JP5286439B1 - Screen key input system and screen key input application used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

There is no need to reset key input every time when a plurality of setting contents are used or used in a plurality of computers.
A custom soft key application 110 causes a computer 100 to function as a software keyboard. This software keyboard allows the user to set the contents of key input. The setting storage device 200 stores key information data indicating key input settings. When the setting storage device 200 is connected to the computer 100, the custom soft key application 110 causes the computer 100 to function so as to retrieve key information data from the setting storage device 200 in response to the connection.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a screen key input system using a display having a display surface for displaying an image, and a screen key input application used therefor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a software keyboard that allows a user to freely set the contents of key input has been used. Patent document 1 is an example.

JP 11-327765 A

  According to the conventional technique such as Patent Document 1, when the setting contents are changed and the software keyboard is used, the setting must be reset one by one. Also, when using a software keyboard on a different computer, it must be set for each computer.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a screen key input system and a screen key input application used therefor, in which it is not necessary to reset key input every time when a plurality of setting contents are used or used in a plurality of computers. There is.

Screen key entry system of the invention has been connected to a display having a display surface of images, or, in a computer having the same, a screen key input system for performing a key input by a plurality of custom key, to the computer A screen key input application to be installed; an external storage device connected to the computer; and a custom keyboard connected to the computer , wherein the external storage device includes each custom key with respect to the plurality of custom keys. Key information for associating with key input contents is stored, and the screen key input application causes the display to display a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys, and the external storage device to the computer. Detecting means for detecting connection, An acquisition unit that acquires the key information from the external storage device when the detection unit detects that the external storage device is connected to the computer, and the key information and pointing device acquired by the acquisition unit The computer functions as a screen key input means for executing a key input process based on the position on the display surface and the relationship between the display positions of the images specified via the custom keyboard, and the custom keyboard includes the plurality of custom keyboards. A plurality of keys corresponding one-to-one to the keys, key information storage means for storing information indicating the contents of the key input in association with each of the plurality of custom keys, and a pressed key when the key is pressed A signal corresponding to the key input indicated by the information stored in the key information storage means is transmitted to the computer. A key input transmission means that, based on an instruction from the computer, the key information storage means and a updating means for updating the information indicative of the key input stored. In another aspect, the screen key input system of the present invention is a screen key input system that performs key input using a plurality of custom keys in a computer to which a display having an image display surface is connected or equipped with the display. A screen key input application installed in the computer and an external storage device connected to the computer, wherein the external storage device stores each custom key and the contents of the key input with respect to the plurality of custom keys. Storing key information to be associated, the screen key input application displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on the display, the external storage device being connected to the computer, and , Disconnecting the external storage device from the computer Detection means for detecting each of them, acquisition means for acquiring the key information from the external storage device, the key information acquired by the acquisition means and the position on the display surface designated via a pointing device, and the Screen key input means for executing a key input process corresponding to any of the custom keys based on the relationship of the display position of the image, and an input impossible state in which the screen key input means does not execute the key input process; The screen key input means causes the computer to function as a switching means for switching between an input enabled state in which the key input process can be executed, and in the key input process, the key input content corresponding to any of the custom keys is changed. In order to execute the corresponding process, the application other than the screen key input application When the detection means detects that the process is called and the external storage device is connected to the computer, the acquisition means acquires the key information from the external storage device, and the switching means When the detection means detects that the connection between the external storage device and the computer has been released, the switching means changes the input enabled state to the input disabled state. Switch to possible state. In still another aspect, the screen key input system of the present invention is a screen key input system that performs key input using a plurality of custom keys in a computer to which a display having an image display surface is connected or equipped with the display. A screen key input application installed in the computer, and an external storage device connected to the computer, the external storage device including each custom key and the contents of the key input with respect to the plurality of custom keys, Key information for associating the display key, and the screen key input application displays a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on the display, and the external storage device is connected to the computer. And connection between the external storage device and the computer Detection means for detecting each of the release, acquisition means for obtaining the key information from the external storage device when the detection means detects that the external storage device is connected to the computer, and The computer functions as a screen key input unit that executes key input processing based on the key information acquired by the acquisition unit and the relationship between the position on the display surface and the display position of the image designated via a pointing device. The external storage device has at least one key corresponding to any one of the custom keys, and when the key is operated by the user, the key operated based on the stored content related to the key information A signal indicating a key input corresponding to is output to the computer.

The screen key input application of the present invention is an application installed in a computer to which an external storage device storing key information for associating each custom key with the contents of the key input is associated with a plurality of custom keys, Display means for displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on a display connected to a computer or mounted on the computer, the external storage device being connected to the computer , and detecting means for detecting that the connection with the external storage device and the computer is released, obtaining means before Kigaibu storage device acquires the key information, through the key information and a pointing device acquired by the acquiring unit The specified position on the display surface of the display and the image Screen key input means for performing a key input process in accordance with any one of the custom key based on the relationship between the display position, and the an input impossible state in which the screen key input means does not execute the key input processing The screen key input unit causes the computer to function as a switching unit that switches between an input enabled state in which the key input process can be performed, and in the key input process, according to the key input content corresponding to one of the custom keys If the detection means detects that the process by another application other than the screen key input application is called and the external storage device is connected to the computer, the acquisition means Acquires the key information from the external storage device, and the switching means When the detection unit detects that the connection between the external storage device and the computer has been released, the switching unit changes the input enabled state to the input disabled state. Switch to possible state.

  According to the present invention, when the external storage device is connected to the computer, the screen key input application detects this and causes the computer to function to acquire key information from the external storage device. Thus, the key input process is executed by specifying the position via the pointing device based on the key information acquired from the external storage device. That is, a software keyboard is realized. Therefore, if the setting content of the key input is stored in the external storage device, a software keyboard corresponding to the setting content can be used by connecting the external storage device to the computer. For example, if different setting contents are stored in another external storage device in advance, the setting contents can be changed and the software keyboard can be used without setting key inputs. In addition, a software keyboard can be used only by connecting an external storage device in a different computer.

It is a schematic block diagram of the screen key input system which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a key layout common to the first and second interfaces. FIG. 2B is a schematic configuration diagram of the custom keyboard. It is a top view of a setting storage device. It is a schematic block diagram of a setting storage device. It is a schematic block diagram of the computer by which the custom key application was installed. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function part which a custom key application implement | achieves to a computer. It is an example of an image displayed on a display when setting a custom key. It is a perspective view of the setting storage device which concerns on a 1st modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the setting storage device of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the setting storage device which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is a figure which shows the software keyboard displayed on a display in a 2nd modification.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a screen key input system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The screen key input system 1 is a system that provides a user interface for performing key input to the computer 100. The computer 100 includes a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet computer, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, and the like. The computer 100 includes hardware such as a CPU, a memory, and a hard disk, and software such as an operating system and various applications installed on the hard disk.

  The computer 100 may include an interface for standard key input. This standard key input may be realized by a standard HID (Human Interface Device) such as the mouse 2 or the standard keyboard 3, or may be realized by a software keyboard. In the present embodiment, the software keyboard is a virtual keyboard in which an image corresponding to the keyboard is displayed on a display screen of the display, and key input is performed based on a position designated by a user via a pointing device such as a mouse 2 or a touch panel. A classic keyboard.

  The screen key input system 1 provides an input interface using a custom key that allows the user to set key input contents separately from the standard key input described above. The screen key input system 1 according to the present embodiment includes two types of interfaces as the input interface.

  A custom keyboard 300 is used for the first interface. The custom keyboard 300 includes a plurality of keys (30 in the case of FIG. 2A). This key has a one-to-one correspondence with the custom key in this screen key input system 1. On the surface of each key, characters, symbols, and the like may be written so as to be distinguishable from other keys. In FIG. 2A, numbers 1 to 30 corresponding to the numbers of the custom keys are described as an example. The custom keyboard 300 is connected to the computer 100 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.

  Stored in the custom keyboard 300 are a CPU, a memory, an electronic circuit that generates a pressing signal corresponding to the pressed key when the key is pressed. By cooperation of this hardware and software, the key information storage unit 305 (key information storage unit), the key press acquisition unit 302, the key input transmission unit 303 (key input transmission unit), and the like shown in FIG. A key update unit 304 (update means) is configured. The key information storage unit 305 stores key information data indicating key input contents set by the user for each custom key. The key information data indicates a character string made up of one or more characters, numbers, symbols and the like. For example, the key information data includes data indicating a character string having a length of 1 corresponding to “1” as information on the custom key corresponding to the number 8 in FIG. This corresponds to the character “1” being input by the key input made through the custom key of number 8. Further, as information regarding the custom key of number 29, data indicating a character string having a length of 6 characters corresponding to “abc (0)” is included. This corresponds to input of the character string “abc (0)” by key input made through the custom key of number 29.

  When a key is pressed, the key press acquisition unit 302 acquires key information data corresponding to the key from the key information storage unit 305 based on a press signal generated corresponding to the pressed key. The key input transmission unit 303 generates a key input signal corresponding to the key information data acquired by the key press acquisition unit 302 and outputs the key input signal to the computer 100. The key input signal output here is the same signal as the signal output from the standard keyboard 3 when the key input corresponding to the key information data is made on the standard keyboard 3. Therefore, the computer 100 receives the input signal from the custom keyboard 300 as if it were a signal output from the standard keyboard 3. When the key information data is transmitted from the computer 100, the key update unit 304 updates the data stored in the key information storage unit 305 to the key information data transmitted from the computer 100. Thereby, the user can freely set the key input content in the custom keyboard 300. A detailed setting method will be described later. In this way, by using the custom keyboard 300, an input interface using custom keys that allows the user to set key input contents is provided.

  The second interface is a software keyboard using a display 4 with a touch panel (hereinafter simply referred to as “display 4”). The display 4 may be externally connected to the computer 100 or may be mounted integrally with the computer 100. The display 4 has an image display screen also serving as a touch panel. The keys of the second interface correspond to the keys of the custom keyboard 300 on a one-to-one basis. An image corresponding to each key of the custom keyboard 300 is displayed on the display screen of the display 4. For example, an image corresponding to the key layout shown in FIG. 2A may be used as it is.

  The screen key input system 1 also includes a setting storage device 200 (external storage device) and a custom soft key application 110 (screen key input application) provided for the second interface. As shown in FIG. 3, the setting storage device 200 includes a main body 200a, a USB connection unit 200b, and a state switching button 200c. The USB connection part 200b is provided integrally with the main body 200a and protrudes from the main body 200a to one side. The state switching button 200c is a button for switching the state of the computer 100 between an input enabled state in which key input by software is possible and an input disabled state in which such key input is impossible. Switching between the input enabled state and the input disabled state will be described later.

  The main body 200a of the setting storage device 200 accommodates hardware such as a CPU and a memory. Various programs and data are stored in the memory. The information communication unit 201 and the key information storage unit 202 shown in FIG. 4 are configured by the cooperation of the hardware and software. The key information storage unit 202 stores key information data. This key information data is data that associates a custom key with its key input content on a one-to-one basis. The key information data is data indicating the same contents as the key information data stored in the custom keyboard 300.

  The information communication unit 201 communicates key information data with the computer 100 via the USB connection unit 200b. When the computer 100 requests transmission of key information data according to a unique request procedure, the information communication unit 201 transmits the key information data to the computer 100. If the request for data transmission does not conform to the original request procedure, the information communication unit 201 does not transmit key information data. “Unique” means not unique to a general communication protocol in a randomly accessible recording medium such as a USB memory but unique to the setting storage device 200. When the key information data is transmitted from the computer 100, the information communication unit 201 updates the data stored in the key information storage unit 202 to the key information data transmitted from the computer 100. Further, when the state switching button 200c is pressed, the information communication unit 201 transmits a signal indicating that the state switching button 200c is pressed to the computer 100.

  The custom soft key application 110 is installed in the computer 100 and used. FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the computer 100 in which the custom soft key application 110 is installed. The computer 100 has an I / O interface 120 including a USB interface 121. A standard keyboard 3, a custom keyboard 300 and a display 4 are connected to the I / O interface 120. The setting storage device 200 is connected to the USB interface 121.

  In addition to the custom soft key application 110, a plurality of software such as an operating system, application A, and application B are installed in the computer 100. When the software is activated, the program data is loaded from a hard disk or the like into the memory. The CPU executes a process according to a program loaded in the memory. The process is completed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a memory area used for a program or data is released. In this embodiment, after a process related to a certain software is started, a process related to another software can be started before the process is completed. When a plurality of processes are started in this way, the CPU does not execute the plurality of processes at the same time, but alternately executes the processes of the respective software. When one process is being executed by the CPU, execution of another process that has not been completed is temporarily interrupted. This realizes a state in which a plurality of software processes are simultaneously activated. In the following, processes executed by the computer 100 based on software and applications are expressed as “software processes”, “application processes”, and the like.

  Each application process includes processing corresponding to various input events in the input device. This is done in cooperation with the operating system process as follows. Execution of each application process is temporarily suspended when waiting for user input by the input device. Meanwhile, an operating system process is executed. In the process of the operating system, processing corresponding to various input events is executed. When some input event occurs, the operating system process generates event information corresponding to the input event, and the process of each application is called.

  For example, when an input event is generated by pressing a predetermined key on the standard keyboard 3, event information corresponding to the pressed key is generated and a process such as application A is called in the operating system process. In the called process such as application A, predetermined processing corresponding to the pressed key is executed based on the generated information. The predetermined process includes, for example, a process for managing information input by standard key input as a database, and a calculation process based on a numerical value input by key input. When an input event occurs due to an object touching the touch panel of the display 4, the operating system process generates event information indicating the position on the touch panel where the object touches, and the process such as application A is called. It is. In a process such as application A, processing corresponding to event information is executed.

  As described above, the same signal as that of the standard keyboard 3 is also output from the custom keyboard 300. For this reason, in the process of the operating system, basically the same processing is executed for the input event of the custom keyboard 300 as for the input event of the standard keyboard 3. However, since an input signal corresponding to the input content of the custom key corresponding to the pressed key is input to the computer 100 for the input event of the custom keyboard 300, event information corresponding to the input content is generated. The Based on this, in the processes of the applications A and B, processing corresponding to the input content of the custom key is executed. As described above, the key input by the first interface using the custom keyboard 300 is processed as an input event similar to that of the standard keyboard 3 in the process of the operating system.

  In addition, the process of each application cooperates with the process of the operating system in processing such as image display on the display 4. When the USB device is connected to the computer 100, the operating system process executes a connection process with the USB device in accordance with a predetermined USB connection protocol. In this connection process, the computer 100 receives information identifying the USB device such as a product ID from the device. From the operating system process, an application process corresponding to a USB device connection event can be called. Even when the USB device is removed from the computer 100, an application process corresponding to the USB device removal event can be called from the operating system process.

  The custom softkey application 110 process also cooperates with the operating system process as described above. By such a cooperative process, the connection detection unit 111 (detection unit), key information acquisition unit 112 (acquisition unit), key information storage unit 113, key input processing unit 114 (screen key input unit), and input state switching shown in FIG. The computer 100 functions as each function unit of the unit 115 and the key information setting unit 116.

  The connection detection unit 111 detects that the setting storage device 200 is connected to the computer 100 and that the setting storage device 200 is removed from the computer 100. Whether the connected device is surely the setting storage device 200, not the other device, is determined based on a signal indicating a product ID or the like received by the computer 100 when the USB device is connected. On the other hand, whether or not it is the setting storage device 200 that is not the other device has been removed is determined according to whether or not the port from which the device has been removed is the port to which the setting storage device 200 was connected. Is done.

  When the connection detection unit 111 detects that the setting storage device 200 is connected to the computer 100, the key information acquisition unit 112 acquires key information data stored in the setting storage device 200 and at the same time, the key information storage unit 113. To store. Here, the key information acquisition unit 112 requests the setting storage device 200 to transmit key information data in accordance with the unique request procedure.

  The key input processing unit 114 executes key input processing based on the position where the user touches the touch panel of the display 4 with a finger or the like as follows. As will be described later, a key image corresponding to the custom key is displayed on the display screen of the display 4 by the input state switching unit 115. The user brings a finger or the like into contact with the position of the key image. The key input processing unit 114 acquires, from the key information storage unit 202, a character string related to the custom key corresponding to the key image displayed at the position where the user touches the finger or the like. Furthermore, the key input processing unit 114 executes key input processing that is processing corresponding to the case where key input corresponding to the acquired character string is performed.

  The key input process is executed as follows in the cooperation process between the operating system and the custom soft key application 110. First, in the process of the custom soft key application 110, event information indicating that a key input event corresponding to a character string acquired from the key information storage unit 202 has occurred is generated. This event information is the same information that is generated when an input event corresponding to the character string occurs on the standard keyboard 3. Based on the event information, the processes of the applications A and B are called from the operating system process. In the processes of the applications A and B, processing corresponding to the input content of the custom key is executed based on the generated event information.

  As described above, the key input by the second interface using the custom soft key application 110 is processed in the same manner as the input event of the standard keyboard 3 in the process of the operating system. Since the second interface has the same key setting content as the first interface, the same key input process is executed for the same key when using either the first interface or the second interface. Guaranteed.

  The input state switching unit 115 divides between an input enabled state in which key input via the second interface is possible and an input impossible state in which key input via the second interface is impossible. Switch as follows.

  The input state switching unit 115 holds image data (hereinafter referred to as key image data) corresponding to the key display in FIG. When the connection detection unit 111 detects that the setting storage device 200 is connected to the computer 100, the input state switching unit 115 displays an image corresponding to the key display in FIG. Display 4 is displayed on the display 4. Thus, when the user touches a finger or the like at a position corresponding to the key image displayed on the display 4, a process corresponding to the key input processing unit 114 is called. This is an input enabled state. Note that the function of the display means in the present invention is that the input state switching unit 115 instructs the display 4 to display an image corresponding to the key display in FIG. 2A (hereinafter referred to as a key image). To do.

  On the other hand, when the connection detection unit 111 detects that the setting storage device 200 has been removed from the computer 100, the input state switching unit 115 instructs the display 4 to delete the key image and also instructs the key input processing unit 114 to delete the key image. Prevent the corresponding process from being invoked. Thereby, even if the user touches the display 4 with a finger or the like, the key input processing unit 114 is not called. This is an input impossible state.

  Further, the input state switching unit 115 switches between the input enabled state and the input disabled state based on the pressing of the state switching button 200c in the setting storage device 200. When the switching button 200c is pressed in the input enabled state, the input state switching unit 115 switches the input enabled state to the input disabled state. When the switching button 200c is pressed in the input disabled state, the input state switching unit 115 switches the input disabled state to the input enabled state.

  The input disabled state may be a state in which the process of the custom soft key application 110 is activated and the process is not completed. However, in this state, the process is not called at all by an event other than one of the connection of the setting storage device 200 being detected and the switching button 200c being pressed. This corresponds to the program being in a so-called “resident” state. In this state, when the connection of the setting storage device 200 is detected or the switch button 200c is pressed, the process of the resident custom soft key application 110 is called, waiting for key input by the user as an input enabled state. Switch to the state.

  Moreover, the input enabled state and the input disabled state may be switched by inputting a custom key through the second interface. For example, when any of the custom keys is pressed through the second interface in the input enabled state, the custom soft key application 110 is switched to the input disabled state. In the input disabled state, a predetermined icon is displayed on the display screen of the display 4. When the user touches this display position with a finger or the like, the process of the custom soft key application 110 that has been resident is called, and the state is changed to a state waiting for key input by the user as an input enabled state.

  As described above, based on the detection by the connection detection unit 111, the process corresponding to the key information acquisition unit 112 and the process corresponding to the input state switching unit 115 are executed. These processes are called from the operating system process in response to a USB device connection event or removal event.

  The key information setting unit 116 sets the contents of the key input corresponding to the custom key for each custom key based on the user input. The key information setting unit 116 displays the image shown in FIG. This image includes a key image corresponding to the custom key, an edit form image for editing the contents of the key input corresponding to the custom key, and the like. When the user touches the finger at a position corresponding to the key image on the display screen of the display 4, the custom key corresponding to the key image is selected. FIG. 7 shows a state where the custom key corresponding to the key number 29 is selected as an example.

  When the custom key is selected, the key information setting unit 116 causes the display 4 to display the contents of the key input corresponding to the custom key in the edit form image. In the edit form image, a character string that is the contents of the key input is displayed one by one in order from the top. The edit form image is an image for the user to input text and special keys such as “CTRL” and “Tab”. When the user touches the position of the form on the display screen, text or the like can be entered in the form. The user inputs characters into the form via the standard keyboard 3 or the like. As a result, a new character string is input as the key input content corresponding to the custom key.

  When the user selects the “decision” button by bringing a finger into contact with the position corresponding to the “decision” image on the display screen, the key information setting unit 116 performs key information based on the input new character string. The key information data stored in the storage unit 113 is updated. Then, the key information setting unit 116 transmits the updated key information data to the custom keyboard 300 and the setting storage device 200. The custom keyboard 300 and the setting storage device 200 update the key information data stored in the key information storage unit 113 based on the key information data transmitted from the computer 100 as described above.

  According to the present embodiment described above, by connecting the setting storage device 200 that stores the setting contents of the custom key to the computer 100, it is possible to perform key input using the second interface that is a software keyboard. Therefore, it is easy to change the setting contents and use the second interface by storing different setting contents in another device. If the setting storage device 200 is connected to another computer 100, the second interface can be easily used in the other computer 100.

  Also, the input state switching unit 115 switches between an input enabled state in which key input by the second interface is possible and an input impossible state in which such key input is not possible, according to connection / removal of the setting storage device 200. Therefore, it is prevented that others who do not have the setting storage device 200 use the second interface without permission.

  In addition to key input using the first interface using the custom keyboard 300 as well as the second interface, an easy-to-use interface can be selected as appropriate.

  Hereinafter, various modifications that can be employed in the above-described embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, in the setting storage device 400 according to the first modification, the USB connection unit 400a is connected to the main body 400c via the cable 400b. As shown in FIG. 8B, the setting storage device 400 is used by being attached to an input device such as a mouse 2 using an adhesive member such as an adhesive tape. The setting storage device 400 is provided with a key content transmission button 400e together with a state switching button 400d. The state switching button 400d is a button for switching the state of the computer 100 between an input enabled state and an input disabled state, similar to the state switching button 200c. The key content transmission button 400e is a button for transmitting data indicating the key input content of a custom key selected in advance to the computer 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the setting storage device 400 includes an information communication unit 401, a key information storage unit 102, and a key selection storage unit 403. The key selection storage unit 403 stores information indicating which custom key is selected. In addition to the functions of the information communication unit 201, the information communication unit 401 has the following functions. When the key content transmission button 400e is pressed, the information communication unit 401 acquires the key content of the custom key indicated by the information stored in the key selection storage unit 403 from the key information storage unit 102. Then, the information communication unit 401 outputs a key input signal indicating the acquired key content to the computer 100.

  Information stored in the key selection storage unit 403 is set by a process of the custom soft key application 110 in the computer 100. For example, when the “OK” button is selected on the screen of FIG. 7, the key information setting unit 116 transmits information indicating the last selected custom key to the setting storage device 400. At this time, if the key number 29 is selected as shown in FIG. 7, information indicating the custom key corresponding to the key number 29 is transmitted to the setting storage device 400. The information communication unit 401 updates the information stored in the key selection storage unit 403 to the information transmitted from the computer 100.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the setting storage device 500 according to the second modification includes an information communication unit 501, a key information storage unit 102, a key selection button 500a, and a determination button 500b. In addition to the function of the information communication unit 201, the information communication unit 501 has a function of transmitting to the computer 100 a signal indicating that the key selection button 500a or the determination button 500b has been pressed. Yes.

  A custom soft key application 510 is installed in the computer 100. The custom soft key application 510 has the following functions in addition to the functions of the custom soft key application 110. When information indicating that the selection button 500a has been pressed is transmitted from the setting storage device 500 to the computer 100, the custom soft key application 510 displays an image indicating that one of the custom keys has been selected on the display 4. The computer 100 is caused to function so as to display. FIG. 11 shows an example of the display. A thick frame image indicates that the custom soft key corresponding to the key number 1 is selected.

  When information indicating that the selection button 500a has been pressed repeatedly is transmitted from the setting device 500 to the computer 100, the custom soft key application 510 may receive information every time the selection button 500a is pressed. Causes the computer 100 to function to change the selected custom soft key to the next key. In the example of FIG. 11, each time the selection button 500a is pressed once, the thick frame moves to the next key image one by one in the order of key numbers 1 to 2, 3, 4,. When information indicating that the enter button 500b is pressed is transmitted from the setting storage device 500 to the computer 100, the custom soft key application 510 performs key input processing corresponding to the currently selected custom key. Causes computer 100 to function.

<Modification>
The above is a description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the means for solving the problem. It is possible.

  For example, the setting storage device 200 of the above-described embodiment is connected to the computer 100 by USB connection. On the other hand, the setting storage device may be connected to the computer 100 using some wireless communication means. For example, the connection may be made using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Further, wired connection such as USB and wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used in combination. In this case, for example, when the setting storage device is wired to the computer 100, wired connection has priority, and when the setting storage device is not wired, wireless connection may be used.

  The second interface displays a key image corresponding to FIG. 2A on the display 4, but the user may be able to freely set the contents of the key image. For this purpose, for example, the screen key input application 110 may cause the computer 100 to function so as to capture an image file corresponding to the key image. The captured key image data may be stored in the setting storage device 200 together with the key information data or the like, or may be stored in another storage device such as a hard disk provided in the computer 100. When the key image data is stored in the setting storage device 200, the key information acquisition unit 112 automatically acquires the key image data together with the key information data from the setting storage device 200 when the setting storage device 200 is connected to the computer 100. It is good to be configured to do so.

  Further, the screen key input system 1 may include a device having both the first interface and the second interface. This device can be realized, for example, by adding a function unit of the setting storage device 200 to the custom keyboard 300. In this case, since the storage content of the key information storage unit 202 of the setting storage device 200 is the same as the storage content of the key information storage unit 305 of the custom keyboard 300, any one of these storage units can be provided. Conversely, such a device may be realized by providing the setting storage device 200 with the key 301, the key press acquisition unit 302, and the key input transmission unit 303. At this time, the setting storage device 200 may be provided with a smaller number of keys 301 than the number of custom keys (30 in the case of FIG. 2A). For example, only one key 301 may be provided, and the key input content may be set so that the key 301 has the same function as the state switching button 200c. Specifically, a shortcut key for setting the activation state of the custom soft key application 110 to the resident state or returning from the resident state may be set as the key input content of the key 301.

  Further, as described above, the setting storage device 200 is configured not to transmit the key information data unless the original request procedure is followed so that the key information data cannot be randomly accessed. However, the setting storage device 200 may be replaced by storing key information data in a general recording medium such as a USB memory. In this case, when the storage medium is connected, the connection detection unit 111 may determine the connection based on whether or not a file indicating key information data is stored on the medium. When using a general recording medium, the data is stored in a unique format so that a third party cannot freely access the key information data, or the password is set so that the data cannot be easily accessed. It is preferable that it is preserved.

1 screen key input system, 3 standard keyboard, 4 display with touch panel (display), 100 computer, 110 custom soft key application, 111 connection detection unit, 112 key information acquisition unit, 113 key information storage unit, 114 key input processing unit, 115 input switching unit, 116 key information setting unit, 200 setting storage device, 201 information communication unit, 202 key information storage unit, 300 custom keyboard, 303 key input transmission unit, 304 key update unit, 305 key information storage unit

Claims (8)

A screen key input system for performing key input using a plurality of custom keys in a computer to which a display having an image display surface is connected or provided with the display,
A screen key input application installed on the computer;
An external storage device connected to the computer ;
A custom keyboard connected to the computer ,
The external storage device stores key information associating each custom key with the contents of the key input for the plurality of custom keys;
The screen key input application is
Display means for displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on the display;
Detecting means for detecting that the external storage device is connected to the computer;
An acquisition means for acquiring the key information from the external storage device when the detection means detects that the external storage device is connected to the computer; and
The computer as screen key input means for executing key input processing based on the key information acquired by the acquisition means and the relationship between the position on the display surface and the display position of the image specified via a pointing device. to function,
The custom keyboard is
A plurality of keys corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of custom keys;
Key information storage means for storing information indicating the contents of the key input in association with each of the plurality of custom keys;
Key input transmission means for transmitting a signal corresponding to a key input indicated by information stored in the key information storage means in association with the pressed key to the computer when the key is pressed;
An on-screen key input system comprising: update means for updating information indicating the key input stored in the key information storage means based on an instruction from the computer. A screen key input system for performing key input using a plurality of custom keys in a computer to which a display having an image display surface is connected or provided with the display,
  A screen key input application installed on the computer;
  An external storage device connected to the computer,
  The external storage device stores key information associating each custom key with the contents of the key input for the plurality of custom keys;
  The screen key input application is
  Display means for displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on the display;
  Detecting means for detecting that the external storage device is connected to the computer and that the connection between the external storage device and the computer is released;
  Obtaining means for obtaining the key information from the external storage device;
  Based on the key information acquired by the acquisition means and the relationship between the position on the display surface and the display position of the image specified via a pointing device, key input processing corresponding to one of the custom keys is executed Screen key input means, and
  Causing the computer to function as a switching unit that switches between an input disable state in which the screen key input unit does not execute the key input process and an input enable state in which the screen key input unit can execute the key input process;
  In the key input process, in order to execute a process according to the key input content corresponding to any of the custom keys, a process by an application other than the screen key input application is called,
When the detection unit detects that the external storage device is connected to the computer, the acquisition unit acquires the key information from the external storage device, and the switching unit sets the input disabled state. Switch to the input enabled state,
  A screen key input, wherein when the detection unit detects that the connection between the external storage device and the computer is released, the switching unit switches the input enabled state to the input disabled state. system. The input enabled state corresponds to the screen key input means by the screen key input application from the process by the operating system installed in the computer when the position on the display surface is designated through the pointing device. The process to be invoked is
  The input disabled state is a state in which a process corresponding to the screen key input means by the screen key input application is not invoked even if a position on the display surface is designated through the pointing device. The screen key input system according to claim 2.   The key input process is
  4. The screen key input system according to claim 2, wherein the screen key input system is a process of generating event information that causes a process by the other application to execute a process corresponding to an input content corresponding to one of the custom keys. 5. . A screen key input system for performing key input using a plurality of custom keys in a computer to which a display having an image display surface is connected or provided with the display,
  A screen key input application installed on the computer;
  An external storage device connected to the computer,
  The external storage device stores key information associating each custom key with the contents of the key input for the plurality of custom keys;
  The screen key input application is
  Display means for displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on the display;
  Detecting means for detecting that the external storage device is connected to the computer and that the connection between the external storage device and the computer is released;
  An acquisition means for acquiring the key information from the external storage device when the detection means detects that the external storage device is connected to the computer; and
  The computer as screen key input means for executing key input processing based on the key information acquired by the acquisition means and the relationship between the position on the display surface and the display position of the image specified via a pointing device. Make it work
The external storage device is
A signal indicating a key input corresponding to the operated key based on the stored contents related to the key information when the key is operated by a user when the key is operated by a user; Is output to the computer. 6. The screen key input system according to claim 5, wherein a signal indicating the key input is the same as a signal output from a standard keyboard when a key input corresponding to the operated key is performed. It said key input processing, in the process according to the operating system installed on the computer, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is performed as a process corresponding to the same key input event and if the key input by the standard keyboard is made - The screen key input system according to any one of 6 . An application installed on a computer to which an external storage device storing key information for associating each custom key with the contents of key input for a plurality of custom keys is connected,
Display means for displaying a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of custom keys on a display connected to the computer or mounted on the computer;
Detecting means for detecting that the external storage device is connected to the computer and that the connection between the external storage device and the computer is released ;
Acquisition means for acquiring the key information from the previous Kigaibu storage device,
Key input processing according to one of the custom keys based on the key information acquired by the acquisition means and the relationship between the position on the display surface of the display and the display position of the image specified via a pointing device Screen key input means for executing , and
Causing the computer to function as a switching unit that switches between an input disable state in which the screen key input unit does not execute the key input process and an input enable state in which the screen key input unit can execute the key input process ;
In the key input process, in order to execute a process according to the key input content corresponding to any of the custom keys, a process by an application other than the screen key input application is called,
When the detection unit detects that the external storage device is connected to the computer, the acquisition unit acquires the key information from the external storage device, and the switching unit sets the input disabled state. Switch to the input enabled state,
A screen key input , wherein when the detection unit detects that the connection between the external storage device and the computer is released, the switching unit switches the input enabled state to the input disabled state. application.

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