JPS61170820A - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the visual observing efficiency and operability of a keyboard device by switching the display contents of liquid crystal panels formed in respective key tops in accordance with the switching of function groups. CONSTITUTION:A key switch 1 is constituted of a switch body 11 and a key top 12 to be depressed and an ON/OFF output is obtained from the terminal 13 of the switch body 11 by depressing the key top 12. In this case, a liquid crystal panel 2 enabled to display several characters is fitted to the surface part of the key top 12. The display contents of the liquid crystal panel 2 are controlled through a lead wire 14 of the switch body 11. When a function group selecting key is depressed, a controller switches respective buffers simultaneously, the display contents of respective liquid crystal panels 2 are switched and respective display contents of selected function groups can be displayed on respective liquid crystal panels 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard device in which a large number of key switches are arranged, and more particularly to a keyboard device in which a plurality of functions can be input with one key switch.

[Prior art] In computer terminals, etc., it is often necessary to input a large number of funky characters using a keyboard device with a large number of key switches.In such cases, the number of key switches is limited. In order to be able to input a plurality of functions with one key switch, the function keys of each key switch are switched according to the switching of the function group. Conventionally.

You can prepare a key template for each function group and rearrange this template each time the function group changes to diversify the functions, or change the function group using another control key. ing.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, as described above, when one template is rearranged or another control key is operated, in addition to being troublesome to switch templates or operate another key,
Since each function is not displayed on the key top, it is not easy to understand the functions intuitively, resulting in poor operability.

This invention is achieved by switching the display itself on the surface of the key in accordance with the function switching.

The purpose is to provide a keyboard device with improved operability and visibility.

Means for solving the problems according to the present invention. A keyboard device in which a large number of key switches are arranged has a liquid crystal panel provided on each surface of the large number of key switches, and a switching means for switching the display contents of these liquid crystal panels in accordance with switching of function groups.

The contents displayed on the liquid crystal panel on the surface of each key change according to the change of the function group.

Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a single key switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. When 12 is pressed, an on/off output is obtained from the terminal 13 of the switch body 11. A liquid crystal panel 2 capable of displaying several characters is attached to the surface of the key top 12. The display contents of the liquid crystal panel 2 are controlled through lead wires 14 drawn out from the switch body 11.

A keyboard device 3 is constructed by arranging a large number of key switches 1 having such a configuration as shown in FIG.

The content displayed on the liquid crystal panel 2 is as shown in Figure 3.
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, 8" The I panel 2 is connected to a buffer 4. This buffer 14 has a function of storing characters to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 2 and a function of driving the liquid crystal panel 2. This buffer γ4 has a controller. 5 is connected, and data regarding display characters and control signals are sent from this controller 5. This controller 5 plays the role of an interface circuit that connects the keyboard device 3 with the outside, and the role of sending data to the buffer 4. Controller 5 is the CPU of the external computer main body.
5 and exchanges data with it.

In this configuration, when a func group selection key (not shown) is pressed, a command is issued from the CPU 6, a control signal is generated from the controller 5 in response, and a large number of buffers 4 are switched at once. As a result, the display contents of a large number of liquid crystal panels 2 are switched all at once, and the display contents of the selected function group are displayed on each liquid crystal panel 2. Note that many functions are divided into multiple groups.
Which key switch l is in charge of which multiple functions is predetermined, and display data corresponding to multiple functions is transferred from the controller 5 to each buffer 4.
Each buffer 4 stores in advance data of display contents corresponding to a plurality of functions 1 handled by the corresponding key switch 1.

In the above description, a type of key switch 1 that obtains an on/off output by pressing the key top 12 is used as the key switch 1, but it goes without saying that other types of key switches may be used.

For example, a touch-type key switch can also be used. In this case, it is conceivable to form a liquid crystal panel on the entire surface of the keyboard device, and to deposit a light-transparent conductive thin film on the surface of the panel at positions corresponding to each key, which will form the touch electrodes of each touch-type key switch. .

Effects of the Invention In the keyboard device of the present invention, the content displayed on the liquid crystal panel of each key top changes according to the switching of the function group, so there is no need for complicated operations such as re-placing templates on the keys each time the function group is switched. becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, since the function given to the key by changing the function group is displayed directly on the key top, the function of the key can be confirmed with the naked eye, and visibility is good and operability is good.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a single key switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a keyboard device in which a large number of the same key switches are arranged, and Fig. 3 shows the display contents on each liquid crystal panel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram regarding a switching configuration.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A keyboard device in which a large number of key switches are arranged, including a liquid crystal panel provided on each surface of the large number of key switches, and a switching means for switching the display contents of these liquid crystal panels in accordance with switching of function groups. A keyboard device featuring: