JP2000132316A - Input device using keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of easily performing the execution of function such as the activation of program and easily confirming registered conditions even when many functions are registered or changed. SOLUTION: Separately from a first key input part 3 to which a certain function is assigned, a second key input part (programmable key) 2 capable of freely registering or changing functions is provided. By operating any one of programmable keys 2, processing is performed so as to display the explanation of a function registered to the operated key when the operating time of the key is shorter than preset prescribed time ΔT and to execute the registered function when the operating time of the key is longer than the prescribed time ΔT.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device using a keyboard device provided with a key input unit to which functions can be further allocated in addition to a key input unit to which functions have already been allocated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When starting operation of a program (word processor, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, etc.) installed in a computer, a keyboard having a plurality of keys arranged or a mouse held and operated by a hand. It is common practice to use an input device such as For example, when a program is started by operating an input device such as a mouse, for example, a pointer displayed on the screen is moved to a predetermined area (for example, a picture area called an icon) where each program can be started. The function is executed by performing a predetermined operation after moving to ()). Also, when starting a program by operating an input device such as a keyboard, a key is pressed several times in order to guide the user to a startable screen, or one or a plurality of predetermined keys are pressed in combination. Operation has been performed.

[0003]

However, the operation method using the above input device has the following problems. That is, with an input device such as a mouse,
It is necessary to move the pointer to a predetermined area (position) and then perform a predetermined operation, for example, a button provided on a mouse, and it is time-consuming and inconvenient to start the program.

In an input device including a keyboard, a key must be operated a plurality of times, which complicates the operation. In addition, when a function is executed by combining a plurality of keys on the keyboard, it is convenient that the function can be activated by one operation, but the user forgets which key combination is registered for which function. In some cases, when a plurality of functions are registered, the registration status cannot be grasped, and there is a problem that it takes time to confirm the registration.

Further, it is actually practiced to execute a function by pressing only one key, and a method of pasting paper explaining the function near the key of the keyboard or printing directly on the keyboard has been adopted. I have. However, such a method is inconvenient because the description of the above description must be changed every time the function is changed, and when many functions are registered without describing the function, There is a problem that the correspondence between the function and the key cannot be determined.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can easily execute a function such as starting a program. Even when many functions are registered or changed, the registration status can be changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device using a keyboard device that can be easily checked.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a first key input section to which functions are already assigned, and a second key input section to which functions can be assigned separately from the first key input section. A control unit that controls a signal obtained by operating the second key input unit; and a display unit that displays a signal from the control unit. A means for registering in the key input unit or changing the registered contents is provided.

In the above means, a second key input unit capable of independently assigning functions is provided separately from the first key input unit to which functions are already widely used. ing. No function is assigned to the second key input unit in an initial state, and various functions can be executed according to a user's request. The second key input unit includes, for example, an arrangement of a plurality of keys, and the number and arrangement of the keys can be changed as appropriate. For example, a program having functions such as a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database, an e-mail, and a game. Can be executed by operating the key alone. The registered function can be changed to a different function or the function can be deleted at any time.

Further, in the present invention, a setting registration screen for assigning a function to the second key input section by performing a predetermined operation on either the first key input section or the second key input section. Can be displayed on the display unit.

In the above-mentioned means, when the setting registration screen is displayed on the display unit by operating the first key input unit, the setting registration is performed by operating a predetermined key of the first key input unit. When the screen is started and the operation is performed by operating the second key input unit, the key is previously registered in any key of the second key input unit, and the setting is performed by operating the registered key alone. The registration screen can be activated.

For example, a function assigned to each key can be displayed on the setting registration screen, and while the assigned function is checked, a function is added or a function that is no longer required is deleted. Such a change may be made.

Further, in the present invention, the second key input section (or one key selected from a plurality of second key input sections) is operated for a predetermined time to set the key in advance. By displaying the description of the registered function on the display unit and operating the key for a predetermined time different from the above, the function previously set and registered in the key can be executed.

[0013] In this case, for example, the function of the key operated by pressing one of the keys of the second key input unit alone and releasing it in a shorter time than a predetermined time is displayed on the display unit. For example, if the operated key is a word processor, the character “word processor” can be displayed on any part of the display unit. By pressing the same key of the second key input unit for a longer time than a predetermined time, a function registered in the key is executed. Conversely, the function may be executed when the operation is performed for a time shorter than the predetermined time, and the description of the function may be displayed when the operation is performed for a time longer than the predetermined time. Further, the character displayed on the display unit can be appropriately changed to another character by using the setting registration screen described above.

As described above, the registered function can be immediately executed by one operation only by operating one key, and when the explanation of the registered function is displayed, the same key is used. Can be operated by
The user can easily check the key registration status,
Therefore, the inconvenience of the user performing an incorrect operation can be eliminated. Therefore, if the registration status of the key is not clear, the user first operates the key within a predetermined time to display a description of the function on the display unit. The function can be easily executed by operating the key again beyond a predetermined time without releasing the hand.

In the present invention, a sound generator may be connected to the controller, and sound may be output from the sound generator at the time of explaining the function instead of displaying on the display.
As described above, instead of displaying the description of the function on the display unit, a sound or a sound meaning a function such as “word processor” may be generated from a sound generation unit such as a speaker, And the sound may be output simultaneously. In this case, the sound can be output by converting the character input on the setting registration screen into a sound, and the sound can be appropriately changed by changing the character.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An input device using a keyboard device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the appearance of the keyboard device, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system, FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of a setting registration screen displayed on the screen, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a key operation control method.

As shown in FIG. 1, a keyboard device 1 of the present invention has a first key input unit 3 having a general-purpose key arrangement.
Is provided, and a programmable key 2 as a second key input unit is provided in the vicinity thereof. The programmable key 2 is formed by arranging eight keys (PF1 to PF8) in a horizontal line. For example, key (PF1)
When a word processor is registered as a program, the key (PF1) is pressed and the key (PF1) is released within a predetermined time (that is, a short time), whereby the word processor registered in the key (PF1) is released. Is displayed on the screen. Pressing the same key (PF1) as described above for a predetermined period of time activates a word processing program registered in the key (PF1).

The system configuration shown in FIG.
Key input unit 11, data analysis unit 12, display unit 13, key registration unit 14, sound generation unit 15, RAM 16, and ROM 1
7.

The key input unit 11 is a keyboard device 1
, A first key input unit 3 and a second key input unit (programmable keys) 2 provided in the main unit. When the key input unit 11 is operated by a user, a signal input by the operation is notified to the data analysis unit 12. In the data analysis unit 12, when the signal is a signal input from the first key input unit 3, the processing is performed by a processing unit as a keyboard device that is normally used, and the signal is processed by the second key input unit. If the signal is input from the input unit 2, a process dedicated to the second key input unit 2 is performed, and the control unit 10 is notified.

The signal from the key input section 11 is transmitted to the second
If the signal is from the key input unit 2, the key (PF
1 to PF8) are analyzed, and whether the signal is a signal for explaining a function or a signal for executing a function is analyzed and notified to the control unit 10. When the signal received by the control unit 10 is a signal for displaying a function, the signal is notified to the display unit 13, and when a signal is generated, the signal is notified to the sound generation unit 15. Key (PF1-P
When the registration / change of F8) is performed, the key registration unit 14
The registration information of the key notified is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk device of the host computer in which the registered contents are not erased even if the power is cut off.

The RAM 16 and the ROM 17 are storage devices normally used in a computer. The RAM 16 temporarily reads necessary data at power-on and at the time of program startup, and the ROM 17 stores a basic system program.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which a setting registration screen 4 of the programmable key 2 (second key input unit) is displayed on the display unit 13. The setting registration screen 4 is provided with a registration column 5 corresponding to each key (PF1 to PF8). In the registration status shown in FIG. 3, the key (PF1) is a word processor, the key (PF2) is a spreadsheet, and the key (PF2) is a spreadsheet. A database (PF3) and a function related to each program consisting of e-mail are registered in the key (PF4).
PF8) has not been registered. Keys (PF1 to PF
If nothing is registered in 8), all registration fields 5 are displayed as blank. An OK button 6 for accepting the changed settings and a cancel button 7 for canceling the changed settings are provided near the registration field 5.

The setting registration of the programmable key 2 shown in FIG. 3 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in step A (referred to as STA), a key registration screen is activated. The activation is performed by pressing a predetermined key of the first key input unit 3 or by clicking an activation icon using a mouse. Alternatively, it may be activated by operating the second key input unit 2. When these activation operation signals are analyzed by the data analysis unit 12, the result of the analysis is notified to the control unit 10, and the setting registration screen 4 is displayed on the display unit 13 as shown in FIG.

A function is selected in the STB. S
In the TB, a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database, an e-mail, a game, and the like, which have already been installed in the computer, are appropriately selected from those, and the selected function (program) is represented by the keys (PF1 to PF1) shown in FIG. PF 8) can be registered in any of the registration fields 5, and the function is displayed in the registration field 5 (STC). This registration operation is performed using the first key input unit 3 or a mouse. For example, the key (P
By moving the mouse pointer to F1) and clicking the mouse button, all the functions (for example, word processing programs) installed in the RAM 16 or the hard disk are displayed. The function is assigned to (PF1).

Although not shown, an executable file for activating the word processing function is associated with the key (PF1), and a word processor for explaining that the key (PF1) is a word processing function by operating the key (PF1). Is displayed, or the word processing function is executed (activated)
I do.

In the display on the STC, it is confirmed whether or not the changed contents are registered (STD). In the STD, when accepting the change, the OK button 6 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, whereby the function is assigned to the key registration unit 14 (see FIG. 2) and this is recorded (STE). Then, the registered content selected above is reflected after the operation of the OK button 6 (STF), and the process ends (STG). Also S
When the content changed in the TD is incorrect or canceled, the user presses the cancel button 7 and the registered content before the change is read from the key registration unit 14 (STH).
The key registration status is displayed on the screen (STI), and the process ends (STG).

For example, when a game program is registered in the blank key (PF5) shown in FIG.
After selecting a function in C and displaying it on the screen (for example, inputting "game" in characters), when canceling the registration, the user presses the cancel button 7 so that the game program is not registered, and The registration content is read,
The state in which the character "game" is deleted is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the programmable key 2. As shown in FIG. 5, in step 1 (ST1), when any one of the first key input unit 3 and the second key input unit 2 is operated (pressed) (a key event occurs). , ST2
At the time (t) when the key event occurs
Is taken out and stored in, for example, the RAM 16. In this case, a signal is output to the control unit 10 in a short cycle by continuously pressing the key, and a predetermined process is sequentially performed on each periodic signal. Next, in ST3, it is confirmed whether or not the key event is an input obtained by operating the designated key, that is, the programmable key (second key input unit) 2. If the input is not from the programmable key 2, that is, if the input is from the first key input unit 3 (No), the time (t) is stored as the time (t0) (ST12). Further, information on the type of key operated (key event information) is stored in the RAM 1.
6 (ST8), and waits until the next key event occurs (ST9).

If it is determined in ST3 that the key event has been designated (Yes), it is confirmed in ST4 whether a key has been pressed before the key event. S
At T4, if no key has been pressed in the previous processing (No), ST12, ST8 and S
The processing is performed in order at T9. An example of this case is
For example, immediately after turning on the power of the computer or when a key is released in the previous process, the key has not been pressed last time. In this case, the first signal among the periodically transmitted signals generated when the key is pressed is ST1.
Then, in ST12, the time when the key event occurs after the power is turned on is stored as t0 in ST12. However, if the key is held down, the signals after the first signal are
In the process of ST4, the key was previously pressed (Ye
s), and the process can proceed to ST5.

By adding the processing of ST4, for example, immediately after turning on the power of the computer, the first time (t0)
Is not set. In addition, when the programmable key 2 is operated again one hour after the operation of the programmable key 2, the time (t0) at the time of the previous operation is kept stored.
At the same time that the key event occurs, it recognizes that the key has been pressed for a long time, and immediately executes the function despite performing a short operation to display the registered program name on the screen (program Start)
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of inappropriate processing such as performing processing.

In ST5, it is confirmed whether or not the key has been pressed again. If the key has been pressed again this time (Yes), the current time (t) and the previously saved time (this time) in ST6 are determined. The time when the key event occurred)
The difference (t−t0) from (t0) is calculated, and the difference (t−t0) is calculated.
If (t0) exceeds a predetermined time (ΔT), the function assigned to the key is immediately executed (process 1), and thereafter, the process is performed in ST8 and ST9.

In ST6, the difference (t−t0)
Is less than the predetermined time (ΔT) (No), that is, S
At T5, even if the key has been pressed again this time, if the predetermined time (ΔT) has not been exceeded, the process 1 is not performed, and the process proceeds to ST8 and ST9.

That is, when the key is kept pressed, a periodic signal is continuously output. However, as described above, the time t0 is given by the first signal issued when the key is pressed.
, The generation time of the subsequent continuation signal is ΔT
, It can be always determined whether the same key has been pressed for a short time or long time.

In ST5, if the key is released this time (No), the difference (t) between the current time (t) and the time (t0) at which the current key event occurs in ST10 is determined.
−t0) is calculated, and if the difference (t−t0) is shorter than the predetermined time (ΔT) (Yes), an explanation of the function assigned to the key is notified (Process 2), and then ST1 is executed.
2, and are sequentially processed in ST8 and ST9.

If the difference (t−t0) is larger than the predetermined time (ΔT) in ST10 (No), ST
The process proceeds to 12, ST8, and ST9. As an example of this case, the programmable key 2 is held for a predetermined time (ΔT).
When the operation is performed after pressing for a longer time and then releasing, the difference (t
−t0) is longer than the predetermined time (ΔT), the process proceeds to the process No, and the process 2 is not performed. In this case, since the difference (t−t0) exceeds the predetermined time (ΔT) before the key is released, the processing 1 is executed. As described above, the execution of the function and the display of the description of the function can be performed by one operation with one key, respectively, and the operability is excellent.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the processing 1 and the processing 2 shown in FIG. 5 may be set in reverse, or the function is activated when the programmable key is pressed once. May be displayed and the function is executed when the button is pressed twice successively. In addition, as described above, the execution of the function is not limited to the activation of the program, but a series of operations, for example, the operations from the activation of the program to the acquisition of data may be registered.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention, the execution of the function and the display of the explanation of the function can be performed by one operation with one key, thereby simplifying the operation and allowing the user to perform the operation. Erroneous operation is prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the appearance of a keyboard device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system;

FIG. 3 is a front view when a setting registration screen is displayed on a display unit;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a key registration process;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a key operation control method;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 keyboard device 2 second key input unit (programmable key) 3 first key input unit 4 setting registration screen 10 control unit 11 key input unit 12 data analysis unit 13 display unit 14 key registration unit 15 sound generation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H03M 11/10 11/12

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A first key input unit to which a function has already been assigned, a second key input unit to which a function can be assigned separately from the first key input unit, and the second key input A control unit for controlling a signal obtained by operating the unit;
A display unit that displays a signal from the control unit, and registers a function installed in advance in the second key input unit,
Alternatively, an input device using a keyboard device, wherein means for changing registered contents is provided. 2. A setting registration screen for assigning a function to the second key input section by performing a predetermined operation on either the first key input section or the second key input section. An input device using the keyboard device according to claim 1, which is displayed on a section. 3. When the second key input section is operated for a predetermined time, an explanation of a function preset and registered in the key is displayed on the display section, and the key is operated for a predetermined time different from the above. The input device using the keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein control for executing a function preset and registered in the key is performed. 4. The sound generator according to claim 1, wherein a sound generator is connected to the controller, and a sound is output from the sound generator when a function is described instead of displaying on the display. An input device using a keyboard device.