JPH10301691A - Keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To input a key that does not exist on a keyboard without preparing a full keyboard. SOLUTION: A keyboard 1 which is designed for special use has a key inputting part 2 which consists of ten keys and some function keys and a changeover switch 3 which switches a normal mode that outputs a key code corresponding to a key input and a key code input mode that outputs a key code by directly inputting the key code. A controlling part 4 supervises the state of the switch 3, outputs a key code that corresponds to an input from the part 2 in the normal mode, holds an input from the part 2 in a key code buffer 5 and outputs it as a key code to a host device 6 through the input of a RETURN key in the key code input mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard, and more particularly to an application-specific keyboard composed of numeric keys and several function keys.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional application-specific keyboards are composed of numeric keys and several function keys, and are suitable for selecting items for regular work. For example, in a maintenance situation, a limited number of keys are used to execute a maintenance utility. It has to be modified in advance so that it can be performed, and there is a problem that it is impossible to cope with a case where a command input is required in an unexpected situation.

In the keyboard described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-167115, it is possible to switch between an item selection mode and an alphanumeric input mode. However, in a keyboard for a specific application having a small number of keys, it is necessary to secure even the number of keys for the alphabet. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

In the keyboard described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-198113, a key code map can be switched by a changeover switch. However, the above-mentioned problem cannot be solved with a keyboard for a specific use having a small number of keys.

[0005]

In a keyboard for a specific use, operability such as selection of items for regular work and input of numerical values is emphasized, and a numeric keypad and several functions are provided for the purpose of miniaturization, prevention of erroneous operations, and the like. Generally, it is composed of keys, but as a disadvantage, it is necessary to respond with a limited number of keys in the maintenance phase, and if an unexpected situation requires command input, etc. Was impossible, and there was no other way but to prepare a full keyboard.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional special-purpose keyboard, and aims to enable input of a key that is not provided on the keyboard without preparing a full keyboard.

[0007]

The present invention employs the following means to solve the above-mentioned problems.

(1) In a special purpose keyboard composed of numeric keys and function keys, a normal mode for outputting a key code corresponding to a key input and a key code input mode for outputting a key code by directly inputting the key code A keyboard which has a changeover switch for generating a key which cannot be input in the normal mode by key code input.

(2) The control unit for monitoring the state of the changeover switch outputs a key code corresponding to the input from the key input unit in the normal mode, and inputs from the key input unit in the key code input mode. The keyboard according to (1), wherein is stored in a key code buffer, and is output as a key code by input of a RETURN key.

(3) The keyboard according to (2), wherein the control unit sends a signal to a host device.

[0011]

According to the present invention, it is possible to input a key that is not present on the keyboard by switching to a key code input mode in a keyboard for a specific use composed of a numeric keypad and several function keys. Can be handled without preparing a full keyboard.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

A keyboard 1 for a specific use includes a key input unit 2 composed of numeric keys and some function keys, a normal mode for outputting a key code corresponding to the key input, and a key input by directly inputting the key code. There is a changeover switch 3 for switching between a key code input mode for outputting a code and a key code input mode.

The control unit 4 monitors the state of the changeover switch 3 and outputs a key code corresponding to the input from the key input unit 2 in the normal mode, and inputs the key code from the key input unit 2 in the key code input mode. Is stored in the key code buffer 5 and is output to the host device 6 such as a personal computer as a key code by input of the RETURN key.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The control unit 4 monitors the state of the changeover switch 3 and outputs a key code corresponding to an input from the key input unit 2 in the normal mode. For example, when the key “1” is input, the corresponding key code “69” is output.

When the changeover switch 3 is in the key code input mode, the keys "f.1" to "f.6" of the key input section 2 are assigned to the keys "A" to "F".
16 using the keys "0" to "9" and "A" to "F".
Enter in hexadecimal. The control unit 4 holds the input from the key input unit 2 in the key code buffer 5 and outputs it as a key code by input of the RETURN key. For example, assuming that the key code corresponding to “Z” is to be input is “1A”, “1” and “A (f.1)” are input from the key input unit 2. The control unit 4 holds it in the key code buffer 5 and outputs “1A” as a key code by a RETURN key input defined as a transmission key.

As described above, in the keyboard 1 for specific use, it is possible to input a key that is not on the keyboard 1.

[0020]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in a special-purpose keyboard composed of a numeric keypad and several function keys, by switching to a key code input mode, a key which is not on the keyboard is provided. Can be input. As a result, even when a command input is required during maintenance or the like, it is possible to respond without preparing a full keyboard.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a keyboard showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Keyboard 2 Key input part 3 Changeover switch 4 Control part 5 Key code buffer 6 Host device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An application-specific keyboard comprising ten keys and function keys, a normal mode for outputting a key code corresponding to a key input and a key code input mode for outputting a key code by directly inputting the key code. A keyboard comprising a changeover switch for generating a key that cannot be input in the normal mode by key code input. 2. A control unit for monitoring a state of the changeover switch outputs a key code corresponding to an input from a key input unit in a normal mode, and receives an input from the key input unit in a key code input mode. 2. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is held in a key code buffer and output as a key code by inputting a RETURN key. 3. The keyboard according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sends a signal to a host device.