JPH08185268A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the operability of the input device by providing a 1st input means and a 2nd input means which is movable. CONSTITUTION: The input device of an electronic cash register is equipped with touch keys which are easily changed in key arrangement and includes the 1st input means 3 provided to a register main body and the 2nd input means which is good in operability. The 2nd input means 4 is provided so that it can be displaced on the 1st input means 3 to the right and left, and keys which are high in use frequency are assigned. The 2nd input means is used while fixed at one of plural predetermined fixation positions on the 1st input means 3. The 1st input means 3 has its key arrangement constituted by allocating function information to keys except the key group of the area covered with the 2nd input means 4. The 2nd input means 4 is detachable and mounted on the main body 1 to input an operator-in-charge code to the main body 1, so that the registration of the operator and the resetting of a crime preventing function are performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electronic cash register, P
The present invention relates to an input device preferably implemented in an information processing device such as an OS (Point-Of-Sale) terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A keyboard used as an input device such as an electronic cash register or a POS terminal has a large number of keys such as numeric keys, function keys, menu keys, and keys for executing device-specific functions. There is. The keyboard generally has a configuration in which the keys are arranged on the same plane. Therefore,
The greater the number of keys, the greater the width and depth of the entire keyboard.

As a technique for increasing the number of keys without changing the standard of the keyboard, a flat keyboard whose key arrangement can be changed according to the purpose of use and processing contents is used, and one keyboard is made to correspond to a plurality of key arrangements. There is a technique for expanding the keyboard by changing the key layout as needed. The key arrangement is a keyboard in which a translucent key panel and a display unit are arranged so as to overlap each other. Information and functions input to the device when a certain key on the key panel is operated are displayed on the keyboard. The keys are represented by characters or the like in the area where the keys face each other, and show where the areas are arranged when viewed from the entire display screen.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-216574 can be cited as a conventional technique for expanding a keyboard. In the present technology, when a plurality of programs are executed in one information processing device, the key arrangement corresponding to each program and the processing content corresponding to each key are stored in advance. Each time the program to be executed is changed, the keyboard layout is expanded by displaying the key layout corresponding to the program. As another conventional technique, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-73
202 is mentioned. In the present technology, when the number of pressed keys on the touch panel used for the flat keyboard exceeds a certain value, the function corresponding to that key is made to correspond to another key. This prevents only some of the keys from being worn or deteriorated. At the same time, the operator can change the key arrangement to use the keys while avoiding dirt on the touch panel. Furthermore, as another conventional technique, there is JP-A-5-313799. In the present technology, the first key group equipped with the first key group
The second keyboard having the second key group is housed in the keyboard. In this way, the keyboard is expanded by allowing the second keyboard to be mounted without taking up another storage space.

[0005]

Keys having a small stroke such as touch keys and flat keys are used for the above-mentioned keyboard whose key layout can be changed. Some keyboards use a momentary key with a large stroke in which each key is independent, and either one is adopted depending on the purpose of use of the device. Flat keyboard
Although it is easy to change the key layout, since the stroke of the key is small, there is a problem that operability such as input speed is inferior to that of a momentary key having a large stroke.

An object of the present invention is to provide an input device which can improve the operability and can save the space occupied by the device.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, functional information indicating a function of a touch key is formed by arranging a key panel in which touch keys having translucency are arranged in a matrix on a screen of a display means. A key arrangement consisting of a first input means for displaying function information and a touch key so as to face each other to form an input key, and at least one movable means in parallel with a row direction or a column direction of the touch key. A second input unit provided so as to cover the touch keys for one column or one row and having a plurality of momentary keys having a predetermined function; and a position detection unit for detecting the position of the second input unit, The first input means, based on the output of the position detection means, a key arrangement excluding the function information indicating the function of the momentary key, in a portion not covered by the second input means. An input device, characterized in that Shimesuru. Further, according to the present invention, based on the output of the position detection means, it is determined whether the second input means is fixed to any one of a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, and the second input means determines the fixed position. It is characterized in that it includes notifying means for performing a predetermined notifying operation when not fixed to. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notification means outputs a predetermined warning sound. Further, according to the present invention, the notifying unit determines the moving direction of the second input unit from the current position to the closest fixed position based on the output of the position detecting unit, and outputs the determined moving direction. Characterize. In the present invention, the second input means is
The first input means is detachably provided, and when the second input means is detached, the first input means configures an input key by displaying a key arrangement including function information indicating a function of the momentary key on the display means. It is characterized by Further, the present invention is characterized in that the second input means is provided so as to be attachable / detachable, and the input operation is invalidated when the second input means is detached. Further, the present invention comprises an identification code storage means for storing an identification code for identifying an operator who performs an input operation, wherein the second input means outputs a predetermined identification code when mounted, and It is characterized in that it is stored in the identification code storage means. Further, according to the present invention, an operator storage means for storing in advance an identification code of an operator who can perform an input operation, an identification code stored in the identification code storage means, and an operator storage means. It is characterized by including a collating means for collating with the identification code, and validating the input operation when the identification code matches. Further, the present invention comprises a key arrangement storage means for storing a key arrangement for each operator stored in the operator storage means, wherein the first input means is an identification code based on a comparison result of the comparison means. When they match, the key layout of the operator having the matching identification code is read out from the key layout storage means and displayed.

[0008]

According to the present invention, the first input means includes the display means under the key panel in which the touch keys having translucency are arranged in a matrix. In the area of the display means facing the touch key, function information indicating the function of the key is displayed. The function information of each key is displayed on the entire screen of the display means to configure the key arrangement. It is easy to change the function assigned to each key of the first input means.
Further, the function of the momentary key of the second input means is predetermined and is not changed. It is preferable to assign frequently used functions to the momentary key.

The second input means can be moved in the row direction or the column direction of the touch keys, and is used by being fixed at a position covering one column or one row of touch keys. The position is detected by the position detecting means, and the key arrangement of the first input means is displayed excluding the keys covered by the second input means. Thereby, for example, when the second input means largely divides the key of the first input means into two,
The functions of the keys of the first input means can be distributed and arranged in the area that is not hidden by the second input means. At this time, the function of the momentary key of the second input means is excluded from the function assigned to each key of the first input means.

According to the invention, the second input means is fixed to any one of a plurality of predetermined fixed positions. Whether or not the second input means is at the fixed position is detected by the position detecting means. When it is not in the fixed position, a predetermined notification operation, for example, an operation of issuing a warning sound or the like, or an operation of instructing the moving direction from the current position of the second input means to the closest fixed position is performed. This facilitates aligning the second input means with a fixed position.

Still further according to the invention, the second input means can be attached and detached from the upper portion of the first input means. Second
When the input means is removed from the first input means, the function assigned to each key of the second input means is assigned to the key of the first input means. At this time, the key arrangement includes the function assigned to each key of the second input means. This makes it possible to prevent the input operation from being disturbed even when the second input means is removed.

According to the invention, the second input means may be the first input means.
When removed from the input means, the input operation of the first input means is invalidated. Thereby, the input operation of the input device can be managed by attaching and detaching the second input means.

Further according to the invention, the identification code storage means stores an identification code for identifying an operator who performs an input operation. The identification code is automatically output from the second input means and stored in the storage means when the second input means is attached to the input device. Thereby, the operator can be registered at the same time when the second input means is attached.

According to the invention, the operator storage means is
An identification code of an operator who can perform an input operation in the present input device is stored in advance. Only when the identification code input from the second input means and the identification code stored in the operator storage means match, the input operation of the present device becomes effective.

According to the present invention, the operator whose identification code is stored in the operator storage means has a key arrangement defined for each operator, and the key arrangement is stored in the key arrangement storage means. It When the identification code input from the second input means belongs to the operator who is permitted the input operation, the invalidation of the input operation is released, and at the same time, the key arrangement determined for each operator is first input. It is displayed on the display means of the means. With this, it is possible to read out and display the specific key arrangement which is different for each operator only by mounting the second input means.

[0016]

1 to 4 are perspective views of an electronic cash register equipped with an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second input means 4 is mounted on the upper surface of the main body 1 of the electronic cash register. The first input means 3 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1. The first input means 3 has a first key group 5 realized by arranging a key panel 5b such as a touch key and a display panel 5a such as a liquid crystal display in an overlapping manner. Also, the first input means 3 includes a large number of keys required for input in the registration machine, and the main body 1
It is flush with the upper surface of. The second input unit 4 has a configuration in which the upper portion of the first input unit 3 can be displaced, for example, in the row direction of the touch key (the direction in which the column number increases). A second key group 6 realized by a large stroke key such as a momentary key is formed on the upper surface thereof. The second key group 6 may include keys that are included in the first key group 5 and that are frequently used.

On the upper surface of the main body 1 of the electronic cash register machine, guide members 7 and 8 composed of a pair of parallel rails arranged so as to sandwich the first key group 5 are formed. The second input means 4 is fitted with the guide members 7 and 8 and is attached above the first input means 3 so as to be displaceable in one direction, for example, left and right. Further, the second input means 4 can prohibit and fix the displacement at a predetermined fixed position, for example, the left end portion, the right end portion, the central portion of the first key group 5, or another position. Furthermore, the second input means 4 is detachably attached from the upper surface of the main body 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view when the second input means 4 is fixed to the left end portion of the first key group 5.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the second input means 4 is fixed to the right end portion of the first key group 5. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the second input means 4 is fixed to the central portion of the first key group 5. FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the second input means 4 is removed from the main body.

5 and 6 are a front view and a rear view of the second input means 4, respectively. A second key group 6 is provided on the upper surface of the second input means 4. In the second key group 6, frequently used keys such as numeric keys are arranged. The second key group 6 has a smaller number of keys than the number of keys of the first key group 5. For example, it has 3 × 5 keys with 3 rows horizontally and 5 columns vertically. The width of the second input means 4 in the displacement direction is equal to the number of keys in the displacement direction of the second key group 6 such as the width of three keys of the first key group 5, for example. Matches the width of the key. This allows the second input means 4 to move to the first
When fixed on the key group 5, the number of keys of the first key group 5 equal to or larger than that of the second key group 6 is prevented from overlapping the second input means 4. Therefore, all the functions set in the first key group 5 hidden by the second key group 6 can be set in the keys of the second key group 6.

A fixing knob 9 is provided on the side surface of the second input means 4.
And a desorption knob 10 are provided. As will be described later, by operating the fixed knob 9, the second input means 4 is allowed to displace on the first key group 5 along the guide members 7 and 8. Further, as will be described later, it is allowed that the second input means 4 is detached from the main body 1 by operating the detachable knob 10.

On the bottom surface of the second input means 4, a person-in-charge setting means 11, a crime prevention setting means 12, and an attachment / detachment setting means 13 which will be described later.
Is provided. Further, a plurality of light emitting elements D realized by, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes) are attached to the bottom surface near the fitting portion that fits with the guide member 7. A plurality of, for example, three light emitting elements D are on the straight line parallel to the displacement direction of the second input means 4, which is the horizontal direction in FIG. 6, and in the vertical direction in FIG. 6, the second key group 6 Are arranged at equal intervals on a straight line that coincides with the center position of the key in the direction orthogonal to the displacement direction. In addition, the cash register machine 1
A plurality of light receiving elements Q, which are realized by photodiodes or the like, are provided on the upper surface of the second input means 4 at a position facing the light emitting element D. The plurality of, for example, five light receiving elements Q are on a straight line parallel to the displacement direction of the second input means 4, and for example, the central position of the vertical keys of the first key group 5 every three rows in the horizontal direction. It is placed on a straight line that matches with.
The light emitting element D and the light receiving element Q form a position detecting means.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the cash register of FIG. 1 taken along the line AA. A first key group 5 and a light receiving element Q are attached to a housing 21 of the main body 1. The first key group 5 has a configuration in which a key panel 5b realized by a touch key or the like is superimposed on a display screen of a display panel 5a realized by a liquid crystal display device or the like. The first key group 5 and the light receiving element Q are respectively connected to the board members 22 and 23 on which the control means and the like are mounted. The board member 22 and the board member 23 are connected to each other by a connecting means 24 including a connector and a cable.
Connected by. First key group 5 and substrate member 22
And constitute the first input means 3.

On the upper surface of the housing 26 of the second input means 4, the second
The key group 6 is attached. Further, the light emitting element D and the setting means 11 to 13 are attached to the bottom surface of the housing 26.
The second key group 6 is connected to the board member 27. The light emitting element D and the setting means 11 to 13 are connected to the substrate member 28. The board member 27 and the board member 28 are connected by a connecting means 29 including a connector and a cable.

The board member 22 of the first input means 3 and the board member 27 of the second input means 4 are detachably connected by a connecting means 31 composed of a connector and a cable. A protective member 33 for protecting the cable 32 of the connecting means 31 is provided near the guide member 7 of the housing 21 of the main body 1.
Is provided. The protection member 33 includes the second input means 4
The opening 34 is provided over the range in which the can be displaced. The cable 32 is inserted into the housing 2 through the opening 34.
1 is drawn out to the outside, guided to the inside of the housing 26 of the second input means 4, and connected to the board member 27 via a connector. As the second input means 4 is displaced left and right, the cable 32 also moves inside the opening 34.

Further, below the second key group 6 of the second input means 4, there is provided a fixing means 35 for fixing the second input means 4 so as not to move the upper surface of the main body 1. The position of the second input means 4 is such that when the light emitting element D and the light receiving element Q are on the same vertical straight line, the light emitting element D and the light receiving element Q are located.
So that and overlap, that is, in a straight line,
It is adjusted by fitting the fixing means 35 and the fitting portion 14 with the guide members 7 and 8.

8 to 10 are sectional views taken along the line BB of FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the second input means 4 is fixed and lateral displacement is prohibited. The fixing means 35 inside the housing 26 of the second input means 4 includes a cam 41 and a slide spring 4.
2, fixing spring 43, fixing knob 9, and detachable knob 1
It is configured to include 0.

A fixed spring 43 is provided at one end of the cam 41.
A slide spring 42 is attached to the other end. One end of the fixed spring 43 that is not connected to the cam 41 is fixed. The fixed spring 43 connects the cam 41 to the outside of the housing 26,
A force is exerted in the direction to move it to the right in FIG. The slide spring 42 has a convex portion 42a in a part of the spring, and exerts a force in a direction to move the cam 41 inward of the housing 26, to the left in FIG. At the side end of the cam 41, a cutout 41a having a slope inclined downward to the right in FIG. 8 is formed. The sliding portion 9a at the tip of the fixed knob 9 is in contact with the slope of the cutout portion 41a.

When the fixed knob 9 is not pressed down, the slide spring 42 is pressed against the guide member 8 by the force of the fixed spring 43, and the convex portion 42a is formed in the concave portion 4 of the guide member 8.
Fit in 4. As a result, the second input means 4 has the first
Displacement on the input means 3 is prohibited.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fixed knob 9 has a housing 2
6 When pushed inward, that is, in the direction of arrow 45, the sliding portion 9a of the fixed knob 9 pushes the cutout portion 41a. As a result, a force acts on the cam 41 in a direction orthogonal to the arrow 45 direction, and the cam 41 moves inwardly of the housing 26, that is, in the arrow 46 direction. As a result, the force pressing the slide spring 42 against the guide member 8 is released, and the convex portion 42 of the slide spring 42 is
“A” is in contact with the recess 44 only by the force of the slide spring 42. This allows the second input means 4 to displace on the first input means 3. Also fixed knob 9
The pressing is prohibited halfway by the locking member 47 of the detachable knob 10 and the stroke is controlled. This prevents the cam 41 from further moving in the direction of the arrow 46, and the convex portion 42a of the slide spring 42 from being completely removed from the concave portion 44 of the guide member 8.

When the second input means 4 is moved to the left and right above the first input means 3, for example, in the direction of arrow 48 in FIG. 9 while the fixed knob 9 is pressed down, the convex portion 42a is disengaged from the concave portion 44 and the guide member is formed. 8 while moving, slide spring 42
By the elastic force of. At this time, the operator who is moving the second input means 4 can feel a click feeling. At a position where this click feeling is felt, that is, when the convex portion 42a is fitted into the concave portion 44,
When the pressing of the fixed knob 9 is stopped, the cam 41 moves to the outside of the housing 26 by the force of the fixed spring 43 to press the slide spring 42 against the guide member 8, and the second input means 4 again.
Is fixed.

The recesses 44 are formed at a plurality of locations on the guide member 8. Further, the position where the concave portion 44 is formed is, for example, the key at the central position of each block with one block corresponding to the three columns of the first key group 5 that matches the width of the second input means 4 and the upper part thereof. It is determined that the keys of the fixed second key group 6 have the vertically aligned positions. By fixing the convex portion 42a where the convex portion 42a fits into the concave portion 44, the second input means 4 is fixed at a halfway position, and the first input portion 4 is fixed.
It is possible to prevent the keys of the key group 5 from being hidden by, for example, only half of them. Further, locking members 49 and 50 are provided at both ends of the guide members 7 and 8, and the second input means 4 can move to a position where the side surface of the second input means 4 contacts the locking member 49 or 50. .

When the second input means 4 is removed from the main body 1, the detachable knob 10 is moved in the direction of arrow 51 as shown in FIG. An arm-shaped member 52 having a convex portion at its tip is provided on the side of the detachable knob 10 opposite to the locking member 47. In the detachable knob 10, the protrusion 52a of the arm-shaped member 52 rides over the protrusion 53 formed on the inner surface of the housing 26 of the second input means 4, and the tip of the arm-shaped member 52 is locked inside the housing 26. It moves until it comes into contact with the member 54. When the tip of the arm-shaped member 52 comes into contact with the locking portion 54, the locking member 47
The part that restricted the stroke of the presser foot of the fixed knob 9 moves from below the fixed knob 9 in the direction of the arrow 46,
The fixed knob 9 can be pressed indefinitely. As a result, the fixed knob 9 can be pushed further inward than the case where the second input means 4 is displaced.

When the fixing knob 9 is further depressed, the cam 4
1 further moves in the direction of arrow 46, and the slide spring 42 separates from the guide member 8. In this state, as shown in FIG. 11, the front side of the cash register main body 1 of the second input means 4, FIG.
0 and FIG. 11, by lifting the right side and further pulling the second input means 4 toward the front, the fitting between the second input means 4 and the guide members 8 and 9 can be released and removed from the upper surface of the main body 1. After this, the board member 27 inside the second input means 4
And a connecting means 3 for connecting the substrate member 22 inside the main body 1
By removing 1, the second input means 4 can be completely removed from the body. The connection means 31 removed is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the protective member 33 is accommodated in the opening 34. The second input means 4 can be detached from the main body 1 by performing the above operation.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the electronic cash register of FIG. The control means 61 for controlling the entire registration machine includes a read-only memory 62, a random access memory 63, and an input display controller (KDC) 6.
4, buzzer interface 65, setting means interface 66, external storage means interface 67, clock circuit 6
8, a printer control unit 69, an external connection device control unit 70, etc. are connected. Further, the processing means 61 is provided with a crystal oscillator 83 serving as a basic clock.

The memory 62 stores a control program for controlling the registration machine such as initialization of the registration machine and reading / writing of an application program. The memory 63 has an application program,
Various flags and counters used for controlling the registration machine are stored.

The external storage means interface 67 is connected to the external storage reading means 71. The external storage reading means 71 reads the application programs, setting data, etc. stored in the external storage means realized by an IC card or the like, and stores them in the memory 63 or the like. Further, the data stored in the memory 63 or the like is stored in the external storage means. The external storage reading / writing means 71 is controlled by the processing means 61 via the interface 67.

The printer control circuit 69 transfers the print data to the printer 73 via the printer interface 72 according to the control signal from the processing means 61, and
The printer 73 is controlled. The printer 73 prints, for example, a record of registered merchandise, a counting result such as the number of sold products or a sales amount, or setting data on a receipt or slip paper. The interface 72 includes a printer drive circuit and various magnet drive circuits.

The external connection device control means 70 controls external devices such as computers and printers connected via the external connection device interface 74. The interface 74 connects an external device to the control means 70, and level-converts a signal given from the external device to the control means 70 and a signal given from the control means 70 to the external device.

The setting means interface 66 is connected to each of the setting means 11 to 13 provided on the bottom surface of the second input means 4, and has a personnel code set by each of the setting means 11 to 13 and the presence / absence of a crime prevention function. The operation mode of the processing means 6
Enter 1. The buzzer interface 65 is the buzzer 7
5, the control signal output from the processing means 61 is applied to the buzzer 75. The clock circuit 68 includes a crystal oscillator 76 that outputs a regular pulse and serves as a basic clock, and clocks time and date.

The KDC 64 includes the first and second key groups 5,
6 and the display means 77 for displaying the input data are controlled. The KDC 64 includes a display means 77 and a key panel 5.
b, the second key group 6, and the display control circuit 78 are connected. K
The DC 64 controls the display means 77, the key panel 5b, and the second key group 6 according to the signal given from the processing means 61. Further, signals from the display means 77, the key panel 5b and the second key group 6 are given to the processing means 61.

The KDC 64 also controls the display panel 5a via the display control circuit 78. Signals from the display memory 79, the CG memory 80, and the screen memory 81 are input to the display control circuit 78. Display memory 7
9 is realized by a random access memory or the like, and stores screen data to be displayed on the display panel 5a and display data such as a key arrangement including position information for displaying the screen data. The CG memory 80 is realized by a read-only memory or the like, and stores dot data or the like for displaying display data on the display panel 5a. The screen memory 81 is realized by a random access memory or the like, and stores basic screen data displayed on the display panel 5a.

Further, each circuit, each means, etc. described above is provided with a power source 8.
Powered by 2.

The position of the second input means 4 is detected by the position detecting means which includes a light receiving element Q on the top surface of the cash register main body 1 and a light emitting element D on the bottom surface of the second input means 4. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of, for example, three light emitting elements D are controlled by the light emitting element control means 91.
The signals output from the three light emitting elements are detected by a plurality of, for example, five light receiving elements Q. The signal output from the light receiving element Q is input to the light receiving circuit 92,
The position of the second input means 4 is determined.

The light emitting elements D1 to D3 emit light when, for example, a pulse in the ON state is applied. Light emitting element D1
The entire D3 is driven by the pulse shown in FIG. 15 (1), which is shifted in time. That is, the applied pulse alternately repeats the first to third states indicated by reference numerals 93 to 95. In the first state 93, the pulse given to the light emitting element D1 is in the on state, and the pulse given to the light emitting elements D2, D3 is in the off state. The second state 94 is
The pulse given to the light emitting element D2 is in the ON state, and the pulse given to the light emitting elements D1 and D3 is in the OFF state. In the third state 95, the pulse given to the light emitting element D3 is in the on state, and the pulses given to the light emitting elements D1 and D2 are in the off state. Therefore, the light emitting elements D1 to D3 are in a state of alternately emitting light.

As shown in FIG. 16, light receiving elements Q1 to Q5
Are installed at equal intervals on a straight line facing the light emitting elements D1 to D3 installed in the second input means 4 moving above the first key group. The light receiving elements Q1 to Q5 are the second input means 4
Is moved and any one of the light emitting elements D1 to D3 is moved to the light receiving element Q.
The light emitting element D2 and the light receiving element Q5 in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the second input means 4 moves the first key group to the vicinity of the upper central portion, it is located in the central portion of the first key group 5 that the signal of the light emitting element D is received. The light receiving element Q3.

For example, when the second input means 4 moves from the right side, as shown in FIG. 18, first, the light emitting element D1
And the light receiving element Q3 face each other and overlap. At this time, the light receiving element Q3 inputs the same pulse signal as the signal output from the light emitting element D1 to the light receiving circuit 92. In addition, another light receiving element Q
1, Q2, Q4, and Q5 do not have the light emitting element D at the opposite position, so that the light receiving circuit 92 outputs a signal in a flat off state.
To enter. This state is the signal in the range indicated by reference numeral 97 in FIG. At this time, on the display screen of the first input means 3,
An arrow mark indicating a direction in which the second input unit 4 should move, that is, a direction in which the second input unit 4 is moved to a fixed position where the light emitting element D2 and the light receiving element Q3 are closest to each other from the current position of the second input unit 4. You may make it display 101.

For example, when the second input means 4 moves from the left side, or when the second input means 4 moves from the right side has passed a fixed position in the central portion, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting element D3 and the light receiving element Q3 face each other and overlap each other. At this time, the signal input from the light receiving element D3 to the light receiving circuit 92 is the same pulse signal as the signal output by the light emitting element D3, as indicated by the range 98 in FIG. At the same time, the other light receiving elements Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5
The signal input to the light receiving circuit 92 from is a flat off-state signal. At this time, the arrow 1 indicating the direction in which the second input means 4 should move is displayed on the display screen of the first input means 3.
02 may be displayed.

When the second input means 4 reaches, for example, the central fixed position as shown in FIG. 17, the light emitting element D2 and the light receiving element Q3 overlap each other. At this time, the signal output from the light receiving element Q3 is the same pulse signal as the signal output from the light emitting element D2 as indicated by reference numeral 99 in FIG. At the same time, the signals output from the light receiving elements Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5 are flat off-state signals.

By comparing the pulse of the signal output from the light receiving element Q with the pulse of the signal output from the light emitting elements D1 to D3 as described above, which light emitting element D is overlapped, that is, the second input means. It is possible to know where 4 is located.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the position detecting operation of the second input means 4. Step a1
From step a2, it is determined whether the light receiving element Q1 is in the ON state, that is, whether any of the light emitting elements D1 to D3 is present above the light receiving element Q1. If not, the process proceeds to step a3, where the light receiving element Q
It is determined whether or not 2 is in the ON state. If not, the process proceeds to step a4, and it is determined whether or not the light receiving element Q3 is in the ON state. If not, the process proceeds to step a5, and it is determined whether or not the light receiving element Q4 is in the ON state. Otherwise, step a
In step 6, it is determined whether the light receiving element Q5 is in the on state. If not, the process returns to step a2.

In steps a2 to a6, the light receiving element Q
When any of the light emitting elements D1 to Q5 is in the ON state, that is, above the light receiving elements Q1 to Q5,
When any one of 1 to D3 exists, step a
Proceed to 7. At step a7, it is determined whether or not the pulse of the signal output from the light receiving element Q in the ON state matches the signal output from the light emitting element D1, that is, the light emitting element above the light receiving element in the ON state is D1. Is determined. If so, that is, if the light receiving element Q in the ON state is receiving the signal from the light emitting element D1, in step a8, the data of the arrow 101 in FIG. 18 is given to the display memory 79 to display the arrow. A notification operation is performed to proceed to step a11. Otherwise, in step a9, it is determined whether or not the pulse of the signal output from the light receiving element Q in the ON state matches the signal output from the light emitting element D3. If so, that is, if the light receiving element Q in the ON state is receiving the signal from the light emitting element D3, the arrow 102 in FIG.
Is displayed and the process proceeds to step a11. After displaying the arrow indicating the direction in which the second input means 4 should move in step a8 or step a10, in step a11 the operator is notified that the second input means 4 is not in the fixed position by using the sound of the buzzer 75, for example. , Performs a notification operation for emitting a warning sound indicating that the vehicle must be moved, and returns to step a7.

When the light emitting element D located above the light receiving element Q in the on state is neither the left light emitting element D1 nor the right light emitting element D3, the signal output from the on light receiving element Q in step a12. Is determined to match the signal output from the light emitting element D2. If not, the process returns to step a7. When the light emitting element D above the light receiving element Q is the central light emitting element D2, that is, when the second input means 4 is at a predetermined fixed position, the position flag F1 is set in step a13. At this time, position data corresponding to any of the light receiving elements Q1 to Q5 in the ON state is set in the position flag F1, for example, when the light receiving element in the ON state is the light receiving element Q1, "1" is set in the position flag F1. Similarly, the light receiving element Q which is in the ON state
Is the light receiving elements Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, the position flag F1 is set to "2", "3", "4", "5", respectively.

At step a14, the symbol 103 in FIG. 17 indicating that the second input means 4 is fixed at the fixed position is displayed. Further, an arrow mark 1 indicating the moving direction of the second input means 4
01 or the arrow mark 102 is erased and stopped when a warning sound is emitted. At step a15, time is measured by a counter or the like, and at step a14, the symbol 1
After displaying 03, a predetermined time, for example, 3
It is determined whether the seconds have elapsed, and if not,
Return to step a15. After 3 seconds, step a1
6, the display of the symbol 103 displayed in step a14 is erased, the key layout in which the display position of the key is changed according to the position of the second input means 4 is displayed, and the process ends in step a17.

By the above operation, it is possible to know at which position above the first key group 5 the second input means 4 is located and which key on the key panel is hidden and cannot be operated.

FIG. 21 shows a first example of the electronic cash register of FIG.
7 is a display example of a key arrangement displayed on the display panel 5a of the key group 5. This key arrangement is used when the cash register is used while the second input means 4 is removed from the main body 1. This key arrangement includes, for example, a numeric key group 105 included in the second key group 6.

22 to 24 are display examples of the key arrangement displayed when the second input means 4 is attached to the main body 1. FIG. 22 shows a key arrangement displayed when the second input means 4 is fixed to the right end of the first key group 5. Further, FIG. 23 shows a key arrangement displayed when the second input means 4 is fixed to the left end of the first key group 5. Furthermore, FIG. 24 shows a key arrangement displayed when the second input means 4 is fixed to the central portion of the first key group 5.

In the key arrangement when the second input means 4 is used in combination with the first input means 3, the numeral key group 10
5 is moved to a position where it cannot be operated because it overlaps the second input means 4. For example, it is moved to the right end in FIG. 22, the left end in FIG. 23, and the center part in FIG. Key groups 106a, 10 other than the numeric key group 105 such as function keys
The display positions of 6b and 106c (collectively referred to as 106 below) are changed in accordance with the movement of the numeric key group 105. For example, the numeric key group 105 is divided into left and right parts and displayed.
The numeric key group 105 may not be displayed.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of changing the key arrangement of the first key group 5. First
The key arrangement of the key group 5 is changed after the second input means 4 is fixed at any of a plurality of predetermined fixed positions. For example, this is performed when displaying the key layout in step a16 of FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when the position flag F1 indicating the position where the second input means 4 is fixed is set, the process proceeds from step b1 to step b2 and the position data set in the position flag F1 is set. Read in. At step b3, it is judged whether or not the position data set in the position flag F1 is "1". If so, that is, if the second input means 4 is located above the leftmost three key rows of the first key group 5, the first key when the position flag F1 is "1" in step b4. Read the display change table T1 that stores the display position information of the group 5,
Store as display change data.

When the position data is not "1" in step b3, that is, when the second input means 4 is not present at the left end of the first key group 5, the process proceeds to step b5, and the position data is stored as in step b3. It is determined whether or not it is "2". If so, the display change table T2 is read in step b6 and stored as display change data. If the position data is not "2" in step b5, it is determined in step b7 whether the position data is "3". If so, the display change table T3 is read and stored as display change data in step b8.

If the position data is not "3" in step b7, it is determined in step b9 whether the position data is "4". If so, the display change table T4 is read and stored as display change data in step b10. If the position data is not "4" in step b7, it is determined in step b11 whether the position data is "5". If so, the display change table T5 is read in step b12,
Store as display change data. When the position data is not "5" in step b11, that is, when the position data set in the position flag F1 is neither "1" to "5", the process returns to step b2 and again in steps b3 to b11. The determination operation of the position data of the second input means 4 that is performed again is redone.

In steps b3 to b12, the position of the second input means 4 is determined, and steps b4, b6, b8, b
Read the display change table with either 10 or b12,
When the display change data indicating the display position information of the key is stored, the process proceeds to step b13. In step b13, the second
Before the input means 4 is moved, the key arrangement screen data displayed on the display panel 5a of the first key group 5 includes a plurality of key arrangement screen data which can be operated only by a specific person in charge. The screen flag F2 indicating which of the operation screen data is read.

At step b14, the first address of the screen addresses of the screen memory 81, in which the screen data corresponding to the value of the screen flag F2 read at step b13 is stored, is set. In step b15,
By referring to the display change table, it is determined whether the screen address needs to be changed, that is, whether the display content at a certain display position needs to be changed. For example, if the user wants to change the basic key layout shown in FIG. 21 to a key layout in which the leftmost three columns of the first key group 5 are hidden by the second input means 4 shown in FIG. , Reference numeral 10
It is necessary to switch the display of the area indicated by 5 and the display of the area indicated by reference numeral 106a. Also, reference numerals 106b, 1
It is not necessary to change the display of the area indicated by 06c. Therefore, when it is necessary to change the display content, that is, when the screen address from which the screen data is read needs to be changed, the screen address storing the screen data required in step b16, for example, the screen address is changed. The screen address for storing the data of the keys existing by separating the three keys of the first key group 5 is obtained by increasing the number corresponding to the three keys. When it is not necessary to change the display content, the screen address is not changed and the process directly proceeds to step b17.

At step b17, the screen data stored at the screen address obtained at step b15 or step b16 is read from the screen memory 81 and transferred to the display memory 79 at step b18. The screen data transferred to the display memory 79 is stored in order from a storage area having a young display address, for example. At step b19, it is judged whether or not the display address of the display memory 79 is the final address of one display screen of the display panel 5a. If so, the process ends in step b21. If not, in step b20, 1 is added to the screen address before being changed in step b16 to be set, and the process returns to step b15.

As described above, by storing the screen data in the display memory 79 in the order corresponding to the screen change table, a new key arrangement can be constructed.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining the management operation of the cash register of FIG. On the back surface of the second input means 4, each setting means 11, 12, 13 realized by, for example, a DIP switch is mounted. In the person-in-charge setting means 11, when one cash register is used by a plurality of operators, the second one is assigned individually for each operator.
A person-in-charge code which is an identification code peculiar to the operator is set in the input means 4. The crime prevention setting means 12 sets whether or not the registration machine can be used without mounting the second input means 4 on the main body 1. The attachment / detachment setting means 13 sets whether or not the second input means 4 is attached to the main body 1.
Using the above settings, the cash register is managed by limiting the operators who use the register.

When the attachment / detachment setting means 13 is operated, the process proceeds from step c1 to step c2. When the second input means 4 is detached from the main body 1, the operator sets the detachment setting means 13 to either the presence state or the absence state. The presence state indicates that the second input means 4 is attached to the main body 1, and the non-state indicates that the second input means 4 is removed from the main body 1. In step c2, it is determined whether or not the signal from the attachment / detachment setting means 13 changes from the non-state to the presence state, that is, whether or not the second input means 4 is attached to the main body.
If not, it is determined in step c3 whether or not the signal from the attachment / detachment setting means 13 changes from the present state to the non-state, that is, whether or not the second input means 4 is removed from the main body 1. Otherwise, it returns to step c2. If the second input means 4 is removed, the setting state of the crime prevention setting means 12 is set in step c4, and if the second input means 4 is removed, the registration machine cannot be used. It is determined whether there is any. If so, step c2
Return to

When it is determined in step c2 that the second input means 4 is attached, the person-in-charge code set by the person-in-charge setting means 11 is read in in step c5. Step c6
It is determined whether or not the crime prevention function is enabled. If not, the process proceeds to step c13. When the security function is present, the process proceeds to step c7, and the specific charge code preset in the main body 1, for example, given to the person in charge or the person in charge of special operations, and the person in charge set in the second input means 4. It is determined whether the code matches.
If so, the screen data of the key arrangement stored and stored for the specific person in charge is read in step c8. In step c9, the key arrangement is displayed on the display panel 5a. In step c10, the screen flag F2 is set to the number assigned to the key arrangement displayed in step c9, and the process ends in step c10.

The specific charge code is determined as described above,
When the crime prevention function is working, in order to use the cash register, it is necessary to equip with a predetermined specific second input means 4. In addition, a certain key arrangement that can be operated only by the operator having the second input means 4 having the specific charge code can be easily called and displayed only by mounting the second input means 4.

If the specific code and the person code do not match in step c7, step c11
Proceed to. At step c11, the second input means 4 which permits the operation other than the second input means 4 having the specific charge code
Is determined whether or not the operable charge code is set. If it is set, it is determined in step c12 whether or not the operable person code matches the person code set in the second input means 4. When they match, the person in charge code is registered in the main registration machine as the person in charge of operation in step c13, and the process is ended. Also, when the crime prevention state is no state or when the operable charge code is not set, the operation charge person is set and the process ends.

If the operable personnel is set and the personnel code of the second input means 4 does not match the personnel code that is set, a warning is given by a sound emitted from the buzzer 75 in step c14. At the same time, a display indicating that the registration machine cannot be operated is displayed on the display means 77, such as "Sorry". As a result, the second input means 4 currently mounted informs the operator that the operation of the main registration machine is not permitted. At step c15, whether or not the setting state of the attachment / detachment setting means 13 is changed from the present state to the non-state, that is, the second input means 4
It is determined whether or not is removed from the main body 1. If not removed, the process returns to step c15. When the second input means 4 is removed, the sound of the buzzer is stopped at step c16, the display indicating that the operation is impossible shown at step c14 is erased, and the process ends at step c19. When the crime prevention function is working as described above, the main registration machine cannot be used unless the second input means 4 having the specific charge code or the operable code is attached.

When the crime prevention function is not working and the second input means 4 is removed, steps c4 to c
In step 17, the screen data of the basic key layout when the second input means 4 shown in FIG. 21 is removed is read and displayed. At step c18, the number assigned to the key arrangement of FIG. 21 displayed at step c17 is set in the screen flag F2,
The process ends at step c19. As a result, when the second input means 4 is removed, the key layout including the same functions as the second key group 6 is promptly displayed. As a result, the main registration machine can be used even when the second input means 4 fails.

As described above, in the cash register of this embodiment, the person in charge, which has conventionally been directly input with a numeric key or the like, is automatically loaded by mounting the second input means 4. Can be entered manually. Further, unless the second input means 4 having a crime prevention function and corresponding to the code set in the main body 1 is connected, the main registration machine cannot be operated. Thereby, the second input means 4
The main registration machine can be managed by attaching and detaching, and the management becomes easy. Furthermore, the operator who operates the cash register of the present embodiment is provided with the second input means 4 in which his or her own code is input, whereby the sense of responsibility can be improved.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, the input device is composed of the first input means having touch keys whose key arrangement can be changed and the momentary key having good operability, and can be moved to a position where it can be easily operated. Second input means. Further, no function is assigned to the key of the first input means in the region covered by the second input means and inoperable. This makes it possible to improve the operability by taking advantage of the characteristics of the touch key and the momentary key. And the space for the input device can be made the same size as the conventional input device.

Further, according to the present invention, when the second input means is not at a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, a warning sound is generated and a moving direction to the nearest fixed position is instructed. This allows the second input means to be quickly moved to the fixed position. Further, by fixing the fixed position in advance, it is possible to prevent the second input means from being fixed at a position where the key of the first input means is hidden, for example, by half.

Further, according to the present invention, when the second input means is removed, the function of the second input means is transferred to the first input means. This allows the input operation to be continued even if the second input means fails, for example. Therefore, operability can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the second input means is provided detachably from the input device. When the second input means is removed from the input device, the input operation of the input device is invalid. Thus, the operating state of the input device can be managed by managing the attachment / detachment of the second input means.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the identification code is automatically input at the same time when the second input means is attached to the input device. Based on this identification code, invalidation of the input operation is canceled, and the key arrangement specific to the operator is read. This simplifies the input of the identification code and facilitates security management of the input device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 includes an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention,
It is a perspective view of an electronic cash register in which the input means 4 is fixed to the left end of the first key group 5.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cash register of FIG. 1 when it is fixed to a right end portion of a first key group 5 of a second input means 4.

3 is a perspective view when the second input means 4 is fixed to the central portion of a first key group 5 in the electronic cash register of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electronic cash register of FIG. 1 when the second input means 4 is removed from the main body 1.

5 is a front view of second input means 4 of the electronic cash register of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the second input means 4 of the electronic cash register of FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the electronic cash register of FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cash register of FIG. 7 taken along the line BB.

9 is a sectional view of the electronic cash register of FIG. 7 taken along the line BB.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the electronic cash register of FIG.

11 is a sectional view taken along line BB of the electronic cash register of FIG.

12 is a sectional view taken along line BB of the electronic cash register of FIG. 7 with the second input means 4 removed.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electronic cash register of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of light emitting elements D1 to D3 and light receiving elements Q1 to Q5.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the pulses given to the light emitting elements D1 to D3 and the signals received by the light receiving elements Q1 to Q5.

16 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a first key group 5 and a second input means 4. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the second input means 4 positions the first key group 5 at the central portion.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state where the central portion of the first key group 5 of the second input means 4 is approached from the left direction.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where the second input means 4 approaches the central portion of the first key group 5 from the left direction.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining a position detecting operation of the second input means 4.

FIG. 21 is a display example of a key arrangement displayed on the display panel 5a of the first key group 5 of the electronic money register of FIG.

22 is a display example of a key arrangement displayed on the display panel 5a of the electronic cash register of FIG.

23 is a display example of the key arrangement displayed on the display panel 5a of the electronic cash register of FIG.

24 is a display example of a key arrangement displayed on the display panel 5a of the electronic cash register of FIG.

25 is a flow chart for explaining a display position changing operation of the key arrangement of the first key group 5 of the electronic money register of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining a management operation of the electronic cash register of FIG. 1.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 3 1st input means 4 2nd input means 5 1st key group 6 2nd key group 7,8 Guide member 9 Fixed knob 10 Desorption knob 11 Person in charge setting means 12 Crime prevention setting means 13 Desorption setting means D1, D2 D3 Light emitting element Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 Light receiving element

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A key arrangement in which translucent touch keys are arranged in a matrix on a screen of a display means, and a key arrangement consisting of function information indicating the function of the touch keys is defined as function information. And a touch key so as to face each other so as to form an input key, and a touch for at least one column or one line so as to be movable in parallel with a row direction or a column direction of the touch key. The second input means is provided so as to cover the keys and has a plurality of momentary keys having a predetermined function, and the position detection means for detecting the position of the second input means. The first input means includes: On the basis of the output of the position detecting means, the portion not covered by the second input means is
An input device, which displays a key layout excluding functional information indicating a function of the momentary key. 2. Based on the output of the position detection means, it is determined whether or not the second input means is fixed to any one of a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, and the second input means is fixed to the fixed position. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that performs a predetermined notification operation when the input device is not fixed to the input device. 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the notification means outputs a predetermined warning sound. 4. The informing means determines the moving direction of the second input means from the current position to the closest fixed position based on the output of the position detecting means, and outputs the determined moving direction. The input device according to claim 2, which is characterized in that. 5. The second input means is provided so as to be attachable / detachable, and the first input means includes function information indicating a function of the momentary key when the second input means is attached / detached. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the key arrangement is displayed on the display means to form an input key. 6. The second input means is provided so as to be attachable / detachable, and when the second input means is detached, the input operation is invalidated. The input device described in. 7. An identification code storage unit for storing an identification code for identifying an operator who performs an input operation, wherein the second input unit outputs a predetermined identification code when mounted, and The input device according to claim 5, wherein the input code is stored in an identification code storage means. 8. An operator storage means for storing in advance an identification code of an operator who can perform an input operation, an identification code stored in the identification code storage means, and an operator storage means. The input device according to claim 7, further comprising a collating unit that collates with the identification code, and validates the input operation when the identification codes match. 9. The key arrangement storage means for storing a key arrangement for each operator stored in the operator storage means, wherein the first input means is configured to identify an identification code based on a comparison result of the comparison means. 9. The input device according to claim 8, wherein the key arrangement of the operator having the coincident identification code is read out and displayed from the key arrangement storing means when they coincide.