JPH10177445A - Keyboard and its connection cable - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard connected to a plurality of computers and a connection cable for the keyboard, wherein one keyboard can be adapted to different computers, and a keyboard adapted to arrangement and key touch is used for different models. It is intended to be usable by connecting to a computer. SOLUTION: A mode connected to a plurality of key portions and an external terminal and corresponding to an ID signal of a predetermined pin of the external terminal is set, and a signal corresponding to a key pressed down is set to a predetermined mode corresponding to the set mode. And a firmware unit that converts the code into a code, modulates the code into a predetermined method, and outputs the code to an external terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard connected to a plurality of computers and a cable for connecting the keyboard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an interface for transmitting a signal of pressing a key on a keyboard to a computer main body has been created corresponding to a manufacturer and a model of the computer main body. As a result, keyboards made for one model would not work on another, and had to use a separate keyboard for each model.

[0003]

However, the keyboard is a basic man-machine interface of a computer, and there is a demand to use a keyboard that is familiar to the hand, such as arrangement and key touch. There is a problem that a keyboard with an interface must be used, which makes it difficult to use.

[0004] The present invention solves these problems,
An object of the present invention is to enable one keyboard to be compatible with different computers, and to connect a keyboard that is familiar with the layout and key touch to a computer of a different model so that it can be used.

[0005]

Means for solving the problem will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 and 2, the keyboard 10 includes a key unit 1, a firmware unit 3, a connector 4, and the like.

The key section 1 is a key matrix composed of a plurality of keys. The firmware unit 3 is provided corresponding to a mode, converts a signal from the key unit 1 corresponding to the mode into a code, modulates the code, and outputs the code to a connector 4 which is an external terminal.

[0007] The connector 4 is an external terminal for outputting a signal corresponding to the mode. The connection cables 7 and 8 are connection cables corresponding to a computer. Next, the configuration will be described.

The firmware unit 3 sets a mode corresponding to the ID signal of a predetermined pin of the connector 4 which is an external terminal, and converts a signal of pressing the key unit 1 into a predetermined code corresponding to the set mode. The signal is modulated into a predetermined format and output to the connector 4.

Further, one end of each of the connection connectors 7 and 8 is connected to a connector 4 which is an external terminal having a plurality of pins, a predetermined pin is set to a predetermined ID signal, and the other end is connected to a computer. In accordance with the mode set by the pin ID signal, a modulated signal of a predetermined code transmitted from the connector 4 which is an external terminal having a plurality of pins is transmitted to the computer.

At this time, predetermined pins of the connection cables 7 and 8 are set to a ground level or a power supply level to generate an ID signal. One connector is provided for each of the keyboard 10 and the computer, and connection cables 7 and 8 are provided.
The corresponding connectors are provided.

The keyboard 10 and the computer are each provided with one connector, and the connection cables 7 and 8 are provided with signal lines having the larger number of connection pins of the keyboard 10 or the computer connector. A conversion connector is provided between them.

At this time, predetermined pins of the connection cables 7 and 8 in the conversion connector are set to a ground level or a power supply level to generate an ID signal. Accordingly, one keyboard 10 can be used for different computers, and the keyboard 10 that is familiar with the arrangement and key touch can be used by connecting to computers of different models.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments and operations of the present invention will be sequentially described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a keyboard 10 converts a key into a predetermined code by pressing a key, modulates the code into a predetermined method, and notifies the computer via a cable (not shown) from the connector 4. It has a configuration.

The key section 1 is composed of a key matrix 11 and is used to input characters and data by key when pressed. The key matrix 11 scans a plurality of keys in a matrix and detects which key is pressed.

The CPU 2 performs various processes in accordance with a program, and here comprises a firmware unit 3 and the like. The firmware unit 3
It is provided for each mode, takes in a signal from the key unit 1, converts it to a code corresponding to the set mode, demodulates it, and sends out a signal from the connector 4.

The connector 4 is for transmitting a signal from the keyboard 10 to a cable. The speaker 5
It utters voice.

The power switch 6 is a switch for turning on the power of the computer. FIG. 2 shows a system configuration diagram of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows an example of the connection cable 7 at the time of sun connection. This is Sun connection cable 7
Shows a case where the Sun SPARC-station and the keyboard 10 are connected.

In FIG. 2A, the keyboard 10
1 corresponds to the keyboard 10 of FIG. 1, in which a key of the key unit 1 is pressed down to convert the code into a predetermined code, and the converted code is transmitted from the connector (6-pin) 4 to the Sun connection cable 7.

The Sun connection cable 7 is 8p here.
(8 pin) connection cable, Sun W
S (computer body) and a mouse as shown in the figure. Here, as shown in FIG. 5 described later, the pin of the Sun connection cable 7 is connected to the ground potential in advance so that + PS2 becomes “0”.

The Sun connection cable 7 configured as described above
Is connected to the 6p connector 4 of the keyboard 10 as shown in the figure, + PS2 of the connector 4 becomes "0",
The Sun firmware unit 3 in the keyboard 10 is automatically activated to set the sun mode, and a signal corresponding to the sun mode is transmitted to the Sun connection cable 7 to be notified to the computer (described later). “0” of S1, S2, and S3 in FIG. 3, S4, and S5).

FIG. 2B shows an example of the connection cable 8 when a PC is connected. This is done by the PC connection cable 8
A case where a PC (IBM compatible computer) and a keyboard 10 are connected is shown.

In FIG. 2B, the keyboard 10
1 corresponds to the keyboard 10 of FIG. 1, in which a key of the key section 1 is depressed and converted into a predetermined code and transmitted from the connector (6-pin) 4 to the PC / 2 connection cable 8.

The PC / 2 connection cable 8 is, here, 6
This is a connection cable of p (6-pin), which is connected to the upper right PC. Here, as shown in FIG. 5 described later, the pin of the PC / 2 connection cable 8 is connected to the power supply potential in advance so that + PS2 becomes “1”.

When the PS / 2 connection cable 8 having the above configuration is connected to the 6p connector 4 of the keyboard 10 as shown in the figure, + PS / 2 of the connector 4 becomes "1" and the PS / The firmware section 3 for 2 is automatically activated to set the PS / 2 mode, and a signal of the PS / 2 mode is transmitted to the PS / 2 connection cable 8 to be notified to the computer (described later). “1” of S1, S2, S3 in FIG. 3, S6, S7).

Next, the operation of the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail according to the order shown in the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part 1) for explaining the operation of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, S1 connects a cable. This is, for example, as shown at the time of the sun connection of FIG.
nWS) with a dedicated connection cable 7, here,
Connect with the Sun connection cable 7.

In step S2, the power is turned on. S3 is + PS
/ 2 is "1" or "0". For example, as shown at the time of the sun connection in FIG. 2A, the keyboard 10 and the computer (sun WS)
When the connection is made with the un connection cable 7, the potential of + PS / 2 of the pin terminal of the connector 4 of the keyboard 10 becomes “0”. On the other hand, as shown, for example, when the PC is connected in FIG.
Is connected with the PS / 2 connection cable 8, the potential of + PS / 2 of the pin terminal of the connector 4 of the keyboard 10 becomes “1”.

At S4, the potential of the pin is "0" when + PS / 2
Since it turned out, set the sun mode. S5 is S4
To set the sun mode, activate the sun firmware, and execute the processing of FIG. 4A to be described later when a key of the key matrix 11 constituting the keyboard 10 is pressed. Convert to code
A predetermined demodulation is performed and transmitted to a computer (sun WS) via the Sun connection cable 7.

Through the above steps S1 to S5, the same keyboard 10 is connected to the same keyboard 10 by the Sun connection cable 7 and the computer (sun W).
S), the firmware for the sun of the keyboard 10 is automatically activated by the connection, and the firmware converts the firmware into a code corresponding to the key press, performs a predetermined modulation, and performs the modulation via the Sun connection cable 7. Computer (sun
WS) can be transmitted.

At S6, + PS / 2 indicates that the potential of the pin is "1".
Therefore, the PS / 2 mode is set. S7 is
In step S6, the PS / 2 mode is set, the firmware for the PC is started, and when a key of the key matrix 11 constituting the keyboard 10 is pressed by the processing of FIG. , And performs predetermined modulation, and transmits the signal to a computer (PC) via the PS / 2 connection cable 8.

By the above S1, S2, S3, S6, and S7, it is only necessary to connect the keyboard 10 and the computer (PC) to the same keyboard 10 for all models by the PS / 2 connection cable 8 for PC. Automatically activates the PS / 2 firmware of the keyboard 10 and converts the firmware into a code corresponding to a key press,
It is possible to perform a predetermined modulation and transmit it to a computer (PC) via the PS / 2 connection cable 8.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an interface signal list according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows an example of connector specifications. Here, pins 1 to 6 of the connector in FIG. 6 correspond to pin numbers 1 to 6 in FIG. Each of the pin numbers 1 to 6 is an interface signal shown below, and the direction thereof is the direction of the arrow shown in the figure.

Pin number signal (Snu / PS2) Body ← → KB / MS 1 KDB RD / DATA → / ← → 2 -PWR ON / − ← / − 3 GND 4 + 5Volt 5 KDB TD / CLK ← / ← → 6 + PS2 → Here, the lead wires of the pin numbers of the connection cables 7 and 8 are grounded or set so that the sun mode is set when the potential of + PS2 of the pin number 6 is “0” and the PS / 2 mode is set when the potential is “1”. Connect to power line.

FIG. 7 shows an example of cable specifications of the present invention.
FIG. 7A shows an example of a connection cable for Sun.
The left side is connected to the keyboard 10 and the right side is Sun W
Connect to S and mouse below the right (Sun Mouse)
Connect to Here, + PS2 is GND as shown in the figure.
(Ground) and set to “0”.

FIG. 7B shows an example of a connection cable for a PC. Connect the left side to the keyboard 10 and the right side to the PC
Connect to Here, + PS2 is opened as shown, and is set to "1".

FIG. 8 shows an example of a PS / 2 keyboard interface. FIG. 8A shows an example of an interface signal. Here, the settings are made as shown below.

Electrical specifications: TTL level Data transfer method: Serial transmission (synchronous) Data transfer speed: 10 Kbps to 16.7 Kbps Transfer unit: 10 bits FIG. 8B shows the signal from the keyboard to the PC. The waveform diagram is shown. Here, the illustrated DATA is synchronized with CLK.
Is transmitted as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8C shows a waveform diagram of a signal from the PC to the keyboard. Here, the data is transmitted in synchronization with the CLK as shown in the illustrated DATA. FIG. 9 shows an example of the sun keyboard interface of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows an example of an interface signal. Here, the settings are made as shown below. -Electrical specifications: TTL level-Data transfer method: Serial transmission (start-stop synchronization)-Data transfer speed: 1200 bps-Transfer unit: 10 bits Fig. 9B shows an example of a keyboard data format. Here, 10 bits have stop bits at the beginning and end as shown in the figure.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show examples of cable connection according to the present invention. Here, (a-1), (b-1), (c
-1) and (d-1) show the case where the Sun connection cable is used, and (a-2), (b-2), (c-2), (d-
2) shows a case where a PS / 2 connection cable is used.

FIG. 10A shows a case where the sun connection cable and the PS / 2 connection cable are the same,
A case where a connector to be connected to a mouse and a computer is selected as shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 (a-1) shows a state at the time of Sun connection. In this case, the connector at the end of the cable is connected as shown below. Sun SPARCstation: 8 pin Keyboard: 6 pin Mouse: 8 pin FIG. 10 (a-2) shows a state when a PC is connected. In this case, a connector is connected to the cable end as shown below.

PC: 6 pin♂ Keyboard: 6 pin♀ FIG. 10B shows a case where the Sun connection cable and the PS / 2 connection cable are the same, and the connectors to be connected to the keyboard 10, mouse, and computer are selected as shown in the figure. Is shown.

FIG. 10 (b-1) shows a state at the time of Sun connection. In this case, the connector is connected as shown below. Sun SPARCstation: 8 pin Keyboard: 6 pin Mouse: 8 pin FIG. 10 (b-2) shows a state when a PC is connected. In this case, the connector is connected as shown below.

PC: 6 pin♂ Keyboard: 6 pin♀ FIG. 11 (c) shows a case in which a sun connection cable and a PS / 2 connection cable are respectively dedicated, and a wiring for connecting a mouse to the keyboard 10 is built in. A case where the computer is connected as illustrated is shown.

FIG. 11C-1 shows a state at the time of Sun connection. In this case, a dedicated connection cable and a mouse are connected as shown below. Sun SPARCstation: 8 pin♂ Keyboard: 6 pin♀ Mouse: directly connected to keyboard FIG. 11 (c-2) shows a state when a PC is connected. In this case, the connector is connected as shown below.

PC: 6 pin♂ Keyboard: 8 pin♀ FIG. 11 (d) shows a case where the sun connection cable and the PS / 2 connection cable are respectively dedicated, and the keyboard 10 has a built-in wiring for connecting a mouse, and the keyboard 10, the mouse, A case where the computer is connected as illustrated is shown.

FIG. 11 (d-1) shows a state at the time of Sun connection. In this case, a dedicated connection cable and a mouse are connected as shown below. Sun SPARCstation: 8 pin Keyboard: Connect the connection cable directly to the keyboard Mouse: Connect directly to the keyboard FIG. 11 (d-2) shows the state when the PC is connected. In this case, connection is made via a conversion connector as shown below.

PC: 6pin @ + conversion connector (6pin to 8pin) Keyboard: Connecting cable directly to the keyboard FIG. 12 shows an example of the key arrangement / key number of the keyboard of the present invention (Sun model 0: DEL mode). FIG. 13 shows an example of a key arrangement / key number (PS / 2 model 0: DEL mode) of the keyboard of the present invention. The keyboards in FIGS. 12 and 13 are the same keyboard, and are “Sun model 0: DEL mode” in FIG. 12 and “PS /
In the "2 model 0: DEL mode", the two are switched by replacing the cable described above.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A firmware unit that sets a mode corresponding to an ID signal of a predetermined pin of an external terminal, converts a signal of pressing a key unit into a predetermined code corresponding to the set mode, modulates the signal into a predetermined method, and outputs the signal to the external terminal. Is provided on the keyboard, so that one keyboard 10 can be connected to computers having different interfaces. This makes it possible to connect and use the keyboard 10 familiar with the arrangement and key touch to computers of different models. Also, the same keyboard 10
Just by changing the connection cable to connect to other computers of different models can now be connected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part 1) for explaining the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 2) for explaining the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of an interface signal list according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example of connector specifications of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cable specification example of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an example of a PS / 2 keyboard interface of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of a sun keyboard interface of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example (part 1) of a cable connection according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cable connection example (part 2) of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a key arrangement / key number (Sun model 0: DEL mode) of the keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a key arrangement / key number (PS / 2 model 0: DEL mode) of the keyboard of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Key part 11: Key matrix 2: CPU 3: Firmware part 4: Connector 7, 8: Connection cable 10: Keyboard

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A keyboard connected to a plurality of computers, wherein a plurality of key portions, a mode connected to an external terminal and corresponding to an ID signal of a predetermined pin of the external terminal are set, and a signal indicating that the key portion is pressed is set. And a firmware unit for converting the code into a predetermined code corresponding to the set mode, modulating the code into a predetermined method, and outputting the modulated signal to the external terminal. 2. A connection cable for connecting a keyboard and a computer, wherein one end is connected to an external terminal having a plurality of pins to set a predetermined pin to a predetermined ID signal, and the other end is connected to the computer to connect the predetermined pin to the computer. A connection cable comprising: a cable for transmitting a modulated signal of a predetermined code transmitted from an external terminal having a plurality of pins to a computer according to a mode set by an ID signal. 3. The connection cable according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined pin of said connection cable is set to a ground level or a power supply level to generate said ID signal. 4. The connection cable according to claim 2, wherein one connector is provided for each of the keyboard and the computer, and connectors corresponding to the respective cables are provided. 5. The keyboard and the computer are each provided with one connector, and the cable is provided with a signal line having the larger number of connection pins of the keyboard or computer connector, and is converted between the keyboard and the computer connector. The connection cable according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a connector. 6. The connection cable according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined pin of the connection cable is set to a ground level or a power supply level in the conversion connector according to claim 5 and used as the ID signal.