JP2904134B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to a keyboard as an additional input device in an input device of an information processing apparatus having a CPU and a display unit. Further, the present invention relates to an apparatus for exchanging data with an information processing apparatus using an infrared signal in an input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The prior art of this type of input device will be described below.

(1) For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-214696 discloses an apparatus for receiving an operation signal of a keyboard or a trackball as an external input device from a peripheral device using a code signal of an infrared remote control. A wireless computer input method using a remote control signal has been proposed in which the operability is improved by transmitting the data to a computer and performing one-way data communication.

(2) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-9717 discloses that a personal computer and a wireless keyboard are connected by infrared rays, keyboard data is transmitted, and when an error is detected, predetermined control is performed. A configuration has been proposed in which an error in infrared communication is avoided.

(3) Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-295913, when there is an electrical connection between the data input device and the main body, data transfer is performed in a wired manner, and the electrical connection is cut off. In such a case, a data input device having a mechanism for switching to a remote mode in which data is transmitted via infrared communication has been proposed.

(4) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-78233 discloses an information transmission path in a system for transmitting and receiving information between information processing apparatuses such as workstations using an information transmission path laid in a specific area. A method has been proposed in which information is transmitted and received between each information processing apparatus using infrared rays.

(5) On the other hand, when infrared rays are not used, there is a method in which a keyboard unit and a main unit of the apparatus are connected by a wired cable or the like, and data communication between them is electrically connected.

When data communication between the keyboard and the main body of the apparatus is performed by infrared rays, light is diffused, and nearby devices affect each other.

(6) JP-A-7-56062 discloses that
In order to provide an optical fiber interface capable of accurate and efficient interconnection and a manufacturing method thereof, a method of aligning a photoelectric interface by giving directionality to light using a lens device has been proposed. Further, in order to connect the optical signal to an electric device, the optical signal is converted into an electric signal using a photo device. Real Kai 4
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 855752 and 63-185256 describe a method for producing a light emitting element used in a device that performs an optical communication interface.

(7) Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-204796 proposes a configuration of a portable electronic device in which a portable terminal can be automatically started by an external optical signal using an optical communication interface. .

[0011]

The above prior art has the following problems.

In the above method (1), since the data communication is a one-way communication from the keyboard side to the apparatus main body side, it cannot be re-transferred due to dropping of data due to interruption of the air transmission path or the like. Problems arise.

In the above method (2), in order to reduce data loss, bidirectional data communication is performed between the keyboard and the main unit, and some processing is performed when the data loss occurs. Means that no specific means have been implemented. In other words, in order to reduce data loss, bidirectional data communication is described,
The conventional method (2) lacks a method of determining when data is missing and a means for performing recovery or rescue processing when data is missing.

Further, when the keyboard is electrically connected, data communication between the keyboard and the main unit is performed by wire, and when the keyboard is electrically disconnected, data communication is performed by infrared communication. In the method 3), the positional relationship between the keyboard and the apparatus main body when the infrared communication is performed is not solved. That is, since the positional relationship between the keyboard and the main body of the apparatus is not determined, there is a problem that data communication cannot be performed depending on the arrangement of the keyboard and the main body.

Further, in the information communication method of the above (4), the method of transmitting and receiving the infrared data between the work stations and the information transmission path is not specifically shown, but in what form, the communication between the work stations is not practical. I do not know whether to perform data communication. Also, the method of connecting the infrared transceiver to each device and the method of performing data communication are not specifically shown,
Since there is no choice but to connect the infrared transceiver to the workstation in some way and connect it to the wired transmission line in some way, it is not shown how to actually perform data communication using the infrared transceiver, This is because error correction and retransmission processing are not performed and data communication cannot be performed properly in practical use.

In the method (5), since the connection between the keyboard and the main body is made by wire, it is necessary to make a mechanical connection using a cord and a connector.
If the keyboard is mechanically connected to the main body of the device, input means other than the built-in keyboard, such as a touch panel, is used for normal input, and the keyboard is used only for typing. In order to connect and disconnect the keyboard and the main unit from the main unit, if it is inserted and removed many times, the connection part will wear out and cause poor contact,
There is a problem that data transfer from the keyboard cannot be performed normally.

As described above, in a system in which keyboard data is exchanged between the keyboard and the main body of the apparatus using an infrared signal, light is diffused. Is disturbed,
There is a problem that communication between the keyboard and the apparatus main body becomes impossible. Conversely, in other words, it is possible to steal data output on an infrared signal between the keyboard of another device and the device main body. In other words, since the infrared signal is a light signal, if the target keyboard and the infrared communication device other than the device main body are in close communication, the infrared light interferes with the diffused light of other devices, This is because each infrared communication is obstructed.
Since some data output from the keyboard may be confidential, it must be avoided that data is stolen without the knowledge of the owner.

In the above method (6), there is no description about a method for connecting optical signals.

Further, in the above method (7), when a portable terminal is connected to a keyboard and data communication is performed between the keyboard and the portable terminal, an infrared communication interface is used in consideration of positioning of the keyboard and the portable terminal. Otherwise, the device may actually be difficult to use.

In some cases, it is better to use a keyboard as an input mechanism of the main body of an information processing apparatus having no keyboard from the viewpoint of improving operability.

In this case, if a keyboard is attached to the main body of the information processing apparatus from the beginning, the weight becomes heavy.
Usually, there is a method in which an input device having only a touch panel and a button switch is used, and a keyboard is attached and used only when performing full-scale input.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a non-contact optical connection without electrically attaching a keyboard to improve durability and reliability. It is to provide an improved device.

Another object of the present invention is to secure security between the main unit and the keyboard by mechanically providing an authentication key between the information processing main unit and the keyboard unit, thereby improving the security. It is to provide a device.

[0024]

In order to achieve the above object, an input device according to the present invention comprises: an information processing main unit having an infrared communication interface; and an infrared transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting and receiving data between the information processing main unit. A keyboard unit having a communication interface and performing infrared communication between each other ,
Equipped with an authentication key and integrated with and separated from the information processing main unit
And a keyboard unit formed by freely, the information processing
The main unit has a keyway for keyboard identification.
A keyway of the information processing main body and a key of the keyboard
There only when structurally match, said keyboard section and is Ru is integrated with the information processing main body portion.

In the present invention, when the information processing main body and the keyboard are integrated, the respective infrared communication interfaces are arranged at positions facing each other, and data is transmitted through the infrared communication interface. Perform communication.

In the present invention, a hinge portion is provided on the keyboard portion, and the keyboard portion is made freely foldable around the hinge portion. Even when the information processing main body portion and the keyboard portion are integrated, the keyboard portion can be folded. The keyboard section may be configured to be freely foldable.

In the present invention, when the keyboard section and the information processing main body section are integrated, the keyboard section side and the information processing main body section are connected to each other so that they are not easily separated from each other. it may be configured with an engaging means for engaging each other when the integrated, on the keyboard section side may be provided with the detachable switch for controlling the integration and separation of the information processing main body portion.

In the present invention, the information processing main body side
To obtain the keyboard status from the keyboard
A request for status acquisition from the information processing main unit.
Is generated by an infrared signal with respect to the keyboard,
When the infrared signal is received, the keyboard unit
-The control means inside the board
Interrupt, and the interrupt
If the status of the keyboard is
It is configured to transfer by an external signal .

The principle and operation of the present invention will be described below. According to the present invention, the connection between the main body and the keyboard is performed by infrared rays, thereby eliminating mechanical or electrical connection.When the key scan data is transferred from the keyboard to the main body of the apparatus, the keyboard and the apparatus are connected. By performing bidirectional data exchange on the main unit side, when a key scan data transfer error occurs, the apparatus main unit requests data retransmission, thereby preventing data from being missed.

Further, in order to determine the positional relationship between the keyboard for infrared signals and the main body of the apparatus, the keyboard and the main body of the apparatus are integrated, and the positional relation between the keyboard section and the main body section is uniquely determined, whereby the position of the infrared transmitting / receiving section is determined. Decide.

Further, the keyboard and the apparatus main body are integrated to block external interference light in infrared data communication.

An authentication key is provided between the keyboard and the apparatus main body so that a person other than the owner of the apparatus cannot use the keyboard and the apparatus main body integrally.

According to the present invention, the data communication between the keyboard unit and the main body of the apparatus is performed by infrared rays, so that mechanical contact and electrical contact can be avoided. A data transfer error of keyboard data due to poor contact can be avoided.

Further, by integrating the keyboard and the apparatus main body, the positioning of the infrared transmitting / receiving section can be accurately performed, and the non-arrival of the infrared signal due to the displacement can be avoided.

Further, since the external interference light from another infrared communication device can be blocked by the integration, a data error in infrared data communication can be avoided.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a main body that performs information processing and a keyboard that is input means are integrated.

In FIG. 1, IR (Infra Re)
d) 101 is an infrared data transmission / reception unit of the keyboard unit 103, and IR is an infrared data transmission / reception unit of the main body unit 104. The keyboard unit 103 is a push button input type keyboard having an infrared data transmission / reception unit. The main body unit 104 includes a CPU, performs information processing such as data processing, and exchanges data with the keyboard unit 103 by infrared signals through the IR 101 and the IR 102. Further, the keyboard unit 103 converts the key scan information of the keyboard into infrared data, and passes the information to the main unit 104.

FIG. 2 shows the keyboard section 103 and the main body section 10.
It is a figure which shows the state which isolate | separated 4 typically. That is,
A keyboard unit 103 includes a main body unit 104 serving as an information processing unit.
When the keyboard is used, as shown in FIG. 1, the keyboard unit 103 and the main body unit 104 are used integrally, and when the keyboard is not used, as shown in FIG.
It is used in a state where the main body 104 is cut off from the keyboard 103. In the main body unit 104 separated from the keyboard unit 103, input is made from, for example, a touch panel or a button switch on the display unit of the main body unit 104.

In order to explain the embodiments of the present invention in more detail, examples for specifically illustrating the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the keyboard is folded in a state where the keyboard and the main body are integrated.

The keyboard section 103 has a structure that can be folded around a hinge as a base axis.
As shown in (B), the key (push button) surface of the keyboard unit 103 and the display unit of the main body unit 104 are folded so that they fit together.

FIG. 4 shows the main unit 104 and the keyboard unit 10.
Keyboard unit 1 as an engagement means for integrating
First and second hooks 105 and 106 provided on the 03 side
, The IR 101 on the keyboard 103 side and the main body 1
It shows the mounting position of the IR 102 on the 04 side.

On the main body 104 side, a keyboard 103
Grooves (locking grooves) for engaging the first and second hooks 105 and 106 on the side are provided. When the main body 104 is mounted, the first and second hooks 105 and 106 engage with the main body 104. Thus, the main unit 104 is prevented from coming off the keyboard unit 103. Further, the IR 101 disposed on the keyboard 103 side and the IR 102 disposed on the main body 104 side are disposed at positions facing each other.

In this case, if there is nothing that blocks infrared rays between the opposing IRs 101 and 102, data communication can be performed. Therefore, the IR 102 on the main body 104 side is arranged at a position other than a hinge section on the main body 104 described later. What should be done is.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show details of the structure of the main body 104 for connection to the keyboard 103. FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the structure of the main body 104 with the lid 113 closed. Referring to FIG. 5, the hinge 111 connects the main body 104 to the display provided below the lid 113, and acts as a movable mechanism that allows the lid 113 to move freely to the back side of the main body 104. I do.

Referring to FIG. 5, an IR 102 is an infrared transmitting / receiving section on the main body side, and performs data communication with an infrared transmitting / receiving section (IR) on the keyboard side by using this section to exchange data with the keyboard.

The IR 102 is disposed on the rear surface of the main body 104 so as to facilitate infrared communication between the main bodies when the main body 104 is used alone.

The lid 503 is located on the front side of the main body 104.
It is a cover for protecting a display unit such as an LCD, and is movable about the hinge 111 as described above.

The hook grooves 114 and 115 are engaged with the hooks 105 and 106 (see FIG. 4) provided on the keyboard 103 to integrate the keyboard 103 and the main body 104. It is provided at a position facing the hook on the 103 side, and has a shape that forms a pair with the peak of the hook.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how the lid 113 moves about the hinge 111 as a base axis. Hinge 11
The lid 113 rotates about 360 degrees around the main body 104 around a portion connected to the main body 1 and the main body.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the lid 113 has moved from the front surface to the rear surface of the main body 104 from the state shown in FIG. 5 through the state shown in FIG.

When the lid 113 is disposed on the back of the main body 104, the hinge 111 is located above the main body in the state shown in FIG. 5, but the position of the hinge 111 in FIG. And finally, as shown in FIG.
It has moved below the main body 104. As shown in FIG. 7, the lid 113 is disposed so as to be exactly attached to the back surface of the main body 104.

When connecting to the keyboard 103, the lid 113 is arranged on the back side of the main body 104 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the structure of the keyboard 103 for connecting to the main body. IR10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a function of transferring key scan data to the main body, and performs infrared data communication with the IR 102 on the main body. Scan data is transmitted from the keyboard unit 103 side, and a code for a confirmation request for confirming the state of the keyboard unit 103 is transmitted from the main unit side to the keyboard unit 103 through the IR 102. The main body detachable switch 126 of the keyboard unit 103 controls integration and separation with the main body unit 104. When the main body unit 104 is integrated, the hooks 122 and 123 of the keyboard unit 103 are connected to the main body unit 10.
When the main body detachable switch 126 is depressed while being locked with the hook grooves 114 and 115 of
The engagement between the hook 23 and the hook grooves 114 and 115 is released, and the main body 104 can be separated from the keyboard 103.

FIG. 9 shows the keyboard shown in FIG. 8 folded in half about the hinge 124. At the time of carrying, as shown in FIG. 9, the display unit is simultaneously protected by folding.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a configuration in which an authentication key 133 is added to the main body 104 and the keyboard 103 as another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 10B shows a side view.

In FIG. 10, the keyboard-side IR 101
And the main body side IR 102 is a part for transmitting and receiving infrared data.
The R portion 101 has a convex shape, and the I
R102 has a concave shape. As described above, by positioning the IR transmitting / receiving unit, it is possible to reduce an IR data communication error due to a positional shift.

The authentication key 133 performs authentication between the main body 104 and the keyboard 103. The authentication key 133 is a key mechanically held on the main body unit 104 side, and is configured to be paired with the keyboard 103 unit.

That is, the main body 104 and the keyboard 1
03 does not match, the main unit 104
Cannot be mounted on the keyboard unit 103 to use the keyboard. By doing so, the main body 104
Is assigned to only one keyboard, and no one other than the owner of the main body 104 is permitted to use the keyboard.

FIG. 11 shows the keyboard unit 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional structure 03. The authentication key 113 is
The hooks 123 are arranged at positions not overlapping each other so as not to disturb the arrangement of the hooks 123.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a sequence relating to key scanning between the keyboard unit 103 and the information processing main unit 104.

Referring to FIG. 12, in a key scan waiting state (step 1201), scanning is performed to determine whether or not a key on the keyboard is pressed.
At 202, it is determined whether a key has been pressed.

When a key is pressed, the keyboard unit 103 transfers a key code corresponding to the pressed key to the main unit 104 via the infrared communication interface unit (step 1203).

The main body 103 side receives an IR interrupt (IR1
In step 02, the CPU waits for the infrared data to be transferred from the keyboard unit (interrupt notified to the CPU by receiving an infrared signal).

If an IR interrupt occurs, step 12
At step 05, the main unit 104 jumps to the interrupt vector by software, and
It is determined whether or not the data of R is keyboard data (step 1206). If the result of the determination is that the data is keyboard data, processing relating to keyboard data is performed (step 1207).
Return to waiting for interrupt.

On the other hand, if the IR data is not the keyboard data, an interrupt process for each IR data is performed (step 1208), and the process returns to step 1204 to wait for an IR interrupt.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an execution sequence of the keyboard and the main body when the status of the keyboard is obtained in response to a request from the main body 104. is there. When the main unit 104 obtains keyboard status information from the keyboard unit 103, the following sequence is performed.

The main unit 104 generates a keyboard status acquisition code for the keyboard unit 103, and
The infrared data is transferred to the keyboard unit 103 via the IR interface 4.

The keyboard 103 waits for an IR interrupt (an interrupt is notified to the control unit of the keyboard when infrared rays are received by the IR 101) (step 1301), and when an interrupt occurs (step 1302). It is determined whether or not the IR data is a keyboard status acquisition code (step 1303). If the IR data is a keyboard status acquisition code, the keyboard status data (status information) is transferred to the main unit 104 via the IR interface (step 1303). 1305). On the other hand, in the other cases, the process for each code is performed (step 1304), and thereafter, the process returns to step 1301 waiting for an IR interrupt.

After generating the keyboard state acquisition code (step 1306), the main body 104 transitions to a state of waiting for an IR interrupt (step 1307), and
If an interrupt has occurred (step 1308), it is determined whether or not the IR data is data of the keyboard unit 103 (step 1309). If the data is keyboard data, processing relating to the keyboard data is performed (step 1310). Then, the process returns to step 1307 to wait for an IR interrupt. On the other hand, if the data is not keyboard data, processing is performed for each IR data (step 1311), and then the process returns to step 1307 to wait for an IR interrupt.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The following effects are obtained.

A first effect of the present invention is that electrical connection such as a connector can be eliminated, and electrical damage such as static electricity can be avoided. In the present invention, since the keyboard and the main body are connected in a wireless (wireless) manner by an infrared communication interface, electrical contact between the keyboard and the main body can be avoided, and thus, the human body or the like is generated. This is because the device is insulated so that static electricity or the like that enters through the keyboard does not enter the device body.

As a second effect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of abrasion of the contact portion due to repeated insertion and removal of the connector, and to prevent the occurrence of electrical data errors due to poor contact. . This is because, in a configuration in which the keyboard and the device main body are connected by a cable through a connector that electrically connects the keyboard and the device main body, in a situation where the keyboard and the device main body are frequently separated and integrated,
Wear of the connector connection portion occurs, and the frequency of occurrence of contact failure and the like increases due to the wear.However, according to the present invention, transmission and reception of signals between the separable keyboard portion and the main body portion are performed by infrared rays, The elimination of the electrical connection solves this problem and has the effect of significantly increasing reliability and product life.

Further, as a third effect of the present invention, infrared communication between the main bodies is facilitated, and a keyboard can be used without changing the arrangement of the infrared transmitting / receiving section of the main body. This is because, by arranging the infrared transmitting / receiving unit on the main unit side on the rear surface of the main unit, data communication can be performed with the main units facing each other, so when performing data communication between the main units, the arrangement is not complicated, Therefore, infrared data communication between the main bodies can be easily performed.

Further, by disposing the infrared transmitting / receiving section on the keyboard side at a position opposite to the main body, the main body can be connected to the keyboard in the correct position, so that the arrangement of the infrared transmitting / receiving section on the main body can be changed. It has the advantage that a keyboard can be used.

Further, as a fourth effect of the present invention,
This means that mutual security can be ensured between the information processing main unit and the keyboard unit. This is because, in the present invention, the information processing main body has an authentication key groove and the keyboard has an authentication key. If the keys do not match, the information processing main body and the keyboard are structurally (mechanically) structured. Because the units cannot be integrated, the information processing main unit of the current owner cannot be used by connecting to the keyboard of another owner. It is also apparent that the information processing main unit of another owner cannot be connected to the keyboard of the current owner for use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, and is a view schematically showing a state in which a main body and a keyboard are integrated.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a main body and a keyboard are separated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
It is a figure which shows typically the state which folded the integrated keyboard part and the main-body part.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
Hook and IR for integrating the main unit and keyboard
FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
It is a perspective view showing the structure of the main part in the state where the lid was closed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
It is the perspective view which showed typically a mode that a lid moves centering on a hinge.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
It is the perspective view which showed typically the state which the lid moved from the front surface of the main-body part to the back surface.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a keyboard unit connected to a main unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention;
It is a figure showing typically signs that a keyboard part was folded in half centering on a hinge.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, showing a configuration in which an authentication key is added to a main body side and a keyboard side, (A) is a top view, and (B) is a side view. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the keyboard part of FIG. 10 in a three-dimensional manner.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart for explaining a sequence relating to key scanning between the keyboard unit and the information processing main unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart for explaining an execution sequence in a case where the status of the keyboard is acquired in response to a request from the main body.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 101 IR (Infra Red) on keyboard side 102 IR (Infra Red) on main unit 103 Keyboard unit 104 Main unit 111 Hinge on main unit 113 Cover (lid) for protecting display unit on main unit side 114 Hook groove on left side 115 Right hook groove 122 Left hook 123 Right hook 124 Keyboard side hinge 125 Keyboard 126 Main unit detachable switch 128 Authentication key groove

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An information processing main unit provided with an infrared communication interface, and a keyboard unit provided with an infrared communication interface for exchanging data with the information processing main unit and performing infrared communication between each other , The information processing device includes a key for authentication.
And a keyboard unit that is integrated with and separable from the main body of the information processing unit. The information processing main unit is provided with a keyway for keyboard identification.
The keyway of the information processing main unit and the keyboard
Input device keys of de unit only when the structurally consistent, the information processing main body portion and the Ru and the keyboard section are integrated, it is characterized. 2. A request for status acquisition from the information processing main unit by an infrared signal to the keyboard unit when the information processing main unit issues a keyboard status acquisition request to the keyboard unit. When receiving the infrared signal, the keyboard unit generates an interrupt to the control unit inside the keyboard for receiving the infrared signal, and when the interrupt is a request for obtaining a keyboard state, the keyboard state is determined by the information processing main unit. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device transmits the infrared signal to the unit. 3. Information provided with an infrared communication interface
IR performing a processing main section, exchanging data between said information processing main body portion
It has a communication interface and performs infrared communication between each other.
Cormorant includes a keyboard section, a said information processing main body portion and the keyboard portion is integrated and
The information processing main body side can be separated from the keyboard
When making a status acquisition request for the keyboard, a status acquisition request from the information processing main unit is sent to the keyboard.
The keyboard unit generates an infrared signal when the infrared signal is received.
The control means inside the keyboard
If the interrupt occurs and the interrupt is a request to
The status of the board is transferred to the information processing main unit by infrared signals.
Feeding to the input and wherein the.