JPS5812604B2 - matrix keyboard - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a matrix keyboard that can be used as a computer terminal.

Conventionally, in a multi-point keyboard used as a terminal device of a computer, each key is provided with a respective switch.

A computer reads the ON or OFF signals of each switch and performs desired processing.

In this case, an encoder is usually used to convert the multi-point signal into a binary signal.

However, such conventional multi-point keyboards have disadvantages in that a switch is attached to each key, which increases manufacturing costs and complicates assembly of a large number of keys.

Furthermore, when there are a large number of keys, operating the keys requires great skill, and not everyone can do it.

The present invention solves the drawbacks of the prior art, and uses a matrix-based system that makes it relatively easy to assemble a large number of keys, eliminates the need to provide a switch for each key, and allows even inexperienced people to quickly operate the keys. It provides a keyboard.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the present invention, a large number of keys are arranged in a matrix, and the switch signals of the operating keys are detected in a unique manner.

FIG. 1 shows an example.

In this illustrated example, there are eight light transfer tubes 10 in the horizontal direction.
Eight of them are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction.

A key K is placed at the intersection of these light transfer tubes 10.

Further, a light emitting element X is provided at the starting end of each horizontal light transfer tube 10, and a light receiving element X is provided at the terminal end thereof.

On the other hand, a light emitting element Y is provided at the starting end of each vertical light transfer tube 10, and a light receiving element y is provided at the terminal end thereof.

The light emitting elements X and Y are always kept in a light emitting state, and the light receiving elements X and y catch the emitted light.

When a desired key K is operated, one light transfer tube 10 in the horizontal direction and one light transfer tube 10 in the vertical direction intersect at the key, depending on the attached part of the key itself. The light transport path of the light is blocked, and the light to the corresponding light receiving elements X and y is blocked.

As a result, a change occurs in the light reception signal of the light receiving element X or y, and it is possible to detect which key has been operated.

For example, the horizontal light emitting elements are X in order from the top.

, X1, X2...X7, and the corresponding light receiving elements are x0 j xi t X2...X7, while
The vertical light emitting elements are Y from left to right.

, Y1, Y2...Y7, and the corresponding light receiving elements are y.

, y1, y2...y7, and the first key from the left
K in order from top to bottom.

0, K1o, K2o, ...K7o, and the second column from the left is K in order from the top.

1, K11, K21, . . . K71, and then similarly determine the positions of the keys in the 8th column from the left.

In this case, when key K32 is operated, the light from the horizontal light emitting element X3 passes through the inside of the light transfer tube 10 (that is, the light transfer path) and reaches the key K32, but the light is blocked there As a result, the light receiving element X3 no longer receives light and becomes "OFF".

In the same way, the light from the vertical light emitting element Y2 reaches the key K32, but is blocked there, and as a result,
The light receiving element y2 no longer receives light and becomes "OFF".

Since all the light receiving elements other than these two light receiving elements X3 and y2 are receiving light and are in the "ON" state,
In the end, it can be detected that the key K32, which is the third from the left and the fourth from the top, has been operated.

At that time, compare it with the predetermined code table and pattern table,
It is desirable to determine which key was operated.

As in the embodiment shown in FIG.
By detecting each key operation (for example, press) using a combination of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the ON/OFF signals of the light-receiving element in response to key operations can be directly detected without using an encoder. The function is to detect it as a binary signal.

In that case, the light receiving element can be connected directly to the computer.

FIG. 2 shows an example with a large number of keys.

In such cases, it may be desirable to use encoders 14,16.

For example, if the number of keys is 50 to 60 or more,
It is better to send the key operation signal to the computer 12 via the encoder.

By performing binary encoding through an encoder in this way, you can increase the number of channels. For example, if you take 4 binary bits each in the vertical and horizontal directions, the number of usable keys is 1.
6X1 6=256.

In FIG. 2, 18 and 20 represent light emitting element groups, 22 and 24 represent light receiving element groups corresponding to the light emitting element groups 18 and 20, respectively, and 26 represents a key arrangement group.

As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each key of this key array group 26 is provided at the intersection of a large number of light transfer tubes 10, and is configured to block the light inside these light transfer tubes when the keys are operated. There is.

Also, if the number of keys is medium-sized, you can get away with using just one encoder.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the key K.

The key body 30 is made of a light-transmitting material.

For example, a translucent material such as acrylic is desirable.

Transparent materials such as glass can also be used.

A non-light transmitting material 32 is provided, for example, in the form of a plate, on one side of the key body 30, specifically, on the side facing the light receiving element among the sides perpendicular to the optical path.

Further, as is clear from FIG. 4, a non-light transmitting material 32 is provided on the bottom surface of the key body 30, for example, in the form of a plate.

It is desirable to use a reflective mirror as the non-light transmitting material 32 because it provides good reflection efficiency.

The light entering from the direction of the arrow is scattered or reflected by the inside of the key body 30 and the non-light transmitting material 32, and a portion of the light comes out from the upper surface of the key body 30.

As a result, it can be seen at a glance that the key K is in the ON state.

In FIG. 4, the right key K is in the ON state, and the left key K is in the OFF state.

A key in the ON state obstructs the progress of light and at the same time brightens the key itself.

Since the key K in the OFF state is out of the path of light,
The main body of the key is in a dark state.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relationship between the key in FIG. 3 and the path of light.

Since the present invention conforms to the above configuration, there is no need to provide a switch for each key, the structure of the key can be simplified, the key can be easily assembled, and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced. can.

Furthermore, since the keys become bright when in the "ON" state, anyone can easily operate the keys.

As described above, the effects of the present invention are very significant compared to conventional devices.

In particular, the matrix keyboard of the present invention provides excellent results when used in winding machines, typewriters, inventory control machines, and the like.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a matrix keyboard according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of keys.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view showing how the key is used, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing how the key is used. 10... Light transfer tube, 12... Computer, 14, 16... Encoder, 1B, 20
...... Light emitting element group, 22, 24... Light receiving element group, 26... Key group, X, Y...
Light emitting element, x, y... Light receiving element, K...
·Key.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A plurality of light transfer tubes are arranged in parallel in the vertical and horizontal directions, keys are arranged at the intersections of these light transfer tubes, and the keys are arranged in a matrix, and the light transfer paths in each light transfer tube are arranged in parallel. Light is emitted from a light-emitting element, and the light is received by a light-receiving element, so that when a certain key is operated, only the light transport path in the light transport tube where that key is located is shut off, thereby identifying the operated key. In the matrix keyboard, the key body is formed of a light-transmitting material, and a non-contact key body is formed on the bottom surface of the key body and on the side surface perpendicular to the optical path on the side facing the light receiving element. A light-transmitting material is provided, and light is scattered or reflected inside the key body and the non-light-transmitting material, and a portion of the light exits from the top surface of the key body, thereby turning the key into an ON state. A matrix keyboard that is characterized by something that can be understood at a glance.