JPH06289973A - Portable compact terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] The present invention operates under a general-purpose DOS, and uses a JIS key layout keyboard for a general-purpose small terminal device with a limited number of input keys.
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable small-sized terminal device capable of easily supporting various user applications with a simple configuration without being aware of the states of PUs and interfaces. [Structure] The portable compact terminal device of the present invention is a keyboard C.
The key data conversion unit 3 reads the input information from the PU 2, and the key conversion table 4 serving as a reference when the key data conversion unit 3 reads the input information from the keyboard CPU 2. The key conversion table 4 is updated according to the device used and the user application by a program stored in the memory card 6 when the user application is started.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input control mechanism for a portable small terminal device which operates under a general-purpose DOS.

In recent years, in order to improve the operability of a small terminal device, a small terminal device having a plurality of input means and operating under a general-purpose DOS and being used independently or as a terminal device has been developed. It is put to practical use.

For example, a portable small terminal device has a touch panel and a keyboard as input means, and performs various processes based on the information input from both these input means.

In such a terminal device having a plurality of input means, the number of input keys and the number of function keys (hereinafter referred to as PF keys) are small in order to reduce the size and weight of the device, and thus the terminal device is adaptable and versatile to various user applications. Improvement is desired because it lacks.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a portable small terminal device operating under the control of a general-purpose OS (for example, MS-DOS) has been widely used as a terminal of a general-purpose terminal device independently under the control of a general-purpose OS (for example, MS-DOS) for negotiations and input / output of inventory management. It is used.

However, since the portable small-sized terminal devices used for these tasks are designed to be compact and lightweight with an emphasis on portability, the keyboard is, for example, PF1 to PF5, numeral keys, and editing keys. However, it is not possible to make a one-to-one correspondence with the keys of a general-purpose terminal device.

On the other hand, there are various kinds of user applications used under the general-purpose OS depending on the purpose, and the keys and function keys used differ depending on the user application. The following problems have occurred when operating the user application with.

(1) The number of PF keys is 1 in the general-purpose terminal device.
The number is 0 to 20, but the number of portable small terminal devices is as small as 5. Therefore, it is necessary to reread the key in order to correspond to the user application used in the general-purpose terminal device.

(2) CTRL for portable small terminal devices
Cannot simultaneously press multiple keys such as + XX and SHIFT + XX. For this reason, it is not possible to cope with multiple pressing of keys that are widely used in general-purpose terminal devices.

(3) Since the key to be used differs depending on the application, the limited key of the portable small terminal device cannot support the functions of various keys of various user applications.

Further, since debugging of the application of the portable small terminal device is usually performed by the general purpose terminal device, there is a demand that the portable small terminal device operates in the same software environment as the general purpose terminal device. is there.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional portable type small terminal device. As shown in the figure, in the conventional terminal device, the key input processing unit 15 of the main CPU 5 receives the information indicating the pressed key sent from the keyboard CPU 2, and based on the information, the function key table (hereinafter referred to as PF key table) 13 I was reading the relevant instructions.

Therefore, when the user application to be used is different, it is necessary to read the input key of the portable small terminal device according to the user application each time, and the PF key table 13 of the main CPU 5 must be updated. It was inconvenient.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an operation for key conversion of a conventional portable type small terminal device.

In the conventional conversion system, the keyboard C
The PU 2 constantly monitors the operation state of the key, and when the key is pressed, the keyboard CPU 2 reads the information indicating the key number of the actually pressed key, and inputs the information through the interrupt processing unit 11 by the key input. It is supplied to the processing unit 15.

When the key input processing section 15 receives the information, it refers to the PF key table 13 and confirms that MENU is defined if the corresponding information is, for example, PF1, and stores it in the keyboard buffer 12. Then, the user application 14 is notified that the key is pressed by the MENU.

As described above, in the conventional conversion method, when the input key is pressed, the corresponding key information is converted by referring to the PF table 13, and the type of user application to be used is different, or the portable application is portable. If the number and function of keys of the portable type small terminal device are different, the PF key table 1
In No. 3, it was necessary to prepare different tables according to each user application.

However, the table 13 is the main C
Since it is built in the PU 5, it is necessary to always be aware of the state of the main CPU 5 and the interface, and the handling operation is inconvenient, and improvement is required.

[0019]

As described above, since there are few input keys in the conventional portable small terminal device,
User applications and main CPU that are always used
It was necessary to be aware of the condition of, and handling was inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Even in a general-purpose small terminal device having a limited number of input keys, a simple structure and a simple configuration can be easily realized without paying attention to the state of the main CPU or the interface. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable small-sized terminal device that operates under a general-purpose OS and is compatible with various user applications.

[0021]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the principle of a portable small terminal device according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an external view of the device.

The portable small terminal device of the present invention is a general-purpose OS.
The keyboard 1 is a general-purpose terminal device that uses a JIS keyboard layout and has a limited number of input keys. The input information from the keyboard CPU 2 is read by the PF key table 13 of the main CPU 5. It is configured by including a conversion means 10 for converting into a replaceable code.

In the second aspect of the invention, the conversion by the conversion means 10 is such that the key data conversion means 3 reads the input information from the keyboard CPU 2 and the key data conversion means 3 reads the input information from the keyboard CPU 2. The key conversion table 4 is used as a reference when changing the key.

The third invention is that the key conversion table 4 according to a device to be used or a user application.
Is configured to be updated by the program stored in the memory card 6 when the user application is started.

Further, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the key conversion table 4 is updated according to the device used and the user application, by writing from the host device when the user application is activated.

[0026]

The present invention is mainly used for data input and simple simulation, and is a portable small-sized terminal device with a limited number of input keys. The hardware configuration is realized by the conventional general-purpose terminal device (built into the keyboard 1). The keyboard CPU 2 and the main CPU 5) of the main body do not have to be largely changed, and a simple configuration can easily support a wide variety of user applications.

For this reason, there is provided a conversion means 10 for converting the key information input with a limited number of keys into key information that can be read by the PF key table 13 of the main CPU 5.

As a result, the key data of the portable small terminal device with the limited number of input keys can be read as the key data corresponding to the general-purpose terminal device, so that the PF key table 1
3 does not need to be changed, and the PF key assignment of the portable small terminal device can be changed freely.

In the second aspect of the invention, as the conversion means 10, a key data conversion means 3 and a key conversion table 4 are provided, and the key conversion table 4 has press information indicating a PF key table 13.
The process of replacing with the command corresponding to is registered in advance.

As a result, when the information is passed from the keyboard CPU 2 to the key input processing unit 15 of the main CPU 5, the key data can be re-read based on the standard registered in the PF key table 13, and conversion according to the user application is possible. Processing is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a program for updating the key conversion table 4 of the device is stored in, for example, the memory card 6, and when the desired user application is read, the key conversion table 4 is also read at the same time. The key conversion table 4 is updated and then the user application is started.

Therefore, the memory card 6 is
If a program for updating the key conversion table 4 according to the application is prepared in advance, it is possible to easily deal with each user application or device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the host device holds a program for updating the key conversion table 4 of the device, and when the desired user application is read, the key conversion table 4 updating program is also read at the same time. The key conversion table 4 is updated and then the user application is started.

As a result, it is not necessary to prepare the key conversion table 4 and user application corresponding to various user applications for each portable small terminal device, and the operability is improved, and the structure is simple and low. It becomes possible to price.

In order to prevent the deterioration of the response of the key depression, the key to be read may be limited to the PF key.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to operate under a general-purpose OS without changing the conventional hardware and software configurations, while keeping the conventional interface, and the key conversion table 4 is It becomes possible to update after activation, and it is possible to easily generate the situation of simultaneous pressing of the SHIFT key and the CTRL key.

Further, by assigning the function key different for each user application by the conversion means 10, it becomes possible to output a key code for multiple pressing.

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same or corresponding portions as those in FIG.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a portable small terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The keyboard 1 is composed of a keyboard having a plurality of keys and a key switch which opens / closes in association with key depression / release of these keys. The open / closed state of the keyboard 1 is scanned by the keyboard CPU 2.

The keyboard CPU2 sends a scan signal to the keyboard 1, and the keyboard 1 returns a signal indicating the key number pressed in response to the scan signal to the keyboard CPU2. The keyboard CPU 2 sends the information indicating the key number received from the keyboard 1 to the key data conversion unit 3.

An interrupt request signal is output from the keyboard CPU 2 and this interrupt request signal is supplied to the interrupt processing unit 11 of the main CPU 5.

A main CPU 5 controls the entire apparatus. Various elements are connected to the main CPU 5 via a system bus.

The main CPU 5 reads a predetermined program from the memory card 6, and the RAM of the ROM / RAM 21.
Expand to the top. The main CPU 5 operates according to a program loaded on this RAM and controls the entire apparatus. Further, the main CPU 5 issues a command regarding the type of user application and display of various functions.

The ROM / RAM 21 stores various preset information, a program for operating the apparatus, required data and the like, and the ROM also stores fixed data and the like necessary for processing.

The RAM is a control area for storing the state of the system under the control of the main CPU 5, the main CPU.
It is used for the work area 5 or an area for storing a user application, a plurality of registers in which data corresponding to the states of keys and switches are set.

The memory card 6 is, for example, an IC card, and stores a general-purpose user application that operates in the portable small terminal device of the present invention and a program for updating the key conversion table 4 in accordance with the user application. Has been done.

Further, although the IC card is used as the storage medium in the present embodiment, the storage medium is not limited to this, and may be any readable / writable storage medium such as a magnetic card. May be.

The communication interface 23 is a well-known one for transmitting / receiving information to / from the upper device, and for example, an optical fiber is used for connection.

Liquid crystal display + touch keyboard 25
Display consists of LCD, main CPU
The display control is performed by a command sent from the computer 5, and the calculation result, a message to the operator, information about the state of the device, and the like are displayed. On the display, the required operation is selected and the next step is displayed.

The touch keyboard 25 is a well-known one that inputs information corresponding to the touched position by touching a predetermined portion of a transparent switch placed on the display, for example, in a business negotiation with a customer or in a warehouse. It is easily used for input in.

The touch keyboard 25 or the attached keyboard 1 may be so constructed that the necessary display can be displayed when the user (eg customer) operates in an interactive manner.

The main power source 24 is composed of, for example, a Ni-Cd battery, and is a well-known one which supplies required power to a portable small terminal device.

Next, the functions of the main parts constituting the main CPU 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the configuration of FIG. 4, the main CPU body 5
Acts as an input control device and touch keyboard 25
And an interrupt processing unit 11 for controlling an interrupt from the keyboard 1, a keyboard buffer 12, a PF key table 13
In addition, it is configured by a user application 14 that performs various processes as a main CPU.

The key data conversion means 3 is a keyboard CPU
The key conversion table 4 is indexed on the basis of the key information sent from the key conversion table 2, and the keys defined in the key conversion table 4 are read in a predetermined manner. Input processing unit 15
To send to.

The key conversion table 4 is a table in which the keys of the portable small terminal device that need to be read according to the user application used are defined, and are referred to by the key data conversion means 3. .

Each key conversion table 4 forms a pair with a user application, is stored in, for example, the memory card 6, is loaded in the RAM together with the user application to be used, and corresponds to each user application. The key conversion table 4 is updated.

The interrupt processing unit 11 generates an interrupt generated by touching a predetermined position on the touch keyboard 25,
Alternatively, an interrupt generated by pressing any key of the keyboard 1 is accepted, and the key input processing unit 15 is notified of the information converted by the key data conversion unit 3.

The key input processing unit 15 includes the interrupt processing unit 11
The touch keyboard 2 is driven by being activated.
5 or when there is a notification that information has been input from the keyboard 1, a predetermined command is generated by referring to the PF key table 13 and stored in the keyboard buffer 12, and data is also stored from the keyboard buffer 12. reading,
It is a process for passing the data to the user application 14.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 5 shows an example of the keyboard layout and key address arrangement of the portable small terminal device, FIG. 6 shows an example of the keyboard arrangement of the general-purpose terminal device, and FIG. 7 shows an example of the key address arrangement.

In such a configuration, when the power is turned on, the keyboard CPU 2 constantly monitors the operating state of the keys, and when a certain time has elapsed since the key or the touch keyboard 25 was operated, the keyboard CPU 2 pressed the key. Recognizing that, the information indicating the key number of the actually pressed key is received from the keyboard 1 and sent to the key data conversion unit 3.

When the key data conversion unit 3 receives the information, the key data conversion unit 4 reads the key conversion table 4 on the basis of the information, and when the information is defined in the key conversion table 4 and conversion is required, the key data is read and the key data is read. It is sent to the key input processing unit 15.

For example, in the case of this embodiment, P of the keyboard 1
When the F1 key is pressed, the pressed key address is 5
The information indicating D is sent from the keyboard CPU 2 to the key data conversion unit 3.

Based on this information, the key data conversion unit 3 outputs P
It is determined that the F1 key has been pressed, and the column of the PF1 key of the key conversion table 4 is read. Since the PF12 key is defined in the PF1 key column of the key conversion table 4, PF1
The key press information is read into the PF 12, and the key address corresponding to the PF 12 is sent to the interrupt processing unit 11.

On the other hand, when the PF2 key is pressed, the key address is 5E, and the PF2 of the key conversion table 4
Since nothing is defined in the key column, the information 5E indicating the PF2 is sent to the interrupt processing unit 11 as it is.

The interrupt processing unit 11 is the key data conversion unit 4
When receiving the signal from the key input processing unit 15, the key input processing unit 15 is driven and the information from the key data conversion unit 3 is input to the key input processing unit 15.

The key input processing unit 15 uses the PF key table 1 based on the information notified from the interrupt processing unit 11.
3, the key code is calculated from the key address (refer to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 for the calculation table), and is read as the corresponding character in the PF key table 13 registered in the system, and this is read by the keyboard. It is stored in the buffer 12.

For example, when the PF1 key of the keyboard 1 is pressed, the PF1 is changed to PF by the key conversion table 4.
Since it has been read as 12, it is notified to the key input processing unit 15 through the interrupt processing unit 11.

Therefore, the key input processing unit 15 reads the corresponding column of the PF 12 of the PF key table 13 and "END" is defined, so replace it with this and store it in the keyboard buffer 12.

The keyboard buffer 12 temporarily stores, in the order of occurrence, information obtained by rewriting the information sent from the interrupt processing unit 11 based on the PF key table 13.

The stored contents of the keyboard buffer 12 are read by the key input processing unit 15 and notified to the user application 14. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the user application 14 is notified that the key is pressed "END".

In this way, the information received from the touch keyboard 25 or the keyboard 1 and stored in the internal buffer is passed to the user application 14 at a predetermined timing. The user application 14 will perform the original processing as the main CPU 5 based on the information. An example of the correspondence table between the key address and the key top is shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present invention, a mobile phone which can operate under a general-purpose OS by following the conventional hardware configuration with a simple structure including only the key data conversion unit 3 and the key conversion table 4. A small type terminal device can be provided.

[0075]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a keyboard CPU and a main C are provided in a small portable terminal device.
It can support any user application that operates under a general-purpose OS without changing the PU interface, and it is not necessary to be aware of the interface when using various user applications.
Debugging with a general-purpose terminal device is possible, and versatility is significantly improved.

By changing the key state information in the key conversion table, it is possible to easily generate the state of simultaneous pressing with the SHIFT key and the CTRL key.
Special operations controlled in the general-purpose OS can be easily realized in the portable small terminal device.

Further, since the key conversion table can be changed at any time after the system is started, the PF key of the general-purpose terminal device used by the user application can be easily carried by the portable type before the user application operates. Since it can be assigned to the PF key of the small terminal device, it is possible to provide a small-sized and low-priced portable small terminal device having excellent versatility and operability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a portable small terminal device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of a keyboard layout and key address arrangement of a portable small terminal device.

FIG. 6 is an example of a keyboard layout of a general-purpose terminal device.

FIG. 7 is an example of a key address arrangement of a general-purpose terminal device.

FIG. 8 is an example of a correspondence table of key addresses and key tops.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional portable small terminal device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a conventional portable small terminal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 keyboard 2 keyboard CPU 3 key data conversion means 4 key conversion table 5 main CPU 6 memory card 11 interrupt processing unit 12 keyboard buffer 13 PF key table 14 user application 21 ROM / RAM 23 communication interface 24 main power supply 25 liquid crystal display + Touch keyboard

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A keyboard operating under a general-purpose OS
(1) uses a key code of JIS key layout, and in a portable small terminal device with a limited number of input keys, input information from the keyboard (1) is stored in the function key table (13) of the main CPU (5). A small portable terminal device comprising a conversion means (10) for converting into a readable code. 2. The conversion means (10) is a keyboard CPU
(2) key data conversion means (3) for reading the input information from the function key table (13) code, and the key data conversion means (3) converts the input information from the keyboard CPU (2) into the function key table The portable small-sized terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the key conversion table (4) is used as a reference when reading the code of (13). 3. The portable small terminal according to claim 2, wherein the key conversion table (4) is updated by rewriting by loading a program stored in an external storage medium into the portable small terminal device. apparatus. 4. The portable small terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the key conversion table (4) is updated by writing from a host device.