JP2004199562A - Wireless input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless input device in which a frequency is effectively used and circuits are simplified. <P>SOLUTION: Data is transmitted and received on a radio. A transmitter, a wireless keyboard, and a wireless mouse connected to a personal computer main body convert the transmitting data into packet. Modulation is applied to the packets by using a carrier wave. The time positions 1-3a to 2-5b of the packets C, K, M are set so that the modulated packets may be arranged in time series on a time base. The frequencies of the carrier waves are formed to a common single frequency of the carrier wave in each appliance. The respective distinctions of all of the transmitters, wireless keyboards, and wireless mouses at an office are established by time positions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse used for operating a personal computer, and more particularly to a wireless input device for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from a personal computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional wireless input device used for a personal computer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a personal computer), infrared or infrared data is transmitted as a means for transmitting key code data generated when a keyboard is pressed or moving amount data obtained by moving a mouse. Wireless is used.
[0003]
In a wireless input device using radio, in order to avoid signal interference between devices, a different frequency is assigned to each of a keyboard and a mouse, and the frequency is frequently changed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Was being done.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-242994
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In an environment where personal computers are densely packed, such as in an office, it is necessary to assign an individual frequency to each of all the wireless keyboards and wireless mice or to change the frequency in order to avoid interference. On the one hand, the available frequency bandwidth is limited. Furthermore, designing to meet such conditions such as frequency allocation is complicated and disadvantageous in terms of cost.
[0006]
Also, when using a wireless keyboard or mouse, there are not many situations where the keys are constantly pressed or the mouse is constantly moved, so it is allocated during the period when no key is pressed or the mouse is stopped. Frequency is wasted.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless input device capable of effectively utilizing a frequency and simplifying a circuit.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object of the present invention is to perform wireless data transmission, a transceiver and a wireless keyboard and a mouse connected to the main body of a personal computer, packetize the data to be transmitted, and modulate the packet using a carrier wave, By setting the time position of the modulated packet so that the modulated packet is arranged in time series on the time axis, it is possible to solve the problem effectively. By adopting such means, all the wireless keyboards and wireless mice in the office can be distinguished from each other by time position, thus making the frequency of the carrier common to each device. This is because the frequency can be effectively used. Further, since data packetization is possible by digital technology and a single frequency is used, the circuit can be relatively simplified.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a wireless input device according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol in FIG. 1, FIG. 3-FIG. 10 shall represent the same thing or a similar thing.
[0010]
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a wireless input device connected to a personal computer. In FIG. 1, 1 is a personal computer main body, 5 is a wireless keyboard, 6 is a wireless mouse, 3 is a transceiver for performing bidirectional communication with the wireless keyboard 5 and the wireless mouse 6 via the radio wave 4, and 2 is a transceiver. 3 is a cable connecting the personal computer 1 and the wireless input device 13. The cable 2, the transceiver 3, the wireless keyboard 5 and the wireless mouse 6 constitute a wireless input device 13. The personal computer 1 and the wireless input device 13 constitute a personal computer. The transceiver 3, the keyboard 5, and the mouse 6 each have a fixed ID (identifier) number, and a communication partner is mutually determined.
[0011]
The transceiver 3, the keyboard 5 and the mouse 6 have registration buttons 7, 8, and 9 for registering ID numbers, respectively. Further, the keyboard 5 and the mouse 6 are provided with changeover switches 10 and 11, respectively, which are used when the keyboard 5 and the mouse 6 are combined with the other personal computer 1 via the transceiver 3. Note that the keyboard 5 can be provided with an expansion slot for incorporating or adding the optional device 12 as necessary.
[0012]
The transceiver 3, the wireless keyboard 5, and the wireless mouse 6 perform communication by transmitting and receiving data as packets. FIG. 2 shows the structure of a data packet transmitted and received between the transceiver 3, the wireless keyboard 5, and the wireless mouse 6. The packet transmitted by the transceiver 3 includes its own transceiver ID 30, the keyboard / mouse ID 31 of the communication partner, the data identifier 32, and the data 33. A packet transmitted by the keyboard 6 and the mouse 5 is composed of a keyboard / mouse ID 34, a data identifier 35, and data 36. The ID 34 includes the ID of the transceiver 3 of the communication partner in addition to the own ID.
[0013]
Next, the internal circuit configurations of the transceiver 3, the wireless keyboard 5, and the wireless mouse 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 3, the transceiver 3 includes a control unit (CTL) 103 for controlling the whole, an oscillator 133 for generating a carrier C having a common constant frequency, and a carrier CR from the oscillator 133 based on data from the control unit 103. A modem that modulates to generate a radio frequency transmission signal, sends the transmission signal to the antenna 109, and conversely demodulates the reception signal from the antenna 109 using the carrier CR to generate data to be sent to the control unit 103. (MODEM) 108.
[0015]
The control unit 103 includes an interface circuit (KB I / F) 101 for the keyboard 5, an interface circuit (MS I / F) 102 for the mouse 6, a ROM 106 for storing ID numbers, a function for generating and disassembling packets, and a packet. (TIM) 104 having a function of monitoring the order of packets and a function of setting a packet interval, an ID number of the keyboard 5 and the mouse 6 and a memory (MEM) 105 for storing transmission data, and an ID number for registering the ID number Button (EN BT) 7 is connected.
[0016]
Further, the transceiver 3 has a function of detecting the state of the radio wave and the like and the state of turning on and off the power of the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 based on the received signal from the antenna 109 and notifying the PC 1 of the state. Have.
[0017]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the wireless keyboard 5 includes a control unit 111 for controlling the whole, an oscillator 134 for generating a carrier CR having a common constant frequency, and a carrier C from the oscillator 134 based on data from the control unit 111. A modem that modulates to generate a transmission signal of a radio frequency, sends the transmission signal to the antenna 118, and conversely, demodulates the reception signal from the antenna 118 using the carrier CR and generates data to be sent to the control unit 111. 117.
[0018]
The control unit 111 includes a key matrix 110, a ROM 114 for storing an ID number, a timer 112 having a function of generating and disassembling a packet, a function of monitoring a packet from the transceiver 3, and a function of setting a packet interval. , A memory 113 for storing the ID number of the transceiver 3, a button 8 for registering the ID number, and a switch (ID SW) 10 for switching the transceiver 3.
[0019]
Further, the keyboard 5 can add another function, for example, a memory card function, in addition to the key code generation, and can incorporate or add a data generation unit (DG) 130 for generating data of the function. In addition, an automatic power-off function and a power-on notification function are provided.
[0020]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, the wireless mouse 6 controls the control unit 121 for controlling the whole, an oscillator 135 for generating a carrier wave CR having a common constant frequency, and a carrier wave CR from the oscillator 135 based on data from the control unit 121. A modem that modulates to generate a radio frequency transmission signal, sends the transmission signal to the antenna 128, and conversely, demodulates the reception signal from the antenna 128 using the carrier wave CR and generates data to be sent to the control unit 121. 127.
[0021]
The control unit 121 includes a data generator (PG) 120 for generating movement amount data corresponding to a mouse operation, a ROM 124 for storing an ID number, a function for generating and disassembling a packet, and monitoring a packet from the transceiver 3. A timer 122 having a function of performing the setting and a function of setting a packet interval, a memory 123 for storing the ID number of the transceiver 3, a button 9 for registering the ID number, and a switch 11 for switching the transceiver 3 are connected. Have been.
[0022]
Further, the mouse 6 can have another function in addition to the generation of the movement amount data, and can incorporate or add a data generation unit (DG) 131 that generates data of the function. In addition, it has an automatic power-off function and a power-on notification function.
[0023]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a personal computer system in which a plurality of personal computers each including the wireless input device 13 and the personal computer 1 described above are arranged in the same office. In this personal computer system, three personal computer bodies 1a, 1b, 1c are arranged. The personal computer bodies 1a, 1b, 1c are operated by wireless input devices 13a, 13b, 13c, respectively.
[0024]
The wireless input device 13a includes a transceiver 3a, a wireless keyboard 5a, and a wireless mouse 6a. The wireless input device 13b includes a transceiver 3b, a wireless keyboard 5b, and a wireless mouse 6b. The wireless input device 13c includes a transceiver 3c, a wireless keyboard 5c, and a wireless mouse 6c.
[0025]
Each wireless input device 13 transmits and receives data using radio waves of the same frequency, and uses different time positions. As will be described later, the wireless keyboard 5 and the wireless mouse 6 can transmit and receive data to and from another transceiver 3 by re-registering the ID. Thereby, a network 95 is formed.
[0026]
By using modulation and time positions different from each other, each packet that propagates in space as a radio wave is arranged in time series along the time axis. FIG. 7 shows the time arrangement of such a packet. In FIG. 7, packets 1-3a and 2-3a indicate packets (Ca) transmitted by the transceiver 3a, and packets 1-3b and 2-3b indicate packets (Cb) transmitted by the transceiver 3b. 1-3c indicates a packet (Cc) transmitted by the transceiver 3c. 1-5a indicates a packet (Ka) transmitted by the keyboard 5a, 1-6a indicates a packet (Ma) transmitted by the mouse 6a, and 1-5b and 2-5b are transmitted by the keyboard 5b. 1-6c indicates the packet (Mc) transmitted by the mouse 6c. The time width occupied by each transmitted packet is the same for all packets.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 7, each transceiver 3 sequentially transmits packets at a constant interval Tf. The order in which the transceiver 3 sends out the packets follows the order of the preset ID numbers.
[0028]
After the transceiver 3a transmits the packet 1-3a, the keyboard 5a and the mouse 6a transmit the respective packets in the order of the keyboard packet 1-5a and the mouse packet 1-6a. The keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 does not transmit a packet when there is no data to be transmitted. In such a case, packets are transmitted at time intervals like packets 1-5b and 1-3c and packets 1-3c and 1-6c.
[0029]
FIG. 8 shows a rule of a packet time interval. As shown in the packet sequences 1-3a to 1-6b in FIG. 8A, the keyboard packet 1-5a is transmitted after the time Tp has elapsed since the end of the transceiver packet 1-3a, and the keyboard packet 1-5a ends. , The mouse packet 1-6a is transmitted after a time Tp. The next transceiver packet 1-3b is transmitted after a time Tnext after the mouse packet 1-6a ends, and subsequently, a keyboard packet 1-5b after the time Tp, and a mouse packet 1-6b after the time Tp. Sent out.
[0030]
When the mouse packet 1-6a is not transmitted, the time Tn obtained by adding the time Tp to the time width of the mouse packet 1-6a is used. As shown in FIG. 8B, the time Tn + time after the end of the keyboard packet 1-5a After Tnext, the transceiver packet 1-3b is transmitted.
[0031]
When the keyboard packet 1-5a is not transmitted, the same time Tn as described above obtained by adding the time Tp to the time width of the keyboard packet 1-5a is used, and as shown in FIG. After a time Tn, the mouse packet 1-6a is transmitted.
[0032]
When both the keyboard packet 1-5a and the mouse packet 1-6a are not transmitted, as shown in FIG. 8D, after the transceiver packet 1-3a ends, after the time Tn × 2 + time Tnext, the next transceiver packet 1- 3b is sent.
[0033]
The time Tn can be set to a shorter time. In this case, before the transmitter / receiver 3a sends the next packet at a constant interval Tf, it is possible to make a vacant time.
[0034]
FIG. 9 shows the negotiation of the wireless input device 13. A case is shown in which the third wireless input device 13 starts operating while the two sets of wireless input devices 13 are operating. It is assumed that two sets are the wireless input devices 13a and 13c and the third is the wireless input device 13b.
[0035]
Before starting transmission of packets, the third transceiver 3b monitors packets transmitted by the other transceivers 3a and 3c and records their ID numbers in the memory 105 (FIG. 3). Since the ID numbers of the packets transmitted by the transceiver 3 are arranged in numerical order, the third transceiver 3b can know its own packet transmission order. When transmitting the first packet, the third transceiver 3b transmits the transceiver packet 1-3b after a time Ti after transmitting the previous packet 1-6a.
[0036]
Time Ti is shorter than time Tnext. When the second transceiver 3c detects that the third transceiver 3b has transmitted the packet 1-3b, the second transceiver 3c suspends the packet transmission, and each of the third transceiver 3b, the wireless keyboard 5b, and the wireless mouse 6b. After the transmission of the packets 1-3b, 1-5b, and 1-6b, the transmission of the transceiver packet 1-3c is restarted after a time Tnext.
[0037]
FIG. 10 shows a negotiation of the wireless input device 13 when the operation of the second wireless input device 13 ends while the three wireless input devices 13 are operating. The second transceiver 3 can stop transmitting the packet at any time. The third transceiver 3c, after confirming that the packet is not transmitted from the second transceiver 3b even after the predetermined time Tr, starts transmitting the packet 1-3c after the time Tnext. Time Tr is longer than time Tnext. From the next time, the third transceiver 3c transmits the packet after a time Tnext after the first transceiver 3a transmits the packet.
[0038]
The packet data 33 and 36 transmitted by the transceiver 3, the wireless keyboard 5, and the wireless mouse 6 can generate and transmit data other than the key code and the mouse movement data. The contents of such data are distinguished by data identifiers 32,35. Thus, the keyboard 5 can transmit data of a built-in or extension function, for example, a memory card function. It is also possible to transmit the state of the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6, for example, the state of the power supply.
[0039]
When the ID registration button 7 is pressed, the transceiver 3 transmits a packet including an ID registration number and its own ID number (both of which are stored in the ROM 106) in place of its own ID number for a certain period of time. Sent in the order of. When the ID registration buttons 8 and 9 are pressed during the period, the wireless keyboard 5 or the wireless mouse 6 transmits a registration request registered in the memory 113 or 123 after a packet including the ID registration number of the transceiver 3. A packet including the ID number of the transceiver 3 and its own ID number stored in the ROM 114 or 124 is transmitted. The transceiver 3 receives this ID number and the other party's ID number, and registers the other party's ID number in the memory 105 to establish a one-to-one relationship with the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6. Thereafter, the transceiver 3 places the ID 30 of its own ID number and the ID 31 of the other party's ID number before the data 33 to be transmitted, and the keyboard 5 or the wireless mouse 6 puts its own ID number before the data 36 to be transmitted. An ID 34 including the ID number of the other party's transceiver 3 is placed. The transceiver 3, the keyboard 5, and the wireless mouse 6 compare the ID number transmitted by the other party with its own ID number, confirm a match, and maintain a one-to-one relationship.
[0040]
The wireless keyboard 5 and the wireless mouse 6 can register the ID numbers of the plurality of transceivers 3 in the memories 113 and 123, respectively, and change the transceiver 3 of the communication partner by switching the ID changeover switches 10 and 11. It is possible. In this case, the ID number of the transceiver 3 included in the ID 34 is changed to the ID number of the transceiver 3 to be changed. The transceiver 3 receiving the change request puts the ID number of the change request source in the ID 31 and establishes a one-to-one relationship with the change request source. In this way, it is possible to operate a plurality of personal computer bodies 1 using a set of the keyboard 5 and the mouse 6.
[0041]
Note that the keyboard 5 can store the state of the registered transceiver 3 such as caps lock and num lock for each personal computer 1 connected to the memory 113 in the memory 113. It is possible to match the state of the keyboard 5 with the state of the original personal computer 1.
[0042]
FIG. 11 shows a handshake procedure performed between the personal computer 1 and the transceiver and the wireless keyboard 5 or the wireless mouse 6.
[0043]
After the personal computer 1 transmits the control code 1 to the transceiver 3, the transceiver 3 transmits a control code 1w having the same content as the control code 1 to the keyboard 5 or the wireless mouse. The keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 that has received the control code 1w executes a process based on the control code, and transmits an ACK 1w to the transceiver 3. After receiving the ACK1w, the transceiver transmits ACK1 to the personal computer 1 to establish a series of handshake.
[0044]
Next, in a case where the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 has been turned off due to no movement for a certain period of time and is in a sleep state, the personal computer 1 transmits the control code 2 to the transceiver 3 in the same manner as described above. The transceiver 3 transmits the control code 2w to the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6. Thereafter, when there is no response from the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 for a certain period, the transceiver 3 transmits ACK2 to the personal computer 1 and stores the control code 2 in the memory.
[0045]
Thereafter, when the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 returns to the previous state after the power is turned on again from the sleep state due to some movement or input, the keyboard 5 or the mouse 6 Then, a wake-up code is transmitted to notify that the power has been turned on again. Upon receiving the wake-up code, the transceiver 3 transmits ACK 3w, and then transmits the previously stored control code 2w. Upon receiving the control code 2w, the keyboard 6 or the mouse 5 executes a process based on the code, and then transmits an ACK 2w to the transceiver 3. This ends the handshake.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a personal computer using a wireless input device transmits packets sequentially in an environment where a plurality of wireless input devices of the same system are adjacent to each other, so that a plurality of wireless input devices using a single frequency can be simultaneously transmitted. It becomes possible to operate each personal computer. Since a single frequency is used, there is no need to assign a frequency, and the circuit of the wireless input device is simplified.
[0047]
Since each device has an ID number, it is possible to operate a plurality of personal computers with one wireless keyboard and wireless mouse by mutually registering the ID numbers.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a layout diagram for explaining an embodiment of a wireless input device according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a packet used in the wireless input device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram for explaining a transceiver in the wireless input device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram for explaining a wireless keyboard in the wireless input device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a wireless mouse in the wireless input device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram for explaining an example of a personal computer system using the wireless input device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a time arrangement of a packet.
FIG. 8 is another diagram for explaining the time allocation of packets.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining negotiation of packet transmission / reception.
FIG. 10 is another diagram for explaining packet transmission / reception negotiation.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining handshake of packet transmission / reception.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Personal computer main body, 2 ... Connection cable, 3 ... Transceiver, 4 ... Radio wave, 5 ... Wireless keyboard, 6 ... Wireless mouse, 7-9 ... ID number registration switch, 10, 11 ... ID changeover switch, 12 ... Option Devices, 1-3, 2-3: packets transmitted by the transceiver, 1-5, 2-5: packets transmitted by the wireless keyboard, 1-6: packets transmitted by the wireless mouse.

Claims (3)

A transceiver connected to a personal computer; and a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse for wirelessly transmitting and receiving packets to and from the transceiver. The transceiver, the wireless keyboard, and the wireless mouse each transmit and receive packets. Modulation and demodulation circuit that performs modulation using a carrier wave and demodulates the modulated packet, and means for setting the time position of the packet so that the modulated packet is arranged in time series on the time axis, A wireless input device wherein the carrier comprises a common single frequency. Each of the transceiver, the wireless keyboard, and the wireless mouse has a fixed ID number, and the packet includes the data to be transmitted, its own ID number added before the data, and the ID number of the transmission destination. Wherein the packet time position setting means of the transceiver arranges packets to be transmitted on a time axis at regular intervals, and the wireless keyboard and the wireless mouse transmit the packets attached to the packets transmitted by the transceiver. The wireless keyboard and the wireless mouse further include means for comparing the previous ID number with its own ID number, wherein the packet time position setting means of the wireless keyboard and the wireless mouse arranges a packet to be transmitted after a fixed period immediately after the packet received from the transceiver. The wireless input device according to claim 1, wherein The packet time position setting means of the transceiver determines the order of arranging packets based on its own ID number and the ID numbers of other transceivers, and determines a position on the time axis of the determined arrangement order. Before transmitting a packet, monitor an ID number included in a packet transmitted by another transceiver to determine a packet arrangement order, and arrange a packet to be transmitted at a position of the determined arrangement order. The wireless input device according to claim 2, wherein:

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