediately adjacent the keys for indicating the function assignments of the respective keys.
2. A keyboard according to claim 1 wherein a first line of the display provided by the display means indicates the function state of the keyboard as a whole.
3. A keyboard according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a computer is arranged to determine the function assignment.
4. A keyboard according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a programmable store is arranged to deter mine a sequential function assignment for the keys.
5. A keyboard according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a video display screen is associated with the keyboard but is independent of said display means.
6. A freely assignable keyboard which can be used in a video display terminal, said keyboard being substantially as described herein.
GB8024202A 1979-07-26 1980-07-24 A freely assignable keyboard Withdrawn GB2054471A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19792930374 DE2930374A1 (en) 1979-07-26 1979-07-26 FREELY PROGRAMMABLE CONTROL PANEL

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2054471A true GB2054471A (en) 1981-02-18

Family

ID=6076861

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8024202A Withdrawn GB2054471A (en) 1979-07-26 1980-07-24 A freely assignable keyboard

Country Status (4)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS5621225A (en)
DE (1) DE2930374A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2462744A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2054471A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3310580A1 (en) * 1983-03-23 1984-09-27 Telefunken Fernseh Und Rundfunk Gmbh, 3000 Hannover Remote control device for controlling various functions of one or a number of devices
EP0120345A2 (en) * 1983-03-23 1984-10-03 TELEFUNKEN Fernseh und Rundfunk GmbH Remote control apparatus controlling various functions of one or more devices
DE3333081A1 (en) * 1983-09-14 1985-03-28 Telefunken Fernseh Und Rundfunk Gmbh, 3000 Hannover Remote control unit for controlling various functions of one or several devices
EP0196129A1 (en) * 1985-03-12 1986-10-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Remote control hand apparatus for operating different modules
DE4129886A1 (en) * 1991-09-09 1993-03-11 Christian Von Dr Geiso Keyboard controlled remote controller for range of appliances - has keyboard and display offering menu that is easily accessed and used for function selection
DE4204879C2 (en) * 1991-04-30 2003-04-24 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd remote control

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3227269C2 (en) * 1982-07-21 1985-04-18 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Control panel of a multiple function device
DE3304859A1 (en) * 1983-02-12 1984-08-16 Loewe Opta Gmbh Circuit arrangement for inputting and optionally changing and correcting texts, characters, graphics and symbols and the like which can be represented on the display panel of a display device
DE3906585A1 (en) * 1989-03-02 1990-09-06 Thomson Brandt Gmbh Remote control unit

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3310580A1 (en) * 1983-03-23 1984-09-27 Telefunken Fernseh Und Rundfunk Gmbh, 3000 Hannover Remote control device for controlling various functions of one or a number of devices
EP0120345A2 (en) * 1983-03-23 1984-10-03 TELEFUNKEN Fernseh und Rundfunk GmbH Remote control apparatus controlling various functions of one or more devices
EP0120345A3 (en) * 1983-03-23 1985-06-19 Telefunken Fernseh Und Rundfunk Gmbh Remote control apparatus controlling various functions of one or more devices
DE3333081A1 (en) * 1983-09-14 1985-03-28 Telefunken Fernseh Und Rundfunk Gmbh, 3000 Hannover Remote control unit for controlling various functions of one or several devices
EP0196129A1 (en) * 1985-03-12 1986-10-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Remote control hand apparatus for operating different modules
DE4204879C2 (en) * 1991-04-30 2003-04-24 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd remote control
DE4129886A1 (en) * 1991-09-09 1993-03-11 Christian Von Dr Geiso Keyboard controlled remote controller for range of appliances - has keyboard and display offering menu that is easily accessed and used for function selection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5621225A (en) 1981-02-27
DE2930374A1 (en) 1981-02-19
FR2462744A1 (en) 1981-02-13

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)