JPH01303515A - Keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use a keyboard having an array of keys for a Japanese word processor as a JIS keyboard by switching a conversion key and a non-conversion key between a shift key state and a conversion/non-conversion key state via a shift lock key. CONSTITUTION:A keyboard 1 receives the code signal produced with input of a conversion key 3 or a non-conversion key 4 based on the result decided by a deciding means 6 which decides the ON or OFF state of a space lock key. Then the keyboard 1 performs the switch between both keys 3 and 4 via a switch means 7 and attains the input of a space key 2. Thus it is possible to obtain a keyboard where an operator can freely switch the key 3 to the key 2 via a push-button switch which interlocks the key 3 into a space.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a keyboard, for example, a keyboard equipped with a kana-kanji conversion key.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, word processors, personal computers, workstations, etc.
The ability to input Japanese using a keyboard is increasing. Under these circumstances, keyboards are increasingly designed in Japanese (kana, kanji) to facilitate manual operation, with consideration given to operator operability from an ergonomic standpoint. In Figure 4, for example, Mitsubishi Multi Workstation M33
00 series catalog P12 (published in May 1986)
, is a diagram showing a conventional keyboard used in EWS (Engineering Work Stage Cape), etc. In the diagram, l is the keyboard body connected to the EWS etc., 2 is the space key, and 3 is the conversion key. , 4 are non-conversion keys. Next, the operation will be explained. First, the conversion key 3 and non-conversion key 4 of the keyboard main body 1 are used in the following two types of operation methods. In other words, (A) Kana, Kanji conversion key 3 and non-conversion key 4 are input as they are by conversion key 3.
A method in which the character code function is given to the computer as the character code for the non-conversion key 4, and the character code function is used unconditionally. [B] The input for the conversion key 3 and non-conversion key 4 for kana and kanji is given to the computer as character codes for the conversion key 3 and non-conversion key 4, and the computer determines its operation mode. A method of converting and using character codes for conversion key 3, non-conversion key 4, or space key 2. Therefore, instead of switching between the conversion key 3, non-conversion key 4, and space key 2, the character code function is used as is, or the operation mode on the computer side is switched and used. .

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Since the conventional keyboard is configured as described above, it is easy for an operator to mistake the space key 2 for the conversion key 3 when operating the keyboard. Also, under certain operating conditions, when you input the conversion key 3, a space may be input just as if you had input the space key 2.
Since this is done automatically, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user to freely switch to the conversion key 3. This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and includes a push-button switch that inks and locks a conversion key in a space. The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a keyboard that can be freely switched to a space key.

[Means to solve the problem]

The keyboard according to the present invention is provided with a space lock key that replaces a conversion key or a non-conversion key with a space key, and means for determining whether the space lock key is on or off, and when the determination means is off, the conversion key, Alternatively, the keyboard is equipped with a switching means for switching the non-conversion key to the space key.

[For use]

The keyboard according to the present invention receives the result of determining the code signal generated by inputting the conversion key or the non-conversion key by the determining means for determining the on/off state of the space lock key, and then inputs the conversion key or the non-conversion key. By switching via the switching means, input of the space key is enabled.

【Example】

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 1 and 2, parts that are the same as those in FIG. It's smooth to switch to mode. 6 is a judgment means for judging the input state of the space lock key 5; 7 is for switching the conversion key 3 and non-conversion key 4 to the space key 2 according to the judgment of the judgment means 6; It is a switching means. 8 is a calculator, and 9 is a normal key. Next, the operation of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Now, in FIG. 3, assume that the space lock key 5 is input when the space lock is OFF (
Step 5Tl). When the space lock key 5 is input, the state of the space lock key -5 is cycled three times (step 5T2), and if it is NOT, data is sent to the switching means 7 in order to enable the switching means 7. When the switching means 7 receives the data, it enables the switching means 7 (step 5T3).
. From now on, use conversion key 3. If the non-conversion key 4 is input (step 5T4), the switching means 7 is enabled (YES), so the conversion key 2. Convert the input of the non-conversion key 4 to a space and send the data to the computer 8 (steps ST5, 5T6)
. Also, when the space lock state is ON (step 5)
If the space lock key 5 is input at T2), the state of the space lock key 5 is checked and if YES, the switching means 7 is disabled and data is sent to the switching means 7. The switching means 7 receives the data and disables the switching means (step 5T7). From now on, use conversion key 3. If the non-conversion key 4 is input, since the switching means 7 is disabled (NOT), a key code of conversion or non-conversion is sent to the computer 8. In the above embodiment, a configuration example using the conversion key 3 and non-conversion key 4 was described, but since some keyboards have keys that are not normally used, it is possible to enable or disable the input of those keys and assign them to switches. Even if it is used, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, according to the present invention, there is a conversion key. Since the non-conversion key is configured to be switchable between the shift key state and the conversion/non-conversion key state using the shift lock key, a keyboard with a Japanese word processor keyboard layout can be used like a JIS keyboard. effective.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a keyboard according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a key arrangement diagram of the keyboard of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a key layout diagram of a conventional keyboard. In the figure, 2 is a space key, 3 is a conversion key, 4 is a non-conversion key, 5 is a space lock key, 6 is a determining means, and 7 is a switching means. Note that the same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same or equivalent parts. Patent Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation° −“1 Agent: Patent Attorney 1) Hiroshi Sawa J (
42□)""' Figure 2, 4@

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a keyboard having a Kana or Kanji conversion key and a non-conversion key, a space lock key for replacing the conversion key or the non-conversion key with a space key, and a judgment for determining whether the space lock key is on or off. means and
A keyboard comprising: conversion means for converting input from the conversion key or non-conversion key into a space when the space lock key is determined to be off by the determination means.