KR20050016970A - A peripheral device for a data processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Peripheral device 320 for use in data processing system 300 is proposed. The peripheral device includes a panel 320 that houses a mechanical keyboard 330 and a touch screen 335 on opposite surfaces. The panel can be flipped over to make the keyboard or touch screen available. In this way, the keyboard can be used when working as an application that performs conventional computing tasks, and the touch screen can also be used as an alternate input / output unit that can be configured to meet the needs of different applications. For example, a touch screen display displays a colored console when playing a game, a navigation toolbar when surfing on the Internet, and a piano keyboard when playing music.

Description

Peripheral Devices, Data Processing Systems, and How Data Processing Systems Work {A PERIPHERAL DEVICE FOR A DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of computers, and more particularly to peripheral devices for data processing systems.

A peripheral device is a hardware unit used to interact with a data processing system such as a personal computer (PC), in particular an input device that allows a user to enter data and / or commands into a computer, while an output device provides information. To the user.

The keyboard is the most common input device. The keyboard consists of a set of mechanical buttons (keys), and the user presses these buttons to enter information into the computer. The keys are arranged to resemble a typewriter keyboard and have some special keys and numeric keypads for computer commands.

A disadvantage of keyboards known in the art is that they are often quite ineffective in meeting the input needs of some applications running on a computer. In fact, even if the function and location of the keys are configured by software, the shape and size of the keys is determined by the hardware layout of the keyboard and cannot be changed in any way.

In order to solve this problem, alternative input devices have been proposed for certain applications over the past several years. For example, consoles with joysticks are commonly used for computer games, and touch screens are also the same in kiosks that allow users to provide some type of computer-related services (such as in automated financial terminals or ATMs). Allows you to enter and display information on the device.

However, each alternate input device is generally designed for a specific application. This leads to a proliferation of a number of different input devices, and also to connecting each input device to a computer is quite complicated and time and space consuming. Touch-screens can be configured to provide a natural interface for computer devices as long as they are of particular interest, but they are not satisfactory for some applications. In fact, most users feel their arms tired after a long use of the touch screen, and a standard keyboard is much preferred in working with applications that perform conventional computing tasks in any case.

1A and 1B are pictorial views of a desktop in which the peripheral device of the present invention may be used.

2A and 2B show a peripheral device in another position.

3A and 3B show side views partially cut away of a notebook, including another embodiment of a peripheral device.

4A and 4B show other enlarged parts of the notebook.

5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit scheme of a sensor included in a peripheral device.

6 is a schematic block diagram of a desktop.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a peripheral device which can be used as a standard keyboard or as an alternative input device.

Another object of the present invention is to avoid the proliferation of various input devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device that can be configured for a specific application in a simple manner.

The above and other objects related are achieved by a peripheral device for a data processing system comprising a mechanical keyboard having a plurality of keys for inputting information into the data processing system when a key is pressed, wherein the peripheral device is a further key. And configurable unit for displaying a visual representation of a number of different keys for entering data into the data processing system when is selected.

The invention also provides a data processing system including a peripheral device and a corresponding method for operating the data processing system.

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention will be described in the appended claims. However, the above and other related objects and advantages of the present invention as well as the present invention itself will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description, which will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In particular, referring to FIG. 1A, a personal computer 100 is shown. The computer 100 consists of a desktop (typically used in homes and offices) and is configured to fit over the desk 103. The desktop 100 is formed by a central unit 105 containing electronic circuitry that controls its operation. The monitor 115 and the mouse 120 are connected to the central unit 105 in a conventional manner.

In addition, the peripheral device 125 is plugged into a port (not shown in the figure) of the central unit 105. Peripheral device 125 includes a mechanical keyboard 130. The keyboard 130 consists of a set 135 of mechanical buttons (keys), which the user can press to enter information into the desktop 100, and the keys 135 are typically alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers). ), Function keys (commas, periods, semicolons, etc.), and special keys (function keys, control keys, arrow keys, caps lock keys, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1B, when the peripheral device 125 is turned upside down, the touch screen 140 is provided to the user. The touch screen 140 consists of a display screen sensitive to human touch (eg, implemented with resistive, surface wave or capacitive technology). Touch screen 140 displays a set of objects 145 (such as a geometric figure), each object representing a virtual key. When the user touches the key 145 with his / her finger, the corresponding information is entered into the desktop 100, and the optionally selected key flashes and / or outputs a simple composite tone.

As described in detail below, the touch screen is dynamically configured in accordance with the current input requirements of the desktop 100. For example, the touch screen displays a colored console with fire and arrow keys when playing a game, a browser toolbar when surfing the Internet, a piano keyboard when playing music, , Such as displaying a simplified keyboard (with a reduced number of large sets of keys) when used by children or people with disabilities, and the keys also prompt their choice (e.g. during the interaction process). It is made to blink to make it work. In addition, touch screen 140 may be used to display a pop-up menu with selectable commands or a secondary computational screen (such as a calculator when a spreadsheet is opened).

Part of the touch screen 140 defines a window 150 for displaying output information and / or duplicating information input by a user, preferably, the additional output information is (key 145 and window ( 150) on the background). For example, a calendar opens when an email application is launched, or an advertising banner is displayed when accessing a web site.

If the desktop has a different structure or includes different units, or if the desktop is replaced with an equivalent data processing system (such as a workstation), the keyboard may have a different layout or a different type (e.g., a transparent plastic appearance If the output information is displayed in two or more windows, the same applies to the case where no information is provided as the background information.

Referring next to FIG. 2A, the peripheral device 125 has a main body formed by a thin box 205 (eg, made of plastic material). The box 205 has two opposing major surfaces 210 and 215, with the surface 210 housing a keyboard (with the key 135), while the surface 215 displays a touch screen. Accept. In the position shown in the figure (corresponding to FIG. 1A), the surface 215 lies on the desk 103, with the result that the surface 210 faces upward so that the user can access the keyboard. Two wings 225a and 225b are hinged along the lateral edge of surface 210 and the wings 225a and 225b are folded on corresponding sidewalls of box 205.

Referring to FIG. 2B, when the peripheral device 125 is turned upside down (to the position shown in FIG. 1B), the surface 215 faces upward, and the user can access the touch screen. In this case, the wings 225a, 225b are unfolded until they are projected downward (perpendicular to the surface 210). The wings 225a, 225b are higher than the key 135, and consequently the keys 135 are spaced apart from the desk 103 to prevent their pressure.

Similar considerations may be taken when the peripheral device has a different structure, when the peripheral device is placed on a different support surface, when the wing is replaced by a foldable pin set (or other equivalent spacing means).

In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3A, the proposed solution is embedded in a notebook 300, which consists of a portable computer that is extremely lightweight and small enough to easily fit in a briefcase. The notebook 300 is formed by a case 305 that houses its central unit, and the display is integrated into the panel 310, which is rearward (facing the front edge facing the user of the notebook 300). It is hinged against the case 305 at the edge.

The case 305 includes a housing 315 (closed by the display panel 310 when folded towards the case 305) for a peripheral device 320 similar to that described above. Peripheral device 320 is formed by a panel 325 having two opposing major surfaces, and houses a mechanical keyboard 330 and a touch screen 335, respectively. Two pegs 340 extend laterally near the inner edge of panel 325. The peg 340 slides along two guides 345 disposed on the inner sidewall of the housing 315 (extending across the display panel 310) while the peg 340 simultaneously slides the panel 325. ) Pivots around the case 305.

A pair of catches 350f and a catch pair 350r are provided on the case 305, the catch 350f is disposed near the front surface of the guide 345, and the catch 350r is a guide ( 345 is located near the rear side. Recesses 355k are formed in the panel 325 on the keyboard 330 side (near its outer edge), and recesses 355t are formed in the panel 325 on the touch screen 335 side. Near the outer edges). As will be described in detail below, the catch 350f is connected with the recess 355t (depending on the position of the peripheral device 320) or the catch 350r is connected with the recess 355k. At the same time, the catch 350r is housed in a pair of grooves 360t (near its outer edge) formed on the panel 325 toward the touch screen 335, or the catch 350f is attached to the keyboard 330. It is received in a pair of grooves 360k formed on the side panel 325 (near its inner edge).

As shown in the figure, the inner edge of panel 325 is pressed towards the rear end of guide 345 (which acts as the end of stroke). Thereafter, the panel 325 is folded down toward the case 305. As a result, the panel 325 is latched in position with the keyboard 330 turned upside down (to make it accessible to the user).

Referring next to FIG. 3B, the user unlatches the panel 325 from the case. Unfold the fold of panel 325 and pull its inner edge towards the front of guide 345 (which acts as the other end of the stroke). The panel 325 is then folded down towards the case 305 and latched in a position with the touch screen 335 turned upside down to be accessible to the user.

If the notebook has a different structure or is replaced by another data processing system (such as palm-top, etc.), when the guides are placed parallel to the display panel, the peg and guide slide and pivot the panel. The same applies when the wheel mechanism is replaced by a wheel mechanism or other equivalent means.

The structures of the catches 350f and 350r are shown in more detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B (where FIG. 4A includes a cut along a plane parallel to the display panel passing through the catch 350f and FIG. 4B is a catch). A cut along a plane passing through 350r and parallel to the display panel. Each catch 350f, 350r has push buttons 405f, 405r formed by a stem ending with an outer head, which stems are paired throw holes with flat positions for receiving the head. Slide horizontally). The free end of the stem rotates upward to define hooks 410f and 410r, which hooks protrude upward from the case 305. The hooks 410f and 410r end with a tooth 413f and 413r having an outward lead-in face and a lower stop face. The hooks 410f and 410r slide across the corresponding housing, and the springs 415f and 415r operate on the hooks 410f and 410r to lead to the position from which the push buttons 405f and 405r were pulled out. The composite pegs 420f and 420r are further provided near the hooks 410f and 410r, and these pegs 420f and 420r protrude upwards from the case 305 and (when moving toward the corresponding end of the guide, Ends inwardly inwardly facing the inner edge of 325.

Each recess 355k, 355t (see FIG. 4A) has a mouse that mates with a tooth 413f, 413r, which has a panel facing the case 305. It is aligned by receiving hooks 410f and 410r when folded down. Recesses 355k and 355t have a larger inner zone and extend outwards to define undercuts that act as abutments to the stop surfaces of the teeth 413f and 413r.

Each groove 360k, 360t (see FIG. 4B) has a trapezoidal cross section in plan view. In particular, the inner ends of the grooves 360k, 360t are aligned by receiving the hooks 410f, 410r (when the panel 325 is folded down towards the case 305). Grooves 360k and 360t widen toward the corresponding corners of panel 325, whereby the mouse (at the inner edge of panel 325) has a tooth 413f when the push buttons 405f and 405r are in the pulled out position. 413r, the inclined side joins the larger and smaller ends of the grooves 360k, 360t.

When the panel 325 is folded down towards the case 305 (keyboard facing upward), the tooth 413r is received in the groove 360t (as shown in FIG. 4B). The lead-in surface of the tooth 413r and the inclined surface of the groove 360t collide to push the hook 410r inward to make the spring 415r elastic. When the tooth 413r reaches the smaller end of the recess 360t, the push button 405r is in the fully retracted position. In addition, the panel 325 operates on the lead-in surface of the peg 420f to generate its lowering.

At the same time, the lead-in surface of the tooth 413f collides with the panel 325 (as shown in Fig. 4A), and the hook 410f is pushed inward. When the panel 325 is pressed against the case 305, the tooth 314f is received into the recess 355t. As soon as the tooth 413f emerges from the mouse of the recess 355t, the larger portion of the recess 355t (until the head of the push button 405f fully protrudes) clears the hook 413f by removing the hook 413f. 410f) will be pushed outward. As a result, the stop surface of the tooth 413f contacts the undercut of the recess 355t, thereby latching the panel 325 and the case 305 together. In addition, the panel 325 operates on the lead-in surface of the peg 420f to generate a lowering.

When the user needs to flip the peripheral device, he / she presses push button 405f. As a result, the stop surface of each tooth 413f clears the undercut of the recess 355t, thereby unlatching the panel 325 from the case 305. Peg 420f lifts panel 325, allowing the user to grab its outer edge. Thereafter, the same operation described above is repeated on the other side until the panel 325 is folded down toward the case 305 (with the touch screen facing up).

If the catch has a different structure (eg with a sliding command instead of a push button), when the hook is replaced by another locking element, or more generally, equivalent means are used to latch the panel and the case together When a pair of handles are used to pull the panel (without the need for a compliant peg), when a different mechanism is foreseen to cause the push button to be flushed with the case (when the corresponding hook does not work). Similarly applies when the equivalent means are generally used to indicate a catch that latches the panel and the case together (eg, using a series of LEDs).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a sensor 500 is provided for detecting its location in the aforementioned peripheral device (of a desktop or laptop). Sensor 500 is formed by a bulb 505 filled with a liquid (but not electrically conductive) having a relatively high viscosity. The metallic ball 510 slides down into the bulb 505 under the force of gravity.

The metal terminal pairs 515k, 520k intersect the base of the bulb 505 (in the lower position when the peripheral device has the keyboard rotated upwards), and the other metal terminal pairs 515t, 520t (in the upper position). Intersect with the opposite base of bulb 505. Terminals 515k and 515t are connected to a reference terminal (or ground). Terminal 520k is connected to the first terminal of resistor Rk, and terminal 520t is connected to the first terminal of resistor Rt. Both resistors Rk and Rt are connected to both terminals of the direct voltage power supply + Vcc (for example, 5V), and the negative terminal of the power supply is connected to the ground terminal.

Also, terminal 520k and terminal 520t are connected to the inverting input (-) and the non-inverting input (+) of comparator 525, respectively. Comparator 525 outputs signal KB, and when the voltage at the non-inverting input is higher than the voltage at the inverting input, the signal KB is asserted (at voltage + Vcc) and vice versa Is deasserted (at voltage 0V). Comparator 525 has a hysteresis characteristic to filter out bogus signals (eg, due to the impact of a peripheral device). The signal SB is supplied to the inverter 530, and the inverter 530 outputs the signal TS = KB.

In the position shown in the figure (upturned keyboard), the ball 510 shorts terminals 515k and 520k. Thereafter, the voltage at the non-inverting input of comparator 525 is held at + Vcc, while the voltage at its inverting input is directed to ground, resulting in signal KB being asserted (and signal TS being delayed). Is replaced). Conversely, when the peripheral device is turned upside down (with the up rotated touch screen), the ball 510 shorts terminals 515t and 520t. Thereafter, the voltage at the inverting input of comparator 525 is held at + Vcc, while the voltage at its inverse input is directed to ground, resulting in signal KB deasserting (and signal TS is Is replaced).

The same can be applied if the sensors have different structures (for example with micromachine elements or simple switch pairs integrated on a chip of semiconductor material) or if equivalent means are provided for detecting the position of the peripheral device. .

Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic block diagram of the desktop 100 is shown (similarly applies to a laptop). The central unit 105 has a structure based on a communication bus 605 in which different elements of the central unit 105 are connected in parallel. Specifically, the microprocessor (μP) 610 controls the operation of the desktop 100, the DRAM 615 is used directly as a working memory by the microprocessor 610, the read-only memory (ROM) 620 is Stores basic code for bootstrap of desktop 100. The central unit 105 includes a magnetic hard disk 622 (with each controller), a driver 625 for reading the CDROM 627, a controller 630 for the mouse 120, and a monitor 115. Further includes a controller 635.

Peripheral device 125 has an internal controller 640 for keyboard 130 and an internal controller 645 for touch screen 140. The sensor 500 allows the internal keyboard controller 640 or the internal touch screen controller 645 to be mutually excluded, and for this purpose, a signal KB is supplied to the enabling pin of the keyboard internal controller 640. The keyboard internal controller 640 interfaces directly with the corresponding external controller 650, which is connected to the bus 605 in the central unit 105, and likewise, the touch screen internal controller 645 Also interfaces with an external controller 655 (connected to bus 605).

During operation of the desktop 100, programs and data (installed on the hard disk 622 from the CDROM 627) are typically loaded (at least partially) into the working memory 615. In particular, the driver 660 controls the keyboard 130, while the driver 665 controls the touch screen 140. Keyboard driver 660 and touch screen driver 665 communicate with one or more application programs 670, which interface with screen buffer 675 for monitor 115.

When the keyboard 130 is rotated upward, the keyboard internal controller 640 is enabled by the signal KB (while the touch screen internal controller 645 is disabled by the signal Ts). If the current application program 670 requires the use of the touch screen 140, the application program 670 prompts the user to flip the peripheral device 125 (as a message displayed on the monitor 115). As soon as the touch screen 140 rotates up, the touch screen controller 645 is enabled by the signal Ts (while the keyboard controller 640 is disabled by the signal KB). The application program 670 then controls the configuration of the touch screen 140 through the corresponding output instruction, which output instruction is supplied to the touch screen driver 665, which in turn sends the instruction to the touch screen controller. To a corresponding instruction for (655, 645).

In all cases, whenever the user selects a key (on keyboard 130 or touch screen 140), the enabled internal controller 640 or 645 sends the corresponding scan code to driver 660 or 665, respectively. do. Drivers 660 and 665 convert the scan code into instructions for the application program 670, which controls the screen buffer 675 accordingly.

The same applies to the case where the desktop has a different structure, when the keyboard and the touch screen are integrated in the central unit, when the equivalent software module is provided, and the like.

Typically, the present invention proposes a peripheral device for a data processing system. The peripheral device includes a mechanical keyboard, which has a plurality of keys for inputting information into the data processing system when the key is pressed. The peripheral device of the present invention further comprises a configurable unit for displaying a visual representation of a number of different keys, which other keys are used to enter information into the data processing system when selected.

The solution of the present invention provides a peripheral device that can be used as a standard keyboard at the time of working with an application that normally performs computing tasks, while at the same time the peripheral device can be used as an alternative input device to satisfy the input needs of different applications.

This result is achieved without proliferating different input devices, thus saving time and space.

The proposed solution allows peripheral devices to be configured for specific applications in a very simple way.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention described above provides further advantages.

For example, the configurable unit consists of a touch screen.

This allows the user to work with two input devices (keyboard and touch screen) in a very simple way.

The keyboard and touch screen are advantageously placed on opposite surfaces of the peripheral device.

The proposed structure does not require additional space for the touch screen.

Preferably, a means is provided for spacing the key from the surface supporting the peripheral device.

This feature prevents any pressure on the keys when using the touch screen.

Alternatively, the peripheral device may comprise a tablet (where a key is selected with a pen), a standard screen or equivalent configurable unit with an integrated touchpad (used to move the pointer on the screen to select a key). And no spacers for the keys are provided, or the keyboard and touch screen are arranged side by side.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switch is used to allow the keyboard or touch screen to be mutually exclusive.

This avoids collisions between the two input units and reduces the power consumption of the peripheral device.

As a further refinement, the sensor detects the position of the peripheral device and thus enables the keyboard or touch screen.

The designed solution allows for automatic switching between the keyboard and the touch screen (by simply flipping the peripherals around).

Advantageously, the touch screen is further used to display output information.

This feature reduces the focus change (between the monitor and the touch screens) needed by the user's eyes. In addition, the proposed solution makes it possible to present information to the user in a very effective manner.

However, the solution itself according to the invention itself is always enabled, either without having a manual switch that must be operated by the user to enable the keyboard or touch screen, or without displaying output information on the touch screen. To be implemented as a keyboard or touch screen.

The peripheral device of the present invention can be used as an external unit (plugged into the port of the central unit) or as an internal unit (integrated into the central unit).

In the latter case, a guide mechanism is preferably provided for sliding and pivoting the peripheral device.

The proposed solution is very simple but effective at the same time.

Advantageously, the peripheral device is latched in its different operating position.

This feature avoids unwanted movement of the peripheral device.

Another improvement is to provide a generic display for identifying buttons that are activated to unlatch peripherals.

The proposed feature facilitates the operation required to flip the peripheral device.

Alternatively, other mechanisms are used to rotate the peripheral device (eg, pivoting the peripheral device about an axis orthogonal to the case), which provides for identifying a button that should be operated to unlatch the peripheral device. There are no indications, or peripherals are kept in place only under the force of gravity.

Naturally, in order to satisfy local and specific requirements, one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to apply many variations and modifications to the above described solutions as long as they fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (12)

A peripheral device (125) for a data processing system (100) comprising a mechanical keyboard (130) having a plurality of keys (135) for entering information into a data processing system when a key is pressed, And a configurable unit (140) for displaying a visual representation of a plurality of different keys (145) for inputting information to the data processing system when a plurality of different keys are selected. The method of claim 1, The configurable unit includes a touch screen (140) and the other key is selected upon contact. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A main body 205 having a first surface 210 and a second surface 215 opposite the first surface, The first surface houses a mechanical keyboard 130, the second surface houses the configurable unit 140, When the peripheral device is in the first operating position with the first surface 210 facing upwards, a user of the data processing system can access the mechanical keyboard 130, When the peripheral device is in the second operating position with the second surface (215) facing upwards, the user is able to access the configurable unit (140). The method of claim 3, wherein And peripheral means (225a, 225b) for separating the key (135) from a surface (103) supporting the peripheral device in the second operating position. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, And peripheral switching means (500) for alternately enabling the mechanical keyboard (130) or the configurable unit (140). The method of claim 5, wherein The switching means comprises a sensor 500 for detecting the position of the peripheral device, The mechanical keyboard 130 is enabled when the peripheral device is in the first operating position, The configurable unit (140) is enabled when the peripheral device is in the second operating position. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, And a display means (150) for displaying output information on the configurable unit (140). A data processing system (100, 300) comprising the peripheral device (125, 320) according to any of the preceding claims. The method of claim 8, The central unit 305, Pivoting the peripheral device 320 around the central unit and sliding an inner edge of the peripheral device along the central unit between a first end of stroke and a second stroke end. Further comprising means (340, 345), And when the inner edge is at the end of the first stroke or at the end of the second stroke, the peripheral device is folded down toward the central unit respectively in the first operating position or the second operating position. The method of claim 9, And latching means (350f, 355t, 350r, 355k) for latching the peripheral device (320) to the first or second operating position. The method of claim 10, The latching means 350f, 355t, 350r, 355k are provided with first command means 405f for unlatching the peripheral device 320 when in the first operating position, and when in the second operating position. A second command means 405r for unlatching a peripheral device, and an indication for identifying said first command means or said second command means, respectively, when said peripheral device is in said first operating position or said second operating position, respectively; Data processing system comprising providing means (360t, 360k) for providing a. As a method of operating the data processing system 100, Inputting information into the data processing system by pressing multiple keys 135 of the mechanical keyboard 130 included in the peripheral device 125; Displaying a visual representation of a number of different keys 145 on the configurable unit 140 included in the peripheral device; Inputting information into the data processing system by selecting the other key Data processing system operating method comprising a.