JPS599312Y2 - multi-function keyboard - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a data input device that is capable of inputting randomly generated source data and source data generated according to a certain rule to a data processing system.

Conventionally, a keyboard has been used as an input device for this type of instant input device, but when inputting source data, basically one key press is required for each character (alphabet characters, kana characters, etc.). In this case, multiple key presses are required even for a given series of data inputs, and the input speed, operator error rate, and operability are never satisfied. It was not something that could be done.

An object of the present invention is to provide an instant input device that eliminates the drawbacks of the conventional technology and improves operability for the operator.

Other objects of the present invention include a function to define the meaning of one key on the keyboard by the code data displayed on the key itself, and a key mat that defines the key information on the keyboard, and multiple code strings to one key. It also has the function to define. By using the keyboard as an input device and switching between the two keyboard functions using signals from an external control device or control keys on the keyboard, it is possible to improve operability, reduce the rate of input errors by the operator, and speed up input speed. The present invention provides a data input device that improves the quality of data.

The present invention consists of data input keys arranged in a matrix, a key mat that defines the meaning of each data input key, and an identification mechanism that identifies which key mat is set.
a book identification mechanism); and a storage unit that stores a conversion table for converting information (page information) for identifying the key mat and information from the data input key into a multi-character word defined in the data input key. The conversion table is indexed by pressing the data input key, and data can be input using a word consisting of a plurality of characters as required, and the code displayed on the data input key itself can be input. It consists of a function and a mechanism for switching between the two functions using an external control unit or control keys on the keyboard.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, the keyboard section 1 has a large number of push-button data keys 2, and a key display section 3 for defining the meaning of the keys 2, and the data input keys 2 are arranged in a matrix. For example, 10 vertical x 8 horizontal
x left and right 2 = 160 keys.

The key display board 3 is made up of, for example, five boards folded together into a book shape, and each key display board has holes 4 formed at portions corresponding to the positions of a plurality of keys.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, this keyboard section 1 includes a book identification mechanism for identifying a book-shaped key display board 3 as a keyboard switch section, a page identification mechanism for identifying each page of the key display board, and a key identification mechanism for identifying each page of the key display board. It includes a push-down identification mechanism and a lamp display section 5 indicating that data input is possible.

In FIG. 2, the data input keys 2 and the key display board 3 will be explained in detail. The data input keys 2 have their own display information on their heads, such as alphabetic characters "A", "B", etc.
...6 "X" and 7 kana characters "i", "ro", etc. are engraved.

Further, the data input key 2 partially includes a key 2' as a function key, and can be handled as a function key regardless of the meaning defined on the page of the key display board 3, which will be described later.

Note that this function key 2' is a part of the data input keys provided inside the key display board 3, but it is also possible to provide the same function even if the function key is provided outside the key display board 3. Bye.

The key display board 3 defines the meaning of the key 2. For example, the key display board of a certain page may read "Tokyo".
Fixed data 8 such as "Osaka"..."Nagoya" are entered twice, and the display is engraved on the input key 2.
Regardless, fixed display information 8 is defined.

In FIG. 3, the keyboard switch section 10 includes a book identification mechanism 11 for identifying the key display board 3, and a book identification mechanism 11 for identifying the key display board 3.
, a page identification mechanism 12 for identifying each page, and a mechanism 13 for identifying presses of each key of the data person key 2.

The book identification mechanism 11 is a mechanism for identifying which display board the key display board 3 is set on the keyboard 1, and is configured to generate a binary code using several contacts. ing.

Similarly, the page identification mechanism 12 is a mechanism for identifying which page the key display board 3 is on when it is set, and is configured to generate a binary code using several contacts.

The data input keys 13 include a large number of keys arranged in a matrix and an encoder that generates an n-bit signal when the keys are pressed, and some of the keys are called function keys, which will be described later. It includes a key that generates a mode switching signal.

Further, the keyboard section 1 includes an identification control section 14 for identifying the pressed key display board 3 and the page on the display board, a gate circuit 16 for gating signals from the data input keys, and a gate circuit 16 for gating signals from the data input keys, and a gate circuit 16 for gating signals from the data input keys, and a gate circuit 16 for gating signals from the data input keys. Character generation circuit 1
7 and a data encoder 18 including a data encoder 13.
by function keys within the device and function signals from external devices.
The input information mode switching unit 15 defines whether to select the information mode displayed on the key itself or the information mode according to the definition indicated on the key display board.

Furthermore, this keyboard section 1 is connected to an external device 19 so that various signals can be sent and received.

Next, the operation of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a book-shaped key display board 3 is set on the keyboard section 1. 3
Book identification mechanism 11 and page identification mechanism 12 shown in the figure
is activated and sends the book number and page number to the identification control section 14.

Based on the book number and page number, the identification control section 14 sends the signal to the external device 19 and also to the gate circuit 16 of the data encoding section 18.

The external device 19 makes preparations for various controls, such as preparing a conversion table corresponding to the display board 3, and the gate circuit 16 controls the gate so that the desired signal from the character generation circuit 17 can be obtained. It will be opened.

When the external device 19 completes the preparation for each control, it sends a display signal that allows for overnight input to the lamp display section, causing it to light up.

This allows the operator to press the data input key to create a desired event.

When creating fixed data according to a key display board that defines the meaning of a data input key, by pressing the input key 2 all at once, a key signal corresponding to that key is sent to the encoder 20, where n bits are This signal is sent to the gate circuit 16 of the data encoding section 18.

Since a specific gate of the gate circuit 16 is opened based on a signal from the book/page identification control unit 14, an n-bit signal is supplied to the character generation circuit 17 as an address signal for the character generation circuit 17.

The character generation circuit 17 indexes the fixed data of the word consisting of one or more characters corresponding to the signal from the conversion table containing words consisting of one or more characters included in the external device 19, and calculates the fixed data of the word consisting of one or more characters corresponding to the signal. There is no available device such as a display, printer or central unit to send out the fixed data.

Similarly, when the operator presses the next data input key, the external device creates fixed data of a word consisting of one or more characters with the meaning defined on the key display board and sends it to the utilization device.

Next, when creating non-repetitive word data using characters, symbols, etc. defined on the data input key itself, the function key 2' shown in FIG. 2 is pressed in advance.

This signal is sent to the gate circuit 16 of the data encoding section 18 via the mode identification section 15.

As a result, the gate circuit 16 opens its gate so that the character, symbol, etc. of the input key 2 can be obtained instantly regardless of the defined meaning of the key display board 3.

Although this mode switching was performed using the function keys 2' on the keyboard, it can also be performed using commands from the external device 19.

In this mode, when the data key 2 is pressed one character at a time, the signal is supplied to the gate circuit 16 via the encoder 20 as an n-bit signal.

The gate circuit 16 instantly creates an address for the character generation circuit 17 according to the input key 2 itself, and supplies the address to the character generation circuit 17.

Thereafter, the address information of the character generation circuit 17 is sent to the outside 19 in the same manner as described above.

In the external device 19, desired characters, ie, character symbols for each character, are sequentially generated and supplied to the utilization device as a non-repetitive word of one or more characters.

As explained above, the present invention improves operability, increases input speed, and reduces the rate of erroneous input by the operator by making extensive use of the meaning of one key on the keyboard.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a keyboard section as an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing main parts of an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing blocks of an embodiment of the invention. It is. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Keyboard section, 2... Temporary input key 2'... Function key, 3... Key display board, 10...・Keyboard switch part, 1
4... Identification control unit, 15... Input information mode switching unit, 18... Overnight encoding unit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] Data input keys arranged in a matrix on the board, a key display board that defines the meaning of each data input key, an identification mechanism that identifies which key display board is set, and 1 or 1 when the data input key is pressed. There is a function that allows input of data in words consisting of multiple characters, a function that allows input of code data displayed on the input key itself, and a function that allows input of code data displayed on the input key itself. A multi-function keyboard comprising an input information mode switching section that switches to an input information mode according to a switching signal from a control section according to an input information mode displayed on the key itself or a definition given on a key display board.