JP5548165B2 - Keyboard, switch circuit, method for displaying input mode, and computer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for changing a key-top display in a push-type input system such as a keyboard or a push button.

  As a computer input device, a mouse and a keyboard are typical. The keyboard includes input mode operation keys for changing the input mode of the character keys. For example, in a keyboard of a notebook type portable computer (hereinafter referred to as a notebook PC), there are [Insert] key, [CapsLk] key, and [ScrLk / NmLk] key as representative examples of input mode operation keys. [Insert] key changes the input mode between insert mode and overwrite mode, [CapsLk] key changes the input mode between uppercase mode and lowercase mode, and [ScrLk / NmLk] key changes the input mode Is changed between the numeric keypad mode and the normal mode.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228867 shows a voltage of electronic paper so that an input notation corresponding to a function determined by an operator's input switching operation is displayed with a plurality of input notations formed on the surface of one key. Disclosed is a key operation device for controlling the operation. The computer includes a key input mode switching unit that switches a key input mode based on an operation by a key operator in order to validate only a specific function among a plurality of functions given to the keys. The key operation device includes a display switching unit that visually displays an input notation indicating a function effective in the current key input mode determined by the key input mode switching unit.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a key button structure in which the function of the key button unit can be understood by electronic paper when necessary, and the problem that the wiring for display is damaged or the click feeling is lost is disclosed. . In this key button structure, when the key button is not pressed, the wiring for the display unit provided in the case and the terminal of the electronic paper to be the display unit are electrically connected, and the voltage is applied to the segment type electronic paper. Applied.

  The display content of the electronic paper is rewritten at a predetermined timing according to the selection mode by the mode key or the selection menu by the menu key. When the key button part is pressed, the terminal of the electronic paper and the wiring for the display part are disconnected, but the display so far is maintained as a characteristic of the electronic paper even if the voltage is not applied. The document describes that when the display unit is pressed, the display unit may be connected to a terminal so that display data can be rewritten.

  Patent Document 3 uses a storage capacitor in an active matrix electrophoretic display to maintain the voltage of a pixel while the pixel is not addressed so that addressing can be completed in a short time. An electronic display that enables addressing is disclosed. In the thin film transistor array to which the present invention is applied, one terminal of the storage capacitor is connected to the pixel electrode of the pixel made of electronic ink, and the other terminal is connected to the adjacent gate line.

  In Patent Document 4, in a segmented electrophoretic display device, the voltage applied to the segment electrode and the common electrode is stopped in order to perform common swing driving, and they are set to high impedance to stop the movement of the electrophoretic particles. An invention for suppressing a kickback phenomenon that occurs when a display pattern is held is disclosed. In this invention, paying attention to the cause of the kickback phenomenon due to the difference in capacitance caused by the electrode area of the common electrode and the segment electrode, the segment electrode and the low potential are compensated to compensate for the capacitance of the segment electrode. A capacitive element is connected to the power source.

JP 2008-262420 A JP 2009-87865 A JP 2009-878765 A JP 2008-242382 A

  In conventional keyboards, the input mode when some of the input mode operation keys are operated is displayed on an LED provided on the lower edge of the keyboard or display. However, since it is difficult to recognize the input mode on the LED display, there has been a problem of erroneous input. In addition, it is difficult to provide LEDs for all input modes in terms of space and cost. Further, since the input mode is not displayed for the key affected by the input mode, for example, when a notebook PC sharing the numeric key and the character key is changed to the numeric key mode, which is the numeric key. The key-top printing alone is difficult to recognize, and the ten-key mode is rarely used.

  In the key operation device of Patent Document 1, since the display switching unit and the electronic paper are connected by a plurality of control codes, the control code is damaged by the key operation for a long period of time or the mechanical movement of the keys is affected. Giving a touch and damaging the touch. In this regard, in the key button structure of Patent Document 2, in order to solve such a problem, the electrode of the electronic paper and the display wiring of the case may be separated by the operation of the key button.

  However, in order to provide electronic paper on the key top of a computer keyboard, it is necessary to change the structure of the existing keyboard as much as possible. In this respect, Patent Document 2 shows an example in which the key structure according to the invention is applied to a mobile phone. However, since a case in which a wiring for a display unit is provided around each key is necessary, It is difficult to apply to a keyboard, and it is even more difficult to apply to a notebook PC with little space between adjacent keys.

  Further, in the key button structure of Patent Document 2, the pattern of the voltage applied to the display portion wiring is determined by a mode key or menu key other than the display target key, and is the display target. Since it is not generated by pressing the key, it cannot be applied to the input mode operation key of the computer that displays the display of the input mode changed by pressing the key on the electronic paper of the key.

  Patent Document 2 describes that the terminal of the electronic paper and the terminal on the wiring side may be connected when pressed. However, in order to change the display of the electronic paper, it is necessary to apply a voltage of a predetermined value or more for a predetermined time or more. Therefore, the pressing speed of the key button is limited by the time to be secured for changing the display of the electronic paper. Therefore, in order to apply to a computer keyboard, it is necessary to solve this problem.

  In this respect, Patent Document 3 or Patent Document 4 describes using a capacitor for electronic paper, but using a capacitor to supplement the application time of a voltage applied to electronic paper mounted on a key is not possible. Not suggested. Furthermore, when the display of the electronic paper provided on the input mode operation key is changed in conjunction with the key press, if the computer system determines the input mode as before, the user who performs the key input at high speed The problem is that the voltage application time for electronic paper cannot be secured sufficiently with the keyboard used by the PC, the keyboard with a short key stroke, such as a notebook PC, or the external keyboard with serial transfer for scan code transfer. is there.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a computer input system that enables display of an input mode by electronic paper provided on a key top while minimizing the influence on an existing keyboard architecture. A further object of the present invention is to provide a switch circuit for an electric device that can display an input mode by electronic paper. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a computer equipped with such an input system. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for displaying an input mode on an electronic paper arranged on a key of a keyboard.

  In general, a computer input system provides a predetermined space between touch portions of each key so as not to make a mistake in pressing, or gives a repulsive force specific to a pressing operation to realize a comfortable click feeling. It is built on the basis of a unique architecture. The present invention provides an input system that enables display of an input mode by electronic paper on a key top without compromising the advantages of the existing architecture regarding such operability.

  The input system includes an input mode operation key for changing the input mode, an electronic paper arranged on the surface of the input mode operation key and capable of displaying the input mode, and a plurality of keys provided for each key. Includes key switches that close contacts when pressed. Furthermore, a power supply side contact that supplies a predetermined voltage pattern to the electronic paper and a display side contact that is connected to the electronic paper and contacts the power supply side contact when the input mode operation key is pressed are included.

  With such a configuration, when an input mode operation key is pressed, a voltage is supplied to the electronic paper disposed on the key and a predetermined display is performed. Electronic paper can be composed of a segment type display circuit. The electronic paper can be electrophoretic electronic paper including a micro capsule, a counter electrode, and a segment electrode. A capacitor for maintaining a voltage to be applied to the electronic paper can be provided between the counter electrode and the segment electrode of the electronic paper even after the contact on the power supply side and the contact on the display side are opened.

  As a result, even if the contact time on the power supply side and the contact on the display side is short, charging of the capacitor is completed during that time, and then the time to apply voltage to the electronic paper with the voltage of the capacitor can be secured. it can. The input system further detects the operation of a voltage pattern generation circuit that outputs a predetermined voltage pattern to the contact on the power source side based on an inversion signal that inverts the current input mode, and a key switch corresponding to the input mode operation key. An input mode determination circuit that sends an inverted signal to the voltage pattern generation circuit may be included.

  The input mode determination circuit may include a hardware logic circuit that is connected to the scan line and the decoder line corresponding to the input mode operation key of the key matrix and detects that the input mode operation key is pressed. The input mode determination circuit may include a hardware logic circuit that detects that the input mode operation key is pressed based on the scan code received from the scan code generation circuit.

  According to such an input mode determination circuit, a voltage pattern corresponding to the changed input mode can be output to the electronic paper of the input mode operation key in a short time after the key switch is operated. Therefore, it is possible to secure the time during which the contact on the power supply side and the contact on the display side in the state where the voltage pattern appears are in contact. The input mode determination circuit is set by a computer system that determines an input mode based on a scan code generated by pressing an input mode operation key, and the first hardware logic circuit or the second hardware logic circuit A status register including a bit indicating the input mode to be detected, a detection circuit for comparing the input mode determined by the computer system with the input mode indicated by the bit of the status register, and a display circuit connected to the detection circuit.

  According to such a configuration, the display circuit can notify the user when the result of the input mode previously determined by the hardware logic circuit is different from the result determined by the computer system later. The electronic paper can be placed on an input mode reflecting key that is affected by the input mode changed by the input mode operation key. The voltage pattern generation circuit can output a predetermined voltage pattern to the electronic paper of the input mode operation key and the electronic paper of the input mode reflection key.

  The change of the input mode by the input mode operation key may be realized by a combination of pressing two keys. The input system of the present invention can be applied to notebook computers and desktop computers. Furthermore, the key input system of the present invention can be applied to a switch circuit of an electrical device other than a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a computer input system capable of displaying an input mode by electronic paper provided on a key top while minimizing an influence on an existing keyboard architecture. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch circuit for an electric device capable of displaying an input mode by electronic paper. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a computer equipped with such an input system could be provided. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method for displaying an input mode on an electronic paper arranged on a key of a keyboard can be provided.

It is a figure which shows an example of the keyboard layout with which a notebook PC is equipped. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of any input mode operation key or input mode reflection key constituting the keyboard 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining electronic paper 101 and display wiring 125 arranged on the surface of a “ScrLk / NmLk” key 52. It is a figure explaining a mode that a capacitor | condenser is provided in the "ScrLk / NmLk" key 52. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the input system containing the keyboard 10 mounted in notebook PC. It is a figure which shows the time relationship until operation | movement of the key switch 119 until it resets after the key 100 is pressed, operation | movement of the display switch 113, and a voltage pattern is output. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the input system which completes preparations for voltage pattern generation in a short time. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the input system of FIG. It is a figure explaining the other example of the display content of an electronic paper.

[Key layout]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a keyboard key arrangement of a notebook PC. The keyboard 10 is a so-called numeric keypad-less keyboard in which numeric keys are shared with character keys. The keyboard according to the present invention may be a full keyboard used for a desktop computer with a PS / 2 interface or USB. On the full keyboard, the numeric keypad is provided independently. When viewed from the top, each key has a structure in which the key top includes a flat part and an inclined part around the key top, and as long as the flat part of the key top is pressed, the adjacent key can be pressed. Is configured to not.

  The keyboard 10 includes an [Insert] key 51, a [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52, and a [CapsLk] key 53 as an example of a key for changing an input mode, and a [Shift] key 54 and an operation performed in combination with these keys. [Fn] key 55 is included. The keyboard 10 further includes ten shared keys 56 surrounded by a dotted line. The shared key 56 functions as a character key or a numeric keypad by changing the input mode by operating the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52.

  When the [Insert] key 51 is pressed once for an application capable of text input, the input mode from the keyboard 10 changes to the overwrite mode, and when pressed again, the mode changes to the insertion mode. At this time, in a certain application, the current input mode is displayed on the status bar. If the [CapsLk] key 53 is pressed while the [Shift] key 54 is pressed, the input mode from the character key is changed to the uppercase mode. Similarly, when the key is pressed again, the lowercase input mode is restored.

  When the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 is pressed while the [Fn] key 55 is pressed, the shared key 56 is set to the ten key mode, and when it is pressed again, the normal mode is set. In the notebook PC 10 equipped with the keyboard 10, when the input mode is changed to the capital letter mode or the numeric keypad mode, the LED provided on the keyboard 10 or the display is turned on to notify the user. The state of the input mode by pressing the key 51 is not displayed on the LED. Furthermore, each time the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 is pressed alone, the input mode of the spreadsheet application changes to the scroll lock mode in which the selected cell does not move or scrolls when it is scrolled. To do.

  The [Insert] key 51, the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52, the [CapsLk] key 53, and the like are keys that can change the input mode from the keyboard 10, and these keys are hereinafter referred to as input mode operation keys. I will decide. The input mode operation key is a key for performing an operation to maintain the changed input mode even if the input mode is changed when the key is pressed and then released. The input mode operation key may be of a type that changes the input mode when the key is pressed and then released.

  The input mode operation key further includes a key for switching between full-width input and half-width input, and a key for switching an input character mode such as Roman character input and Hiragana input on a Japanese keyboard. The input mode changes between pressing the [Sit] key 54 and then pressing the character key to enter capital letters and pressing only the letter key and entering lowercase letters. The [Shift] key 54 for changing the input mode only when the key is operated is not included in the input mode operation key. This is because such a key temporarily changes the input mode and therefore has little significance for displaying the input mode. However, the present invention does not exclude displaying the current function of such a key on the electronic paper.

  Some input mode operation keys are operated alone as described above, and others are operated in combination with auxiliary keys such as the [Fn] key 55 or the [Shift] key 54. Some keys are affected by the input mode and some keys are not affected. For example, ten shared keys 56 are affected by the ten key mode. In Japanese keyboards, Roman characters and hiragana characters are engraved on the key tops of each character key, and such character keys are affected by the input character mode. The key that is affected by the input mode is referred to as an input mode reflection key.

[Key structure with electronic paper]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of any one of the input mode operation keys or the input mode reflection keys constituting the keyboard 10. The present invention is applied to a press-type keyboard in which a key switch is operated by moving a pressed key top by a certain stroke. The push-down keyboard includes an independent switch type having a mechanical switch corresponding to the number of keys and a membrane type having a membrane sheet. The present invention excludes touch capacitive keyboards that do not cause mechanical displacement or stroke at the key top during operation. Further, some membrane types use a rubber dome, a pantograph, a buckling spring (buckling spring), or the like as an actuator mechanism, and any of these methods can be applied to the present invention. The key 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 employs a mechanism that combines a rubber dome and a pantograph.

  A membrane sheet 117 is disposed on the lower plate 121, and an upper plate 115 is disposed on the membrane sheet 117. The membrane sheet 117 has a structure in which two plastic films each having a large number of wiring patterns and contacts printed on the surface are overlapped with a spacer interposed therebetween. Each contact of one plastic film is connected to the scan line, and each contact of the other plastic film is connected to the decoder line.

  Each key switch 119 composed of a scan line, a decoder line, and two contacts constitutes the key matrix 161 of FIG. The scan line is connected to the scan driver 13 in FIG. 5, and the decoder line is connected to the decoder 15 in FIG. When the key 100 is pressed, the membrane sheet 117 closes the key switch 119 and outputs a key signal indicating the physical position of the key through the scan line and the decoder line. The upper plate 115 has an opening formed around the key switch 119, and the membrane sheet 117 is exposed at the opening so that the pressure of the key 100 pressed from the rubber dome 129 can be received.

  A rubber dome 129 is disposed on a portion where the membrane sheet 117 is exposed. The rubber dome 129 receives the pressure when the key top 103 is pressed from the link mechanism 105 and sinks downward. When the pressure is released, the rubber dome 129 can return to its original shape with its restoring force. Yes. Of the pair of link mechanisms 105 and 107 forming the pantograph mechanism, the link mechanism 105 includes a pressure portion (not shown) that presses the top of the rubber dome 129. The link mechanism 105 includes a fixed shaft 105b and a movable shaft 105a, and the link mechanism 107 includes a fixed shaft 107a and a movable shaft 107b. The fixed shaft 107 a can be rotated in a bearing portion formed on the back side of the key top 103. The fixed shaft 105 b can be rotated in a bearing portion formed on the upper plate 111.

  When the key 100 is pressed, the movable shaft 105a slides on a bearing portion formed on the back side of the key top 103 and moves to a position 105a ', and the movable shaft 107b is a bearing portion formed on the upper plate 111. Is moved to position 107b ′. The link mechanisms 105 and 107 are connected in an X shape so as to be able to rotate with respect to each other at their center portions. When the user depresses the key 100, the link mechanisms 105 and 107 and the rubber dome 129 are displaced while the key top 103 maintains the posture before the depression.

  When the pressure part of the link mechanism 105 deforms the top of the rubber dome 119 under pressure, a repulsive force is applied to the finger. The rubber dome 119 exerts a repulsive force up to the limit of deformation, but when the limit is reached, the top is recessed and the repulsive force weakens suddenly, the key top 103 sinks and the key switch 119 operates. Since the repulsive force provides the user with a sense of security that the key has been operated reliably and a good click feeling, the key 100 causes the movement of the link mechanisms 105 and 107 and the rubber dome 119 when incorporating electronic paper. It is necessary not to disturb.

  An electronic paper 101 is arranged on the front side of the key top 103, and a transparent key cover 127 is arranged on the electronic paper 101. A plurality of wires from the electronic paper 101 are connected to one contact 109 of the display switch 113. The contacts 109 are provided by the number of wires necessary for displaying the electronic paper 101 in each key. The upper plate 115 is provided with the other contact 111 of the display switch 113. The number of the contacts 111 corresponding to the number of the contacts 109 is provided.

  The wiring 123 connected to the contact 111 is connected to a display wiring 125 formed on the membrane sheet 117 through the upper plate 115. The display wiring 125 is connected to the voltage pattern generation circuit 19 as indicated by reference numerals 125a to 125c in FIG. When the key 100 is pressed, the input mode is determined based on the key signal output with the contact of the key switch 119 closed, and a voltage pattern corresponding to the changed input mode appears on the display wiring 125. The method for generating the voltage pattern will be described in detail later.

  When the contact 109 is in contact with the contact 111 for a predetermined time during the operation of the key 100 for operating the key switch 119, the electronic paper 101 to which voltage is applied is input based on the voltage pattern appearing on the display wiring 125. Change or invert the mode display. The structure of the display switch 113 maintains good operability because wiring and contacts for applying a voltage to the electronic paper 101 do not disturb the movements of the link mechanisms 105 and 107 and the rubber dome 129 so much. Can do.

[Electronic paper]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the electronic paper 101 and the display wiring 125 arranged on the surface of the “ScrLk / NmLk” key 52. The key top 103 is colored black as an example. As shown in FIG. 3A, around the “ScrLk / NmLk” key 52, three display wirings 125 are arranged so that the display switches 113 a to 113 c can be connected to the electronic paper 101. .

  As shown in FIG. 3B, electrophoretic electronic papers 155 and 157 shown in FIG. 3C are arranged at positions 151 and 153 on the surface of the key top 103, respectively. The electronic papers 155 and 157 are segment-type reflective display media, and a plurality of micro capsules are arranged in a region constituting a character. In the background area other than the area constituting the characters of the electronic paper 155 and 157, the micro capsule is not arranged and is colored in the same black color as the surface of the key top 103. The microcapsule is filled with negatively charged black fine particles and positively charged white fine particles in a transparent liquid, further provided with a transparent counter electrode on the display side and a segment electrode on the back side.

  When a negative voltage is applied to the segment electrode, the electronic paper 155 moves the white migrating particles to the counter electrode side so that the character “ScrLk” can be recognized in contrast to the background color. The electrophoretic particles move to the counter electrode side and the character “ScrLk” cannot be recognized in comparison with the background color. Accordingly, the electronic paper 155 displays characters when a negative voltage is applied to the segment electrodes in contrast to the background color, and disappears when a positive voltage is applied. The electronic paper 157 is displayed on the same principle.

The “ScrLk / NmLk” key 52 requires a total of three wires for the two segment electrodes and the counter electrode that display or hide the characters “ScrLk” and “NmLK” independently. Incidentally, by providing a micro-capsule in the background region of the electronic paper 155, view back ground always black, but the color of the character area and a background area can be changed or simultaneously, in which case the background area A total of four wires are required including the wires for the segment electrodes.

  Since the electronic paper 155 and 157 display characters in two colors, white and black, in contrast to the color of the background region, if the colors of the background region and the character region when the characters are not displayed are matched, the characters are displayed. It disappears and the function of the key cannot be recognized. In order to prevent this, it is desirable to slightly change the color of the background region from white or black, or to add light coloring or unevenness to the key cover 127 so that the key cover 127 can be visually recognized even if the characters disappear. It is also possible to prevent the characters from disappearing by applying a voltage so as to invert the color of the background region and the color of the character region at the same time.

  It is also possible to display only one of the characters by arranging a micro capsule so that two characters overlap each other on the electronic paper. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the micro capsule is arranged so that the letter “A” and the letter “O” overlap with the electronic paper. The segment electrode is divided into a part that displays only the letter “A”, a part that displays only the letter “O”, and a part that is common to the display of the letters “A” and “O”. Can be displayed.

FIG. 9B shows an example in which electronic paper is applied to a push button for changing the volume, not a key. The push button can be configured similarly to the key 100 of FIG. 2 by providing a main switch and a display switch corresponding to the key switch. The display of the electronic paper can be changed when the current volume level changes each time the push button is pressed. Electronic paper is not only an electrophoretic type, but also a twisted ball type that uses spherical fine particles that are painted in white and black for each hemisphere, and a method in which only one charged fine particle is packed in a colored liquid. Other principles can also be used.

[Auxiliary capacitor]
The electronic paper 155, 157 needs to continuously apply a DC voltage of 15 V or more in absolute value for about 200 milliseconds or more in order to move the charged fine particles to the counter electrode. When a key equipped with electronic paper 155 and 157 is operated at a normal speed, it is difficult for the time during which the display switch 113 is closed and the voltage is applied to the electronic paper to satisfy this condition. In this embodiment, the counter electrode and the segment electrode are arranged so that the electronic paper can be displayed even if the contact 111 on the display wiring 125 side where the voltage pattern appears and the contact 109 on the electronic paper side are separated in a short time. Connect a capacitor between them.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining capacitors provided in the “ScrLk / NmLk” key 52. The electronic papers 155 and 157 include counter electrodes 155a and 155b, segment electrodes 155b and 157b, and capsule modules 155c and 157c, respectively. The counter electrode 155a and the counter electrode 157a are connected to each other and further connected to the contact point 109a. The segment electrode 155b is connected to the contact 109c, and the segment electrode 157b is connected to the contact 109b.

  A capacitor 155d is connected between the counter electrodes 155a and 157a and the segment electrode 155b, and a capacitor 157d is connected between the counter electrodes 155a and 157a and the segment electrode 157b. The capacitances of the capacitors 155d and 157d are 4.7 μF as an example. The capacitors 155d and 157d are charged when a DC voltage having an absolute value of 18V is applied for about 4 milliseconds.

  When the display switch 113 is closed while a voltage pattern appears on the display wiring 125, the capacitors 155d and 157d are initially charged. A voltage necessary for changing the display is not applied to the electronic papers 155 and 157 until the charging of the capacitors 155d and 157d has progressed considerably. However, the electronic paper 155, 157 consumes little power.

  Therefore, when the charging of the capacitors 155d and 157d is completed and the terminal voltage increases to 18V, the capacitors 155d and 157d increase the voltage between the counter electrodes 155a and 157a and the segment electrodes 155b and 157b to 15V or more for 200 milliseconds or more. It is possible to maintain and display electronic paper. This is almost the same even when a voltage having a polarity opposite to the voltage already charged in the capacitors 155d and 157d is applied. Therefore, the display of the electronic paper can be reversed corresponding to the case where the keyboard 10 is typed at high speed. Capacitors 155 d and 157 d are attached to the back side of the key top 103.

[Key input system]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the input system including the keyboard 10 mounted on the notebook PC. The LED display circuit 11 displays ScrLk, CapsLk, and NmLk indicating the input mode of the keyboard 10 based on a command from the computer system 33. The key matrix 161 is connected to the scan driver 13 by 16 scan lines 163 and is connected to the decoder 15 by 8 decoder lines 165. The end of the decoder line of the key matrix 161 that is not connected to the decoder 15 is connected to a voltage source. In the scan driver 13, a scan switch is connected between each scan line 163 and the ground.

  The scan driver 13 sequentially turns on / off the scan switches so that any one scan line 163 is connected to the ground at a certain moment. The scan driver 13 switches the scan switch on / off in order from the first scan line to the 16th scan line, and then returns to the first scan line and repeats this operation. The time that the scan driver 13 makes a round of the scan line 163 is called a scan cycle.

  The key matrix 161 sends a key signal for specifying the physical position of the pressed key to the scan driver 13 and the decoder 15 through the scan line 163 and the decoder line 165. The decoder 15 reads the potentials of the eight decoder lines 165 at the same time while matching the operation with the operation of the scan driver 13. The scan code generation circuit 17 recognizes the scan line 163 whose potential is at the ground level at a certain moment and the decoder line 165 which is at the ground level at the same timing, so that the pressed key is pressed. Is recognized and a corresponding scan code is generated.

  The scan code is data of 1 to 4 bytes assigned to each key and indicates the physical position of the key on the keyboard 10. The scan code includes a make code generated when the key switch 119 is closed and a break code generated when the key switch 119 is released. The interface 23 includes an 8-bit register in which I / O ports are mapped to 60h and 64h, and an interrupt controller.

  The computer system 33 includes a CPU 27, an OS 29, an application 31, a main memory (not shown), a device driver, a BIOS, and the like. When the scan code is written in the register of the I / O port 60h by the scan code generation circuit 17, the interface 23 causes the CPU 27 to generate an interrupt. In the CPU 27 receiving the interrupt, the OS 29 and the application 31 are executed.

  The keyboard driver of the OS 29 converts the scan code read from the I / O port 60 h into a character code used inside the computer system 33 and sends it to the application 31. When the input mode operation key is pressed, the computer system 33 recognizes that the input mode has been changed from the scan code of the key. For example, when the input mode is changed to the capital letter mode, the OS 29 subsequently converts the input from the character key into a character code indicating a capital letter and sends it to an application having an active window at that time.

  The OS 29 also writes a command and data for displaying the LED 11 on the I / O port 60h in order to notify the keyboard 10 of the changed input mode. When the interface 23 receives, for example, a command and data indicating the capital letter mode in the register, the scan code generation circuit 17 turns on the LED corresponding to CapsLk of the LED display circuit 11.

  The electronic papers 101a, 101b, and 101c are arranged in an [Insert] key 51, a [CapsLk] key 53, and a [ScrLk / NmLk] 52 key, respectively. The OS 29 recognizes the input mode changed when the make code is generated by pressing the input mode operation key. Since the [Insert] key 51 and the [CapsLk] key 53 have one character indicating the input mode, each of the electronic papers 101a and 101b has one segment electrode. [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 has two segment electrodes because there are two characters indicating the input mode. Although not shown in FIG. 5, electronic paper may be provided on the shared key 56 that is an operation mode reflecting key, and connected so as to be in the same group as the electronic paper 101 c. As a result, when the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 is operated and the ten-key mode is enabled, the display of the electronic paper of the shared key 56 can be changed.

  The electronic papers 101a to 101c are connected to the voltage pattern generation circuit 19 through display wirings 125a to 125c. The voltage pattern generation circuit 19 is connected to a DC / DC converter 25 serving as a voltage source for the electronic papers 101a to 101c, and is a hardware logic circuit that outputs a voltage pattern corresponding to an input mode to a predetermined electronic paper. The DC / DC converter 25 supplies a voltage of DC ± 18V to the voltage pattern generation circuit 19. The OS 29, which recognizes that the input mode has been changed by generating a make code by pressing the input mode operation key, changes the display of the electronic paper 101a to 101c in the same manner as when the LED is turned on. Write the command and data indicating the changed input mode to the register.

  Upon receiving the command, the scan code generation circuit 17 sends a signal for changing the input mode to the voltage pattern generation circuit 19. When receiving a command to turn on the LED, the scan code generation circuit 17 sends the data at that time. When the voltage pattern generation circuit 19 receives the data for changing the input mode, the voltage pattern generation circuit 19 specifies the corresponding key to generate and output a voltage pattern. When the keyboard 10 is separated from the system main body and connected by a keyboard interface such as USB or PS / 2, a scan code is inserted between the key matrix 161 and the scan code generation circuit 17. The scan code generation circuit 17 can be configured to include a circuit that converts a serial signal into a parallel signal.

[Other examples of key input system]
In the key input system of FIG. 5, the OS 29 that has received the scan code from the scan code generation circuit 17 has generated data indicating the changed input mode. The temporal situation at this time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the operation of the key switch 119, the operation of the display switch 113 from when the key 100 is pressed to the return, and the state until the voltage pattern is output as a time flow from left to right. Yes.

  Before pressing, the key top 103 is positioned at the top dead center at time t1. When the key 100 is pressed, the contact of the display switch 113 is closed at time t2, and the contact of the key switch 119 is closed at time t3. When the key switch 119 is closed, a make code is generated and the computer system 33 starts processing for recognizing the change of the input mode. The display switch 113 does not need to be closed before the key switch 119, but it is desirable that the display switch 113 be closed as long as possible after the make code is generated. It is advantageous.

  When the make code is generated, the CPU 27 that receives the make code recognizes that the keyboard 10 requests to change the input mode, and sends a command and data indicating the changed input mode to the interface 23. . From time t3 to time t5 when the voltage pattern generation circuit 19 outputs the voltage pattern, it is a preparation time for generating the voltage pattern. Due to the slight elasticity of the rubber dome 129 and the stroke of the key switch 119 after the key switch 119 is closed, the key top 103 moves to the bottom dead center at time t4. Thereafter, when the user removes the finger from the key 100, the key 100 is displaced in the returning direction by the elasticity of the rubber dome 129.

  When the preparation for generating the voltage pattern is completed at time t5, the voltage pattern generating circuit 19 immediately outputs the voltage pattern, and stops outputting the voltage pattern at time t9 when a predetermined time has elapsed. Since electronic paper does not consume power for maintaining display, the output of the voltage pattern may be maintained until the electronic paper is rewritten thereafter. When the key top 103 moves from the bottom dead center to the top dead center, the contact of the key switch 119 is released at time t6 and a break code is generated, and the contact of the display switch 113 is released at time t7. Capacitors 155d and 157d are charged during a time period when the voltage pattern is generated and the display switch 113 is closed.

  At this time, in order for the capacitors 155d and 157d to be fully charged, the charging time t is required to be 4 milliseconds or longer. However, if the preparation time for generating the voltage pattern becomes long and the time t5 is delayed, the charging time t cannot be secured. Delaying the time t7 to increase the time during which the display switch 113 is closed is limited from the viewpoint of the stroke of the key 100 and operability. In particular, when a keyboard is connected to a computer using a PS / 2 or USB interface, it takes time for serial transfer, and it may not be possible for a user with a fast typing speed. In addition, it is difficult to secure the charging time t even with a keyboard having a short key stroke such as a notebook PC. Therefore, it is necessary to generate a voltage pattern for the electronic paper 101 as soon as possible after the input mode operation key is pressed.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input system that finishes preparation for voltage pattern generation in a short time. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 7 omits the LED display circuit 11, the OS 29, the application 33, and the DC / DC converter 25 described in FIG. 5, but these elements are also included in FIG. Furthermore, the number of scan lines and decoder lines is shown only in the range necessary for the explanation.

  Each element constituting the input mode determination circuit 205 is formed by a hardware logic circuit. The input mode determination circuit 205 includes key operation detection circuits 201a to 201c. The key operation detection circuits 201a to 201c are provided corresponding to specific input mode operation keys, respectively. The key operation detection circuits 201a to 201c have inputs connected to one or two pairs of specific scan lines and specific decoder lines, respectively, and outputs connected to the inverting circuit 211. The key operation detection circuits 201a to 201c detect pressing of the key and output an inverted signal when the input of a pair of key signals simultaneously changes to the ground level.

  The key operation detection circuit 201a corresponds to the [Insert] key 51, and outputs an inversion signal that inverts the current input mode to either the overwrite mode or the insertion mode when the [Insert] key 51 is pressed. The key operation detection circuit 201b corresponds to the [Shift] key 54 and the [CapsLk] key 53. When the [Shift] key 54 and the [CapsLk] key 53 are simultaneously pressed, the current input mode is set to the uppercase mode or the lowercase mode. An inverted signal that is inverted to either is output.

  The key operation detection circuit 201c corresponds to the [Fn] key 55 and the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52. When the [Fn] key 55 and the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 are simultaneously pressed, An inversion signal that inverts the mode to either the numeric keypad mode or the normal mode is output. The key operation detection circuits 201b and 201c also determine the order in which the key signals of the two keys are recognized. The key operation detection circuit 201b outputs an inversion signal only when the key signal of the [Shift] key 54 is detected first, and the key operation detection circuit 201c has an inversion signal only when the [Fn] key 55 is pressed first. Is output.

  The input mode determination circuit 205 further includes a status register 207, a detection circuit 209, an inversion circuit 211, an output circuit 213, and a display circuit 215. The status register 207 is composed of 3 bits so as to correspond to the three input modes, and each is a nonvolatile register that holds the current input mode. When the scan code generation circuit 17 receives the data indicating the changed input mode recognized by the computer system 33 based on the scan code received from the scan code generation circuit 17, the detection circuit 209 receives the status register. Compare with the corresponding input mode bits of 207 to check if they match. When it is determined that they do not match, the display circuit 215 is blinked to notify the user.

  When receiving the inversion signal from the key operation detection circuits 201a to 201c, the inversion circuit 211 inverts the bit at the corresponding position in the status register 207. Each time the bit of the status register 207 is inverted, the output circuit 213 inverts the voltage pattern applied to the segment electrode of the electronic paper of the corresponding key. In FIG. 7, the electronic paper 101c and the electronic paper 101d are connected to form the same group. The electronic paper 101 d is provided in the shared key 56.

  Therefore, when the [Fn] key 55 and the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 are pressed simultaneously to change the input mode to either the ten key mode or the normal mode, the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 and the voltage pattern of display wiring 125c of shared key 56 which is an input mode reflecting key are inverted. The display on the electronic paper 101d of the input mode reflection key does not change unless the key is pressed even after the voltage pattern of the display wiring 125c has changed.

  However, once pressed, a further changed voltage pattern appears on the display wiring 125c and the display is maintained until the key is pressed. After the display of the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 is changed, the user can temporarily start using the ten shared keys 56 and then start using the ten keys. In this case, the voltage pattern generation circuit 203 continues to output the first voltage pattern until the next voltage pattern is generated for the display wiring 125c of the input mode reflection key. Further, the shared key 56 is provided with a mechanical actuator for applying a voltage to the electronic paper 101d, and when the input mode is changed, the actuator is operated to display the display switch 113 temporarily. It can also be changed.

  The scan driver 13 and the decoder 15 send the scan code to the computer system 33 by performing the same operation as described in FIG. The computer system 33 processes the scan code of the pressed key. When the OS 29 recognizes that the input mode has been changed from the received scan code, the OS 29 writes a command and data indicating the recognized input mode in the interface 23. The scan code generation circuit 17 sends a signal indicating the input mode recognized by the OS 29 to the detection circuit 209. Note that the key operation detection circuits 201a to 201c may receive a scan code from the scan code generation circuit 17 and generate an inverted signal.

  Some input modes are valid only for specific applications, such as overwrite mode and insert mode. Regarding such an input mode, the OS 29 validates the set input mode when the window of the application for which the input mode is set is active, and restores the input mode when the window is in the background. In addition, commands and data can be written to the interface 23.

  Next, the operation of the input system of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In block 301, when the power of the notebook PC is turned on, the status register 207 sets the voltage pattern generation circuit 203 with a signal corresponding to the bit pattern held so far. The voltage pattern generation circuit 203 outputs a voltage pattern to the display wirings 125a to 125c for the respective electronic papers 101a to 101d.

  Since the electronic papers 101a to 101d maintain the display until a long time even when the power of the notebook PC is stopped, the display of the electronic papers 101a to 101d and the voltage pattern appearing on the display wirings 125a to 125c match. Yes. In block 303, for example, when the current input mode related to the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 is the normal mode, the user presses the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 while pressing the [Fn] key 55 first. .

  In the electronic paper 101c before being pressed, the character [NmLk] disappears because the input mode is the normal mode. In response to the key operation, a key signal is output from the key matrix 161. The key signal is processed in parallel by the input mode determination circuit 205 and the system 33. In block 305, only the key operation detection circuit 201c in the input mode determination circuit 205 outputs an inverted signal. The inverting circuit 211 inverts the bit corresponding to the ten key mode of the status register 207.

  The output circuit 213 sends a signal to the voltage pattern generation circuit 203 indicating that the input mode has been inverted from the normal mode to the numeric keypad mode. When the voltage pattern generation circuit 203 inverts the voltage pattern in block 307, the voltage pattern of the display wiring 125c with respect to the electronic paper 101c, 101d is inverted, and a key operation is performed [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 key electronic Characters [NmLk] are displayed on the paper 101c. For the electronic paper 101d of the shared key 56, a voltage pattern indicating the input mode after the change appears on the display wiring 125c.

  Since the processing so far is performed only by the hardware logic circuit, the time t5 in FIG. 6 arrives early, and the [ScrLk / NmLk] key 52 can sufficiently secure the charging time of the capacitors 155d and 157d. . Since the voltage pattern of the corresponding display wiring 125c is changed, the display of the electronic paper 101d of the shared key 56 is inverted when it is subsequently pressed. On the other hand, in the processing route of the computer system 33, the scan driver 13 and the decoder 15 process the key signal output from the key matrix 161 in block 309, and the scan code generation circuit 17 generates a scan code.

  The computer system 33 recognizes the changed input mode from the received scan code and sends a command and data indicating the input mode recognized by the scan code generation circuit 17 to the interface 23 in block 311. The scan code generation circuit 17 reads the data received by the interface circuit 23. The processing of blocks 309 and 311 includes a time for software processing by the computer system 33 and, in some cases, time for serial transfer, and therefore requires a longer time than the processing of blocks 305 and 307.

  In block 315, the detection circuit 209 compares the signal indicating the input mode received from the scan code generation circuit 17 with the input mode indicated by the bit of the status register 207. When the detection circuit 209 determines that both input modes match, the voltage pattern of the display wiring 101c is maintained in block 317. When the detection circuit determines that the two input modes do not match, the display lamp 215 blinks at block 319.

  According to the above procedure, when the input mode operation key is pressed, the hardware logic circuit detects the pressed key from the key signal and first reverses the current input mode to the electronic paper. A sufficient charging time of 4 milliseconds can be secured. However, it is expected that the input mode recognized by the computer system 33 and the input mode displayed by the electronic paper will deviate for some reason.

  There is also an input mode that is valid only for a specific application, and the window of the application may change to the background. To cope with this, the current effective input mode recognized by the computer system 33 each time the input mode operation key is pressed or the active window changes is compared with the display of the electronic paper. The user who confirms the display lamp 215 and determines that the display of the computer system 33 and the electronic paper does not match can input the input mode operation key again. Since the time from when the input mode operation key is pressed to change the display of the electronic paper to when the display lamp 215 is turned on is short, the user can easily recognize the input mode to be changed immediately before.

  As described above, the example in which the display of electronic paper is applied to the input system of the notebook PC has been described. However, the present invention can be widely applied to a display function in a switch with a stroke such as an elevator or an operation button of an automobile. Although the present invention has been described with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, and is known so far as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. It goes without saying that any configuration can be adopted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Keyboard 100 ... Key 101, 101a-101d, 155, 157 ... Electronic paper 103 ... Key top 109, 109a-109c ... Electronic paper side contact 111 ... Display wiring side contact 113 ... Display switch 117 ... Membrane Sheet 119 ... Key switch 127 ... Key cover 155, 157 ... Electronic paper 155a, 157a ... Counter electrode 155b, 157b ... Segment electrode 155c, 157c ... Micro capsule 155d, 157d ... Capacitor 161 ... Key matrix 205 ... Input mode Judgment circuit

Claims (20)

A press-type keyboard in which the pressed key top is displaced by a certain stroke,
A plurality of keys including input mode operation keys for changing the input mode;
Electronic paper that is arranged on the key top of the input mode operation key and can display the input mode;
A key switch provided corresponding to each of the plurality of keys and closing a contact by pressing each key;
A contact on the power supply side for supplying a predetermined voltage pattern to the electronic paper;
A keyboard having a display-side contact provided on the key top, which is connected to the electronic paper and contacts the power-supply-side contact when the input mode operation key is pressed. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the electronic paper includes a segment type display circuit. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the electronic paper is an electrophoretic electronic paper including a micro capsule, a counter electrode, and a segment electrode. The keyboard according to claim 3, further comprising a capacitor for maintaining a voltage to be applied to the electronic paper between the counter electrode and the segment electrode. A voltage pattern generation circuit for supplying a voltage pattern inverted based on an inversion signal for inverting the current input mode to the contact on the power source side;
5. The keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising an input mode determination circuit that detects an operation of a key switch corresponding to the input mode operation key and sends the inverted signal to the voltage pattern generation circuit. The input mode determination circuit is
6. The first hardware logic circuit according to claim 5, further comprising a first hardware logic circuit connected to a scan line and a decoder line of a key matrix corresponding to the input mode operation key and detecting that the input mode operation key is pressed. Keyboard . The input mode determination circuit is
The keyboard according to claim 5, further comprising a second hardware logic circuit that detects that the input mode operation key is pressed based on a scan code received from a scan code generation circuit. A computer system connected to the keyboard determines the input mode based on a scan code generated by pressing the input mode operation key ;
The input mode determination circuit is
A status register including a bit indicating an input mode set by the first hardware logic circuit or the second hardware logic circuit;
A detection circuit for comparing the input mode determined by the computer system with an input mode indicated by a bit of the status register;
The keyboard according to claim 6, further comprising a display circuit connected to the detection circuit. The electronic paper is disposed in an input mode reflection key that is affected by the input mode changed by the input mode operation key, and the voltage pattern generation circuit is provided for each of the electronic paper of the input mode operation key and the input mode reflection key. The keyboard according to claim 5, wherein a voltage pattern supplied to the contact on the power supply side of the power supply is reversed. Changing the input mode by the input mode operation key, a keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 9 which is performed by a combination of depression of the two keys. 11. A notebook computer in which the keyboard according to claim 1 is incorporated. A switch circuit for electrical equipment,
Pressing part,
Electronic paper arranged on the surface of the pressing unit and displaying the function of the switch;
A main switch that operates when the pressing unit is pressed; a display switch that closes a contact and applies a voltage to the electronic paper when the pressing unit is pressed;
A switch circuit comprising a capacitor that is charged while the contact of the display switch is closed and applies a voltage to the electronic paper after the contact is opened.   The switch circuit according to claim 12, wherein the electronic paper is an electrophoretic electronic paper including a micro capsule, a counter electrode, and a segment electrode.   The switch circuit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a function displayed by the electronic paper is determined by an operation of the main switch. A method of displaying the input mode on an electronic paper arranged on the surface of an input mode operation key for changing an input mode of a keyboard to be input to a computer,
Displaying a predetermined input mode on the electronic paper;
A step of closing the key switch by pressing the input mode operation key;
The connected display switch on the electronic paper and voltage source and a closed Jill step by depression of the input mode operation key,
Inverting the display of the predetermined input mode displayed by the electronic paper based on the key signal generated by the key switch ;
Opening the key switch by releasing the input mode operation key;
The electronic paper maintains the display of the input mode after the display switch is opened by releasing the input mode operation key. Displaying the input mode comprises:
Charging a capacitor while the display switch is closed;
The method of claim 15, comprising applying a voltage on the capacitor to the electronic paper after the display switch is opened. Determining the input mode by pressing the input mode operation key;
The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: supplying a voltage pattern corresponding to the determined input mode to the display switch.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the input mode comprises determining by hardware logic that detects a key signal output by the key switch. A computer system receiving a scan code generated by pressing the input mode operation key determines the input mode;
19. The method of claim 18, comprising displaying to a user when determining that the input mode determined by the computer system and the input mode determined by the hardware logic circuit are different. Electronic paper is arranged on the input mode reflecting key related to the determined input mode,
The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein displaying the input mode includes supplying a voltage pattern corresponding to the determined input mode to a display switch of the input mode reflecting key.

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