KR100687962B1 - Control unit with variable visual indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

Control units 13, 23, adapted to transmit control signals to the devices 11, 21, 31 according to the control data, and having data input means 14, 24, 34, 44 for inputting the control data. Control the devices, including; The apparatus comprises translation means suitable for transmitting a control signal to the operation portion; Said data input means comprising a presentation means (45) in which said data input means is variable in a system in which an image indicator for displaying an operation performed by the apparatus when the input means is operated is arranged; The control unit comprises first storage means suitable for storing appearance data 53 which can be presented by the presentation means. Preferably, the control unit comprises a plurality of separate data input means, each of which is arranged in a presentation means, each presentation means comprising separate displays configured to present an image according to the image data.

Description

CONTROL UNIT WITH VARIABLE VISUAL INDICATOR}

The present invention relates to a control unit having data input means and configured to transmit control signals in accordance with the operation of the input means, and more particularly, to a control unit designed to have variable image indicators.

Many electronic devices are used every day, and these devices often require control signals. Control units that are particularly suitable for this purpose are often used. Examples of such control units are keyboards for computers, TV sets or stereo recorders or remote controls for other electronic devices, and keypads for mobile phones or calculators. Thus, a control unit is a term that includes not only an integrated device suitable for transmitting control signals but also a communication connection to another device for transmitting control signals.

More specifically, the type of control unit includes a pressure key, a rotary controller, a switch, and the like in the form of data input means. In most cases, these data input means are provided with image indicators configured to display a control signal output when the input means are operated. In general, image indicators consist of a pre-printed convex marking. In the keyboard, symbols are used which directly represent the characters to which the control signal is to be translated by an existing program in the computer suitable for keyboard control. For example, when the "A" button is activated in a text editing program, the letter a or A appears on the computer screen. In addition, certain buttons on the keyboard are configured to have indicators that indicate the function or action the control unit commands when the button is activated. This relates to the function keys but also to the return and arrow keys, for example. There are also many keys on the keyboard that, when combined together, trigger different actions or characters when pressed together. These keys include the Shift, Alt, Ctrl, and Alt Gr keys. In some cases, these other characters appear with separate markers on the keys, for example, those that work when you press the top row of numeric keys and the Alt-Gr key on a standard PC keyboard at the same time.

If two characters are displayed on one key, it may be difficult for the user to find the characters although they are visible. If three or more letters are displayed on a key, the general appearance of the keyboard may not be obvious. Keys with multiple characters are small, in order to put characters on the keys, with the exception of additional characters on the keyboard. Other characters or functions that are not used much may not be displayed accordingly.

In the case of mobile phones, which are getting smaller, numbers and three to four letters are displayed on each key, which is very small, about 0.5 cm. As a result, the characters displayed on the keys become very small, and it is difficult and time consuming to write a message on the keypad of the mobile telephone. Similar problems exist for most mobile control units. One problem is that the purpose of miniaturizing and flexibly using the control unit clearly contradicts the purpose of designing the control unit to output a number of different control signals in some cases, so manufacturers often compromise these two purposes.

The solution to this problem is to adopt a menu system in the display of the device controlled by the control unit. This relates to computers and mobile phones as well as TV sets. This makes it possible to use an unlimited number of functions or characters for each key, but there is a problem that it is displayed somewhere other than the key which control signal is activated.

Another problem with data entry means having image indicators is that an indicator for each key, rotation controller, etc. is predetermined during the manufacturing process. For example, when using only some of the existing keys on the keyboard, the user must acknowledge that these keys are distributed throughout the keyboard. Of course, it would be desirable to arrange these keys appropriately, for example, in a grouped or position that fits a finger. When using computer programs designed to translate certain keys into special instructions, it would be desirable to be able to display them as accurately and clearly as possible. This also relates to computer games and TV games. It would also be nice to be able to rearrange these special commands into option keys. Due to the growing problem of work-related damage associated with working with the mouse pointer, it is desirable to transfer more functions and characters to the keys.

Computer software, often operating systems, have decryption systems designed to determine how the pressed buttons on the keyboard should be translated. These decryption systems are adjustable so that different keyboard configurations can be enabled. Therefore, for example, the Roman alphabet or the alphabet can be converted into Cyrillic or Japanese characters. However, even with a reconfigured keyboard, the display of the keys has not changed, making it difficult to master.

A computer without a conventional keyboard is described in WO97 / 45794, which uses two screens instead. One screen is to enter data by writing letters directly on the screen using a suitable pen. The screen is designed to display images and functions of the keyboard that can even use other alphabets. However, one disadvantage of the proposed solution is that there is no feeling of working with a separate key and it must be very precise so that the finger does not leave the desired picture. Another disadvantage is that the input screen is a touch screen type, which is not very robust compared to conventional keys.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a control unit with data input means which overcomes the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

The present invention is characterized by providing a control unit that can be simply reconfigured to suit other users or purposes.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a control unit which is configured to output a number of different control signals without limiting the connectivity to the corresponding text and function and the number of data input means is limited.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a system for controlling a device, which system comprises a control unit suitable for transmitting control signals to the device according to the control data. The control unit includes data input means for input of control data, and the apparatus includes translation means suitable for translating the control signals into operation. An image indicator is provided to the data input means for the purpose of displaying to the control unit user an action to be taken by the device when the data input means is activated. The present invention is characterized in that the data input means comprises variable presentation means, the presentation means being configured to realize the image indicator, so that the control unit is suitable for storing the appearance data presented by the presentation means. 1 storage means. The control unit has a plurality of separate data input means, each input means having a presentation means, each presentation means consisting of separate displays configured to present an image according to the appearance data.

In a preferred embodiment, since the display is an LCD having a plurality of pixels, the appearance data includes pixel data. The control unit may be a wired or wireless remote controller. Examples include remote controls for TV sets, video recorders, or other electronic devices. Another example is a computer keyboard. The control unit may be integrated into the device, for example the keypad of a mobile telephone.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of a computer having a keyboard according to the present invention;

2 is a schematic diagram of a TV set and a remote controller according to the present invention;

3 is a schematic diagram of a mobile telephone incorporating a keypad according to the present invention;

4 is a schematic illustration of several keys with variable presentation means in accordance with the present invention;

5 is a circuit diagram for a control unit according to the present invention.

1-3 schematically illustrate devices utilizing the present invention. A computer 11 is schematically shown in FIG. 1, which has a presentation unit 12 in the form of a screen. The keyboard 13 is a user interface device and functions as a computer control device. Also, as known in the keyboard, a plurality of data input means are arranged in the form of keys 14. When the user uses the keys to provide control data to the keyboard, the control signals are transmitted from the keyboard on the drawing to the computer. This communication connection is available for both wired and wireless. The computer has translation means including a computer program designed to decode the control signals, thereby translating the actions or actions the user has commanded.

2 shows a TV set 21 with a presentation unit 22 in the form of a CRT, plasma screen. The control unit 23 is a remote controller, in which control data input keys 24 are arranged. Therefore, the control signals are transmitted to the TV set by remote control by IR, Bluetooth, cable or the like. The TV set is equipped with a receiver that is intended to function as a translation device for the purpose of translating the actions that the user wants to perform on the TV set.

3 schematically shows a mobile phone 31 with a display 32. The control unit of the mobile telephone is the keypad 33, which is integrated into the mobile telephone 31. The keypad has a button / key 34, which in some cases may be in the form of a rotation controller. When the control unit and the device are integrated, the control signal is transmitted by a physical connection such as a cable or a wire formed on the printed circuit board.

Common to all embodiments of the invention is that there is a presentation means 45 in the data input means of the control unit which allows for immediate reconfiguration of the data input means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention schematically shown in Fig. 4, each data input means comprises an LCD. 4 shows seven keys 44 of a computer keyboard, the arrangement in which the display 45 is provided on the keys is valid even when the control unit has more than one key 44 or is rotatable. Likewise, the number of keys in the control unit can be arbitrary. Therefore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example for convenience of description of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 4, each key comprises a 16x16 pixel LCD. Each display 45 is encapsulated so that it does not collapse when a key is pressed. Thus, the arrangement with variable presentation means 45 in the key 44 does not have a mechanical arrangement for the function of the keys, and these keys are arranged in a conventional manner with a matrix decoder or in a completely separate contactor. Can be.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, wherein the control unit is a computer keyboard. 5 shows a preferred circuit diagram of a keyboard which is a control unit according to the invention. The control unit has a processor 51, which is arranged to manipulate the display of the keys, which are the presentation means of the data input device. Through a programmable logic unit (PLD) 52, the processor 51 is connected to a memory 53 in the form of a flash ROM. Data showing other image indicators that will appear on the display is stored in memory 53. Thus, several different pixel data for characters are stored in the memory. A second memory 54 such as an SRAM is connected to the PLD 52 and the memory 53. In the second memory, the configuration of the characters of the different keys of the keyboard is stored. In the second memory 54, information indicating that the i and j keys show R and the i and j + 1 keys show T should be stored. There is a pointer in the second memory 54, which points to the data stored in the first memory 53 for characters of the configuration defined in the second memory 54.

The keyboard operates in two modes, download mode and operation mode. In the download mode, a processor having an internal program and its own data memory receives data from the computer. The received data includes configuration data having appearance data of one or several keys or information when mapping different characters of different keys. The appearance data describes the appearance of one or several distinct keys, and thus includes pixel data for characters or symbols. Configuration data describes the assignment of each letter or symbol to a key on the keyboard. Once the download mode is started, the PLD controls the data and address buses for the memory bank. The received configuration data is stored in the memory 54 which can quickly reconstruct the characters, but the appearance data of the characters are stored in the memory 53 in preparation for non-volatile storage when the power is turned off. At the end of the download mode, the PLD exit is set to high impedance mode so that it does not disturb the bus during the operation mode.

During the operation mode, the binary counter 55 controls the address lines for the configuration memory 54 by the clock pulse generator. The output data from the configuration memory 54 which cycles through the characters for the current configuration is used to address the upper 8 bits in the character memory 53. At the same time, the counter 55 addresses the display matrix 56. For ease of understanding, only nine displays 57 are shown in matrix 56 in FIG. 5, but one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the number of displays in display matrix 56 is arbitrary. These displays 57 correspond to the display 45 of FIG. 4. Each display 57 corresponds to one key. The displays 57 of the matrix are addressed by a counter in a multiplexed manner, where the row displays and column displays are each addressed in turn through a series of decoders and buffers. Decoder 58 traverses the display row, and the row displays are addressed by three-phase buffer 59. In addition, the decoder 60 is configured to traverse the display columns, and the decoder 61 is configured to address the pixel columns of each display column.

It is desirable that the pixel columns of one display row at a time be addressed to prevent the display from flashing at low frequencies. This is a solution compared to the method used for TV interlacing, where the odd and even rows are displayed alternately. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the decoder 60 first addresses the first display column. The decoder 58 then traverses the three-phase buffers 59 from the first row to the last row of the display, where the pixel data of each pixel column is addressed by the first of the decoders 61. Decoder 60 then addresses the second display column, and the output of pixel data for each display is processed while iterating through the display rows in the same manner.

Because of the difference between the character banks in the memory 54 and the data banks for the appearance of the characters in the memory 53, the characters can be quickly rearranged to the new configuration without having to download new characters for the keyboard. Thanks to the nonvolatile nature of the flash ROM memory 53, there is no need to download a character each time before using the keyboard. If a download is required, it can be downloaded via an appropriate link 62 to the computer.

The keyboard does not need to be connected to the computer during the operation mode, allowing remote control of the device. However, the keyboard must be connected to a power source such as a battery. In a preferred embodiment, the second memory 54 has a number of predetermined configuration data, but only one configuration can be activated at a time. This allows you to quickly and easily rearrange the keyboard configuration for other purposes or users.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention described above, nothing related to the function of the key is mentioned. Regardless of the letter or symbol shown to appear on the key, activating the key sends the same control signal from the keyboard to the computer. If the keyboard with the matrix decoder is in a normal state, scan codes are transmitted from the keyboard to the computer when the keys are activated. In the keyboard according to the invention, control signals such as scancodes may be transmitted via a communication link 62 such as used to download data to the keyboard or via another communication link. The computer has a decoder, which is a scan code translation means in the form of a computer program, which is configured to translate an operation that a user wants to perform based on a control signal. In the present invention, the code decoder is closely related to the character composition of the keyboard arranged to control the computer.

For browsing, and for the selection of configurations and specific keys, the present invention comprises a computer program, which is preferably executed on a device suitable for the control unit to control, i. According to a first aspect, the computer program for selection is configured to display and select a number of different character configurations. This is preferably done by showing the keys 14 of the keyboard 13 on the computer 11 screen 12, where each key is shown in the position and shape defined by the corresponding configuration. Computer programs can be arranged to show one character at a time, browsed, or can show several different characters at the same time. According to this first feature, the computer program may comprise means for selecting a particular character scheme and means for transferring a predetermined amount of data to the control unit showing the selected character scheme. If the selected character configuration includes only characters previously stored in the memory 53 of the keyboard, transferring the new character configuration to the keyboard causes a change in the configuration memory 54. If new characters are included, memory 53 is updated. According to a second feature, the computer program is configured to show keys on the keyboard and a series of characters for selection on the computer screen. The characters to choose are presented on the screen in matrix or table form and can be sorted alphabetically, numerically or in letter form. Character form means letters, numbers, arrows, etc. With the aid of the mouse pointer, one can select the shape of the key by click-and-drag from the table with the keys on the imaged keyboard that the user wants to present the shape.

It is desirable to be able to select the action to be taken with each key. It is a good idea to have multiple standard keys whose actions are predefined with letters or numbers. In a preferred embodiment, the action associated with the selected character is output as the actual character when operating the selected key. However, if a function is selected from the list by a method such as using a mouse or other menus, the operation may be changed through software.

While reconstructing the character composition according to the second feature, in a very simple example, while the A and B keys can be naturally arranged in the Shift position, the control unit keyboard is influenced with respect to the character to be presented. At this time, the data is changed in the memory 54 so that the current configuration indicates the corrective character in the memory 53 in relation to the letters A and B. FIG. The change in the action selected to be taken when operating the A and B keys is registered with the computer's scancode decoder but does not affect the keyboard. In a preferred embodiment of the computer program according to the second aspect, there is an imaging means for showing the return position of the character on the computer screen, so that the character can be dragged from the key on the imaged keyboard to the mouse pointer and placed in the return position. Thus, the computer program is automatically arranged, preferably visually arranged and to return the returned character to its place in the character table.

According to a third aspect, the computer program includes means for imaging a character, and thus can edit the character. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each character is represented by 16x16 pixels, and the pixel map is preferably visible on computer 11 screen 12. Therefore, the desired pixel can be marked with a mouse pointer or the like using software. When you have finished editing, click the OK button presented by the computer program and the new text will appear. This character is then placed in the character table described above, where it is selected by the user or automatically selected by a computer program. In one embodiment, the appearance data is automatically downloaded to the keyboard for memory 53 storage. While constructing or editing characters, a selection operation is given as described above.

According to a fourth aspect, the computer program transmits any image data in a file format suitable for presentation on a key. Thus, the computer program is arranged to divide the given image information into 16x16 pixels and present the image transmitted for the user as an image on the computer screen. The transmitted picture can be edited according to the third feature described above.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer may be connected to a database via a communication network such as the Internet. The computer also has means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the database. Data includes both configuration data for the entire keyboard and separate appearance data for the keys. The apparatus further comprises means for downloading configuration data and appearance data from the database for the purpose of transmitting download data to a keyboard where data is stored in the memory 53 and 54 respectively.

According to the present invention, letters such as letters and numbers can be selected with reference to the appearance and location. This may also be valid for keys with other functions, such as Shift, Alt, and Return. It is also possible to reconfigure standard functions or actions, accessed only by key commands combined on the keyboard, on a particular key, and to activate an actual function or action just by tapping the key once. For example, you can arrange save buttons and give them the appropriate symbols.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keys on the keyboard are arranged to browse between character configurations. Enabling this browsing key first browses the appearance changes of the image indicators, ie keys on the keyboard, between the different configurations, and then changes the decoders of the computer according to the changed appearance data, thus making the scancodes the correct operation. Is translated. Thus, the activation of this browsing key includes a communication link 62 between the keyboard and the computer. The function of the browsing keys makes it particularly easy to reconfigure the keyboard's key settings. In particular, it is advantageous if the number of keys is limited and there are fewer keys than the desired number of key functions. Thus, the browsing key can be configured for use with the Shift key or Alt-Gr key. For example, in one embodiment, numeric keys can typically be arranged on top of the keyboard, but only numbers are displayed in one mode on the display of the keys. Pressing the browse key once replaces the numbers with the alternate characters in combination with the Shift,!, ", And # character keys. By activating the browsing key, these alternate characters can then be replaced by the settings of the other keys. Is based on a combination of Alt-Gr keys and numeric keys such as @, ￡, etc. As a result, each key on the keyboard displays fewer characters, making it easier to translate, and obviously all keys on the keyboard are apparently browsed by the browsing keys. It can be arranged together with one or more other keys shown .. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention with a browsing key can be realized in a device such as a mobile phone 31. In a typical mobile phone a key 34 can There are 15, including numeric keys (0-9), which is difficult and time-consuming because you need to press four keys for each character to enter sentences such as SMS messages. The mobile telephone according to the present invention has a display on some or all of the keys or buttons, and during normal operation, when the numeric keys are frequently used, these keys only show the numbers. In one embodiment, the text entry proceeds normally, as each key may take the appearance of several different letters. These keys are reconfigured to show AJ instead of the numbers 0 through 9. When the browsing keys are activated, they can be shown to show KT by operating the browsing keys once again, as described in the embodiment using a computer. By activating a key, the action taken by the operation of the corresponding key can be changed when its appearance changes. In the example, the browsing key is realized with two keys arranged to browse up and down as is common with mobile phones for browsing the menu system.

In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is arranged to control several different devices. The control unit may be a portable central controller for controlling the devices of the so-called intelligent home. Thus, the control unit may be configured to communicate with a TV, video recorder, refrigerator, answering machine, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the reconfiguration of the control unit to a key set suitable for the device the user wants to control is made quickly and easily using the browsing key. The control unit of this embodiment preferably includes the devices as described above in the embodiments relating to the computer and the keyboard, i.e. the parts contained in the computer itself. Accordingly, embodiments having a control unit configured to control several different devices include a decoder and a translator, such as a scancode that occurs when a key is knocked. The control unit is designed to output a control signal according to the character configuration, and can be communicated with other devices by browsing between different character configurations with the browsing button. In this configuration, once the browsing button is pressed, the control unit can show the keys suitable for communication with the TV set. Browsing once more with the browse button can take the form of, for example, a cart or other basic consumer goods, the symbol of which is suitable for communication with the refrigerator of the intelligent home.

Another advantage of the browsing feature is that when using a computer, you can browse between mathematical symbols, physical symbols, special writing or drawing characters, or present a character scheme in which different keys can clearly image a symbol for a computer program. And that this computer program can be operated by each key. Thus, without this function, it is very simple to perform functions that require combining multiple keys or using a mouse before tapping as many times as necessary. The present invention can also be applied to a control unit in a game field such as a computer game or a TV game. In this case, each of the keys may have a different appearance reflecting different events, accessories, and the like. Using the present invention, it is also easy to reconstruct other games or player game machines.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims (66)

A control unit suitable for transmitting a control signal to a device in accordance with control data, said control unit comprising a data input means for inputting said control data, wherein said device comprises said control. Translation means suitable for translating the signal into an action, the data input means being arranged with a visual indicator for indicating an action performed by the device upon operation of the data input means, the data input means being variable A presentation means, the control unit comprising: first storage means suitable for storing appearance data that can be presented by the presentation means, the image data being retrieved and transmitted to the presentation means for displaying an image indicator And a plurality of optional configuration data to be displayed thereon. And a second storage unit configured to chapter, and each optional configuration data device control system comprising a set of appearance data for a plurality of presentation means. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a plurality of separate data input means, each of the data input means having a presentation means, and the second storage means having a preset appearance for a plurality of different presentation means. And store data associated with the data. An apparatus control system according to claim 1, wherein each presentation means comprises a separate display arranged to display an image according to the appearance data. 4. A device control system according to claim 3, wherein each said data input means comprises contact means arranged to detect the operation of said corresponding data input means. 5. The apparatus control system according to claim 4, wherein said contact means of each data input means operates independently of said presentation means. 6. The apparatus control system according to claim 5, wherein the display is an LCD having a plurality of pixels, and the appearance data includes pixel data. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a presentation unit and first means configured to present the first selection data for the control unit to the presentation unit as an image, wherein the first selection data is a presentation of the data input means. Means for the means, comprising configurations of completed optional characters, corresponding to the configuration data. 8. A device control system according to claim 7, wherein the first means is configured to transmit information on the selected text configuration to the control unit. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus comprises second means configured to present a second selection data for the control unit on the presentation unit as an image, wherein the second selection data is a presentation means of data input means and And an optional character set for imaging of the data input means. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises a pointer means, and the image appearance of the data input means is variable by transferring the characters using the pointer means from the set of optional characters to the optional image data input means. A device control system characterized in that it is possible to assign a desired image appearance to data input means. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second means is configured to present a return position from which return position characters can be moved by the pointer means, wherein the second means returns characters from the return position to a predetermined position in the set. And a device control system. 12. An apparatus control system according to claim 11, wherein said second means is configured to transmit information of the selected character of the data input means to said control unit. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus comprises third means configured to present to the presentation means third images of the third selection data for the control unit, wherein the third selection data comprises the means for imaging of characters and of the characters. And means for editing the appearance. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus comprises means for transmitting image data for any image in a file format suitable for providing an image to the presentation means. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is communicatively coupled to a database, the means comprising means for retrieving data from the database and means for transmitting data to the database. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the apparatus comprises means for downloading appearance data for the data input means and means for transmitting image data to the control unit for storage in the first storage means. Control system. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus includes means for downloading configuration data presenting the completed character configuration for data input means, and means for transmitting the configuration data to the control unit for storage in the second storage means. Device control system comprising a. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control unit comprises browsing data input means configured to, when activated, cause a change from the first character configuration to the second character configuration with respect to the data input means of the control unit. Device control system. The external appearance of the presentation means of the data input means according to claim 18, wherein, in operation, the browsing data input means modifies a translation unit of the apparatus for allocating a specific operation to a specific control signal, and in accordance with the modification of the translation unit. Device control system, characterized in that configured to modify. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the browsing data input means, when activated, is arranged to browse between character configurations stored in the second storage means. 21. A device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said control unit is a remote controller of said device. 22. The device control system of claim 21, wherein the device and control unit comprise wireless communication means. 23. The device control system of claim 22, wherein the device is a mobile telephone and the control unit consists of a series of keys integrated into the device. In the device control system, (a) a computer that is a controlled device having a processor configured to receive a control signal received from a keyboard control unit and operate according to the control signal; And (b) a keyboard control unit connected to a computer receiving a control signal, the keyboard control unit comprising: (1) a plurality of rows of keys, each key having its own key display; (2) an on-board processor configured to allow each key display to display an image; (3) a key display memory including display image data for each of the key displays; (4) a key configuration memory containing key display configuration data for which display image data will be displayed on each key display; And (5) said keyboard control unit comprising a programmable logic unit (PLD) for causing one of said display image data and said key display configuration data to be changed. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a processor onboard to the keyboard control unit is coupled to a PLD, the PLD coupled to the key display memory and the key configuration memory, and wherein the PLD is (i) display image data and key display configuration data. A download mode in which one is transmitted from the computer to a corresponding one of a key display memory and a key configuration memory and stored therein; and (ii) display image data and key display configuration data are stored in the key display memory or key configuration memory from the computer. A device control system, which can be configured by a computer between operating modes that cannot be transmitted to one. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: (i) a processor onboard the keyboard control unit, a binary counter coupled to the key display memory and the key configuration memory, and (ii) the binary counter, the key display memory, and the key configuration memory. And display metrics configured to be arranged in alignment with the key displays. 27. The device control system of claim 26, further comprising a display column decoder and a display row decoder each coupled to the display matrix and coupled to the binary counter, the key configuration memory and the key display memory. 29. The display device of claim 27, wherein the display metrics comprise a plurality of rows of key displays and a plurality of columns of key displays, the display matrix decoder comprising a buffer between each row of key displays and the display row decoder and a decoder between each column of the key display and the display column decoder. Device control system further comprising. 25. The device control system of claim 24, wherein the computer comprises a personal computer and the keyboard control unit comprises a computer keyboard. 25. The device control system of claim 24, wherein each key display is a 16x16 pixel display. 25. The device control system of claim 24, wherein each key display is an LCD display. In the device control system, (a) a computer that is a controlled device having a processor configured to receive a control signal received from a keyboard control unit and operate according to the control signal; And (b) a keyboard control unit connected to the computer, the keyboard control unit comprising: (1) a plurality of rows of keys, each key having its own display; (2) an on-board processor configured to allow a key display of each of the plurality of rows of keys to display an image; (3) a key display memory including a plurality of sets of display image data for each key of the plurality of rows of keys; And And (4) said keyboard control unit comprising a key configuration memory containing key display configuration data as to which set of display image data is actually to be displayed on said key display. In the device control system, (a) a computer that is a controlled device having a processor configured to receive a control signal received from a keyboard control unit and operate according to the control signal; (b) a presentation unit connected to the computer; And (c) connected to the computer, (1) a plurality of rows of keys, each key having its own key display; And (2) a keyboard control unit including an on-board processor configured to display an image of the key display of each of the plurality of rows of keys, (d) a processor of the computer displays key display image data for at least one key display as an image on the presentation unit, so that the key display image data can be manipulated, and the manipulated key display image data Device control system, characterized in that configured to be transmitted to the keyboard control unit. 34. The computer-readable medium of claim 33, wherein the processor of the computer visually represents a plurality of sets of key display image data for a plurality of key display pairs, the key display image for at least one key display of at least one set of key display image data. Enabling manipulation of data, after which said manipulated key display image data is transmitted to said keyboard control unit and is encouraged to store said manipulated key display image data in said keyboard control unit. 34. The device control system of claim 33, further comprising a mouse coupled to the computer and operable to select and edit key display image data of at least one key display. 34. The computer system of claim 33 wherein the processor of the computer divides the digitized image into a plurality of images such that the plurality of images form an image on the plurality of key displays, each of the plurality of images being separate for the plurality of key displays. And key display image data of the device control system. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the processor of the computer causes the operation to be assigned to a key corresponding to a particular key display. In a device control system, a keyboard control unit connected to the device comprises: (a) a plurality of rows and columns of keys, each key including a display; (b) a processor, wherein a key display of each of the keys is configured to display an image; (c) a key display memory including a plurality of sets of display image data for each of the key displays; And (d) a key configuration memory comprising key display configuration data for which set of display image data is actually to be displayed on the key display. In a device control system, a keyboard control unit connected to the device for providing a control signal includes: (a) a plurality of rows of keys, each key having its own key display; (b) a processor, wherein each key display is configured to display an image; (c) a key display memory including display image data for each of the key displays; (d) a key configuration memory containing key display configuration data for which display image data will be displayed on each key display; And (e) a PLD configured to allow one of the display image data and key display configuration data to be changed. 39. The device control system of claim 38, wherein the key display memory is separate from the configuration memory. (a) providing a control unit comprising a plurality of touch inputs, at least one having a touch input display, a memory holding a plurality of images, and a processor; And and (b) showing one of a plurality of images on the touch type input display. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein there is a plurality of touch input displays, each held by one of the plurality of touch inputs, wherein a plurality of sets of images are held by a memory, and in step (b) the plurality of touch inputs Wherein each display shows an image from one of the plurality of sets of images. 43. The method of claim 42 wherein both the memory and the processor are located onboard the control unit. 44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising configuration data held by a memory that determines which touch input display of the plurality of touch input displays will show which of the set of images to be displayed in step (b). Method of operation of the control unit, characterized in that. 42. The plurality of touch input displays as recited in claim 41, further comprising a display screen, each having a plurality of touch input displays held by one of the touch inputs, each set being displayed on a display screen composed of a plurality of images. (I) selecting a plurality of images displayed on the display screen, (ii) selecting an image set to which the selected image belongs, and (iii) storing the plurality of images in memory And (b) each of the plurality of touch-type input displays showing an image from one of the plurality of sets of images. 46. The control unit of claim 45, wherein the display screen comprises a device to which the control unit is connected, and a manual engagement of one of the touch inputs causes the control signal to be provided to the device by the control unit. How it works. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the control unit is a keyboard, the device is a computer, and both the memory and processor are located onboard the keyboard. 48. The computer readable medium of claim 47, wherein the computer is configured to translate the control signal of the touch type input when manually connected to cause an operation related to an image shown on the touch input display of the manually connected touch type input to be performed. A control unit operating method characterized by the above-mentioned. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein each touch input unit comprises a key pressed by a user. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein each key is displayed when pressed by a user. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein at least one of the plurality of images is provided via the Internet. 43. The control unit of claim 41, wherein at least one of the plurality of images is provided over the Internet and at least one of the plurality of images provided over the Internet in step (b) is shown on a touch-type input display. Way. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein at least one of the plurality of images is provided via the Internet and stored in a memory, wherein the memory is disposed onboard to the control unit. 42. The device of claim 41, further comprising a personal computer coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a keyboard, and wherein the image shown on the touch input display in step (b) is provided via the Internet. To operate the control unit. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising a communication network, wherein at least one of the plurality of images is provided over the communication network and at least one of the plurality of images provided over the communication network in step (b) is shown on a touch-type input display. Method of operating a control unit, characterized in that the loss. The method of operating a control unit of claim 55, further comprising a device controlled by the control unit. 59. The method of claim 56, wherein the device is a mobile phone. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising a database, wherein at least one of the plurality of images is provided by the database and in step (b) at least one of the plurality of images provided by the database is shown on a touch-type input display. Method of operation of the control unit, characterized in that. 59. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising a personal computer coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a keyboard having respective touch inputs comprising keys of a keyboard having one of the touch input displays. A control unit operating method characterized by the above-mentioned. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a plurality of devices connected to a control unit, wherein one of the images is shown on a touch-type input display when the control unit controls one of the devices and the control unit is connected to the device. A method of operating a control unit, characterized in that the other of the images is shown on the touch-type input display when controlling the other of them. 61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the touch input unit causes a specific operation to be performed by a corresponding device controlled by the control unit in association with an image viewed by the touch input display of the touch input unit, wherein the control unit comprises devices The image shown on the touch-type input display when controlling one of the control units is different from when the control unit controls the other of the devices. 42. The computer-readable medium of claim 41, further comprising a computer coupled to the control unit, wherein the computer is comprised of a software program that causes a particular one of the plurality of images to be shown on the touch input display in step (b). To operate the control unit. 42. The apparatus of claim 41 further comprising a computer coupled to the control unit, the apparatus comprising a plurality of touch inputs each having a touch input display, the memory having a plurality of sets each set comprising a plurality of different images And the computer is configured with a software program for providing the control unit with a plurality of sets of images, each set consisting of a plurality of different images, and in step (b) the image of one set of the plurality of sets of images is A method of operating a control unit, characterized in that different images are displayed on each of the touch input displays. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a computer coupled to the control unit, each having a plurality of touch inputs with a touch input display, wherein the memory includes a plurality of each set comprising a plurality of different images. Holding a set of images, the computer configured a plurality of sets of each set of a plurality of different images, with configuration data indicating which set of images of the plurality of sets of images to be displayed on which touch input display; And a software program for providing an image to the control unit, wherein in step (b) one image of one set of the plurality of sets of images is displayed on each of the touch type input displays. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein said control unit comprises a keyboard and both said memory and processor are onboard and disposed on said keyboard. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein there is a plurality of touch inputs, each with a touch input display, wherein the memory holds a plurality of sets of images, each set comprising a plurality of different images, and step (b) Images of one set of the plurality of image sets are displayed on each of the touch type input displays, and images of the other set of the plurality of image sets are displayed on each of the touch type input displays by touching one of the plurality of touch type input units. Further comprising a step of enabling the control unit to operate.

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