JP7271897B2 - Key input system, key input device, information equipment, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key input system, key input device, information equipment, and program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, functional calculators have been widely used as small electronic calculators capable of executing calculations of various functional expressions input by key operation.

As a form of utilization of such a scientific calculator, for example, there is a school class in which graphs of functional expressions are displayed and analyzed, and the scientific calculator is used by each individual teacher and student. Then, the scientific calculator used by the teacher receives and integrates calculation data such as graph data from each student's scientific calculator transferred by infrared communication, etc., and displays the integrated calculation data of the integrated result in an enlarged projection. It has been proposed to do (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, as a method of transferring calculation data obtained by a scientific calculator to an external information device such as a Web server, the calculation data to be transferred is converted into a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark) in the scientific calculator. Convert and display Then, the image of the displayed two-dimensional code is photographed by a communication device with a camera such as a tablet terminal, decoded, and the decoded calculation data is transferred to an external information device via a communication network such as the Internet. is considered.

Japanese Patent No. 4720607

On the other hand, as another form of use of the scientific calculator, an emulator program for the scientific calculator (calculator emulator) is installed on a PC (personal computer), and the scientific calculator (calculator image) displayed on the display screen with a touch panel of the PC is touch-operated. Therefore, the same calculation as a scientific calculator can be executed on the PC. Such PCs are sometimes used by students to take classes and exams, and used by researchers to analyze calculation results.

However, the feeling when the user touches the scientific calculator (calculator image) displayed on the display screen of the PC has a large difference from the feeling when directly operating the scientific calculator, resulting in poor operability.

Therefore, the scientific calculator is equipped with a communication device capable of two-way communication with an external information device. It is conceivable to input to a calculator emulator, but the power source of the functional calculator is a battery power source for low power consumption such as a button battery, solar battery, AAA battery, etc., so it is necessary for communication with the PC. Electricity may not be covered.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems. For example, key input data input by a user using a keyboard can be transferred to an external information device in real time with low power consumption for use. To provide a key input system, a key input device, an information device, and a program that become

A key input system according to the present invention includes:
Equipped with a key input device and an information device,
The key input device
A key input unit including a plurality of types of keys, a first wireless communication unit, and a first control unit,
The first control unit is
Information on the key input by the key input unit and information on the communication interval associated with the type of the input key according to the time interval set according to the type of key input by the key input unit to the information device by the first wireless communication unit, and
The information equipment is
A second wireless communication unit and a second control unit,
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive information on the key input by the key input unit of the key input device and information on the communication interval associated with the type of the key;
performing processing according to the received key information, and setting a communication interval with the key input device based on the received communication interval information;
causing the second wireless communication unit to transmit data to the key input device at the set communication interval;
It is characterized by

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a key input system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of electronic circuits of a scientific calculator 10 and a PC 20 provided in the key input system 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication interval setting table 12c stored in the storage unit 12 of the scientific calculator 10; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of transmission data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 to the PC 20 along with short-range communication between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20; 4 is a flow chart showing calculator processing according to the calculator program (12a) and short-range communication program (12c) of the scientific calculator 10; 4 is a flowchart showing PC processing in accordance with the calculator emulator program (22a) and short-range communication program (22b) of the PC 20; 4 is a timing chart showing communication operations between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 according to the calculator processing in the key code transmission mode of the scientific calculator 10 and the PC processing in the key code reception mode of the PC 20;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of a key input system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electronic circuit configurations of the functional calculator 10 and the PC 20 provided in the key input system 1. As shown in FIG.

The key input system 1 includes a functional calculator 10 as a key input device and a PC 20 as information equipment, and the PC 20 is equipped with a calculator emulator.

Both the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 are provided with a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) as a communication device for two-way communication.

In the key input system 1 of this embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 17 of the scientific calculator 10 functions as a "slave" and the short-range wireless communication unit 28 of the PC 20 functions as a "master". The short-range wireless communication unit 17 transfers key input data, which is data input by the user by operating the key input unit 15 of the scientific calculator 10, to the PC 20 in real time, and inputs the data to the calculator emulator of the PC 20. enable

The PC 20 in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the display unit 27 with a touch panel displays the calculator emulator screen Gem.

The electronic circuit of the scientific calculator 10 includes a CPU (processor) 11 which is a computer (controller).

The CPU 11 reads program data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, or program data read from an external recording medium 13 such as a memory card by the recording medium reading unit 14 and stored in the storage unit 12, or downloaded from an external program server. According to the program data stored in the memory unit 12, the operation of each circuit unit is controlled to realize various functions.

As the program data of the functional calculator 10 of the present embodiment, the calculator program data 12a governing the overall operation of the functional calculator 10, and the calculator program data 12a cooperated with the calculator program data 12a to operate the short-range wireless communication unit 17 to operate the external master side. Near field communication program data 12b and the like that are activated in a mode for performing two-way communication with information equipment (PC 20 in this case) are stored.

The storage unit 12 also stores a communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3), calculation data 12d, and the like. Note that the communication interval here means a time interval.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the communication interval setting table 12c stored in the storage unit 12 of the scientific calculator 10. As shown in FIG.

The communication interval setting table 12c sets the communication interval CI ( Connection Interval) is a table for changing and setting according to the type of key. In this embodiment, the shortest communication interval CI is 20 msec according to the operation of the [=] (calculation execution) key 15a, and The communication interval CI is 100 msec, and the communication interval CI corresponding to the operation of the [+] [-] [x] [÷] (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) keys 15d is 200 msec. The communication interval CI according to the operation of other related keys is set to 500 msec at the longest. Also, the initial value of the communication interval CI is set to 500 msec, which is the longest.

Note that the communication interval CI when using BLE can be set, for example, between 7.5 msec and 4 sec.

In the key code transmission mode of the scientific calculator 10 of this embodiment, the [SHIFT] key, [ALPHA] key, [MENU] key, [↑] [↓] [←] [→] (cursor) keys, etc. If a key not to be used is keyed in, that key code data is not transferred.

The calculation data 12d is calculation data obtained by various calculation processes, such as calculation formula data and calculation result data according to the user's key input operation.

A storage unit 12, a recording medium reading unit 14, a key input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a short-range wireless communication unit 17 are connected to the CPU 11 via the system and data bus. Power is supplied from a battery power supply 18 for low power consumption, such as a button battery, solar battery, or AAA battery.

In the functional calculator 10 configured as described above, the CPU 11 controls the operation of each part according to the instructions described in the program data (calculator program data 12a, short-range communication program data 12b), and the software and hardware cooperate. Calculator processing (FIG. 5), which will be described later in the explanation of the operation, is realized.

The electronic circuit of the PC 20 includes a CPU (processor) 21 which is a computer (controller).

The CPU 21 reads program data stored in advance in the storage unit 22, program data read from an external recording medium 23 such as a CD-ROM by a recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 22, or program data stored in the storage unit 22 on the communication network N. According to the program data downloaded from the Web server (here, the program server) 30 via the communication section 25 and stored in the storage section 22, the operation of each section of the circuit is controlled to realize various functions.

As the program data of the PC 20 of this embodiment, in addition to the operating system program data that governs the overall operation of the PC 20, calculator emulator program data 22a that realizes the same operation as the functional calculator 10, Then, short-range communication program data 22b, etc., which is activated in a mode for operating the short-range wireless communication unit 28 and performing two-way communication with an external slave-side electronic device (here, the scientific calculator 10) is stored.

The storage unit 12 also stores communication interval setting data (CI) 22c, calculation history data 22d, and the like.

The communication interval setting data (CI) 22c is requested from the functional calculator 10 when operating the short-range wireless communication unit 28 to perform two-way communication with an external slave-side electronic device (here, the functional calculator 10). It is communication interval CI setting data, and the next communication interval CI with the scientific calculator 10 is set according to the communication interval setting data (CI).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of transmission data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 to the PC 20 in connection with short-range communication between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20. As shown in FIG.

For example, in the key code transmission mode of the scientific calculator 10, when there is no key operation and there is no key code data to be transmitted, communication interval setting data (CI; initial value) and Transmission data including null data is generated and transmitted.

Also, when key code data to be transmitted exists in response to key operation, as shown in FIG. 4B, communication interval setting data (CI; corresponding to key type) and key code data are included. Transmission data is generated and transmitted.

In short-range wireless communication processing using BLE, for example, up to 4 packets (1 packet=20 bytes) of data can be transmitted and received in one communication processing.

The calculation history data 22d is calculation data such as calculation formula data and calculation result data obtained by various calculation processes in the calculator emulator operating according to the calculator emulator program data 22a.

A storage unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 24, a communication unit 25, a key input unit 26, a touch panel display unit 27, and a short-range wireless communication unit 28 are connected to the CPU 21 via a system and a data bus.

In the PC 20 configured as described above, the CPU 21 controls the operation of each part according to the instructions described in the program data (including the calculator emulator program data 22a and the short-range communication program data 22b), and the software and hardware cooperate. By working together, the PC processing (FIG. 6) as described later in the explanation of the operation is realized.

Next, the operation of the key input system 1 configured in this manner will be described.

In this embodiment, when a user takes a test using a PC 20 equipped with a calculator emulator, the key input operation for the calculator emulator is placed near the PC 20 (for example, within a range of 1 to 2 m from the PC 20). It is assumed that the key input unit 15 of the functional calculator 10 is operated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing calculator processing according to the calculator program (12a) and short-range communication program (12b) of the scientific calculator 10. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing PC processing according to the calculator emulator program (22a) and short-range communication program (22b) of the PC 20. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing communication operations between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 according to the calculator processing in the key code transmission mode of the scientific calculator 10 and the PC processing in the key code reception mode of the PC 20 .

In the scientific calculator 10, for example, when the user selects and designates the key code transmission mode from the operation mode menu screen displayed on the display unit 16 in response to the operation of the [MENU] key (step S1 (Yes)) , the CPU 11 transmits an upstream signal indicating a communication connection request through the short-range wireless communication unit 17 together with communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value: 500 msec] read from the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3). It transmits to the PC 20 (step S2), and waits for reception of the connection authentication signal from the PC 20 (step S3).

In the PC 20, when the user selects and designates the shortcut icon of the calculator emulator program (22a) from the desktop shortcut icons displayed on the touch panel display unit 27, the CPU 21 sets the operation mode of the PC 20 to the calculator emulator mode. , and as shown in FIG. 1, the calculator emulator screen Gem in which the image of the functional calculator 10 is developed is displayed on the display unit 27 with the touch panel (step M1 (Yes)).

In the PC 20 set to the calculator emulator mode, for example, a key code reception mode for operating the calculator emulator according to key code data input from the outside is selected from the operating mode setting items in the pull-down menu of the calculator emulator screen Gem. When selected and designated (step M2 (Yes)), the CPU 21 waits for reception of a communication connection request signal from the scientific calculator 10 via the short-range wireless communication section 28 (step M3).

Then, when the communication connection request signal (including the communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value; 500 msec]) transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 is received (step M3 (Yes)), the CPU 21 stores the In response, the received communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value; (step M5).

The CPU 21 responds to the current communication interval CI [initial value; A communication standby signal (upstream) (see FIG. 4A) transmitted from the calculator 10 is received, and a communication standby signal (downstream) is transmitted as a response signal (step M6).

Here, when the communication standby signal (uplink) is received and the same (downlink) is transmitted, if the current communication interval CI is not set to [initial value; 500 msec], the communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value; 500 msec] 22c is set (step M7).

Then, while repeating reception/transmission of the communication standby signal (up/down), it waits for reception of the key code data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 (steps M6 to M8 (No)).

When the scientific calculator 10 receives the connection authentication signal transmitted from the PC 20 (step S3 (Yes)), the CPU 11 responds to the communication interval CI [initial value; 500 msec] set in step S2, As shown at timings T1 and T2 in FIG. 7, a communication standby signal (uplink) (see FIG. 4A) is transmitted to the PC 20 via the short-range wireless communication unit 17, and as a response signal A communication standby signal (downlink) is received from the PC 20 (step S4).

In a state where it is determined that no key input related to calculation by the key input unit 15 is performed within the current communication interval CI [initial value: 500 msec] (step S5 (No)), the CPU 11 Similarly, a communication standby signal (uplink) is transmitted to the PC 20 via the short-range wireless communication unit 17, and a communication standby signal (downlink) is received from the PC 20 as a response signal (step S4).

After that, in the scientific calculator 10, when a key (for example, the [AC] key 15c) related to calculation of the key input unit 15 is input according to the user's operation (step S5 (Yes)), the CPU 11 sets the communication interval Based on the setting table 12c (see FIG. 3), the current communication interval CI is changed and set to [100 msec] corresponding to the [AC] key 15c (step S6).

Then, it generates transmission data (see FIG. 4B) including the set communication interval setting data [100 msec] and the input key code data [AC], and sends the transmission data to the PC 20 as shown in FIG. 7, transmission is performed corresponding to the communication interval CI [500 msec] before the change in step S6 (step S7).

The CPU 11 executes a process corresponding to the input key code of the [AC] key 15c, and here, erases all the calculation data 12d of the storage unit 12 (step S8).

Then, it is determined whether or not a key input related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is performed within the current communication interval CI [100 msec] changed in step S6 (step S9). It is determined whether data is received from the PC 20 corresponding to the communication interval CI (step S10).

Here, within the current communication interval CI [100 msec], the key input related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is not performed (step S9 (No)), and the PC 20 If it is determined that no data has been received from (step S10 (No)), the process returns to step S4, resets the communication interval CI to [initial value; A standby signal (up) (see FIG. 4A) is transmitted, and a communication standby signal (down) from the PC 20 is received as a response signal (step S4).

In the PC 20, as shown at timing T3 in FIG. 7, transmission data (FIG. 4 (B)) is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes the current communication interval CI (22c) to [100 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [100 msec]. (Step M9).

Then, a process corresponding to the received key code data [AC] is executed, and here, all the calculation history data 22d in the storage unit 22 are erased (step M10).

The CPU 21 determines whether or not there is data to be transmitted to the functional calculator 10 (calculated result data in this embodiment) as a result of processing according to the key code data received in step M10 (step M11). , if it is determined that there is no data to be transmitted (step M11 (No)), the next key transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 corresponds to the communication interval CI [100 msec] changed and set in step M9. It waits for reception of code data (step M8).

In step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, when a key related to calculation of the key input unit 15 (for example, the [4] (numerical value) key) is input in accordance with the user's operation within the current communication interval CI [100 msec]. (Step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes the current communication interval CI to [500 msec] according to the [4] key (other calculation related keys) based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3). and set (step S6).

Then, it generates transmission data (see FIG. 4B) including the set communication interval setting data [500 msec] and the input key code data [4], and sends the transmission data to the PC 20 as shown in FIG. 7, transmission is performed corresponding to the communication interval CI [100 msec] before the change in step S6 (step S7).

The CPU 11 executes processing corresponding to the input key code of the [4] (numerical value) key, and here, writes the data of the operand "4" as the calculation data 12d of the storage unit 12 (step S8).

In the PC 20, as shown at timing T4 in FIG. 7, transmission data (FIG. 4 (B)) is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes the current communication interval CI (22c) to [500 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [500 msec]. (Step M9).

Then, a process corresponding to the received key code data [4] is executed, and here, the data of the operand "4" is written as the calculation history data 22d of the storage unit 22 (step M10).

Next, in step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, a key related to calculation of the key input unit 15 ([x] (multiplication) key 15d) is input according to the user's operation within the current communication interval CI [500 msec]. Then (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes and sets the current communication interval CI to [200 msec] according to the [x] key 15d based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3). (step S6).

Then, it generates transmission data (see FIG. 4B) including the set communication interval setting data [200 msec] and the input key code data [X], and sends the transmission data to the PC 20 as shown in FIG. 7, transmission is performed corresponding to the communication interval CI [500 msec] before the change in step S6 (step S7).

The CPU 11 executes processing according to the input key code of the [x] (multiplication) key 15d. The data of the multiplication symbol "x" is written (step S8).

In the PC 20, as shown at timing T5 in FIG. 7, transmission data (FIG. 4 (B)) is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes the current communication interval CI (22c) to [200 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [200 msec]. (step M9).

Then, a process corresponding to the received key code data [x] is executed. Here, the operand "4" already stored as the calculation history data 22d of the storage unit 22 is followed by the multiplication sign "x". data is written (step M10).

Next, in step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, in the same manner as described above, within the current communication interval CI [200 msec], according to the user's operation, keys related to calculation of the key input unit 15 ([5] (numerical value) key ) is input (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 sets the current communication interval CI according to the [5] key (other calculation related keys) based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3). is changed to [500 msec] (step S6).

Then, it generates transmission data (see FIG. 4B) including the set communication interval setting data [500 msec] and the input key code data [5], and sends the transmission data to the PC 20 as shown in FIG. 7, transmission is performed corresponding to the communication interval CI [200 msec] before the change in step S6 (step S7).

The CPU 11 executes a process corresponding to the input key code of the [5] (numeric) key. Here, the operand "4" and the multiplication symbol " The data of the arithmetic number "5" is written following "x" (step S8).

In the PC 20, as shown at timing T6 in FIG. 7, transmission data (FIG. 4 (B)) is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes the current communication interval CI (22c) to [500 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [500 msec]. (step M9).

Then, a process corresponding to the received key code data [5] is executed. to write the data of the arithmetic number "5" (step M10).

Subsequently, in the same manner as described above, in step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, a key ([=] (calculation execution) related to calculation of the key input unit 15 is operated within the current communication interval CI [500 msec] according to the user's operation. When the key 15a) is input (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 calculates the current communication interval CI according to the [=] (calculation execution) key 15a based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3). It is changed to the shortest [20 msec] and set (step S6).

Then, it generates transmission data (see FIG. 4B) including the set communication interval setting data [20 msec] and the input key code data [=], and sends the transmission data to the PC 20 as shown in FIG. 7, transmission is performed corresponding to the communication interval CI [500 msec] before the change in step S6 (step S7).

The CPU 11 executes a process corresponding to the input key code of the [=] (calculation execution) key 15a. A calculation formula “4×5=” consisting of a symbol “x” and an arithmetic number “5” is calculated, and data of the calculation result “20” is written following the calculation formula (step S8).

In the PC 20, as shown at timing T7 in FIG. 7, transmission data (FIG. 4 (B)) is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 sets the current communication interval CI (22c) to the shortest [20 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [20 msec]. Change and set (step M9).

Then, a process corresponding to the received key code data [=] (calculation execution) is executed. Here, the operand "4" and the multiplication symbol " x” and the arithmetic number “5” are calculated, and the data of the calculation result “20” is written following the calculation formula (step M10).

Here, when the CPU 21 determines that there is data to be transmitted to the scientific calculator 10 (data "20" of the calculation result in this embodiment) (step M11 (Yes)), as shown at timing T8 in FIG. Then, corresponding to the current communication interval CI [20 msec] changed and set in step M9, data "20" of the calculation result is transmitted to the scientific calculator 10 (step M12).

In the scientific calculator 10, corresponding to the current communication interval CI [20 msec] changed according to the input of the [=] key 15a, the calculation result transmitted from the PC 20 as shown at timing T8 in FIG. is received (step S10 (Yes)), the data "20" of the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 16 and stored as the calculation result (step S11).

After that, when it is determined that no key input related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is performed within the current communication interval CI [20 msec] (step S5 (No)), the CPU 11 changes the timing shown in FIG. As indicated by T9, a communication standby signal (uplink) with the communication interval CI set to the initial value [500 msec] is transmitted to the PC 20 again, and a communication standby signal (downlink) from the PC 20 is sent as a response signal. is received (step S4).

In the PC 20, as shown at timing T9 in FIG. 7, the key code data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 is waiting for the current communication interval CI [20 msec] (step M8). , the communication standby signal (upstream) transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 (see FIG. 4A) is received, and the communication standby signal (downstream) is transmitted as a response signal (step M8 (No) →M6), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI [20 msec] to [initial value; 500 msec] (step M7).

Then, as shown at timing T10 in FIG. 7, it waits for reception of the next key code data or the next communication waiting signal from the scientific calculator 10 (step M8 or M6).

Therefore, according to the scientific calculator 10 (key input device) and the PC 20 (information device) of the key input system 1 configured as described above, short-range Equipped with wireless communication units 17 and 28, two-way communication is possible, and key code data input according to key operation of the scientific calculator 10 is transferred to the PC 20 in real time. Then, in the PC 20, the key code data of the functional calculator 10 transferred to the PC 20 is input to the calculator emulator operating in the PC 20, and processing corresponding to the input key code is executed. At this time, the communication interval CI between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 is set short according to the type of key input on the scientific calculator 10, for example, when a type of key requiring high-speed processing is input. On the other hand, when a key of a different type is input, the length is set long, and when a key of a type unrelated to calculation is input, the input key code is not transferred to the PC 20. - 特許庁

As a result, for example, even when performing calculations using a calculator emulator operated on the PC 20, the actual scientific calculator 10 can be used without the need to touch the calculator image displayed on the display unit 27 with a touch panel of the PC 20. It is possible to perform key operation by pressing the key, and it becomes possible to ensure high operability. Moreover, even if the power source of the scientific calculator 10 is a battery power source 18 for low power consumption such as a button battery, a solar battery, or a AAA battery, the communication interval CI in BLE can be set according to the type of input key. Since the change is made appropriately, the more the calculation is repeated, the more effectively the power required for communication with the PC 20 (power consumption related to communication with the PC 20) can be effectively reduced. Even if the capacity of the battery power supply is about the same as that of a general scientific calculator, the scientific calculator 10 can be used as a key input device that can be used continuously for a long time.

Therefore, according to the key input system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, key input data input by a user operating a key input device such as a keyboard is transferred to an external information device in real time with low power consumption and used. becomes possible.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, if the communication interval CI between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 is set long, the power consumption can be reduced, but the processing speed becomes slow. However, as another embodiment, in the scientific calculator 10, the operation speed of the key input operation by the user is detected, and the average operation speed is faster than a certain threshold. In this case, the communication interval CI set based on the communication interval setting table 12c is shortened at a constant rate, thereby realizing the key input system 1 with higher operability while reducing power consumption. can.

Further, in the key input system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the case where the key input device is the scientific calculator 10 and the information device is the PC 20 has been described, but the information device may be a tablet terminal or the like having the same functions as the PC 20. , PC20. Further, the key input device is not limited to the scientific calculator 10, and may be, for example, a general calculator (a calculator that does not operate on complicated formulas such as a scientific calculator), or a short-range wireless communication using BLE. The communication unit may be a key input device provided in a keyboard such as a keyboard dedicated to calculation or a general keyboard.

Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication units 17 and 28 are not limited to BLE, and even if they are wireless communication units of other communication systems, the same processing as in the above-described embodiment is performed so that the user operates the keyboard to input data. Key input data can be transferred to an external information device in real time with as little power consumption as possible.

The method of each process by the key input system 1 described in each embodiment, that is, the calculator process of the functional calculator 10 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the PC process of the PC 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. Programs that can be executed by a computer are stored in external recording media such as memory cards (ROM cards, RAM cards, etc.), magnetic disks (hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), semiconductor memories, etc. can be distributed Then, the computer (CPU) of the electronic device, which serves as a key input device or information device, reads the program recorded on the medium of the external recording device into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the read program, whereby the above-mentioned Various functions described in each embodiment can be implemented, and similar processing can be performed by the method described above.

In addition, program data for realizing each of the above methods can be transmitted in the form of program code over the communication network (N), and from a computer device (program server) connected to the communication network (N) The data of the program can also be taken into an electronic device serving as a key input device or an information device and stored in a storage device to realize the various functions described above.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each embodiment, or some constituent elements are combined in different forms, the problems described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect described in the column of the effects of the invention can be obtained, a configuration in which these constituent elements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

The invention described in the original claims of the present application is added below.

[Appendix 1]
a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys;
a first wireless communication unit;
A first control unit,
The first control unit is
causing the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information of the input key to an external information device according to a communication interval set according to the type of the key input by the key input unit;
key input device.

[Appendix 2]
The first control unit is
causing the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information of the input key together with the information of the set communication interval to an external information device;
The key input device according to appendix 1.

[Appendix 3]
The first wireless communication unit is a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE,
The key input device according to appendix 1 or appendix 2.

[Appendix 4]
Equipped with a battery power supply,
The first wireless communication unit and the first control unit are driven by the battery power supply,
The key input device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[Appendix 5]
a second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with an external key input device;
and a second control unit,
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive key information transmitted from the key input device corresponding to a communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input device;
performing processing according to the received key information;
Information equipment.

[Appendix 6]
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive information on a communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input device together with information on the key transmitted from the key input device;
Information equipment according to appendix 5.

[Appendix 7]
The second wireless communication unit is a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE,
The information device according to appendix 5 or appendix 6.

[Appendix 8]
Equipped with a key input device and an information device,
The key input device
a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys;
a first wireless communication unit;
A first control unit,
The first control unit is
causing the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information of the input key to the information device according to a communication interval set according to the type of the key input by the key input unit;
The information equipment is
a second wireless communication unit;
and a second control unit,
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive key information transmitted from the key input device corresponding to the set communication interval of the key input device;
key entry system.

[Appendix 9]
A computer of a key input device comprising a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys and a first wireless communication unit,
causing the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information of the input key to an external information device according to a communication interval set according to the type of the key input by the key input unit;
A computer-readable program that allows you to function.

[Appendix 10]
A computer of information equipment equipped with a second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with an external key input device,
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive key information transmitted from the key input device corresponding to a communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input device;
performing processing according to the received key information;
A computer-readable program that allows you to function.

1 ... Key input system 10 ... Scientific calculator (key input device)
20 ... PC (information equipment)
11, 21 ... CPU (control unit)
12, 22... Storage unit 12a... Calculator program data 12b, 22b... Near field communication program data 12c... Communication interval setting table 12d... Calculation data 22a... Calculator emulator program data 22c... Communication interval setting data (CI)
22d... Calculation history data 13, 23... External recording medium 14, 24... Recording medium reading unit 15, 26... Key input unit 16... Display unit 27... Display unit with touch panel 17, 28... Near field wireless communication unit 18... Battery power supply

Claims (14)

a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys;
a first wireless communication unit;
a first control unit;
with
The first control unit is
Information on the key input by the key input unit and information on the communication interval associated with the type of the input key according to the time interval set according to the type of key input by the key input unit Data including and is transmitted to an external information device by the first wireless communication unit,
key input device. The first control unit is
As the communication interval, a first communication interval shorter than a predetermined communication interval is associated with a first type of key;
The key input device according to claim 1. The first control unit is
As the communication interval, a second communication interval shorter than the first communication interval is associated with a key associated with a calculation execution instruction;
3. The key input device according to claim 2. The first control unit is
As the communication interval, the predetermined communication interval is associated with a second type key that is different from any of the first type key and the key associated with the calculation execution instruction.
The key input device according to claim 3. The first control unit is
As the communication interval, a key associated with a calculation execution instruction is associated with the shortest communication interval among a plurality of communication intervals associated with the key of the key input unit.
A key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The first control unit is
causing the first wireless communication unit to transmit information on the predetermined communication interval as the communication interval to the external information device when there is no key input within the set communication interval;
A key input device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The first wireless communication unit is a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE,
A key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A battery power supply is provided, and the first wireless communication unit and the first control unit are driven by the battery power supply,
A key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. a second wireless communication unit communicable with the key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8;
a second control unit;
with
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive the information of the key input by the key input unit of the key input device;
performing processing according to the information of the received key;
Information equipment. a second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with an external key input device;
a second control unit;
with
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive key information and communication interval information associated with the key type transmitted from the key input device;
performing calculation processing based on the received key information, and setting a communication interval with the key input device based on the received communication interval information;
causing the second wireless communication unit to transmit, to the key input device, numerical information of a calculation result, which is a result of execution of the calculation process, at the set communication interval;
The key information is information of numerical values, operators and instructions for performing calculations,
Information equipment. The second wireless communication unit is a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE,
The information equipment according to claim 9 or 10. Equipped with a key input device and an information device,
The key input device
A key input unit including a plurality of types of keys, a first wireless communication unit, and a first control unit,
The first control unit is
Information on the key input by the key input unit and information on the communication interval associated with the type of the input key according to the time interval set according to the type of key input by the key input unit to the information device by the first wireless communication unit, and
The information equipment is
A second wireless communication unit and a second control unit,
The second control unit is
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive information on the key input by the key input unit of the key input device and information on the communication interval associated with the type of the key;
performing processing according to the received key information, and setting a communication interval with the key input device based on the received communication interval information;
causing the second wireless communication unit to transmit data to the key input device at the set communication interval;
key entry system. A computer of a key input device comprising a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys and a first wireless communication unit,
Information on the key input by the key input unit and information on the communication interval associated with the type of the input key according to the time interval set according to the type of key input by the key input unit Data including and is transmitted to an external information device by the first wireless communication unit,
A computer-readable program that allows you to function. A computer of information equipment equipped with a second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with an external key input device,
causing the second wireless communication unit to receive key information and communication interval information associated with the key type transmitted from the key input device;
performing calculation processing based on the received key information, and setting a communication interval with the key input device based on the received communication interval information;
causing the second wireless communication unit to transmit numerical information of a calculation result, which is a result of execution of the calculation process, to the key input device at the set communication interval;
function as
The key information is information of numerical values, operators and instructions for performing calculations,
computer readable program.

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