JPH052238U - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To clarify the function of each software in the function keys that support different functions for each software. [Structure] A display unit for displaying functions defined by software to be used is provided near the function keys. [Effect] The function of the function key is now clear at a glance, and the keyboard device is easy to use.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a computer keyboard device in which a plurality of software programs operate.

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of a keyboard used in a conventional personal computer or the like. In the figure, 2 is a function key that supports different functions for each software, 8 in FIG. 3 (a) is a guidance plate in which the function key functions used in the software S / W1 are written, and 9 in the same (b). Is a guidance plate on which the functions of the function keys used in the software S / W2 are written.

Next, the operation will be described. Generally, in a personal computer or the like, one device can run several kinds of software having different functions. At this time, normally, the same keyboard is used without changing the keyboard for each software. However, depending on the software, there are some parts that require different key functions. Function keys support these different function parts, and normally, such as F1, F2, ... Are displayed on the key top without showing individual functions.

For this reason, each software has a plate called a guidance plate that describes the function peculiar to the software of each function key. By placing this on the function key, the plate of each function key I try to understand the function. When the software S / W1 is operated, by placing the S / W1 guidance plate 8 on the function key, for example, the function of the F1 key is "read" and the function of the F2 key is "write". You will be able to understand the functions of the function keys that S / W1 has. Also, when the software is changed to S / W2, the guidance plate is changed to the guidance plate for S / W2 so that, for example, the function of the F1 key is "move" and the function of the F2 key is "multiply". The functions of the function keys of / W2 can be understood.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 Since the conventional keyboard device is configured as described above, it is necessary to replace the plate guide on the keyboard every time the software on the main body to which the keyboard is connected is changed. There was a problem that it took time and effort.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the function key function of the keyboard device of each software can be changed at the same time as the software without changing the guidance plate. The purpose is to be able to do it automatically.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 The keyboard device according to the present invention is provided with a display unit for displaying the function of the function key set for each software, above the function key.

[0008]

[Action]

 In the keyboard device according to the present invention, the function of the function key is automatically displayed for each software by the display unit provided above the function key.

[0009]

【Example】

 An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a part of a keyboard device. In the figure, 1 is a display unit for displaying data sent from a main body to which the keyboard device is connected, 2 is a function key, and 3 is a keyboard. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the keyboard device. In the figure, 4 is a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting / receiving data between the computer main unit and the keyboard unit, and 5 is a receiving / transmitting unit 4. A display control unit for displaying data from the main unit on the display unit 1, 6 is a keyboard encoder for sending key input data to the main unit through the transmitting / receiving unit 4, and 7 is a key matrix for connecting keys. ..

When operating software on a personal computer or the like, usually, when each software is loaded, a program for initializing each hardware first operates. At this time, data indicating the function of each software-specific function key is transmitted to the keyboard device. When the keyboard device receives the data in the transmission / reception unit 4, it sends the data to the display control unit 5, and the display control unit 5 causes the display unit 1 to display the data. The display unit 1 displays the function of each function key received from the software on the upper part of each function key 2.

The data displayed on the display unit at this time is usually character data, but of course it may be a figure or a picture.

[0012]

[Effect of the device]

 As described above, according to the present invention, since the display unit is provided above the function keys, the function of the function keys can be automatically displayed for each software.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a conventional keyboard.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Display 2 Function keys 3 Keyboard

Claims (1)

[Claims for utility model registration] [Claim 1] A display unit for displaying a function set for each software above a function key that has different functions for each software and supports an unspecified function for each key. A keyboard device comprising: