JPH0410021A - keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is characterized in that physical keys are arranged in micro sections in a matrix, such as in a liquid crystal touch keyboard, and each physical key has an arbitrary function. This invention relates to a keyboard device in which the key function of each physical key is determined by assigning a logical key number to the keyboard, and in particular, the assignment of logical key numbers is intended to improve work efficiency.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, for example, as shown in FIG.
There is known an electronic cash register in which a liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 is electrically connected to a computer via a signal cable 3, and product sales are registered by operating the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2.

The liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 is composed of a transparent panel key 4 in which physical keys are arranged in minute sections in a matrix, and a liquid crystal display board 5 provided below the transparent panel key 4.

Then, as shown in Fig. 15, some of the physical keys (representing one section or one physical key within the broken line) arranged in a 71... Generally, it functions as one logical key (the hatched part within the solid line represents one logical key).

To do this, it is necessary to allocate the same logical key number to physical keys that perform the same function. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16, (C, 5).

(c, 6), (c, 7), (d, 5), (d,
6), (d, 7), (e, 5), (e, 6).

1 of (e, 7), (f, 5), (f, 6), (f, 7)
The same logical key number will be assigned to the two physical keys.

Conventionally, the assignment of such logical key numbers is done by manually inputting an arbitrary logical key number and the key numbers of all physical keys belonging to that logical key number from the keyboard on the side of the register body 1. It was done by

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, when assigning logical key numbers to physical keys arranged in a matrix, conventionally all had to perform specific physical key operations.

Therefore, as the relative size of the logical key to the physical key increases, the number of physical keys to which the same logical key number is assigned increases, making the assignment inefficient.

Therefore, the present invention provides a keyboard device in which even if the number of physical keys to which the same logical key number is assigned increases, the number of physical keys that are actually used for assignment can be reduced, and the assignment can improve work efficiency. This is what we are trying to provide.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, physical keys of minute sections are arranged in a matrix, and each physical key is arbitrarily assigned a logical key number. In a keyboard device in which the key function of a key is determined, logical key number assignment is performed by a selection key setting means that sets a predetermined logical key number for a selected physical key at the time of setting, and by this setting means. Loop determining means for determining whether a closed loop is completed based on the same logical key number or a set selected physical key group, and when the closed loop is determined to be completed by this determining means, the loop is located within the loop. and unselected key setting means for automatically setting the same logical key number to unselected physical keys.

[Function] If the device of the present invention has such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the case where one logical key is formed by 12 physical keys located in the hatched part within the solid line in Fig. 1 (A)
As shown in , there are 10 physical keys (c, 5) that form the frame of the logical key.

(c, 6), (C, 7), (d, 7), (e7), (f
,7),(f,6),(f,5).

(e, 5) and (d, 5) are selected in order and a corresponding logical key number is set. Then, a closed loop is completed by a group of selected physical keys set with the same logical key number, so the two physical keys (d, 6) located within the closed loop are , (e, 6), the same logical key number is automatically set.

Therefore, although the number of physical keys to which the same logical key number is assigned is 12, the number of physical keys to be actually assigned is only 10, and two in the closed loop are omitted. , work efficiency is improved.

[Example 1] Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 of an electronic cash register shown in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the register main body 1, in which a CPU (central processing unit) 10 constituting the control unit main body is connected to a ROMI 2 in which program data and the like are stored via a path line 11, and a product. A RAM 1B in which various memories for registering sales data and the like are formed is connected. Also, a communication interface 14 that sends and receives data to and from the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2, a display/keyboard controller 17 that controls the main body side keyboard 15 and display 16, "Registration", "Payment", "
I10 port 21 receives a signal from the remote switch 18 for selecting various business modes such as "Setting", and outputs a drive signal to the drawer 19 and printer 20.
, etc. are connected to the CPUI ○ via the path line 11.

A logical key correspondence memory 30 shown in FIG. 3 is formed in the RAM 3. This memory 30 is for storing logical key numbers respectively set for physical keys formed in micro sections in a matrix on the panel keys 4 of the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2.
Let the physical keys of (1, 1) to (
A case is shown in which mXn physical keys are provided up to (m, n).

The RAFv unit 13 also has a logical key number memory 31 shown in FIG. 4 for setting logical key numbers.
A selection key table 32, and an outside table 33 and an inside table 34 shown in FIG. 5 are formed.

The logical key number memory 31 stores logical key numbers to be assigned.

In each of the tables 32 to 34, flags are set in a matrix in correspondence with the physical keys of the liquid crystal touch keychain 2, and are set (1)/reset (0) as necessary. Here, the flag of one section in the selection key table 32 is indicated by A (i, j), and the flag of one section in the outside table 33 is indicated by B (i, j
), and the flag of one section in the inside table 34 is shown as C(i,j).

Therefore, the mode switch 18 causes the CPU ○ to
The logical key assignment for the LCD touch keyboard 2 from the keyboard 15 on the main body side is programmed to execute the process shown in FIG. 6 when a process instruction is input while "Set" mode is selected. . That is, after performing a predetermined initialization process, it waits for key input from the main body keyboard 15 in ST (step) 1 or key input from the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 in ST2.

Here, in the STI, if there is a manual keystroke from the keyboard 15 on the main body side, or if it is a logical key number keystroke, the logical key number is set in the memory 31 and displayed on the display 16. Also, the control flag F is set (1) and the process returns to STI.

On the other hand, if there is a key input from the main body side key fob 15 in STI, and it is a key input that instructs the setting of a logical key number, flag A(i, j) are all extracted, and the logical key number in the logical key number memory 31 is set in the area corresponding to the extraction flag of the logical key correspondence table 30.

Then, the control flag F is reset (o) and the process returns to ST1.

Further, if there is a key input from the main body keyboard 15 in the STI, and the logical key assignment is a key input to instruct the end of the process, this processing routine is exited.

On the other hand, if there is no key force on the main body keyboard 5 in the STI and there is key force on any physical key from the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 in ST2, the control flag F is checked in ST3. If this control flag F has been reset, the logical key number has not been specified, so the key input from the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 is ignored and the process returns to ST1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in ST3 that the control flag F is set, a flag A(i, j) corresponding to the manually input physical key is set in the selection key table 32 in ST4. Determine whether or not.

If it has been reset, it is set, and the liquid crystal display panel 3 of the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 is controlled to light up the corresponding physical key (selection key setting means). On the other hand, if it is set, it is reset, and the liquid crystal display panel 3 of the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 is controlled to turn off the corresponding physical key.

Thereafter, the loop check process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

That is, after initializing the outside table 33 and the inside table 34 (flag-all reset), the first check process, the OR negation process, the second check process, and the determination process are performed in sequence, and the process returns to STI.

Here, the first check process is to check other physical keys that are obviously outside the physical key that has already been entered manually and that are not likely to be surrounded by a closed loop, and store the key information in the outside table 33. This is the process of That is, as shown in FIG. 8, first, a row counter i and a column counter j are initialized to "1". Then, the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32 is checked. here,
If the flag A (i, j) is set, the physical key corresponding to that flag is located outside the physical key that has already been manually pressed in the direction of the first column. Set the corresponding flag B(i,j). Next, the column counter j is incremented by "1" and the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32 is set again.
Find out.

In this way, the flag A(i, j) in the i-th row is checked in order from the first column. Then, if the flags A(i, j) in the first row have all been reset, the column counter j will be the last column n.
, so proceed to the next step. That is, the row counter i is incremented by "1", the column counter J is initialized to "1", and the flag A(i, j) in the 1+1st row is checked in order from the 1st column.

On the other hand, when a flag set in flag A(i, j) in the first row is detected, the physical key corresponding to that flag has already been keyed, so column counter j is set to the last column. rnJ and check the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32. Here, flag A(i,
j) If the flag has been set, the physical key corresponding to that flag is located outside of the physical key that has already been manually pressed in the direction of the final column, so the corresponding flag B( i, j). Next, the column counter J is decremented by "1" and the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32 is checked again.

In this way, the flag A'(i, j) in the i-th row is checked in order from the n-th column. Then, the flag A(i, j
), the physical key corresponding to that flag has already been pressed manually, so the process proceeds to the next step.

That is, the row counter i is incremented by "1", the column counter j is initialized to "1", and the flag A of the i+1st row is set.
Examine (i, j) in order from the first column.

In this way, the same flag check is repeated sequentially from the first line to the mth line. Then, the row counter i is the last row rmJ
If the limit is exceeded, proceed to the next step.

That is, the row counter i and column counter j are set to "1" again.
flag A(i,
Check j). Here, if flag A (i, j) has been reset, the physical key corresponding to that flag is already outside the physical key that has been manually pressed in the first row direction, so it is outside Set the corresponding flag B(i,j) in table 33. Next, add "1" to the row counter 1, and select the selection key table 3 again.
Check the flag A(i, j) of No.2.

In this way, the flags A, (i, j) in the J column are checked in order from the first row. If the flags A(i, j) for the J evening have all been reset, the row counter i exceeds the final row rmJ, and the process advances to the next step. In other words, add "1" to the column counter j and add "]" to the row counter i.
”, and j+1 dusk flag A(i, j)
Check sequentially starting from the first line.

On the other hand, when a flag set in column A (i, j) is detected, the physical key corresponding to that flag has already been pressed manually, so the row counter l is set to the last row. rmJ and check the flag A(i, j) in the selection key table 32. Here, flag A(i,
j) has been reset, the physical key corresponding to that flag is located outside of the physical key that has already been manually pressed in the direction of the last row, so the corresponding flag B( i, j). Next, the row counter 1 is decremented by "1" and the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32 is checked again.

In this way, the flag A(i, j) in the jth column is checked in order from the mth row. And the flag A(i, j) in the jth column
If a flag is detected that is set in the flag, the physical key corresponding to that flag has already been pressed manually, so the process proceeds to the next step.

That is, add "1" to column counter j, initialize row counter i to "1", and set flag A of column j+1.
Examine (i, j) in order from the first row.

In this way, the same flag check is repeated sequentially from the first column to the nth column. Then, column counter j is the last column rnJ
If the value exceeds 0, the process moves to the next logical sum negation process.

The logical sum negation process is performed using each flag A of the selection key table 32.
(i, j) and each flag B(
This is a process of calculating the logical OR negation with i, j) and storing key information of physical keys that may be surrounded by a closed loop in the inside table 34 based on the result of the calculation.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the preceding row counter 1 and column counter j are initialized to "1". Then, the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32 is checked. Here, if flag A(i, j) is reset,
The flag B(i, j) of the outsite table 33 is checked. If the flag B(i,j) is also reset, there is a possibility that the physical key corresponding to that flag is surrounded by a closed loop, so the corresponding flag C(i,j) of the inside table 34 Set. On the other hand, the flag A(i, j) of the selection key table 32
and flag B(i.

If at least one of j) is set, the corresponding flag C(i, j) in the inside table 34 is reset because there is no possibility that the physical key corresponding to that flag is surrounded by a closed loop.

After that, add "1" to the column counter j and again,
The flag A (i, j) of the selection key table 32 and the flag B (i, j) of the outside table 33 are checked.

In this way, flag A(i, j) and flag B(
A similar flag check is performed for columns i, j) sequentially from the first column to the nth column. Then column counter j or last column rn
If it exceeds J, add "1" to the row counter l,
Then, the column counter j is initialized to ``1'', and the same flag check is repeated from the 1st column to the nth column for the flag A (i, j) and the flag B (i, j) in the i+1th row. If the row counter i exceeds the last row rmJ, the process moves to the next second check process.

In the second check process, for a physical key whose information is stored in the inside table 34, that is, a physical key that may be surrounded by a closed loop, physical keys adjacent in four directions are checked. If there is even one of these adjacent physical keys whose information is stored in the outside table 33, that is, a physical key that cannot be surrounded by a closed loop, the physical key is surrounded by a closed loop. Since the possibility disappears, outside table 33 and inside table 3
Change the contents of 4. However, the process is repeated until this change operation is no longer performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, first the return flag f is reset. Also, set the row counter i and column counter no to "1".
”. Then, the flag C(i, j) of the inside table 34 is checked. Here, flag C (↓,
j) If the flag C( i, j).

On the other hand, if the flag C(i, j) is set, the physical key corresponding to that flag may be surrounded by a closed loop, so the outside Flag B of table 33
(i, j+1), B(i, j-1), B(i
+1. j), B (i-1゜j) are examined sequentially.

If at least one flag is set, there is no possibility that the physical key corresponding to flag C(lJ) will be surrounded by a closed loop, so flag B(i,j) of outside table 33 is set. and reset the flag C(i,j) of the inside table 34. Also, a return flag f- is set to declare repetition of the process. Thereafter, the column counter j is incremented by "1" and the flag C(i, j) of the inside table 34 is checked again.

In this way, a similar flag check is performed for the flag C(i, j) in the i-th row from the first column to the n-th column. If the column counter j exceeds the last column rnJ, the row counter i is incremented by 1, and the column counter j is set to 1.
'' and repeats the same flag check for the flag C(i, j) in the i+1st row from the 1st column to the nth column. If the row counter i exceeds the last row rm, the return flag f is checked. Here, if the same flag f has been set, the second check process is executed again, and if it has been reset, the process moves to the next determination process.

Thus, the physical keys whose information is stored in the inside table 34 are keys located inside a closed loop formed by a group of physical keys having the same logical key number or set. That is, a loop determining means is configured to determine whether a closed loop is completed by a group of selected physical keys to which the same logical key number is set by the first check process, the logical sum negation process, and the second check process. ing.

The determination process is a process of determining whether a physical key whose information is stored in the inside table 34 exists or not, and changing the contents of the selection key table 32 based on the determination result. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, first, a row counter i and a column counter j are initialized to "1". Then, the flag C(i, j) of the inside table 34 is checked. Here, if the flag C(i,j) has been reset, the physical key corresponding to that flag is not surrounded by a closed loop, so the column counter j is set to "1".
'' and check the flag C(i, j) of the inside table 34 again.

On the other hand, if the flag C(i,j) is set, the physical key corresponding to that flag is surrounded by a closed loop, so the corresponding flag A(i,j) in the selection key table 32 Set (1). Moreover, the liquid crystal display panel 3 of the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 is controlled to light up the physical key corresponding to the corresponding flag A(i, j). (Unselected key setting means) Next, the column counter is incremented by 1, and the flag C(i, j) of the inside table 34 is checked again. In this way, a similar flag check is performed for the flag C(i, j) in the i-th row from the first column to the n-th column. If the column counter j exceeds the last column rnJ, the row counter i is incremented by "1" and the column counter j is set to "1".
The same flag check is repeated for the flag C(i, j) in the i+1 row from the first column to the nth column. Then, when the line counter i exceeds the final line "m", this process ends.

In this embodiment configured in this manner, when setting one logical key by grouping several physical keys arranged in a matrix on the LCD touch keyboard 2, first the mode is set. After selecting the "setting" mode with the switch 18, the key assignment process is designated by operating keys on the main body keyboard 15. Next, a logical key number corresponding to the key function of the logical key is entered manually from the keyboard 15 on the main body side. Then, the logical key number memory 31 stores the logical key number entered manually. In this state, the corresponding physical keys on the liquid crystal touch keyboard 2 are selected and pressed one after another. In this case, the physical keys forming the frame of the logical keys may be selected in order.

For example, in the example shown in Fig. 1, when one logical key is formed by 12 physical keys located in the hatched part in the solid line in Fig. 1(B), the corresponding 10 physical keys (-c, 5) that form the logical key frame
, (c, 6).

(c 7) (d, 7), (e, 7), (f7)
, (f,6), (f,5), (e,5).

Select and press (d5) in order. Then, these keys light up and the selection key table 32
, the flag A (c
, 5), A (c, 6).

A ((:, 7), A (d, 7), A (e, 7).

A I, 7), A (f, 6), A (f, 5).

A (e, 5) and -A (d, 5) are set. Furthermore, since a closed loop is completed by a group of selected physical keys to which the same logical key number is set when the last key (d, 5) is pressed, the loop check process will check the two physical keys located within the closed loop. Target key (d, 6), (e,
6) lights up, and the corresponding flag A (d, 6
), A (e, 6) are set.

As a result, when you input a key manually to instruct the setting of a logical key number from the keyboard 15 on the main body side, the selection key table 3
Flags A (c, 5) and A (c
, 6), A (c, 7) A (d, 5), A (d, 6
), A (d, 7).

A (e, 5), A (e, 6), A (e, 7).

A (f, 5), A (f, 6), and A (f, 7) are extracted, and the logical key in the logical key number memory 31 is placed in the area corresponding to the extraction flag of the logical key correspondence table 30. The number is set. Thus, one logical key is formed by the 12 physical keys located in the hatched area within the solid line in FIG.

Therefore, although the number of physical keys to which the same logical key number is assigned is 12, only 10 physical keys are actually assigned, and two keys in the closed loop are omitted. , work efficiency is improved.

Note that in the present invention, the closed loop is not limited to the mouth-shaped one shown in FIG. 1(A), but may be deformed as shown in FIG. This also includes cases where two loops are completed in the same way.

Therefore, next, an application example of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 13 shows a keyboard in which a sheet 40 is pasted on the panel keys 4, on which the figures of products corresponding to the key functions of the logical keys are drawn. In this case, since the sheet 40 is replaced relatively frequently depending on sales policy, season, etc., ease of logical key assignment is very important. By applying the present invention to such things, the corresponding logical key number can be set for the necessary physical key by simply tracing the outline of the figure as shown in Fig. 14, which greatly reduces the setting work. It can be simplified.

Note that the present invention is not limited to liquid crystal touch keyboards, but can also be applied to, for example, keyboard devices having a plurality of dot keys arranged in a matrix.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, even if the number of physical keys to which the same logical key number is assigned increases, the actual assignment reduces the number of physical keys on which work is performed. It is possible to provide a keyboard device that can improve work efficiency.

[Brief Description of the Drawings] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic cash register according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 3 to 5 are diagrams showing the above-mentioned electronic cash register. Main memory configuration diagrams of RAM in the cash register, Figures 6 to 11
12 is a flowchart showing the key assignment process of the CPU in the electronic cash register, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the closed loop, FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing an application example of the present invention, and FIGS. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a conventional example. 2...LCD touch keyboard, 10...CPU. 15... Main body side keyboard, 30... Logical key correspondence table, 31... Logical key number memory, 32... Selection key table, 33... Outside table, 34... Inside table . (a) (b) (a) (b) (b)

Claims (1)

[Claims] Physical keys are arranged in minute sections in a matrix, and the key function of each physical key is determined by arbitrarily assigning a logical key number to each physical key. In the keyboard device, the selection key setting means sets a predetermined logical key number to the selected physical key when setting the logical key number assignment, and the setting means sets the same logical key number. a loop determining means for determining whether a closed loop is completed based on the group of selected physical keys; 1. A keyboard device comprising unselected key setting means for automatically setting the same logical key number for each key.