JPS59500637A - optical keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an optical keyboard. More specifically, it uses ordinary photoconductive materials that can be easily made into keyboards. This relates to a molded optical keyboard.

In conventional optical keyboards, pressing down on any key is connected to the light source and light sensor. A matrix of keys arranged to block the passage of light being transmitted between Become. The keys are arranged in a matrix, so each row and each column has a light source. and a light sensor. A key with both the row sensor and column sensor checked This is done to indicate the identity of the person. This type of keyboard recognizes properly pressed keys. Although displaying correctly, they do not provide N-key rollover functionality. do not have. That is, if two or more keys in the same row or column are pressed at the same time, The system cannot identify the third key so pressed. this These types of keyboards are molded from conventional photoconductive material, which provides manufacturing advantages. Easily made from ready-made parts! I often get it.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,856,12.7 relates to a light source associated with each row of keys and multiple columns of keys. Matrix Ki (2) with connected ex-sensors Special publication 1986-500637 ( 2)--A board arrangement is disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8 thereof. individual optical fibers bundles are arranged to emanate from each light source, and the individual fibers in each bundle are switched across a row, terminating at various column locations adjacent to the cutoff. Arranged.

A second bundle of optical fibers originates from each sensor and the individual fibers of each bundle across each column terminating at various row locations adjacent to the switch cut-off. . The light sources in a row are sequentially energized and the optical fibers extending from the energized sources are connected to adjacent Activation of any switch-breakers that are in contact is via an adjacent row of optical fibers. This causes a blockage of the light sent to the sensor in the row associated with that switch. Therefore, Activated by multiple switches t'LK in the same row, multiple key presses Provide an indication to its corresponding column sensor. Furthermore, multiple simultaneous key presses in the same row Lowering gives a timed sequential output signal to the same row sensor and all keys pressed - is displayed. Therefore, this keyboard has N-key rollover capability. ing.

However, the keyboard has optical fibers in each row so that key activation blocks light. The fibers must be properly aligned with each corresponding row of optical fibers so that Assembly becomes very complicated. In addition, each fiber is properly connected to the light source and sensor. must be installed. Additionally, fibers placed in critical locations are susceptible to machine vibrations. (3) to prevent displacement due to movement. ° Eyebars (must be properly fixed to the machine frame.

Therefore, the keyboard is difficult to assemble and maintain in proper working order.

Outline of the invention In order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, a model with N-key rollover capability has been developed. In order to provide a folded optical keyboard, the keyboard of the present invention Two uniquely shaped lights that can be easily combined to form a detection assembly It includes a conductive member. The photoconductive member allows light to pass from the light source along a common column optical path. into the optical path to be sent to the various row optical paths and further along the common row optical path to the sensor. It forms a reflective surface for bending light. Another one to hold the key operating part A molded assembly is provided with respect to the sensing assembly, thereby To eliminate the need to individually determine and adjust each optical path. This latter assembly is It may also be molded with one of the conductive members.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a keyboard assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a portion of the keyboard assembly, and Figure 3 is a flat view of the first photoconductive member. 4 is a side view of the first conductive member, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the first light conductive member. 6 is a side view of a portion of the second photoconductive member, and FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the second photoconductive member. Front view, Figure 8 is an inspection of the keyboard of the present invention (4) A schematic diagram of the output logic circuit, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the logic of the keyboard of the present invention. Ru.

25a, 25b, 25cm7 - key, 81.83.67... light source, 13a , 13b, 15c...first photoconductive member, 15...second conductive member, 29 Group Interrupter, 39.85.8 Referring to FIG. A perspective view of a partially assembled keyboard assembly 11 is shown.

The keyboard assembly 11 includes first photoconducting members 16a113b, 13c. , a second light conducting member 15, a key actuation assembly 17, and a multiple light source assembly. 19 and a multiple sensor assembly 21.

Key operating member 17 support plate 23, key buttons 25 (25a to 25c), It includes a key stem 27, an interrupter 29 and a spring 31. keybo When the button 25 is pressed, the spring 31 is compressed and the key stem is pressed against the support plate 23. It is moved all the way downward, moving the interrupter 29 to the optical path blocking position. second light The groove 33 formed in the conductive member 15 allows the interrogator 29 to reach its bottom mechanically. Allows you to block out all light and sound.

A light source 57 provided on a multi-light source assembly 19 generates light and a plurality of sensors Sensor (5) provided on assembly 21 The successor 65 of the light beam 36 terminating at 39 indicates that it is interrupted by the interrupter 29. This shows the optical path taken when the The light source 37 has a given luminous flux distribution associated therewith. An ordinary light emitting diode with . The end surface 41 of the first photoconductive member 13e is Directing the energy from the source 37 along the first light conducting member 13c and deflecting the light. It is shaped like a circular lens so that it focuses slightly. Former Beam 36 is the first party legend When passing under the guiding member 13c, it bends a portion of its light beam downwards, i.e. It hits the deflecting surfaces 43a to 43c. Each first photoconductive member for each row of keys. Such an X plane 43 (43a to 43C) is formed in 13 (13a to 16C). It is. The area of each surface 43 of the first photoconductive member 13c is different from that of the other surface 43. ing. The area of each surface 45 is each divided portion of the original beam 36 in the first photoconductive member 13c. The design is such that the original energy bent downward is equal to Side 4 3a is closer to the light source 37 than surface 43e, so the area of surface 43a is greater than that of surface 45e. It's also small.

The second surface 45 (45a to 45e) of the first conductive member 13e is the first surface of the light beam 66. It is used to redirect the light to the right, which appears to be approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement. used. When directed in this manner, the split original beam 36 becomes generally directed towards a number of sensor assemblies 21.

Is the first photoconductive member 16 a transparent plastic material such as acrylic plastic? It is formed from Most of the light flux entering the first photoconductive member is due to the phenomenon of total internal reflection. so it stays in it. Surfaces 43 and 45 are designed to change the direction of the original energy. Designed to have a surface Mfr large enough to reflect the entire light energy by total internal reflection. It is measured. Once the light beams 36 are reflected from the surface 45, they are The light passes through the surface 47 of the photoconductive member 13c and is not blocked by the interrupter 29. If not, it enters the second conductive member 15 from its surface 49 (49a to 49e). Surface 47 and 49 are combined into a pair to minimize cross talk and maximize light transmission. It is designed. The second conductive member 15 is also transparent like acrylic plastic. It is made of plastic material.

The source enters the second conductive member through surface 49 by total internal reflection or by using refraction. The design of 47 and 49 causes reflection from surface 51 to surfaces 53 and 55. Area 53 and 55 are used to confine the light to a specific part of the second light-conducting member 15. It will be done. The light ray 35 is emitted from the surface 57e onto the active element of the sensor '+j39. It shows. Surface 57e is designed to concentrate the light onto sensor 39. There is.

As shown in the figure, there are a plurality of first photoconductive members 13a, 13b, and 13c, which are key There is one photoconductive member for each row of board assembly 11. Furthermore, the second The light-conducting member 15 is divided into grooves 61, thus forming various columns through which light is transmitted.

(7) The first photoconductive member 13 is molded together with the support plate 23 as a single part. , the second photoconductive member 15 is shown as a single piece without grooves 61 or with grooves 61. molded in multiple pieces.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side cross-sectional view of a portion of keyboard assembly 11 is shown. Ru. As shown in the figure, when the key button 25 is pressed, the first element conducts to the ink club 29. The optical path between the surface 47 of the member 13 and the surface 49 of the second photoconductive member 15 is blocked.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, a plan view and a side view of the first photoconductive member 13c are shown. , a front view is shown, respectively. In this particular description, the first conductive member 13e is 2 The lens is formed on the surface 41. Part 73 is The portion 71 is formed to include surfaces 43a, 43b, and 43dk, while the portion 71 includes surfaces 43e and 43dk. These figures with 3c show surfaces 43 and 47 in various dimensions.

6 and 7 are a side view and a front view of a portion of the second conductive member 15. FIG. figure As shown, the second photoconductive member 15 has a groove 61', and the surface 49d and the surface 49e are the same. Shown with the same dimensions. Surfaces 49d and 49e correspond to each surface of surface 47 in FIG. It is formed. Additionally, groove 61' may be removed.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the operation of keyboard assembly 11 will be described. light source 81 ．． 86, 67 are energized one at a time, one after the other. For example, if the light source 67 is energized When the first photoconduction (8) Only member 13c receives light from one light source on multiple light source assembly 19. this Since the light is reflected as described above, the light is generated through all of the surfaces 47 simultaneously; The sensor is routed through the second conductive member 15 and placed in the multiple sensor assembly 21. The light is simultaneously received by sensors 69.85-88. This multiple sensor assembly Such simultaneous light reception by the sensor placed on 21 passes through the first photoconductive member 16C. This indicates that the key associated with the emitted light was not pressed.

When the light source 83 is turned on, the light beam sent through the first light-conducting member 13 is directed to the surface 9. Similar occurrences occur from 1a to 91e. However, the light emitted from the surface 91e is interfacial. 29 prevents it from entering the second source conductive member 15. Therefore, the sensor 69 The presence of a party from light source 83 is not detected. Light source 83 is energized and sensor 3 Since the logic understands that 9 did not detect the energization period of light source 86, It is quite clear that the logic can detect that the key button 25a has been pressed. That's something.

An N-key rollover is provided whose logic can detect simultaneous key presses. Ru. For example, if the key button 25b is pressed at the same time as the key button 25a, the light source The light emitted from 83 does not reach sensor 85. Both sensors 39 and 85 are connected to light source 8 Since no light from 6 is detected during that activation period, the logic assumes that two keys are pressed. And it will come to show you. Therefore, (9) Simultaneous pressing of all key buttons 25 in the row associated with the first conductive member 16 A drop can be detected by the logic circuit.

Similarly, if the key button 25e is pressed at the same time as the key button 25a, the light source 81 When the light source is energized, no light from the light source is detected by the sensor 39. After that, No light is detected by sensor 39 when light source 86 is energized. Therefore, the logic The button provides an indication that both keys 25c and 25a were pressed at the same time. key 2 If 5a, 25b and 25c are pressed at the same time, only sensor 69 will be exposed to light source 81. during the energization period, after which both sensors 69 and 85 are connected to light source 83. No light can be detected during the energization period. Therefore, the logic is that all 6 key buttons are You can decide what was pressed.

Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of the detection logic circuit 101 of the keyboard of the present invention is shown. shown. The circuit 101 includes a microprocessor 103 and a decoder driver. It includes a circuit 105. The microprocessor sends a clocked output signal to programmed to provide to decoder driver circuit 105 via bus 107. It will be done. On the other hand, the decoder/driver circuit 105 connects a plurality of corresponding An output signal is given to a light emitting diode (LED) 111. Those light emitting diodes Corresponds to light source 67.81.86 placed on light source assembly 19 of FIG. It is. The signals provided on line 109 are mutually exclusive and temporally ordered. It will be done. Additionally, microprocessor 103 is connected to the input port by line 115. sensor 116. Sensor 113ij Sensor 39.85~ in Figure 1 It corresponds to 88.

Referring to FIG. 9, a logic flow diagram of the keyboard assembly of the present invention is shown. be done. Microprocessor 103 in FIG. Forces the unit to initialize its registers and arrays at power-on . Thereafter, the counter in one register is stored as represented by block 126. 1, as represented by block 125. A first light emitting diode (LED), such as light source 81, is turned on. Boolock 1 After a delay such as decayed by 27, as represented by block 129 The outputs of sensors 39.85-88 are sampled and a Tests were conducted to determine whether the indications given by those sensors changed so that Ru. If there is no change indicating that the key button 25 (Fig. 1) is inactive, the block All light sources 81-83-67 are activated sequentially as represented by block 136. Tests are conducted to determine whether it did, and if it did not, The count is incremented as represented by block 135. The next generating diode to be energized as represented by block 125 is turned on. All (11) If all light sources have been energized, then the The count is set equal to light source 1 and this condyle is repeated again.

Block 131 changes whenever the state of the key changes from its state at the time of the previous question. display the change information, the information is stored in a temporary file, and the change is detected. Flags are set to mark the occasion. Changes that affect specific key presses The information is stored for subsequent processing by microprocessor f106 in Figure 8. . The microprocessor determines whether that particular key button 25 is actuated or activated. Displays on the device used whether or not it has been done. This is represented entirely by block 137. I will be forgotten.

The above description is based on a matrix of rows and columns intersecting each other at right angles to the keyboard of the present invention. although the various keyboard configurations with non-parallel rows and columns are disclosed. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that configurations can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Probably. Furthermore, although independent components forming the primary conductive member are disclosed, supporting A single part formed in conjunction with the holding plate 23 is used for the first photoconductive member. It is also clear that it is possible. The main advantage of the invention is the N-key rollover machine. Only a relatively small number of separate components are required to provide a capable optical keyboard. Don't do it.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to its preferred embodiments and described in (12). Although disclosed, these and other changes in form and detail do not depart from the spirit of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this may be done without departing from the scope and scope of the invention.

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Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Complement keys arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns and N light beams at least N light sources for generating a One corresponds to the other. having at least N photoconducting paths, one for each row from one of said N light sources; a first photoconductive member for transmitting the original beam to M corresponding ends; A second conductive member having at least M light conductive paths, each corresponding to each column. Each of the photoconducting paths has N photoreceptors, and N photoreceptors among the M photoconducting paths have N photoreceptors. the body is aligned with the ends of the different optical conduction paths of the first conductive member; each in response to a key press and one of said ends and the corresponding photoreceptor. With multiple interrupters installed between them, when the key is pressed down, the end and the light are received. Items for blocking the optical conduction path between the body and the body 81 M sensors, each aligned with one of the M photoconductors, with an associated for sensing the presence or absence of light transmitted along the second photoconductive member; The light source can be energized in a temporally ordered manner by means of logic such that when the light source is pressed down, gating the output signal of the front spinning sensor to provide a logical indication representing the key; It consists of The first photoconductive member photoconducts each of the N light beams (14). has M reflective surfaces along the path, each of which reflects a portion of the associated original beam. deflecting at right angles from the first plane of movement, the first conductive member being deflected at right angles from the first plane of movement; the direction of movement of the light beam along a second movement plane perpendicular to the first movement plane and in the first movement plane; a second M reflections for deflecting a portion of the light beam in a direction approximately perpendicular to the second photoconductive member has a surface, the second photoconductive member transmits light from the photoreceptor to M photoconductors; at least one for each of the M photoconducting paths for directing the optical path along the path to the sensor. A keyboard characterized by having N reflective surfaces. (2) The size of each of the M reflective surfaces is the distance from its associated N light sources. The keyboard according to claim (1). (3) a support plate for supporting and guiding the plurality of keys; is integrally formed with the first conductive member. code. (4) The first photoconductive member includes N independent photoconductive members, each independent photoconductive member The guiding member has M reflective surfaces for vertically deflecting the associated light beam. The keyboard according to claim (1) or (3). (5) Each of the second photoconductive members faces the received source perpendicularly to the M photoconductive paths. Claim 1, further comprising means for deflecting each of said N photoreceptors to 1) Keyboard. (1)