JP3017192B1 - N-key rollover keyboard system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an N-key rollover keyboard system that eliminates the need for a press switch and a memory for storing its information. A key matrix included in a keyboard includes a special key matrix and a general key matrix. The special key matrix 104 is a matrix dedicated to special keys, and the general key matrix 105 is a matrix dedicated to ordinary keys. The general key matrix 105 detects a ghost key and generates a special key matrix 10.
No. 4 is composed of only keys that can be operated without any problem on the system when a ghost key is generated to the operator with or without notifying the operator. To do.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a function of preventing the occurrence of ghost keys due to multiple keystrokes and of determining that switches are turned on in the order of switch-on, that is, an N-key rollover keyboard system having an N-key rollover.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, a key matrix and generation of a ghost key will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a general key matrix. The key matrix is a matrix composed of lines in the X direction and lines in the Y direction on the circuit diagram. Each line is expressed as X1, X2..., Xn, Y1, T2.
There is a key switch at the intersection of the line and the Y line. Each switch can be represented as S11, S12, S13... Snm. When each switch is pressed, a current flows. When a current flows through the X line, the ON state and the OFF state of each switch can be detected by the Y line. That is, the switch is pressed for the Y line where current flows, and the switch is released for the Y line where no current flows. That is, in order to detect key depression by scanning the key matrix, a current is applied to the X line in the order of X1, X2,.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram around a switch. This circuit diagram supplements FIG. Xi line and Yi
This is a mechanism in which contact is not made unless the switch of the line Sij is pressed. Similarly, if Siy, Sxj, and Sxy are not pressed, the X line and the Y line do not come into contact with each other. For example, S
When the switch of xj is pressed, the current flowing from Xx flows to Yj and never flows to Yy.

By the way, the occurrence of a ghost key is a phenomenon in which the flow of this current is detected as if a switch that has not been depressed has been depressed. 5 or 6, when, for example, Sij, Siy, and Sxj are simultaneously pressed, the current flows as Xi → Sij → Yj, Xi → Siy → Yy when a current flows through Xi, and X
When a current is passed through x, Xx → Sxj → Yj, Xx → Sxj → S
ij → Siy → Yy. That is, when a current is supplied to Xi and a pressed switch is detected, a current is detected from Yj and Yy, and when a current is supplied to Xx, only pressing of Sxj is detected and Yj is detected.
Only current should be detected, but current is detected from Yj and Yy.
As described above, by detecting the current sneak in by the depression of the switch, it is detected that the switch Sny in the wrong position is pressed. The key at the wrong position is called a ghost key.

Next, a conventional N-key rollover keyboard system will be described with reference to two patent publications. One of them is a technique described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2720825, in which at least one type of key press combination information that generates a ghost key is stored in a RAM, and the information is compared with data obtained by scanning a key matrix. Then, the validity / invalidity of the pressed key is determined based on the result. The second is a technique described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2730518,
The X line and the Y line are driven at the timing to store the ON / OFF state of each key switch, and the X line and the Y line are driven at the second timing to turn the key switch ON and OFF.
An OFF state is stored, and an ON-confirmation key switch and an OFF-confirmation key switch are detected based on these stored states, and based on the latest ON / OFF state of each key switch,
It is determined whether or not the ON state of the ON determination key switch has caused the occurrence of a ghost key. If the result is YES, an error code is output. If the result is NO, a make code is output.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional N-key rollover keyboard system, a RAM or a storage means is required. However, since a large number of ghost key generation patterns are required, a large-capacity memory is required. There is a problem that. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an N-key rollover keyboard system that does not require a memory by duplicating special keys and devising the arrangement thereof.

[0007]

For this purpose, a first N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention is composed of a key matrix, a general key matrix for performing ghost key processing, and a system for generating a ghost key. And a special key matrix that can be operated without any problem. Further, the second N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention comprises a key matrix composed of a general key matrix for performing ghost key processing and a special key matrix that can be operated without any system problem even if a ghost key occurs. A key scanning unit that scans the key matrix and retrieves key data corresponding to the pressed key; a decoding unit that analyzes the key data and converts the key data into a key code; and notifies the information processing apparatus body of the key code. And a communication processing unit that receives instructions from the information processing apparatus main body. In addition, the N
In a preferred embodiment of the key rollover keyboard system, each special key constituting the special key matrix has the same Y of adjacent X lines on the matrix.
Switch on line or same X on adjacent Y line
It is characterized by comprising two associated with the switches on the line. Further, a preferred embodiment of the N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention is characterized in that each of the special key matrix and the general key matrix is continuously scanned. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the N-key rollover keyboard system according to the present invention, each special key constituting the special key matrix is composed of a SHlFT key and an A key.
It is characterized by including LT key and CTRL key. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the N-key rollover keyboard system according to the present invention, a scan result of the special key is subjected to a logical sum operation to be the key data.

[0008]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an N-key rollover of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a keyboard system. This N-key rollover keyboard system includes an information processing apparatus main body 101 and a keyboard 102, and includes a keyboard 1.
02 includes a key matrix 103 and a microcomputer 106.

Each of these means operates as follows. The key matrix 103 includes a special key matrix 104 and a general key matrix 105. The special key matrix 104 is a key that can be operated without any problem on the system with or without notifying the operator when a ghost key is generated, for example, a “SHlFT” key, an “ALT” key. Key, "CTR
There are two keys, such as the "L" key, which perform the same function on the left and right or up and down of the keyboard. That is, in the matrix layout, these keys have the same function on the left and right as the same Y line position in different X lines or the same X line position in different Y lines.
It is arranged at the position of the line. For example, Y0 on the X0 line and Y0 on the X1 line are ALT keys having the same function (see the key matrix in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when a general ghost is detected, such as a general key matrix, such as a key such as "A", "B", "BackSkip", etc., which is only one functionally present on one keyboard, the general key matrix is used. This is the key matrix where the problem occurs.

The microcomputer 106 includes a communication processing unit 107, a decoding unit 108, and a key scanning unit 109. The key scan unit 109 includes the key matrix 103
Is scanned, and the depressed key data is extracted and passed to the decoding unit 108. The decoding unit 108 analyzes key data input from the key scanning unit 109, converts the key data into a key code to be output to the information processing apparatus main body 101, and outputs the key code to the communication processing unit 107. At this time, ghost key detection and processing are performed. The communication processing section 107 notifies the information processing apparatus main body 101 of the key code notified from the decoding section 108, and conversely, the information processing apparatus main body 1
01 receives the instruction.

Next, the operation of the N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the key scan unit 109 initializes a designated value of an X line for which a key scan (current is passed) (step 401), and then designates an X line to perform a key scan (402). Since there are four Y lines in the key matrix of FIG.
Four lines T1, Y2 and Y3 are read. In this flowchart, the key matrix that is key-scanned in step 402 is the special key matrix 104.

A scan result is obtained from the Y line (step 403). If any key is pressed,
The key information is notified to the decoding unit 108, and the decoding unit 10
8 converts the key information into a key code and outputs the key code (step 404). The key scan unit 109
After notifying the key information, the designated value of the X line is updated (step 405).

If the updated designated value of the X line is within the range of the special key matrix 104, step 40
Returning to step 2, if the specified value falls within the range of the general key matrix 105, the process proceeds to the next step (step 406). That is, FIG.
When the specified value is 0 or 1, the range is the special key matrix 104, and when the specified value is 2 or 3, the range is the general key matrix 105. If the specified value is 1, the process returns to step 402. If it is 2, the process proceeds to step 407.

In step 407, the key scan unit 10
9 performs a key scan by designating an X line. From here, the general key matrix 105 is key-scanned.
The scan result is extracted from the Y line (step 40)
8) If there is a pressed key, the key information is notified to the decoding unit 108. The decoding unit 108 detects a ghost key. If a ghost key has occurred, a ghost key process is performed (step 40).
9, 410). If no ghost key has been generated (if the key scanning unit 109 has detected a key press), a key code is output (step 41).
1). The key scanning unit 109 decodes the key information into the decoding unit 1
08, the designated value of the X line is updated (step 412). As a result, if the updated designated value of the X line is less than or equal to n (maximum value of the X line), the process returns to step 407. If the updated designated value of the X line exceeds n, the process returns to step 401. That is, since n = 3 in the key matrix of FIG. 2, if the specified value is 3, the process returns to step 407, and if the specified value is 4, the process returns to 401.

FIG. 2 shows a key matrix according to an embodiment of the present invention. ALT (R) is the key to perform the same function
And ALT (L), SHlFT (R) and SHlFT
(L), CTRL (R) and CTRL (L) and ENT
ER (type part) and ENTER (numeric keypad)
The same pattern is arranged on the 0 and X1 lines. This part is the special key matrix 104. The normal keys 1 to 8 are the general key matrix 105.

First, a description will be given of a case where a key is pressed in the special key matrix. When ALT (R) is pressed, AL
The key code of T (R) is output. Next, SHlFT
When (R) is pressed, the key code of SHlFT (R) is output. Next, when ALT (L) is pressed, ALT (L) is pressed.
(L) and the key code of SHlFT (L) are output.
The key code of SHlFT (L) is a ghost key.
However, even if the key codes of the ALT key and the SHlFT key are generated twice, no malfunction occurs because the key codes perform the same operation in the system.

Another case will be described.
When (L) is pressed, the ALT (L) key code is output. Next, when SH1FT (L) is pressed, SH1FT (L) is pressed.
The key code of FT (L) is output. Next, ALT
When (R) is pressed, ALT (R) and SHlFT (R)
Is output. The key code of SHlFT (R) is a ghost key. However, ALT key, SH
Even if the key code of the lFT key is duplicated, the key code performs the same operation on the system and does not malfunction.

Next, a description will be given of when a key is pressed in the general key matrix. When the "1" key is pressed, a key code of "1" is output. Next, when the "2" key is pressed, a key code of "2" is detected. Next, when the "5" key is pressed, a ghost is generated, so that no key code is output. When a ghost occurs, a key code (for example, an error code or a beef) indicating the detection of a ghost key may be output. In other words, the movement of the general key matrix when a key is pressed performs the same operation as the conventional keyboard.

Finally, a description will be given of a case where a key is pressed across a special key matrix and a general key matrix. Pressing ALT (R) outputs the ALT (R) key code. Next, when the SHlFT (R) is pressed, the key code of the SHlFT (R) is output. Next, when the "1" key is pressed, a key code of "1" is output. After this, press "2"-, "5" key,
A ghost key will occur in the same manner as a key press in the general key matrix.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment also uses the keyboard shown in FIG. First, the key scan unit 109 initializes a designated value of an X line for key scan (to supply a current) (step 601), and thereafter clears a work area for ORing the key scan result (step 602). Then, a key scan is performed by designating the X line (60).
3). Since the number of Y lines in the key matrix in FIG. 5 is four, four key scans Y0, Y1, Y2, and Y3 are read at a time. The key matrix for key scanning in this step 603 of the flowchart is the special key matrix 106.

The scan result is taken out from the Y line (step 604), and if either one of the key codes of the special key is output, the function can be satisfied, and it is detected whether one of the key codes is pressed. If possible, the key scan result is ORed with the work area and stored in the work area (step 605). Further, the designated value of the X line is updated (step 606).

If the updated designated value of the X line is within the range of the special key matrix 104, step 60
When the designated value falls within the range of the general key matrix 105, the process proceeds to the next step (step 607). That is, in the key matrix of FIG. 2, when the designated value is 0 or 1, the range is the special key matrix 104, and when the designated value is 2, 3, the range is the general key matrix 105. Returning to step 603, if it is 2, the procedure proceeds to step 608. If the work area is checked and there is a pressed key, the key information is notified to the decoding unit 108, and the decoding unit 108 converts the key information into a key code and outputs the key code (step 608). ).

Next, the key scan unit 109 performs a key scan by designating an X line. From here, the general key matrix 105 is key-scanned (step 60).
9). The scan result is extracted from the Y line (step 610), and if there is a pressed key, the key information is notified to the decoding unit 108. The decoding unit 108
Ghost key detection. If a ghost key has occurred, the ghost key is processed (steps 611 and 612). If no ghost key has been generated (if the key scan is detected by the key scan unit 109), a key code is output (step 61).
3). The key scanning unit 109 decodes the key information into the decoding unit 1
08, the designated value of the X line is updated (step 614). If the updated specified value of the X line is n
If the value is equal to or less than (the maximum value of the X line), the process returns to step 609. If the updated designated value of the X line exceeds n, the process returns to step 601. That is, since n = 3 in the key matrix of FIG.
If the designated value is 4, the process returns to step 601.

Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. ALT
When (R) is pressed, the ALT (R) key code is output. Next, when SH1FT (R) is pressed, SH1FT (R) is pressed.
The key code of FT (R) is output. Next, ALT
When (L) is pressed, no key code is output. Sl
The key code of FT (L) is not output. But AL
Even if the key code of the T key does not occur, no malfunction occurs because the key code that performs the same operation on the system has already been output.

In another case, pressing ALT (L) outputs a key code of ALT (L). Next, when SHlFT (L) is pressed, SHlFT (L)
Is output. Next, when ALT (R) is pressed, no key code is output because a ghost is generated (the ALT (L) and SHlFT (L) key codes are not output). However, even if the key code of the ALT key does not occur, a malfunction does not occur because the key code that performs the same operation on the system has already been output.

When a key is pressed in the general key matrix,
The operation when a key is pressed across the special key matrix and the general key matrix is the same as that in FIG.

[0029]

A first effect of the present invention is that even if a ghost key occurs, it is possible to prevent a system failure. The reason is that the operation of the system assigns a ghost key generation pattern with the same key.

A second effect is that a ghost key generation pattern can be consumed. The reason is that the generation pattern of the ghost key is limited, and the generation pattern of the ghost key can be reduced by intentionally generating the ghost key.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main part of one embodiment of an N-key rollover keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing one operation of a key scan unit and a decode unit in the N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another operation of the key scan unit and the decode unit in the N-key rollover keyboard system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a general key matrix.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram around a switch in a general key matrix.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Information processing apparatus main body 102 Keyboard 103 Key matrix 104 Special key matrix 105 General key matrix 106 Microcomputer 107 Communication processing unit 108 Decoding unit 109 Key scanning unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/02 350 G06F 3/023

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] An N-key roll-over key matrix comprising a general key matrix for performing ghost key processing and a special key matrix which can be operated without system problems even if a ghost key occurs. Keyboard system. 2. A key matrix composed of a general key matrix for performing ghost key processing, a special key matrix that can be operated without any trouble on the system even when a ghost key occurs, and the key matrix is scanned and depressed. A key scanning unit for extracting key data corresponding to the key, a decoding unit for analyzing the key data and converting the key data into a key code, notifying the key code to the information processing apparatus main body, and receiving an instruction from the information processing apparatus main body An N-key rollover keyboard system comprising: a microcomputer configured with a communication processing unit. 3. Each special key constituting the special key matrix is associated with a switch on the same Y line of adjacent X lines or a switch on the same X line of adjacent Y lines on the matrix. 3. The N-key rollover keyboard system according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard system comprises: 4. The N key rollover according to claim 1, wherein each of the special key matrix and the general key matrix is configured to be continuously scanned.・ Key matrix. 5. The N-key rollover according to claim 1, wherein each special key constituting the special key matrix includes a SHIFT key, an ALT key, and a CTRL key. Keyboard system. 6. The rollover keyboard system according to claim 3, wherein a scan result of the special key is subjected to a logical sum operation to obtain the key data.