JP4750872B2 - Parallel designation type signal input device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a signal input device for electronic equipment such as a computer.

The signal input device according to the prior art selects the signal type based on the type of the switch that has been turned on / off.

FIG. 44 shows a PC / AT keyboard interface on the keyboard unit side described in Non-Patent Document 1.
(Constitution)
The keyboard for personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as KB) is a one-chip CPU and key
The matrix is connected,
The one-chip CPU and the personal computer main body are connected via a signal line.
The one-chip CPU includes a storage device.

In the prior art, meanings are individually given to switches for selecting signal types.
In KB, each switch or key has both a function of designating selection of a signal type and a function of determining an input.
(Signal selection method)
Each KB key is associated with a key scan code, which is a signal assigned to each character.
When a key is pressed, a key scan code associated with the key is selected.

(Input determination method)
The input signal, that is, the character, is determined by pressing a key.

(Internal processing method)
The KB control device performs processing internally as shown below.
(1) The control device monitors key on / off.
(2) The KB user turns the key on and off.
(3) The control device detects on / off of the key.
(4) The control device calls the key scan code associated with the key from the storage device.
(5) The control device transmits the key scan code to the personal computer via the keyboard cable.
Some keys are associated with a plurality of key scan codes.
For some of these keys, the control device can use the shift key (Ctrl, Alt, Shift).
) Or Num Lock (ON or OFF), a different series of scan codes is sent to the system.

“Structure of Keyboard & Mouse Port”, Transistor Technology, Oct 1995, p. 224-239 " “Serial Port Programming”, BootSrap, p. 115-137 "

The conventional signal input device has the following problems associated with an increase in the number of signals.
(1) Increase in the number of switches (2) Increase in signal input operation time

(1) Increase in number of switches The number of signals and the number of switches have the following relationship.
Number of signals = Number of basic switches * (2 ^ Number of auxiliary switches)
Number of basic switches: It is the number of switches having a function of inputting a signal, associated with a signal, such as a key for inputting a KB character.
Number of auxiliary switches: When a plurality of signals are associated with one switch, such as a KB shift key, the number of switches having a function of selecting a signal is used.
When there is no auxiliary switch, the number of signals is the same as the number of basic switches.
Therefore, when the number of signals increases, the number of basic switches also increases.
This leads to an increase in the switch installation area.
An increase in the installation area causes deterioration in operability.
Conversely, if the switch installation area is reduced, the size of the switch is reduced.
A decrease in the size of the switch causes deterioration of operability.

(2) Increase in signal input operation time An increase in the number of switches causes an increase in signal input operation time.
The signal input operation time is the sum of the following times.
(2-1) Time to search for a switch (2-2) Time to move the fingertip to the switch (2-3) Time to turn on / off the switch

(2-1) Time to search for a switch If the number of switches increases, time for remembering the position of the switch to be operated or time for visual recognition becomes necessary.
In the case of KB, if it is skilled, it is possible to input a key without visually recognizing the key, but it takes time to find the key with the fingertip.

(2-2) Time to move the fingertip to the switch After visually recognizing the position of the switch, it is necessary to move the fingertip to the switch.
As the number of switches increases and the installation area increases, the time for moving the fingertip to the position of the switch also increases.

(2-3) If a time auxiliary switch for turning on / off the switch is used in combination, the number of switches can be reduced.
From the above formula, if one auxiliary switch is prepared, the number of signals is doubled with the same number of basic switches.
In other words, if one auxiliary switch is prepared, the number of basic switches is halved with the same number of signals.
This makes it possible to reduce the switch installation area.
However, this has some disadvantages.
That is, the number of switches that need to be operated is doubled between the basic switch and the auxiliary switch.
In addition, since it is necessary to operate both the basic switch and the auxiliary switch, it is necessary to open hands acrobaticly, which increases the labor of signal input operation.
This leads to an increase in time for turning on and off the switch.

An object of the present invention is to increase the number of input signals while suppressing an increase in the number of switches and a signal input operation time.

In order to achieve the above object, the signal input device of the present invention employs a method of selecting a signal type based on a pattern type related to an on / off state of a plurality of switches in selecting a signal type.
In order to realize this signal selection method, one of the following two means is adopted as a method for determining whether or not a signal can be input.
(1) A system in which separate switches are responsible for signal selection and input determination.
(2) A method of periodically detecting the on / off state of the signal selection switch.

(Signal selection method)
In the signal input device of the present invention, meaning is given to an on / off pattern by a plurality of switches.
The signal input device according to the present invention has a function of designating selection of the signal type in the on / off state pattern.
A signal selection method based on the on / off pattern of a plurality of switches was adopted.
In order to realize this method, a table for associating a signal definition for each on / off pattern in a plurality of signal selection switches of the present invention is prepared in advance.
When the signal selection switch is turned on and off by the user in the actual use situation,
The control device regards the on / off states of the plurality of signal selection switches as one pattern, recognizes that the signal definition associated with the pattern is selected, and executes transmission processing of the signal .
By applying 0 and 1 to the ON and OFF states of the signal selection switch, respectively, all or a part is taken out to create one binary value.
The signal definition is extracted from the table in the storage device in which the binary value and the signal definition are associated with each other using the created binary value as a key.
The signal definition means a definition related to a signal waveform.
The method of correspondence between the on and off states and 0 and 1 is also a method in which on is associated with 0 and off with 1.
Even if it is a method in which ON corresponds to 1 OFF, 0 may be used as long as it is consistent within the apparatus.
Thereby, a signal is selected.

(Input determination method)
(1) A system in which separate switches are responsible for signal selection and input determination.
In the input determination method according to the fifth aspect, on / off of the input determination switch is used as a signal input trigger.
When changing the on / off pattern in the signal selection switch, it is not obvious to anyone other than the user which pattern of the changing on / off pattern is the pattern intended by the user.
When the operation of turning on / off the signal selection switch is finished, the user needs to explicitly instruct the control device that the signal selection is finished.
Therefore, an input determination switch is provided separately from the signal selection switch.
The control device monitors the on / off state of the input determination switch and, when detecting the on / off state of the input determination switch, recognizes the on / off pattern at the current signal selection switch as the signal selected by the user.
Thereby, the input is determined.
With this method, the user can arbitrarily determine the input timing.
However, the user needs to be aware of the timing of signal input.

(Internal processing method)
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of processing in this method.
The control device of the present invention performs processing as shown below.
(1) The control device monitors the input decision switch on and off in an infinite loop.
(2) When the user of the present invention turns on / off the input decision switch, the control device detects on / off of the input decision switch.
(3) The control device detects the on / off pattern of the multiple signal selection switch.
(4) The control device calls the signal definition associated with the on / off pattern from the storage device.
(5) The control device checks whether or not the obtained signal definition means “no input”.
If so, the controller returns to an infinite loop monitoring the input decision switch on / off.
If not, the control device shifts to signal transmission processing (6) The control device transmits a signal to the electronic device via the signal line.
(7) The control device returns to the infinite loop monitoring the input decision switch on / off.

(Input determination method)
(2) A method of periodically detecting the on / off state of the signal selection switch.
In the input determination method according to the sixth aspect, detection of an on / off state in a periodic signal selection switch is used as a trigger for signal input.
Therefore, the user performs an on / off operation on the signal selection switch in accordance with the detection timing.
The control device periodically detects the on / off state of the signal selection switch.
The control device recognizes the on / off pattern in the signal selection switch at that time as a signal selected by the user.
Thereby, the input is determined.
With this method, the user need only be aware of signal selection.
However, the user needs to match the signal selection operation with the input timing.

(Internal processing method)
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of processing in this method.
The control device of the present invention performs processing as shown below.
(1) The control device monitors the on / off pattern of the multiple signal selection switch in an infinite loop.
(2) The control device calls the signal definition associated with the on / off pattern from the storage device.
(3) The control device checks whether or not the obtained signal definition means “no input”.
If so, the controller returns to an infinite loop monitoring the input decision switch on / off.
If not, the control device shifts to signal transmission processing (4) The control device transmits a signal to the electronic device via the signal line.
(5) The control device returns to the infinite loop monitoring the on / off of the input determination switch.

(No input)
In the present invention, an on / off pattern meaning [no input] is essential.
In both methods shown in the input determination method, there is a case where an unintended signal input is executed.
In order to avoid this situation, in the present invention, an on / off pattern of a signal selection switch is prepared in which no signal is input even when the operation of the input determination switch is executed.
This is designated as [No Input].

(1) A system in which separate switches are responsible for signal selection and input determination.
When there is an odd number of signal inputs, [No Input] is required.
Although the signal input is not required, the input determination switch is turned on.
For example, it is a case where [Enter] operation is performed after inputting “6” and “4”.
If the finger is released from the input determination switch here, a signal reflecting the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is input even if not necessary.
In order to avoid unintentional signal input, it is necessary to release the input determination switch without performing signal input.
Therefore, an on / off pattern of a signal selection switch is prepared so that no signal is input even when the operation of the input determination switch is executed so that the finger can be released without inputting the signal.
This is designated as [No Input].

(2) [No input] is required when the system input operation for periodically detecting the on / off state of the signal selection switch is not performed.
This system repeats the process of detecting the on / off state of the constant signal selection switch.
If there is no on / off pattern meaning [no input], a signal reflecting the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is continuously input even if not necessary.
Therefore, when the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is “00000000”, it is necessary to set so that no signal is input.
This is designated as [No Input].

In the signal definition table, [No Input] is required even for a signal selection switch pattern that does not have a corresponding signal definition.

According to the parallel designation method of the present invention, it is easy to suppress the increase in the number of switches and the signal input selection time accompanying the increase in the number of signals.
(1) Increase suppression of the number of switches (2) Increase suppression of the signal input operation time (3) Other advantages (1) The increase suppression signal number of switches and the number of switches have the following relationship.
Number of signals = 2 ^ Number of signal selection switches The number of input decision switches is at most one.
Therefore, the above equation can be converted as shown below.
Number of signals = 2 ^ (total number of switches-1)
The number of switches is two or more.
The reason is that, in the case of the present invention, a total of two signal selection switches and input determination switches have a minimum configuration.
When a value is substituted into this equation, the result is as shown in FIG.
When this result is compared with the following relationship between the number of signals and the number of switches in the signal input device of the prior art, the result is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 46, when the total number of switches is 7 or more, the present invention can select a larger number of signals than the prior art.
Conversely, in order to designate the same number of signals, if the number of signals is 50 or more, the present invention requires fewer switches than the prior art.
Therefore, the present invention makes it easy to suppress the increase in the number of switches.

(2) Increase suppression control of signal input operation time The increase control of the number of switches suppresses the increase of signal input operation time.
The signal input operation time is the sum of the following times.
(2-1) Time to search for a switch (2-2) Time to move the fingertip to the switch (2-3) Time to turn on / off the switch

(2-1) Time for searching for a switch In order to compare with the prior art, consider the case of inputting characters with a keyboard for a personal computer.
Since the number of signals = 2 ^ the number of signal selection switches,
When the number of signal selection switches = 8,
Number of signals = 256
In the present invention, the number of switches required to select 226 types of characters is eight.
This is the same as the number of fingers of both hands excluding the thumb.
As shown in FIG. 47A, there are 94 characters that can be input with the 101 keyboard.
As shown in FIG. 47B, there are 226 characters used on the Japanese keyboard.
That is, in the present invention, it is possible to designate all characters used on the keyboard while the fingertips are arranged on the eight types of signal selection switches.
Therefore, there is no need to search for the switch position to be operated.
That is, time for searching for a switch is not required.

(2-2) Time to Move Fingertip to Switch “(2-1) Time to Search for Switch” As described, the fingertip may be placed on the switch in advance.
Therefore, there is no need to move the finger between switches.
That is, it is not necessary to move the fingertip to the switch to be operated.

(2-3) Time for turning on / off the switch Also in the present invention, time for operating the switch with a finger is required.
Therefore, the time for turning on and off the switch is also necessary in the present invention.
However, compared to the case where the auxiliary switch needs to be operated in the prior art, it is possible to save time for turning on and off the switch because the trouble of simultaneously operating the two keys can be saved.

(3) Other merits (3-1) The present invention can be expected to have an effect of suppressing user fatigue.
Since there is no need to move the fingertip, it is not necessary to confirm the position of the switch with the eyes.
Therefore, it is not necessary to move the line of sight between the display and the keyboard, and prevention of eye strain can be expected.
Furthermore, since no auxiliary switch is used, it is not necessary to open hands acrobaticly.
This reduces the need to divide consciousness into keystrokes and avoids disrupting concentration.
(3-2) In a conventional keyboard in which the input efficiency is doubled, characters are input only when the key is turned on.
In the present invention, the signal is transmitted regardless of whether the input determination switch is turned on or off.
This doubles the input efficiency.

<Embodiment>
Here, a case where the parallel input type signal input method of the present invention is applied to a personal computer keyboard (hereinafter abbreviated as KB) will be described as an example.

In this example, a PS / 2 type keyboard (hereinafter referred to as KB) will be described.
KB is connected to a personal computer via a keyboard cable.
The DATA line, CLK line, + 5V line, and GND line pass through the keyboard cable.
In the KB, the control device communicates with the personal computer through the DATA line and the CLK line, and is supplied with power through the + 5V line and the GND line.
The control device includes Microchip Technology Inc. A PIC16F876A, which is an MCU (microcontroller unit) manufactured by Fujitsu, is used, and the control program uses a PIC assembler as a language.
A target system for inputting signals uses FMV-450N / S1 manufactured by Fujitsu.
First, the overall configuration of the signal input device will be described, and then the hardware, software, concept, hardware components, software processing procedures, and usage will be described.

(Overall configuration)
FIG. 33 shows the overall configuration of a parallel designation type signal input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This example is composed of one MCU connected to nine switches.
The memory in the MCU stores a signal definition table in which the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is associated with the signal definition.
The MCU is connected to a personal computer via a keyboard cable.
The switch is arranged in the housing.

In software, the nine switches are classified into signal selection switches and input determination switches.
One is an input decision switch.
Eight are signal selection switches.
The input determination switch has a function of determining signal input.
The signal selection switch has a function of selecting a signal.

(Hardware)
The hardware of this example will be described below.
FIG. 34 shows a circuit diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 35 shows an actual wiring diagram of the present invention.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 34, the electronic circuit is connected to the keyboard cable connector (141) via the protective resistors (1701), (1702), (1703), and (1704). Yes.
The power supply and GND are connected to the circuit through electrolytic capacitors (161) and ceramic capacitors (162), which are bypass capacitors, and the ceramic capacitor (163) is also a bypass capacitor.
The MCU (122) transmits and receives signals through the buffer (121), and is pulled up to +5 V by resistors (1705 and 1706) which are pull-up resistors.
The MCU (122) is supplied with clock pulses from the crystal oscillator (151).
The MCU (122) is connected to the switch (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139) via the key connector (142, 143) connected to the switch cable (1302). They are connected and pulled up to +5 V by resistors (1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715) which are pull-up resistors.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 48, the correspondence between the finger and the pin in the I / O port defined for signal selection is defined.
Therefore, eight signal selection switches connected to pins in each I / O port are installed at the assigned fingertip positions.
The housing is configured so that the position of the signal selection switch matches the position of the fingertip.

(Software)
The software of this example will be described below.
FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of processing in the present invention.
This program goes around an infinite loop that monitors the input decision switch.
When it is detected that the input decision switch is turned on, the infinite loop is exited, and signal definition acquisition processing and signal transmission processing are executed.
In the signal definition acquisition process, check the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch,
Get the signal definition assigned to the on-off pattern by referring to the table,
In the signal transmission process, a signal is transmitted.

If the input decision switch is kept on, the signal definition acquisition process and the signal transmission process are repeated at a set time interval.

(concept)
The concept of this embodiment will be described below.
(1) The signal input is triggered only by turning on the input decision switch.
(2) The signal can be changed during auto repeat.

(1) The signal input is triggered only by turning on the input decision switch.
The signal input is not executed in the off operation.
There are two reasons.
(1-1) Because operation becomes easy.
(1-2) To determine whether to cancel auto repeat.

(1-1) Because operation becomes easy.
In order to use both on and off as triggers for signal input, it is necessary to continue the on operation until the off operation is executed after the on operation.
During this time, consciousness must be divided into the operation of the input decision switch.
Furthermore, the determination of whether to turn on or off unexpectedly requires concentration.
These deteriorate the operability.
In addition, no input operation is not necessary when only ON.

(1-2) To determine whether to cancel auto repeat.
If auto repeat is executed until it is off, it will continue to be executed all the time.
Although this is one method, there is a disadvantage that the input timing cannot be determined arbitrarily.
Therefore, auto-repeat is executed only when it is on, and it is canceled when it is off.

(2) The signal can be changed during auto repeat.
This is the difference from a conventional keyboard.
Conventionally, the same character is continuously input during auto repeat.
However, in this example, it is possible to input different characters in accordance with the auto repeat timing.

(Signal definition table)
There are two types of associations between signal selection variables and signal definitions.
(1) Direct reference (2) Indirect reference

(1) Create one direct reference table.
The signal selection variable is used as a pointer for referring to the signal definition on the table.
(2) Create a plurality of indirect reference tables.
In the signal selection variable, the pointer for referring to the signal definition on the table is referred.
Then, the signal definition is referred to by the called pointer.
That is, the signal selection variable is used as a pointer of a pointer for referring to the signal definition on the table.

The indirect referencing method has the following advantages.
(1) The table can be made independent.
(2) A plurality of bytes of data can be obtained.

(1) The table can be made independent.
When a plurality of on / off patterns are associated with one signal definition, it is not necessary to associate the signal definitions with the plurality of on / off patterns in an overlapping manner.
In this case, maintainability is improved by preventing change omission that may occur when changing the signal definition.
Further, it becomes easy to change the correspondence between the signal definition and the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch without changing the signal definition table.
Changing the correspondence relationship with the KB may be a source of confusion, but if it is applied to other signal input devices or customized individually, a necessary case may appear.

(2) A plurality of bytes of data can be obtained.
Since PIC does not have a pointer to program memory, it uses a program technique called table lookup.
When this technique is used, it is convenient to adopt the following technique to refer to data of a plurality of bytes.

In this example, description will be made by indirect reference.

(Key scan code transmission method)
During auto repeat, in order to change the input character, it is necessary to send a make scan code and a break scan code to the system in succession.
There are two types of continuous transmission methods.
(1) The break code transmission process is continuously executed after the make code transmission.
(2) Concatenate and send make code and break code.

There are two types of key scan codes.
Make scan code Break scan code According to the standard, a break scan code is transmitted after a make scan code.
The purpose is for the system to recognize that a key is being pressed.
According to Non-Patent Document 1, “A Make code is generated when a key is pressed, and a Break code is generated when a key is released.”

(1) The break code transmission process is continuously executed after the make code transmission.
A routine for executing transmission processing is started for each of the make code and the break code.
According to Non-Patent Document 1, the majority of scan code set 2 and scan code set 3 are “break code is composed of 2 bytes, the first byte is break code prefix (F0), Two bytes are the make scan code for that key. "
Therefore, a table for defining most of the scan code set 2 and the break code of the scan code set 3 is not necessary.
This can reduce the table size and save memory.

(2) Concatenate and send make code and break code.
A signal obtained by concatenating a make code and a break code is defined in advance, and the make code and the break code are continuously transmitted during transmission.
Although the table size becomes large, there is an advantage that processing can be completed only once.

Regardless of which method is used, characters can be normally input to Fujitsu FMV-450N / S1.

Below, each structural member of the hardware of this example is demonstrated.
The switch and housing of this example will be described below.

(switch)
Switches are defined in two types in the control program.
(1) Signal selection switch (2) Input decision switch In this example, nine switches are divided into eight signal selection switches and one input decision switch.

(1) Signal selection switch In the present invention, a binary value is used as a key for selecting a signal.
A signal selection switch is used to produce this binary value.

The eight fingers of both hands excluding the thumb are assigned to the eight signal selection switches on a one-to-one basis for operation.
That is, the right hand index finger is operated by the right hand index finger switch.
Further, eight signal selection switches are defined in association with each bit of the binary value.
Therefore, by operating the eight signal selection switches with the eight fingers of both hands except the thumb, it becomes possible to operate a binary value as a key for selecting a signal.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 48, the correspondence between the finger and the bit position of the binary value is defined.

(2) Input decision switch Use a thumb that is not used in the signal selection switch.
Either left or right thumb may be used.
In this example, the left thumb is used.

A signal selection variable is defined as a variable for storing the on / off state of the signal selection switch.
When the input determination switch is turned on / off by the user's operation, the control device detects the on / off state of the signal selection switch.
The signal selection variable is defined by associating each bit with an individual signal selection switch.
Therefore, the states of a plurality of signal selection switches are detected in order, and the states are reflected on each bit of the signal selection variable in the form of 0 or 1.

The method of reflecting the ON / OFF state of the signal selection switch to each bit of the signal selection variable is as follows:
Set the bit to 1 when the signal selection switch is on.
Set bit to 0 when signal selection switch is off
Conversely, if the signal selection switch, which can be set as follows, is ON, set the bit to 0.
Set the bit to 1 when the signal selection switch is off.
Which method should be adopted must have a consistent policy within the same device.
In this example, the former method is adopted.

The meaning of the on / off designation is as follows.
ON when the switch is energized OFF when the switch is not energized

A signal selection variable composed of 0 and 1 can be regarded as one binary value.
The control device converts the signal selection variable into a signal definition using a table using the signal selection variable regarded as the binary value as a search key.
The control device assembles signals based on the obtained signal definitions and transmits the signals to the personal computer through the signal lines.

(Casing)
In the present invention, the correspondence between the finger and the switch is fixed.
That is, it is not necessary for the finger to move between the switches.
Therefore, positioning the switch at the location of the fingertip is the basis of the convenience of the present invention.
Therefore, in the present invention, when a hand is placed on the casing, the switch installation location in the casing is determined by means for arranging the switch at the place where the fingertip exists.

(concept)
A type of switch group that can be operated with both hands in one place.
A two-handed housing (3) system in which the switches (130) are gathered in one place.
Regardless of the size of the hand or the length of the finger, the key (313) having a feature that the key top is located under the fingertip has a fan-shaped shape.
Further, the keys have a fan-like positional relationship in arrangement.

(Constitution)
The housing is characterized by a box shape with a two-layer structure.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the two-handed housing (31).
FIG. 37 shows a cross-sectional view (A) of the two-handed casing (31).
FIG. 38 shows a cross-sectional view (B) of the two-handed casing (31).
FIG. 39 shows the shape of the key (313) of the two-handed casing (31).
In FIG. 40, the explanatory view regarding the comparison of the size of the key top of a two-handed housing | casing (31) and a hand is shown.
FIG. 41A shows a top view of the upper layer of the two-handed casing (31).
FIG. 41B shows a bottom view of the upper layer of the two-handed casing (31).
FIG. 41C shows a top view of the lower layer of the two-handed casing (31).
FIG. 41D shows a bottom view of the lower layer of the two-handed casing (31).

The upper layer (311) is a key layer.
The key (313) has a shape diagram as shown in FIG.
Further, the back side of the key (313) is configured as shown in FIG.
A key beam (317) is passed through the back side of the key (313).
A key hinge (315) is provided on the back surface of the key fingertip side (3131) of the key beam (317).
A key switch cushion (316) is disposed between the back surface of the key beam (317) and the switch (130).
This is to prevent the rear surface of the key beam (317) and the switch (130) from colliding and being damaged.

The reason for providing the key beam (317) is to arrange the switch (130) at a position on the key handrest side (3132).
By adopting this configuration, the amplitude of the key (313) can be minimized when the key (313) is pressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment in which the key hinge (315) is a fulcrum of the lever, if the key hinge (315) is too close to the key (313), a large force is required to press the key (313). This is because the fulcrum is too close to the power point, that is, the point where the fingertip is pressed. ,
Therefore, the force required for the finger to press the key (313) is reduced by separating the distance between the force point pressed by the finger and the fulcrum.
The key beam (317) also has a function of preventing the key (313) from being bent.

FIG. 42 (1) shows a means for connection using the key hinge (315).
The upper layer (311) and the key (313) are connected to each other via a key hinge (315) that connects the two split key beams (317).

FIG. 42 (2) shows a means for connection using a leaf spring (318).
The key hinge (315) may be replaced by a leaf spring (318).
The leaf spring (318) can be easily made by fastening it to the key beam (317) with a U-shaped leaf spring stopper (319).
The leaf spring (318) itself is clamped at the end.
The leaf spring stoppers (319) cut the opposite faces at an angle of 45 degrees.
This is to make room for bending when the key (313) is pressed.

FIG. 42 (3) shows a means for connection using the key beam (317).
By using a flexible material for the key beam (317) itself, a configuration in which the key hinge (315) is not used may be adopted.
In the case of this configuration, it is desirable that the adhesive portion between the back surface of the key (313) and the key beam (317) is partially stopped.
This is for dispersing the stress applied to the key beam (317).

The lower layer (312) is a layer on which the switch (130) and the substrate are installed.
As shown in FIG. 41C, the switch (130) is arranged on the key handrest side (3132).
As shown in FIG. 37, the electronic circuit board (1) is installed upside down.
The reason is that even if liquid is spilled into the two-handed housing (31), the risk of the liquid being applied to the electronic circuit board (1) can be expected to be reduced.

(Installation form)
FIG. 43 illustrates an installation example of the two-handed casing (31).
The casing (3) of this method can be used in the same manner as a conventional keyboard.
This housing is suitable for notebook personal computers.

(Processing procedure)
The software processing procedure of this example will be described below.
The definition, infinite loop of input determination switch monitoring, signal transmission processing, signal definition acquisition, no-input operation processing procedure, auto-repeat processing, and usage will be described below.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the control program for the parallel designation type signal input device.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the subroutine.
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the interrupt subroutine.

(Definition)
In this example, as shown in FIG. 48, the correspondence between the bit position in the signal selection variable and the pin in the I / O port connected to the signal selection switch is defined.
The correspondence between the signal selection variable and the signal definition is defined in the signal definition table.

The main variables and flags used in this program are as follows.
(1) Signal selection variable (2) Previous input determination switch flag (3) Current input determination switch flag (4) Signal transmission completed flag (5) Auto repeat transmission enable flag

(1) Signal selection variable A variable that stores the ON / OFF state of the signal selection switch with 0 or 1 bits.
This is the key to refer to the signal definition in the signal definition table.

(2) Previous input determination switch flag (3) Current input determination switch flag In this program, the operation of the input determination switch is determined by these two flags.
This program periodically checks the on / off state of the input determination switch. If the input determination switch is different from the state at the previous inspection, the program determines that the operation of the input determination switch has been performed.
The flag containing the previous inspection result is defined as the previous input determination switch flag.
It is defined as a flag containing the current inspection result and a current input decision switch flag.
If the previous input decision switch flag and the current input decision switch flag are the same, the input decision switch was not operated.
If not, the input decision switch has been operated.
The control device determines.

In order to make a comparison target for determining the input decision switch operation, the previous input decision switch flag is set in advance in initialization.
The on / off state of the input decision switch is reflected in the previous input decision switch flag.
If the input decision switch is on, the flag is 1.
The flag is 0 when the input decision switch is off.
Conversely, if the input decision switch, which may be set as follows, is ON, the flag is 0.
If the input decision switch is off, the flag is 1.
Which method should be adopted must have a consistent policy within the same device.
In this example, the former method is adopted.

The meaning of the on / off designation is as follows.
ON when the switch is energized OFF when the switch is not energized

(4) A flag having a function of discriminating whether or not a signal has already been transmitted in order to limit signal transmission at one time for each on / off operation of the signal transmission flag input determination switch.
Once transmitted, 0 is set.

(5) Auto repeat transmission enable flag A flag for determining whether or not auto repeat execution is possible.
When the input determination switch is kept on, signal transmission is repeated at a defined time interval.
Also called typematic.
According to Non-Patent Document 1, “Typematic is an IBM dialect, so-called auto-repeat.”

(Infinite loop for monitoring input decision switch)
When initialization is complete, an infinite loop is entered to check the state of the input decision switch.
The on / off state of the input decision switch is reflected in the current input decision switch flag, and the previous input decision switch flag is compared with the current input decision switch flag.
Therefore, the following branch is performed.
(1) Both the previous input determination switch flag value and the current input determination switch flag value are 0.
(2) The value of the previous input determination switch flag and the value of the current input determination switch flag are both 1.
(3) The value of the previous input determination switch flag is different from the value of the current input determination switch flag.

(1) Both the previous input determination switch flag value and the current input determination switch flag value are 0.
The following processing is executed.
(1-1) The current input determination switch flag is stored in the previous input determination switch flag.
(1-2) Check the signal transmission completion flag.
This is because, due to the configuration of this program, the process branches to either the on / off processing of the input decision switch.
By setting a flag for determining whether or not the transmission has been completed, the purpose is to prevent the signal transmission process from being executed once after the transmission process is executed.
(1-2-1) In the case of 1, the following processing is executed.
(1-2-1-1) Signal transmission processing (1-2-1-2) The signal transmission flag is set to 0.
(1-2-1-3) Auto repeat is started.
In the case of (1-2-0) 0, it is checked whether or not signal transmission is executed by auto repeat.

(1-2-0) Check whether or not to perform signal transmission with auto repeat.
In the case of 1, the following processing is executed.
(1-2-0-1) Signal transmission is performed.
(1-2-0-2) The auto repeat transmission enable flag is set to 0.

(2) The value of the previous input determination switch flag and the value of the current input determination switch flag are both 1.
Stop auto repeat.
Set the signal transmission flag to 1.

(3) The value of the previous input determination switch flag is different from the value of the current input determination switch flag.
Perform chattering checks.
The on / off state is checked again after a certain time interval, and if it is still different, the previous input decision switch flag is changed.
By changing the flag, the previous input determination switch flag and the current input determination switch flag become the same.
Therefore, it is possible to branch to either the 0 process or the 1 process.

(Signal transmission processing)
After obtaining the signal definition, signal transmission is executed to reset the signal transmission process.

(Signal definition acquisition)
The following processing according to claim 5 is performed:
A pattern of ON / OFF states in a plurality of switches is executed by the following procedure having means for acquiring a definition relating to a signal waveform from a table or a database using a variable reflected in the bit pattern as a key.
(1) Reflecting the ON / OFF state pattern of the multiple signal selection switch in the bit pattern of the signal selection variable (2) Referencing the signal definition table using the signal selection variable as a key

The essential point of the present invention is to convert an on / off pattern of a plurality of switches into a signal definition.
When the user turns on the signal selection switch, the pin connected to the signal selection switch becomes 0V, and the I / O port becomes logically 0.
When the user turns off the signal selection switch, the pin connected to the signal selection switch becomes +5 V, and the I / O port becomes logically 1.
A binary value is created by arranging the I / O port values in the order of definition, and the signal definition is acquired from the table using this binary value as a key.
If hardware implementation and software are defined in advance so that the following sequence is matched, the process becomes simple.
(1) Arrangement of finger (2) Signal selection switch (3) Pin (4) I / O port (5) Bit string of variable (6) Binary value used as key Just get the value and put it in a variable

Furthermore, a table for referring to the signal definition using a signal selection variable as a key is prepared.
The table used at that time has a size of 256 rows.
If the binary value used as a key is “00000000”, if this value is stored in the W register, it jumps to the next address of “ADDWF PCL, F”.
If it is “11111111”, it will fly to the 256th address.
Therefore, a process of returning the signal definition to be associated with the address corresponding to the created binary value +1 from “ADDWF PCL, F” is arranged.
In this example, the signal definition is a make scan code and a break scan code, two key scan codes, and is an enumeration of hexadecimal values of 1 byte or more.

The required tables are as follows.
(1) Signal selection variable key number conversion table (2) Lead address signal definition table (3) Code body signal definition table

There are the following styles other than “(1) Signal selection variable key number conversion table”.
(1) Prepare two tables: a make scan code table and a break scan code table. (2) prepare a new code table that connects the make scan code and the break scan code.

For example, in the case of the key number “11” in the scan code set 2, the concatenated new code is “45F045” in which the make scan code “45” and the break scan code “FO45” are concatenated. is there.
In any style, character input is possible normally.

FIG. 49 shows an example of creating the following table.
(1) Signal selection variable key number conversion table (3) Signal definition table for code body

(1) There are several methods for reflecting the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch in the signal selection variable that reflects the pattern of the on / off state of the multiple signal selection switch in the bit pattern of the signal selection variable.
(1-1) A method of operating each bit of the signal selection variable based on the detected state of the signal selection switch.
(1-2) A method of shifting the signal selection variable by reflecting the result in the carry flag every time the state of the signal selection switch is detected.
(1-3) A method of doubling the signal selection variable and reflecting the detection result in bit 0 each time the state of the signal selection switch is detected.
(1-4) A method in which the value of the I / O port corresponding to the pin connected to the signal selection switch is acquired and directly stored in the signal selection variable.

This example employs “(1-4) a method of acquiring an I / O port value corresponding to a pin connected to a signal selection switch and storing it in a signal selection variable”.
As shown in FIG. 48, the bit of the signal selection variable, the I / O port, the MCU pin, the signal selection switch, and each finger correspond to each other.
When the switch is pressed, the voltage applied to the connected pin becomes 0 V, so the I / O port corresponding to the pin is logically 0.
When the switch is released, the voltage applied to the connected pin becomes +5 V, so the I / O port corresponding to the pin is logically 1.
The lower nibble of PORTTC is acquired and stored in the lower nibble of the signal selection variable.
The upper nibble of PORTB is acquired and stored in the upper nibble of the signal selection variable.
As described above, the on / off pattern created by the user operating the signal selection switch can be reflected in the signal selection variable.

(2) The signal selection variable is referred to the signal definition by the following procedure referring to the signal definition table using the signal selection variable as a key.
(2-1) The key number is referenced from the signal selection variable key number conversion table using the value of the signal selection variable as a pointer.
(2-2) By referring to the value of the key number as a pointer, the pointer value of the head address containing the code body of the head address signal definition table is referred to.
(2-3) By referring to the value of the key number as a pointer, the pointer value of the address containing the code length of the code length signal definition table is referred to.
(2-4) The signal definition is referenced by one byte from the code definition signal for the code body using the value of the head address as a pointer.
(2-5) Using the value obtained by adding 1 to the head address as a pointer, the signal definition is referenced by one byte from the code definition signal table.
(2-6) “(2-5)” is repeated the number of times of the code length value−1.

(No input operation processing procedure)
In this example, the signal selection switch is manufactured by a method of judging whether or not the input operation involves converting the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch into a key number.
Key number 0 is assigned to no-input operation.
The reason is that the key number 0 does not exist in the PS / 2 type keyboard and can be used.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 50, the key number corresponding to the on / off pattern set to no input is set to 0 in the table for converting the on / off pattern to the key number.
Further, when the table reference is executed and the return value is 0, the subsequent processing is not executed and the signal definition acquisition processing and the signal transmission processing are stopped.

(Auto repeat processing)
Auto repeat is realized using interrupts.
The counter is operated at every interruption, and the flag is changed when the set value is reached.
It is easy to implement a method in which a value is set in advance in the counter, subtracted every time an interrupt occurs, and the auto repeat transmission enable flag is set to 1 when the counter reaches 0.

A TMR0 interrupt is generated when the TMR0 register overflows from FFh to 00h.
Therefore, TMR0 consumes 256 instruction cycles in one interrupt.
Now, the time interval for executing auto repeat is not necessarily a multiple of 256 when converted to an instruction cycle. In most cases, it is a fraction. This fraction cannot be ignored when setting the interrupt interval accurately.
Therefore, a fraction obtained by dividing the number of instruction cycles by 256 is set as the number of instruction cycles until the first interrupt is executed.
The Timer0 module is incremented with each instruction cycle.
If a margin for the fraction is set in TMR0 to FFh, an interrupt is generated when the instruction cycle for the fraction is consumed.
That is, a value obtained by subtracting a fraction from 256 is set in TMR0.

The following conditions are assumed.
(1) Operates at 20 MHz.
(2) Use TMR0.
Various interrupt setting values that are easy for the user to operate are as follows.
(1) Prescaler setting value (the lower 4 bits are to be set)
B'0110 '
(2) Prescaler setting target register OPTION_REG (81h)
(3) Counter set value calculation formula Convert the interrupt interval time into the number of instruction cycles.
Since this MCU operates at 20 MHz, the instruction cycle time is 200 ns.
Instruction cycle number = interrupt interval time / instruction cycle time counter setting value = instruction cycle number / FFh = instruction cycle number / 256 (rounded down to the nearest decimal point)
(4) TMR0 set value calculation formula,
TMR0 set value = 256− (number of instruction cycles−counter set value * 256)

As for the setting values of the rate and the delay, the standard setting is sufficient for the delay, but it is easier to use if the rate is set to 1000 ms.

(how to use)
The usage method of this example will be described below.
The explanation was divided according to whether auto repeat was used or not.
(1) One character input (auto-repeat not used)
(2) Character string input (using auto repeat)

FIG. 23 shows how to read this description.

(1) One character input (auto-repeat not used)
FIG. 24 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
(1-1) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
(1-2) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(1-3) Turn off the input determination switch.
End of input

(2) Character string input (using auto repeat)
FIG. 25 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
On-off pattern b'00101011 ', key number 39, key' l '
(2-1) Operate the signal selection switch to configure an on / off pattern.
(2-2) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(2-3) An on / off pattern corresponding to the character to be input next is configured by operating the signal selection switch.
(2-4) The input decision switch is kept on.
Auto repeat started. Characters are entered continuously.
(2-5) Repeat “(2-1) (2-3)”.
(2-6) Turn off the input decision switch.
Auto repeat stop input ends

(concept)
This form has the following concept.
(1) The signal cannot be changed during auto repeat.
(2) Only an ON operation for the input determination switch is used as a trigger for signal input.

In this example, auto-repeat is also called typematic.
According to Non-Patent Document 1, “Typematic is an IBM dialect, so-called auto-repeat.”

Since the example shown in the best mode for carrying out the invention operates differently from the prior art, the possibility of causing an error other than the system used for the test cannot be denied.
Therefore, this example reproduces the same operation in the internal processing as the keyboard for a conventional computer.

In order to realize the same operation as that of the keyboard of the prior art, the break scan code is transmitted to the system by turning off the input determination switch.
In order to change the signal during auto-repeat, a process of continuously transmitting the make scan code and the break scan code is indispensable.
Therefore, it is impossible to change the signal during auto-repeat on mounting.

Character input is not performed in the off operation.
The purpose of this is to realize auto repeat.
If auto-repeat is executed in any of the on-operation and off-operation, character input is always executed by auto-repeat.
In this case, the operation of the input decision switch does not make sense.
In order to consciously execute auto repeat, it is necessary to explicitly instruct the system to start and stop auto repeat.
Therefore, in this example, the following method is adopted.
Instructs the system to stop auto-repeat by turning off the input decision switch.
The system is instructed to start auto-repeat when the input determination switch is turned on for a certain period of time.

(Software)
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of processing in this example.
When the input determination switch is turned on, it is confirmed whether signal transmission is not performed repeatedly by one on operation.
When it is confirmed that the signals are not duplicated, the signal definition assigned to the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is acquired, and the corresponding signal is transmitted.
If it is confirmed that the transmission is to be repeated, a signal is transmitted if it is confirmed that there is a time interval corresponding to the time for executing the auto repeat.
At that time, the signal definition is not newly acquired.
However, in actual processing, even if no character is input, the break scan code is transmitted to the system by turning off the input determination switch.

(Processing procedure)
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the parallel designation type signal input device control program.
FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the subroutine.
FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the interrupt subroutine.

The following two points are different from the example shown in the best mode for carrying out the invention.
(1) Signal definition acquisition is performed before the typematic transmission enable flag check. (2) Signal transmission is executed after signal definition acquisition is performed even in an off operation on the input decision switch.

(how to use)
The explanation was divided according to whether auto repeat was used or not.
(1) One character input (auto-repeat not used)
(2) Character string input (using auto repeat)

(1) One character input (auto-repeat not used)
FIG. 26 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
(1-1) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
(1-2) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(1-3) Turn off the input determination switch.
End of input

(2) Character string input (using auto repeat)
FIG. 27 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
(2-1) Operate the signal selection switch to configure an on / off pattern.
(2-2) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(2-3) Continue input decision switch on.
Auto repeat started. The same character is input continuously.
(2-4) Turn off the input decision switch.
Auto repeat stop input ends

(concept)
An example of a computer program according to claim 2.
This form has the following concept.
(1) No auto repeat.
(2) Both an on operation and an off operation on the input determination switch are used as triggers for signal input.

When auto repeat is used, the user cannot arbitrarily take the timing of signal input.
Therefore, in this example, auto repeat is not used.
Instead, both the ON and OFF operations of the input decision switch are used as signal input triggers.
This doubles the signal input efficiency compared to the on-operation only method.

However, the operation becomes complicated.
In addition to an off operation being added to the signal input operation, an operation of continuing to turn on is added.
That is, after the ON operation, it is necessary to keep the input decision switch ON during the signal selection switch operation.
Further, every time the input decision switch is operated, it is necessary to consider whether this is an on operation or an off operation.
This is surprising.
If you are skilled, you may be able to do it unconsciously, but it is difficult for beginners. Unexpectedly, this method requires skill.

In addition, [no input] operation is indispensable for this method.
When the number of characters in the character string to be input is an odd number, the input determination switch is turned on when the input is completed.
If the input determination switch is turned off as it is, a signal corresponding to the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is input regardless of the intention.
This is inconvenient.
For this reason, when inputting a character string having an odd number of characters, the [no input] operation is finally executed to end the input operation.

(Software)
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of processing in this example.
When the input decision switch is turned on or off, it is confirmed whether the signal transmission is executed repeatedly in a single operation.
When it is confirmed that the signals are not duplicated, the signal definition assigned to the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is acquired, and the corresponding signal is transmitted.

(Processing procedure)
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of the control program for the parallel designation type signal input device.
FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the subroutine.
FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the interrupt subroutine.

The following two points are different from the example shown in the best mode for carrying out the invention.
(1) There is no auto-repeat processing.
(2) Even when the input determination switch is turned off, signal transmission is performed after signal definition is acquired.

(how to use)
Usage changes depending on whether the number of characters in the string is even or odd.
(1) Character string input (Even number of characters)
(2) Character string input (number of characters is odd)

(1) Character string input (Even number of characters)
FIG. 28 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
On-off pattern b'00101011 ', key number 39, key' l '
(1-1) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
(1-2) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(1-3) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
(1-4) Turn off the input determination switch.
A character is entered.
End of input

(2) Character string input (number of characters is odd)
FIG. 29 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
On-off pattern b'00101011 ', key number 39, key' l '
On / off pattern b'00000000 ', key number 0, [no input] operation (2-1) The signal selection switch is operated to form an on / off pattern.
(2-2) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(2-3) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern.
(2-4) Turn off the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(2-5) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern.
(2-6) Turn on the input decision switch.
A character is entered.
(2-7) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the [no input] operation.
(2-8) Turn off the input decision switch.
End of input

(concept)
An example of a computer program according to claim 3.
This form has the following concept.
(1) No auto repeat.
(2) The signal selection is executed using the on / off pattern in the signal selection switch both during the on operation and during the off operation of the input determination switch.

A method of creating one signal selection variable for signal selection by synthesizing both the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch when the input decision switch is turned on and off.
In this example, auto repeat is not used.
For example, if the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is as follows:
When the b'010101101 'input decision switch is turned on, the following on / off patterns are synthesized when the b'000011111' input decision switch is turned off.
b'0101010100001111 '
That is, signal selection can be performed using a signal selection variable having a double bit length.

This has the following advantages.
(1) Using the same number of switches, signal selection can be performed with double precision.
(2) In order to select the same number of signals, signal selection can be performed with half the number of switches.

(1) Using the same number of switches, signal selection can be performed with double precision.
If signal selection is performed with 8 fingers of both hands, the size of the signal selection variable can be 2 bytes and 16 bits.
In other words, 65536 types of signals can be directly specified by 256 * 256.
This can cover 1945 common kanji characters promulgated in 1981.
In addition, the basic multilingual plane (BMP) of Unicode can be directly specified.

(2) In order to select the same number of signals, signal selection can be performed with half the number of switches.
The number of signals of the same type as in the case of operation with both hands can be selected with only the hand on the side that operates the input decision switch, in this example, the left hand.

(Software)
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of processing in this example.
When the input decision switch is turned on, the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is acquired to configure half the bits in the signal selection variable.
When the input decision switch is turned off, an on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is acquired, and the remaining half bits of the signal selection variable are configured.
Subsequently, the signal definition is acquired based on the signal selection variable, and the corresponding signal is transmitted.

(Processing procedure)
FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the control program for the parallel designation type signal input device.
FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the subroutine.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the interrupt subroutine.

The following two points are different from the example shown in the best mode for carrying out the invention.
(1) There is no auto-repeat processing.
(2) In the off operation on the input determination switch, signal definition is acquired and then signal transmission is executed. The signal transmission is not executed in the ON operation.

Further, the processing has the following characteristics.
In order to realize this method with PIC16F876A, the following processing is required.
(1) Reserve a 2-byte area for the signal selection variable.
(2) Branch indirectly at the table.

(1) Reserve a 2-byte area for the signal selection variable.
The PIC assembler cannot define unsigned double precision.
Therefore, two registers are secured and one is defined as an upper signal selection variable and the other is defined as a lower signal selection variable.

After that, the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch obtained by the on operation of the input decision switch and the on / off pattern obtained by the off operation are stored in each.
Note that it is case-by-case which of the upper operation and the lower operation is stored when the operation is turned on.
In the case of character input, it may be easier to set the lower order during the on operation and the upper order during the off operation.
For example, when specifying the date and time, there are some people who describe the hour, minute and second first and then the year and month later.

(2) Branch indirectly at the table.
Also, the PIC can use only 256 memory spaces due to its specifications.
Therefore, the maximum table size that can be created at one time is 256.
That is, a table having a size of 65536 cannot be created at one time.
Therefore, the table is divided and configured.
FIG. 51 shows an example of the table in this example.
First, a branch is performed using a table with the upper signal selection variable as a key, and table reference is executed with the lower signal selection variable as a key in the branch destination table.

(how to use)
Specify the lower position with the ON operation and the upper position with the OFF operation.
FIG. 32 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'0000000100110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
(1) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
(2) Turn on the input decision switch.
(3) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
(4) Turn off the input decision switch.
A character is entered.

(concept)
An example of a computer program according to claim 4.
This form has the following concept.
(1) Auto repeat is a trigger for signal input.
(2) No input decision switch.

Always perform auto repeat.
Therefore, in this example, the operation of the input determination switch is not necessary.
That is, one switch can be saved to specify the same signal type.
Conversely, by increasing the number of available switches,
You can specify twice as many types of signals with the same number of switches.
That is, it is possible to specify 2 to the 5th power, that is, 32 kinds of signals with only the left hand.
Instead, the user cannot arbitrarily take the timing of signal input.

Further, in this method, it is indispensable to set the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch that is not operated to the “no input” operation.
Otherwise, the signal is continuously input.

(Software)
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing in this example.
Always perform auto repeat.
Thereby, the ON / OFF state of the signal selection switch is checked in accordance with the set auto repeat timing.
Next, the signal definition assigned to the on / off pattern of the signal selection switch is acquired, and the corresponding signal is transmitted.

(Processing procedure)
FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the control program for the parallel designation type signal input device.
FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of the subroutine processing.
FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of interrupt processing.

The difference from the example shown in the best mode for carrying out the invention is the following three points.
(1) There is no input determination switch state detection process.
(2) Chattering inspection is not required.
(3) No signal transmission flag processing is required.

(how to use)
Usage changes depending on whether the number of characters in the string is even or odd.
(1) Character string input (Even number of characters)
(2) Character string input (number of characters is odd)

(1) Character string input (Even number of characters)
FIG. 30 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
On-off pattern b'00101011 ', key number 39, key' l '
(1-1) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
The auto repeat execution timing is reached.
A character is entered.
(1-2) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the input character.
The auto repeat execution timing is reached.
A character is entered.
End of input

(2) Character string input (number of characters is odd)
FIG. 31 illustrates how to use this example.
In this example, the following input is taken as an example.
ON / OFF pattern b'00110101 ', key number 49, key' v '
On-off pattern b'00101011 ', key number 39, key' l '
On / off pattern b'00000000 ', key number 0, [no input] operation (2-1) The signal selection switch is operated to form an on / off pattern.
The auto repeat execution timing is reached.
A character is entered.
(2-2) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern.
The auto repeat execution timing is reached.
A character is entered.
(2-3) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern.
The auto repeat execution timing is reached.
A character is entered.
(2-4) The signal selection switch is operated to configure an on / off pattern corresponding to the [no input] operation.
The auto repeat execution timing is reached.
End of input

The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of a parallel designation type signal input device The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of the input determination system which uses an input determination switch The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of the input determination system which uses auto repeat The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of Example 2. FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of Example 3. FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of Example 4. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the whole process of the best form for implementing invention The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the subroutine process of the best form for implementing invention The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the interruption process of the best form for implementing invention The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the whole process of Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the subroutine processing of Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the interruption process of Example 1. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the whole process of Example 2. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the subroutine processing of Example 2. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the interruption process of Example 2. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the whole process of Example 3. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the subroutine processing of Example 3. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the interruption process of Example 3. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the whole process of Example 4. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the subroutine processing of Example 4. The figure which shows the detailed flowchart which shows the interruption process of Example 4. Figure showing explanation about how to use The figure which shows the usage method at the time of non-use of auto repeat of the best form for implementing invention The figure which shows the usage method at the time of auto repeat use of the best form for implementing invention The figure which shows the usage method at the time of non-use of the auto repeat of Example 1. The figure which shows the usage method at the time of auto repeat use of Example 1 The figure which shows the usage method at the time of the even number of characters of Example 2. The figure which shows the usage method at the time of the odd number of characters of Example 2. The figure which shows the usage method at the time of the even number of characters of Example 3 The figure which shows the usage method at the time of the odd number of characters of Example 3. The figure which shows the usage method of Example 4. The figure which shows the whole structure of a parallel designation type signal input device Circuit diagram of parallel input type signal input device Substantive wiring diagram of parallel specification type signal input device Perspective view of a two-handed housing A-A 'sectional view of a two-handed housing B-B 'sectional view of a two-handed housing The figure which shows the shape of the key of the two-handed housing The figure which shows the explanation regarding the comparison of the size of the key top and the hand of a two-handed housing It is a figure which shows each layer of a two-handed type | mold housing | casing, (A) is a figure which shows the upper layer upper surface of a two-handed type | mold case, (C) which shows the upper layer lower surface of a two-handed type case, The figure which shows the lower layer lower surface of a two-hand type housing in figure (D) which shows the lower layer upper surface of a body Figure (1) showing the means for fixing the key of the two-handed case to the case, Figure (2) showing the means for connecting using the key hinge (315), and the leaf spring (318) The figure which shows the means to connect in figure (3) which shows the means to connect using key beam (317) Diagram showing an example of a two-handed chassis installation <FIG. 1> A diagram showing a PC / AT keyboard interface described in Non-Patent Document 1. The figure which shows the calculation result in the relational expression regarding the number of signals and the number of switches Diagram showing the relationship between the number of signals and the number of switches The figure which shows the character which can be input with 101 keyboard in figure (A) which shows the character list input in the keyboard of a prior art The figure which shows the character used with a Japanese keyboard in (B) Diagram showing correspondence between finger, I / O port and pin The figure which shows the example of preparation of a signal definition table (A) The figure which shows a signal selection variable key number conversion table The figure which shows the signal definition table for code bodies Diagram showing an example of creating a no-input operation processing table The figure which shows the example of a table creation of Example 4.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic circuit board 11 Board fixing screw 2 Keyboard cable 3 Case 31 Two-handed case 311 Upper layer 312 Lower layer 313 Key 3131 Key Fingertip side 3132 Key Handrest side 314 Handrest 315 Key hinge 316 Key switch cushion 317 Key beam 318 Leaf spring 319 Leaf spring stopper 32 Left and right housing 33 Glove housing 331 Glove 121 Buffer SN7407N
122 MCU PIC16F873
130 Switch 1301 Switch terminal 1302 Switch cable 131 SW-PB Momentary pushbutton switch 132 SW-PB Momentary pushbutton switch 133 SW-PB Momentary pushbutton switch 134 SW-PB Momentary pushbutton switch 135 SW-PB Momentary Push button switch 136 SW-PB Momentary type push button switch 137 SW-PB Momentary type push button switch 138 SW-PB Momentary type push button switch 139 SW-PB Momentary type push button switch 141 Connector for keyboard cable CON4
142 Key connector CON10
143 Key connector CON8
144 Connector for switch cable SIM socket for 4 switches 145 Switch cable connector for 5 switches SIM socket 151 Crystal oscillator 20MHz
161 Electrolytic capacitor 16v10UF
162 ceramic capacitor 0.1UF
163 Ceramic capacitor 0.1UF
1701 Resistance 5.1Ω
1702 Resistance 5.1Ω
1703 Resistance 22Ω
1704 Resistance 22Ω
1705 Resistance 10kΩ
1706 Resistance 10kΩ
1707 Resistance 10kΩ
1708 Resistance 10kΩ
1709 Resistance 10kΩ
1710 Resistance 10kΩ
1711 Resistance 10kΩ
1712 Resistance 10kΩ
1713 Resistance 10kΩ
1714 Resistance 10kΩ
1715 Resistance 10kΩ

Claims (4)

A parallel designation type signal input device having the following configuration, wherein the present invention is characterized by the following configuration: (1) Means for connecting a plurality of switches to a control device individually and in parallel via a switch cord so,
The switch and the control device are combined (2) means for fixing the switch to a housing;
The switch and the housing are combined (3) means for connecting a signal line to the control device;
The signal line and the control device are combined,
(4) The case is a means for fixing via a key, a hand rest, and a hinge fixed to each back surface,
By placing the key below the fingertip when placing a palm on the handrest,
(5) A switch in which the key and the handrest are combined. The switch is touched to the back of the key by means of contact, and when the key is pressed under the key, the back of the key is By placing the switch at the position where the switch is turned on,
The switch and the key are combined,
The key is
When placing a palm on the hand rest and taking a hand posture that makes it easy to press a key,
Hold ends on both sides of the finger, fingertip direction, finger root direction,
It is a board extending in the fingertip direction from the base of the finger,
It is a plate that has a fingertip end at the tip of the fingertip,
A board with the edge of the base of the finger at the boundary with the handrest,
Each of the keys is characterized by a fan-shaped shape,
(6) Each of the keys is the plurality of keys arranged in a fan shape,
Parallel specification type signal input device with the above features and housing
A computer program having the following means for causing the control device described in the parallel designation type signal input device according to claim 1 to function:
(1) The control device has means for detecting that the input decision switch is turned on. (2) The on / off state pattern of a plurality of switches is set as a variable. (3) The control device has means for acquiring a definition relating to a signal waveform from a table or database using the variable as a key. (4) The control device has acquired the bit pattern. (5) The control device has means for executing a process of sending the generated signal to a signal line according to the definition relating to the waveform of the signal. (6) The control device has an input determination switch. (7) having means for reflecting the ON / OFF state pattern in a plurality of switches having means for detecting that is turned off to the bit pattern of the variable The control device has means for acquiring a definition relating to the waveform of the signal from a table or database using the variable as a key. (8) The control device creates a signal according to the definition relating to the waveform of the acquired signal. (9) A computer program having means for executing a process for sending the created signal to a signal line.
A computer program having the following means for causing the control device described in the parallel designation type signal input device according to claim 1 to function:
(1) The control device has means for detecting that the input decision switch is turned on. (2) The storage device stores the on / off state patterns of the plurality of switches. (3) The control device has means for detecting that the input decision switch is turned off. (4) The on / off pattern of a plurality of switches is saved in the storage device. (5) The control device acquires a definition relating to the waveform of the signal from a table or a database using the variable as a key, and a means for creating a new variable bit pattern. (6) The control device has means for creating a signal in accordance with the definition relating to the waveform of the acquired signal. (7) The control device includes: The serial created signal, a computer program having a means for executing a process sending the signal line.
A computer program having the following means for causing the control device described in the parallel designation type signal input device according to claim 1 to function:
(1) The control device is in an on / off state at a plurality of switches at a fixed time interval by a timer. (2) The control device uses the variable as a key to create a table. Or (3) having a means for acquiring a definition relating to the waveform of a signal from a database or the like. (3) The control device has means for generating a signal in accordance with the definition relating to the waveform of the acquired signal. Has a means to execute processing to send the created signal to the signal line