JPH11345069A - Key data input device with interface switching function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to directly connect the key data input device to a personal computer having a different pin assignment by providing the input device with a control means or the like for controlling the connection of a connection means in accordance with the state of a control signal stored in a storage means. SOLUTION: At first whether a key is depressed or not is judged (S 51), and when the judged result is YES, whether the depressed key is a previously determined mode setting key or not is judged (S 52). When the judged result is YES in the step S 52, i.e., when the mode setting key is depressed, the processing goes to a step S 53 and a code selection signal and a control signal level are stored in an E<2> PROM to be a storage means. Then the code selection signal and the control signal level are read out from the E<2> PROM in a step S 54, the code selection signal is set up in a RAM in a step S 55 and the control signal level is set up in a step S 56. A CPU to be a control means controls the connection of a connection means in accordance with the state of the control signal stored in the E<2> PROM.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an input device with an interface switching function, and more particularly to an input device with an interface switching function that can be directly connected to a plurality of personal computers having different pin assignments.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers (hereinafter referred to as P
As C) has been reduced in size, notebook PCs of A4 size or A5 size have already been put to practical use. However, a keyboard is used as an input device in a notebook PC, but a so-called “numeric keypad” is generally omitted in order to prevent operability from deteriorating.

For this reason, when using a so-called "spreadsheet software" which mainly handles numeric data using a notebook PC, the keys located at the back of the keyboard must be used frequently, and the operability deteriorates. You cannot avoid doing it. In the case of notebook PCs, GUI (Graphical User
It is common to use a stick type or a touch panel type as a pointing device for cursor operation required in the interface.

[0004] For this reason, it is inevitable that the operability of the cursor deteriorates as compared with the mouse, which is the most common pointing device. In order to solve these problems, it is possible to connect an external input device such as a numeric keyboard, a mouse, and the like to a device connector provided in the notebook PC.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a notebook PC. An alphanumeric key and a control key 111 excluding a numeric keypad are provided on a housing 11 of the notebook PC 10.
In addition, a touch panel type pointing device 112 is provided. A liquid crystal display panel 121 for displaying processing results, icons, and the like is provided on the lid 12 of the notebook PC 10.

Further, a connector 113 for connecting an external input device such as a numeric keyboard or a mouse is provided on a side surface of the housing 11. The interface of this connector is mini D for PS / 2 (registered trademark).
It is standardized to use the IN6 pin, but the actual situation is that not all detailed pin assignments are standardized.

Table 1 is a comparison table of the pin assignments of the notebook PC connector. Two types of pin assignments are provided.
There are two types of key data modes, a total of four types.

[0008]

[Table 1]

Here, there are two types of "key data mode", "full key data mode" and "numeric key data mode", and the data codes are different. Therefore, when one numeric key (for example, “1”) is pressed on the keyboard, it is correctly recognized by a PC using “full key data mode”, but is incorrectly recognized by a PC using “numeric key data mode”. Or a PC using the "numeric key data mode" will recognize it correctly, but a PC using the "full key data mode" will recognize it incorrectly.

Table 2 is an example of a pin assignment table of a numeric keyboard, which is one type of input device, and is standardized by an input device manufacturer.

[0011]

[Table 2]

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram between a notebook PC and an external numeric keyboard. As shown in FIG. 2A, a keyboard having a pin assignment shown in [Table 2] and operating in a "numeric key data mode". Is connected to a notebook PC manufactured by Company C, normal operation is guaranteed by directly connecting the six pins.

[0013]

However, when the same input device is connected to a notebook PC made by Company A,
Even if each pin is directly connected, normal operation is not performed. Pin # 1 on the device side is pin # 2 on the PC side, pin # 2 on the device side is pin # 1 on the PC side, and pin # 5 on the device side. Pin to PC
# 6 pin on the device side, # 6 pin on the device side on pin # 6 on the device side
You need to use a cable that connects to the pins.

As described above, when one input device is commonly used by PCs of different manufacturers, correct operation is not always guaranteed, and it is necessary to select a connection cable according to the PC manufacturer. Furthermore, when an input device having a different key data mode is used, correct operation cannot be guaranteed even if a connection cable is selected.
That is, a ten-key keyboard having the pin assignments shown in [Table 2] and operating in the ten-key data mode cannot be connected to a PC manufactured by Company D.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an input device with an interface switching function that can be directly connected to a personal computer having a different pin assignment.

[0016]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key data input device having an interface switching function, comprising first and second data lines for transmitting and receiving two types of data to and from a personal computer, and a personal computer. First and second for transmitting and receiving clocks of different types
Personal computer connection means including a clock line, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, code data generation means for generating at least two types of code data when one key is pressed on the keyboard, and a control signal Are in the first state and the first data line and the first
Are connected to the code data generating means, and when the control signal is in the second state, the second data line and the second
Connection means for connecting the clock line to the code data generation means, and a state of a code selection signal and a control signal set by pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard when in a predetermined specific state. A storage unit for storing the code data selected by the code selection signal stored in the storage unit after the key is released, is output from the code data generation unit, and connected according to a state of the control signal stored in the storage unit; Control means for controlling connection of the means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key data input device with an interface switching function for transmitting and receiving two types of data to and from a personal computer.
Personal computer connection means including first and second clock lines for transmitting and receiving two types of clocks to and from the data line of the personal computer, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, and one key being pressed on the keyboard Code data generating means for generating at least two types of code data when executed, a pointing device connection means including at least a pointing device data line and a pointing device clock line;
When the control signal is in the first state, the first data line and the first clock line are used as code data generating means, the second data line is used as a pointing device data line, and the second clock line is used as a pointing device. A second data line and a second clock line to the code data generating means, a first data line to the pointing device data line, and a first data line to the first data line when the control signal is in the second state. Connecting means for connecting the clock line to the pointing device clock line, and a state of a code selection signal and a control signal set by pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard when in a predetermined specific state. Storage means for storing, and a code data selected by a code selection signal stored in the storage means after the key is released. Outputs data from the code data generating means comprises a control means for controlling the connection of the connecting means according to the state of the stored control signal to the memory means.

In the key data input device with an interface switching function according to the present invention, the mode of the serial code and the state of the control signal are stored in the storage means in accordance with the key pressed in a predetermined specific state,
In a mode in which a serial code corresponding to the pressed key is stored after the pressed key is released, the serial code is output via the switching means switched according to the state of the control signal.

[0019]

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ten-key keyboard as one embodiment of an input device with an interface switching function according to the present invention. The upper surface of the ten-key keyboard 3 has "0" to "9". In addition to the ten kinds of numeric keys, a total of 17 keys 31 such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division operation symbol keys are arranged.

A cable 32 is provided on the back of the numeric keyboard 3.
A PC connector 33 for connecting to a PC via a PC is attached. Further, the numeric keyboard 3 has a mouse connector 34 for connecting a mouse (not shown). FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the numeric keyboard 3 of FIG. 3, wherein the # 1 pin of the PC connector 33 is a first FET.
The # 2 pin is connected to the second FET 412 and the fifth FET 415.

The # 3 pin of the PC connector 33 provides a ground potential, and the # 4 pin is connected to a DC bus for supplying power to the numeric keyboard 3 from the PC. Further, the # 5 pin of the PC connector 33 is connected to the third FET 413 and the eighth FET 418, and the # 6 pin is connected to the fourth FET 414 and the seventh FET 417.

The operation of the numeric keyboard 3 is controlled by the microprocessor 42.
2 is a CPU 422 and a RAM (Ra
ndomAccess Memory 423, ROM (Read-Only Memor)
y) 424, E ² PROM (Electrically Erasable and
Programmable Read-Only Memory) 425, first interface 426, and second interface 4
27.

First FET 411 and Second FET 4
12 is commonly connected to one input port of the first interface 426. Further, the third FET 413 and the fourth FET 414 are commonly connected to another input port of the first interface 426. The fifth FET 415 and the sixth FET 416 are commonly connected to the # 1 pin of the mouse connector 34, and the seventh FET 41
The seventh and eighth FETs 418 are commonly used for the mouse connector 3
4 pin # 5.

The # 3 pin of the mouse connector 34 provides a ground potential, and the # 4 pin is connected to a DC bus for supplying drive power to the mouse. A control signal (C) output from one output port of the first interface 426
NTRL) includes a first FET 411 and a third FET 41
Third, it is directly supplied to the gates of the fifth FET 415 and the seventh FET 417 and is also supplied to the inverter 43.

The inverted control signal (CNTRL) output from the inverter 43 is supplied to the second FET 412 and the fourth F
ET414, sixth FET 416 and eighth FET4
18 gates. The key 31 is connected to the second interface 427. Therefore, when the control signal (CNTRL) output from one output port of the first interface 426 is at “H” level, the first FET 411, the third FET 413, the fifth FET 415, and the seventh FET 417 are turned on. The second FET 412, the fourth FET 414, the sixth FET 416, and the eighth FET 418 are turned off.

Conversely, when the control signal (CNTRL) output from one output port of the first interface 426 is at "L" level, the second FET 412, the fourth FET 414, the sixth FET 416, and the eighth F
The ET 418 is turned on, and the first FET 411, the third FET 413, the fifth FET 415, and the seventh F
ET417 is turned off.

The ROM 424 stores a code in the case of using the "numeric key data mode" and a code in the case of using the "full key data mode", and also stores a control routine described below. I have. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control routine, which is executed as an interruption process when the power is turned on.

First, at step 51, it is determined whether or not a key has been pressed. When the determination is affirmative, that is, when the key has been pressed, the routine proceeds to step 52. In step 52, it is determined whether the key pressed is a predetermined mode setting key. For example, "1" to "4" can be used as mode setting keys. When an affirmative determination is made in step 52, that is, when the mode setting key is pressed, the process proceeds to step 53, where the code selection signal and the control signal level are stored in the E ² PROM 425.

For example, when "1" is pressed, the code selection signal is set to "numeric key data mode" and the control signal is set to "L" level. When "2" is pressed, the code selection signal is set to "full key data mode" and the control signal is set to "L" level. When "3" is pressed, the code selection signal is set to "numeric key data mode" and the control signal is set to "H" level.

When "4" is pressed, the code selection signal is set to "full key data mode" and the control signal is set to "H" level. When the storage is completed in step 53, the process proceeds to step 54. In addition, when a negative determination is made in step 51, that is, when the key is not pressed when the power is turned on, and when a negative determination is made in step 52, that is, when the key pressed when the power is turned on is not the mode setting key, Proceed to step 54.

At step 54, the code selection signal and the control signal level are read from the E ² PROM 425, at step 55 the code selection signal is set at the RAM 423, and at step 56 the control signal level is set. Thereafter, at step 57, the process waits until the mode setting key is released, and at step 58, normal processing is executed. FIG.
Is a flowchart of a normal processing routine executed in step 581. In step 581, it is determined whether the code selection signal is in the "numeric key data mode".

When an affirmative determination is made in step 581, that is, when the code selection signal is in the "numeric key data mode", the coded data in the "numeric key mode" read out from the ROM 424 corresponding to the pressed key is used. 1
FET 411 via the interface 426 of the
And output to the second FET 412. Conversely, when a negative determination is made in step 581, that is, when the code selection signal is
When in the "full key data mode", the coded data in the "full key data mode" read from the ROM 424 corresponding to the pressed key is transmitted via the first interface 426 to the first FET 411 and the second FET 412. Is output to

For example, when turning on the power of the numeric keyboard
When "3" is depressed, the code selection signal is stored in the E ² ROM 425 as "numeric key data mode" and the control signal is at "H" level. When the key "3" is released, the E ² PROM 425
Read the code selection signal and control signal level from
The "key data mode" used for the RAM 423 is set to the "numeric key data mode", and the control signal is set to the "H" level.

Since the control signal is at "H" level, the first
FET 411, third FET 413, fifth FET 4
15 and the seventh FET 417 are turned on, and the second F
ET 412, fourth FET 414, sixth FET 416
And the eighth FET 418 is turned off. Therefore, the result of pressing the numeric keypad 31 is the # 5 pin of the PC connector 33, the third FET 413, and the first interface 426.
In synchronization with the clock supplied to the microprocessor 42 via the first FET 411, the serial data is output from the # 1 pin of the PC connector 33 to the PC through the first FET 411 in synchronization with the clock supplied to the microprocessor 42.

Mouse data output from the mouse connected to the mouse connector 34 is transmitted from the PC to the PC connector 3.
The # 1 pin of the mouse connector 34, the fifth FET 415, and the PC connector 33 are synchronized with the mouse clock supplied to the mouse via the # 6 pin # 3, the seventh FET 417, and the # 5 pin of the mouse connector 34. The data is transmitted to the PC via the # 2 pin. Therefore, this keyboard is C
It is possible to connect directly to a PC made by the company.

When the key is not pressed when the power of the keyboard is turned on, or when the key is pressed but is not the mode setting key, the settings already stored in the E ² PROM 425 are copied to the RAM 422. The setting does not change and can be used continuously as long as it is connected to a PC manufactured by Company C. For example, when it is desired to connect the numeric keyboard to a PC manufactured by Company B, the PC connector 33 of the numeric keyboard is connected to a PC manufactured by Company B.
After connecting to the external input device connector 113 of C,
Turn on the PC while pressing "2" on the numeric keyboard.

Then, the code selection signal is set to "full key data mode", the control signal is set to "L" level, and E ²
It is stored in the PROM 425. Accordingly, the code of the “full key mode” corresponding to the key pressed after the completion of the storage is the # 6 pin of the PC connector 33 and the fourth FET 414.
And the first interface 426 and the second FET 4 in synchronization with the keyboard clock transmitted to the microprocessor 42 via the first interface 426.
12 and the # 2 pin of the PC connector 33 are transmitted to the PC.

Mouse data output from the mouse connected to the mouse connector 34 is transmitted from the PC to the PC connector 3.
The # 1 pin of the mouse connector 34, the sixth FET 416, and the PC connector 33 are synchronized with the mouse clock supplied to the mouse via the # 5 pin, the eighth FET 418, and the # 5 pin of the mouse connector 34. It is transmitted to the PC via the # 1 pin.

Although the above description has been made on the case where one key is used for setting a mode, two or more keys, for example, "*" and a number key are used to make the user clearly recognize that the mode is set. May be pressed at the same time. In the above embodiment, the ten-key keyboard having the mouse connector is described. However, it is apparent that the present invention can be applied to the ten-key keyboard without the mouse connector.

[0040]

According to the key data input device with interface switching function according to the present invention, the key data input device is coded in a predetermined key data mode corresponding to a key pressed in a predetermined specific state. The serial data corresponding to the key pressed in the predetermined state corresponds to the key pressed in the predetermined state. The key corresponding to the key pressed in the specific state in synchronization with the clock received from the predetermined pin. As a result, it is possible to output from a predetermined pin, so that it is possible to connect to a PC having a different pin assignment without replacing the connection cable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a notebook PC.

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram of a notebook PC and an external keyboard device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a numeric keyboard.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a numeric keyboard.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a normal processing routine.

[Explanation of symbols]

31 ... ten keys 33 ... PC connector 34 ... mouse connector 411 to 418 ... FET 42 ... the microprocessor 421 ... Bus 422 ... CPU 423 ... RAM 424 ... ROM 425 ... E 2 PROM 426 ... first interface 427 ... second interface 43 … Inverter

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A personal computer including first and second data lines for transmitting and receiving two types of data to and from a personal computer, and first and second clock lines for transmitting and receiving two types of clocks to and from a personal computer. Computer connection means, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, code data generation means for generating at least two types of code data when one key is pressed on the keyboard, and a control signal in a first state The first data line and the first clock line are connected to the code data generating means, and when the control signal is in the second state, the second data line and the second clock line are connected. Connecting means for connecting said clock line to said code data generating means; and Storage means for storing a code selection signal set by depressing a predetermined key and a state of the control signal; after the key is released, a selection is made by the code selection signal stored in the storage means Control means for outputting code data from the code data generation means and controlling connection of the connection means in accordance with the state of the control signal stored in the storage means. . 2. A personal computer including first and second data lines for transmitting and receiving two types of data to and from a personal computer, and first and second clock lines for transmitting and receiving two types of clocks to and from a personal computer. Computer connection means, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, code data generation means for generating at least two types of code data when one key is pressed on the keyboard, at least a pointing device data line and pointing A pointing device connection means including a device clock line; and a second data line, wherein the first data line and the first clock line are connected to the code data generation means when a control signal is in a first state. Line to the pointing device data line, A second clock line is connected to the pointing device clock line, and when the control signal is in a second state, the second data line and the second clock line are connected to the code data generating means, Connection means for connecting one data line to the pointing device data line, and further connecting the first clock line to the pointing device clock line; and a predetermined specific state on the keyboard when in a predetermined specific state. Storage means for storing a code selection signal set by pressing a set key and a state of the control signal; code data selected by the code selection signal stored in the storage means after the key is released Is output from the code data generation means, and a previous signal is output according to the state of the control signal stored in the storage means. Control means and key data input device with the interface switching function having a controlling connection of the connection means. 3. The code data generating means includes: a "numeric key data mode" data generating means for generating serial data encoded in a "numeric key data mode"; and a serial data encoded in a "full key data mode". 3. The key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, further comprising: a "full key data mode" data generating means for generating. 4. The key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is a numeric keyboard. 5. The key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, wherein said switching means is a field effect transistor (FET). 6. A rewritable ROM, wherein said storage means is a rewritable ROM.
^{3. The} key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, which is an (E ² PROM). 7. The key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined specific state is when power is turned on. 8. The key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined key is one key on the keyboard. 9. The key data input device with an interface switching function according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined key is two or more keys simultaneously pressed on the keyboard.