JPS61234419A - Key inputting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To confirm easily a selected key function by displaying the key function to each key switch provided to a transparent switch panel. CONSTITUTION:The keyboard consists of a transparent switch panel 41 arranged with plural key switches K1, K2-. A liquid crystal display 6 as the display is mounted under the panel 41. In operating the optional key switch of the panel 41, key input is applied with the content of key function displayed by a display device corresponding to the key function display with a characteristic, the content of the display device displaying the key function is changed to change each key input function. The the key switch input is attained under the changed key function. Thus, the selected key function is confirmed easily.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field 1] The present invention relates to a key manual device used, for example, in an electronic typewriter.

C. Prior Art] For example, electronic typewriters are equipped with various keys such as character keys, symbol keys, and various function keys.
As shown in the figure, there is a known system in which one key has multiple functions displayed on the key top, and the key functions can be switched in combination with other function keys.

[Problems that the invention aims to solve] However, with such devices, it is not possible to tell which key function is selected just by looking at the key, and it is a hassle to check the display and instructions separately. was there.

In addition, there is a limit to the number of key functions that can be displayed on the key tops, at most five types, and when a single key has multiple functions, it becomes difficult to display them. .

This invention was made to solve such problems, and it is possible to easily check the selected key function in a device in which one key has multiple key functions, and also allows for confirmation of the selected key function. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a key manual device capable of displaying key functions.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention includes a transparent switch panel in which a plurality of key switches are arranged, and a transparent switch panel provided below the switch panel.
There is a display that displays the key function at a position corresponding to the arrangement of each key switch, and a key signal that is used as a key to execute the key function displayed corresponding to the operated key switch when each key switch is selected. The device is equipped with a means for importing information, and a means for changing the display contents of the display and changing the key function of each key switch when a key switch corresponding to a specific key function display set in advance is operated. be.

[Function] In the present invention having such a configuration, when any key switch on the switch panel is operated, the key function content corresponding to that key switch is displayed on the display, and the key function is manually operated. When a key switch corresponding to the key function display is operated, the contents of the display displaying the key function are changed and the key manual function of each key switch is changed. key switch input is possible.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration, in which 1 is a microprocessor that constitutes a control unit, 2 is a key pattern table in which display patterns of various key functions are stored, 3 is a keyboard controller that controls a keyboard 4,
5 is a display controller that controls a liquid crystal display 6 which is a display device.

The keyboard 4 and the liquid crystal display 6 are integrated as shown in FIG. 2, and the keyboard 4 has a plurality of key switches 1, K2, K! The liquid crystal display 6 is mounted below the switch panel 41 with a transparent protective member 7 interposed therebetween. The display 6 is divided into sections corresponding to the key switches 1, K2, K3, . . . on the switch panel 41, and displays the key function of each key switch.

The display 6 normally displays each key switch Ks, K
2.K! The key functions shown in FIG. 3(a) are displayed in correspondence with . This display is performed by the microprocessor 1 reading out a predetermined key pattern from the key pattern table 2 and displaying it on the display 6. When a key switch is selected, the microprocessor 1 performs control so as to execute the key function displayed corresponding to the selected key switch.

Further, the microprocessor 1 is configured to select a specific key switch among the key switches, such as the rPHONEJ key and the rCR key.
When the TJ key or rMEMOJ key is operated, the process shown in FIG. 4 is performed.

That is, when the rPHONEJ key is operated, pattern A is read out from the key pattern table 2 and the pattern shown in FIG.
The key function display shown in b) is displayed, and when the rcRTJ key is operated, pattern B is displayed from key pattern table 2.
is read out and the key function display shown in FIG. 3(C) is performed, and when the rMEMOJ key is operated, pattern C is read out from the key pattern table 2 and the key function display shown in FIG. 3(d) is performed.
Displays the key functions shown in . and patterns a and b
When displaying, press each key switch K1. to 2
, K3, etc. are made to correspond to the displayed contents. Also, when displaying pattern C, it partially functions as a display device.

In the embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, for example, the third
Display rT while displaying the pattern shown in (a) in the figure.
When a key switch corresponding to YPEJ is operated, the microprocessor 1 executes the key function of rTYPEJ in response to a key manual signal generated by the operation of the key switch. Further, when the key switch corresponding to the display rsELEcTJ is operated, the pattern is changed and the display 6 displays another key pattern. Then, the key manual function is executed in response to this different key pattern display.

Further, when the key switch corresponding to the display rPHONEJ is operated, the display on the display 6 is changed as shown in FIG. 3(b). In this state, a telephone number can be entered by operating the numerical display keys.

Further, when the key switch corresponding to the display rcRTJ is operated, the display on the display 6 is changed as shown in FIG. 3(C). In this state, by operating the arrow display keys, it becomes possible to control the movement of the cursor on the CRT display.

Furthermore, when the key switch corresponding to the display rMEMOJ is operated, the display on the display 6 is changed as shown in FIG. 3(d). In this state, a telephone number is displayed, and the page can be scrolled using the arrow keys.

In this way, by operating a specific key switch, you can change the key function display corresponding to the key switch and the key function of that key switch, so it is possible to have multiple key functions for one key switch. can.

In this case, the key function performed by the key switch can be directly confirmed by the display, and the key function can be easily confirmed. Also, unlike displaying various key functions on the key top, various key functions are switched by changing the display on the LCD display 6 below the key switch, so there is no space problem and a large number of key functions can be displayed. becomes possible. Furthermore, it becomes possible to use the keyboard as a normal display device, and the uses of the keyboard can be expanded.

Therefore, like an electronic typewriter, one key has two to two keys.
If the device has five key functions, it becomes a highly practical key-powered device.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm the selected key function in a device in which one key has multiple key functions, and It is possible to provide a key manual device that can display functions.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figures 1 to 4 show embodiments of this invention.
The figure is a block diagram, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the key human power section, and FIG. 3 (a), (b), (C), and (d) are diagrams showing examples of display patterns of the key human power section. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing display pattern switching control by a microprocessor;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a conventional key top. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Microprocessor, 2... Key pattern table, 4... Keyboard, 6... Liquid crystal display, 41... Switch panel, Kl, K2, Kl
...Key switch. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 2 1 (a) Figure 3 (C) Figure (b) (d)

Claims (1)

[Claims] a transparent switch panel on which a plurality of key switches are arranged; a display provided below the switch panel for displaying key functions at positions corresponding to the arrangement of each of the key switches; and a selection operation for each of the key switches. If there is a means for capturing a key signal as a key to execute the key function displayed corresponding to the operated key switch, and if there is a key switch operation corresponding to a specific key function display set in advance. A key input device comprising: means for changing the display content of the display to change the key function of each of the key switches.