JP2638488B2 - Wireless keyboard - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless keyboard, and more particularly to a wireless keyboard for data input in OA equipment such as a personal computer and a workstation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an OA device such as a personal computer and a workstation, a keyboard for data input and a display for monitoring are electronically mounted on a desk from the viewpoint of improvement of operability and effective use on a desk. Control devices including a CPU for processing are arranged under and beside a desk, and these devices are connected by cables. In particular, in the keyboard, the cable often hinders the degree of freedom of arrangement and hinders operability in many cases. In addition, there is a problem that the aesthetic appearance on the desk is impaired depending on the use.

In order to alleviate such drawbacks of a conventional cable-connected keyboard, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-168218 has been proposed.
An optical signal is used instead of a cable, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-24302 (Reference 2) or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-81114 (Reference 3). A used wireless keyboard has been proposed.

The wireless keyboards described in the cited examples 1 and 2 use an optical signal as a simple substitute for a cable, and the degree of freedom regarding the layout of the keyboard is greatly improved. However, in an environment in which a plurality of office computers and OA terminals operate simultaneously, such as in a bank teller's office, mutual interference of optical signals between devices and the influence of external noise or obstacles cause malfunction. In order to solve this drawback, the wireless keyboard of the cited reference 3 improves the reliability of data input by completing the communication process if the result of the mutual comparison between the output and return key codes is normal.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 15, which shows in block form a bank terminal device including a conventional wireless keyboard described in Reference 3, the bank terminal device including the conventional wireless keyboard includes a display 100 and a CPU, and controls the entire system. It has a control device 120 for performing the operation and a wireless keyboard 130 for inputting data.

The display 100 includes a light receiving element, a photoelectric converter 111 for converting an optical signal into an electric signal, a decoder 112 for separating an apparatus code, an encoder 113 for adding an apparatus code, and a light emitting element for converting an electric signal to an optical signal. And an electro-optical converter 114 for converting the signal into a signal.

The keyboard 130 includes a key switch 131 in which keys for input are arranged, a key code generator 132 for generating a key code corresponding to a pressed key, a key code buffer 133 for temporarily storing a key code, and a key code An encoder 134 for adding a device code and performing predetermined frequency modulation; and an electro-optical converter 1 similar to the electro-optical converter 114.
36 and a photoelectric converter 137 similar to the photoelectric converter 111
And a decoder 138 for separating a device code, a comparator 139 for comparing transmission and reception key codes with each other, and a power supply 140.

Next, the operation of the conventional wireless keyboard will be described with reference to FIG. 15. First, in response to pressing of any key of the key switch 131, a key code corresponding to the key is generated by a key code generator. 132 is generated and held in the key code buffer 133. Next, the device code of the keyboard 130 is added by the encoder 134, modulated at a frequency unique to the keyboard 130, and converted into an optical signal by the electro-optical converter 136. This optical signal is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric converter 111, and a device code is separated by a decoder 112.
Send to 20. The control device 120 checks this device code, and if normal, adds the device code of the control device 120 by the encoder 113 at the same time as taking in the key code, modulates it with a frequency unique to the control device 120, and then converts Keyboard 130 via converter 137
Return to. The keyboard 130 separates the device code from the received return key code signal by the decoder 138, and checks whether or not the device code of the control device 120 is in a parent-child relationship. If there is a parent-child relationship, the return key code is compared with the transmission key code held in the key code buffer by the comparator 139, and if they match, the process proceeds to the key input process to be pressed next. Send the next keystroke. If they do not match, the key code is output again by the same process as described above. After transmitting the return key code, the control device 120 sets the keyboard 130
The key data transmission from the server is monitored, and if not retransmitted, the first received key code is processed as normal data.
If the key code is retransmitted within the above specified time,
The first received key code is determined to be erroneous data, canceled, the process of returning the retransmitted key code as the first key code to the keyboard 130 is performed, and the above operation is repeated.

As described above, the conventional wireless keyboard of the cited reference 3 adopts the method of completing the communication processing if it is normal by mutual comparison of the input transmission and return key codes, and improves the reliability of data communication. Have improved.

On the other hand, in recent general personal computers such as the 98 series of NEC Corporation, in addition to a function of transmitting a key code to a control device (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) including a CPU, a function of receiving a command from the CPU is provided. And a keyboard having:

As an example of this kind of function, the 98 series personal computer has an LED display for displaying a key lock state on a keyboard, and a CPU.
An input mode switching function for issuing an LED display control command for changing the key lock state display to the keyboard in accordance with the software being run is provided as standard equipment. As an example of the operation, while the word processor software is running, the kana input mode in which the LED display corresponding to the display of “kana” is lit when the character key input corresponding to the two modes of kana and romaji is in the kana lock state where the kana character is supported, While the spreadsheet software is running, the above character key input corresponds to Roman character input, and at the same time, when the uppercase letter is locked, LE corresponds to "CAPS" display which indicates uppercase letter
The mode is set to a Roman alphabet upper case input mode in which the D display lights up. As a result, the input mode can be automatically switched corresponding to the switching of the software to be used, without the operation of switching the key lock state by the operator.

The conventional wireless keyboard of the cited reference 3 lacks a two-way communication function including reception of a command from the CPU as a keyboard of a recent general personal computer has, and is equipped with the input mode switching function. Impossible.

Further, in the 98 series personal computer, as a general function, in order to improve the man-machine interface at the time of setting the input mode of the CPU, when the CPU reset button is pressed while pressing a specific key of the keyboard, the mode is set. Equipped with an automatic mode setting function that starts the setting software. In order to realize the automatic mode setting function, the reset signal from the CPU to the keyboard is defined, and the keyboard checks the specific key that has been pressed in response to the reception of the reset signal. After executing the reset processing while holding the specific key press information after transmission to the CPU, the CPU transmits the transmission data from the keyboard within the fixed time after the generation of the reset signal to the press specific key at the time of the reset. If the specific key is a key for starting the mode setting software of the CPU, the target software is started. However, the conventional wireless keyboard lacks a two-way communication function including reception of a reset command and data as described above, and cannot be equipped with this type of automatic mode setting function.

[0014]

The above-mentioned conventional wireless keyboard has a CP including reception of commands and data.
Lack of bi-directional communication function with U. Included in general cable keyboard functions, such as automatic input mode switching function for software switching and automatic mode setting function for improving man-machine interface There was a drawback that compatibility was poor because it could not be handled.

[0015]

A wireless keyboard according to the present invention modulates first key information including first key code data from a keyboard in which key switches are arranged on a matrix to generate a first radio signal. A wireless keyboard comprising: an input device for transmitting; and a control device for transferring the second key code data obtained by receiving and demodulating the first wireless signal to a higher-level device to which data is to be input. First key code data supplied
Generating the first key information including the identification code of the first control data and receiving the first key information corresponding to the first control data.
A first microprocessor having first storage means for storing a first program group including a plurality of predetermined programs including control of the wireless communication unit;
Generating the first wireless signal in response to the supply of the key information, receiving and demodulating a second wireless signal transmitted by the control device, and responding to the second key code data from the control device. A first wireless communication unit that outputs the first reception control data including a signal, wherein the control device receives and demodulates the first wireless signal and performs a first reception corresponding to the first key information. A second wireless communication unit that outputs key information and generates the second wireless signal in response to the supply of the first control data, and the generation of the first control data including a second identification code; A second storage unit storing a second group of programs including a plurality of predetermined programs including control of the second wireless communication unit, and a second key code including at least the second key code data; Is constituted by a second microprocessor and a third memory means for storing key map is data over data management.

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless keyboard according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a key switch for data input arranged in a matrix. An input device 1 including a matrix 11 and constituting a keyboard main body; a control device 2 for performing bidirectional communication control with the input device 1 and performing input / output interface via a personal computer main body (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer main body) 3 and a cable 4 Is provided.

The input device 1 includes a key matrix 11 and an RO that stores firmware F11 and F12, which are hardware software for a bidirectional communication function described later.
M and RAM, a single-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 12 having a plurality of input, output, input / output ports, and interrupt ports, a wireless communication unit 13 described later, and two-mode character keys for kana and romaji. A CAPS display LED display (hereinafter referred to as LED) 14 for displaying a capital letter (CAPS) lock state when the input corresponds to Roman alphabet input, and a kana display LED 1 for displaying a kana lock state where the above-mentioned character key input corresponds to a kana character.
5, a 6-bit dip switch 16 for determining a radio channel, a power supply circuit 17, an antenna 18 for transmitting data from the input device 1 to the control device 2, and receiving data from the control device 2 to the input device 1. And an antenna 19 to be provided.

The control device 2 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a microcomputer 22 similar to the microcomputer 12 except that the firmware F 21 is stored instead of the firmware F 11, a DIP switch 23 similar to the DIP switch 16, and an input device 1. And an antenna 25 for transmitting data from the control device 2 to the input device 1.

Referring to FIG. 2A, which shows a block diagram of the circuit of the wireless communication unit 13, this wireless communication unit 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a frequency setting module 41 including a PLL circuit 411, a VCO 412, and an intermediate frequency (IF) generation circuit 413, a modulation circuit 421, and a high frequency amplification circuit (AMP).
422 and a band-pass filter (BPF) 423 connected to the antenna 18;
PF 431, 433, 435, first and second frequency mixing circuits (MIX) 432, 434, demodulation circuit 436, and carrier detection circuit 437, connected to antenna 19, are a double superheterodyne receiving module 43.
And

Referring to FIG. 2B, which shows a block diagram of the circuit of the wireless communication unit 21, this wireless communication unit 2
1 is the BPF 511, 513, 515 and the first and second
A receiving module 51 of a double superheterodyne system comprising MIXs 512 and 514, a demodulation circuit 516 and a carrier detection circuit 517 and connected to the antenna 24;
A frequency setting module 52 including circuits 521, 523, VCOs 522, 524, and an IF generation circuit 525, and a transmission module 53 including a modulation circuit 531, an AMP 532, and a BPF 533 and connected to the antenna 25 are provided.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. First, data from the input device 1 to the control device 2 is propagated from the antenna 18 as a radio signal S1. Is received by the antenna 24. The data from the control device 2 to the input device 1 is transmitted from the antenna 2
5 and is received by the antenna 18 of the input device 1.

Referring to FIG. 2A, each of the transmission module 42 and the reception module 43 includes a microcomputer 12
The operation / non-operation (ON / OFF) control can be performed by each of the signal TXSW1 and the signal RXSW supplied through the output ports O121 and O123, respectively. The frequency setting module 41 includes a plurality of PLLs supplied from the input / output port I / O 121 of the microcomputer 12.
The carrier, the first intermediate frequency (IF), and the second IF are set by the signal PLL1. The transmission module 42 receives the signal TX
In response to the ON control of SW1, the carrier wave is transmitted to the radio signal S.
1 and then output from the microcomputer 12 to the output port O
A modulated signal M1 obtained by modulating the carrier with the signal TXD1 supplied via the transmission line 122 is transmitted from the antenna 18 as a radio signal S1.

On the other hand, the radio signal S2 is input to the receiving module 43 via the antenna 19. The receiving module 43 includes first and second MIXs 432 and 434 and B
The frequency conversion of the radio signal S2 is performed by the PFs 433 and 435, and the signal S2 is demodulated by the demodulation circuit 436 to obtain a signal R.
Output XD1. At the same time, the carrier is detected by the carrier detection circuit 437 and the signal CS1 is output. This signal RXD1
Is connected to the input port I121 of the microcomputer 12 and the signal C
S1 is supplied to each of the interrupt ports INT121 of the microcomputer 12.

A radio signal S corresponding to an arbitrary frequency channel
1 and S2 are set so as to be shifted by the same frequency as that of the first IF.
When this frequency channel is set in response to the supply of the LL signal, the frequencies of the corresponding radio signals S1 and S2 are also set.
The wireless communication unit 13 has 64 such frequency channels, each of which is set by the dip switch 16. Further, since the transmission module 42 and the reception module 43 cannot be turned on at the same time,
The radio signals S1 and S2 perform half-duplex communication.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the transmission module 53 can be turned on / off by the signal TXSW2 supplied from the microcomputer 22 via the output port O222, but the reception module 51 is always turned on. maintain. The frequency setting module 52 sets a transmission carrier in response to a plurality of transmission PLL signals PLL2 supplied from the input / output port I / O 222, and similarly receives a reception PLL signal PLL1 supplied from the input / output port I / O 221.
To set the receiving carrier, the first IF, and the second IF. The transmission module 53 outputs the carrier for transmission as a radio signal S2 in response to the ON control of the signal TXSW2, and then modulates the modulated signal M2 obtained by modulating the carrier with the signal TXD2 supplied via the output port O221. The signal is transmitted from the antenna 25 as the radio signal S2.

On the other hand, the radio signal S1 is input to the receiving module 51 via the antenna 24. The receiving module 51 includes first and second MIXs 512 and 514 and B
The frequency conversion of the radio signal S1 is performed by the PFs 513 and 515, and the signal S1 is demodulated by the demodulation circuit 517 to obtain the signal R1.
Output XD2. At the same time, the carrier is detected by the carrier detection circuit 516 and the signal CS2 is output. This signal RXD2
Is connected to the input port I221 of the microcomputer 22 and the signal C
S1 is supplied to each of the interrupt ports INT221.

The wireless communication unit 21 has 64 frequency channels set by the same dip switch 23 as the wireless communication unit 13. Further, since the transmitting module 53 and the receiving module 51 can be simultaneously turned on, full-duplex communication can be performed by the wireless signals S1 and S2.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B showing the data formats of the radio signals S1 and S2, respectively, the radio signal S1 is a 6-bit ID having the same bit pattern as the DIP switch 16 for setting the frequency channel. 15-bit data consisting of 8 bits of data, make / break data respectively corresponding to key ON / OFF and LED sense data for LED information sensing, and 1 bit parity bit redundant bit. Have. These data bits correspond to make data from 00h to 6Fh and break data from 80h to FF
h and LED sense data are allocated to 70h, respectively.
The radio signal S2 is a 6-bit ID bit having the same bit pattern as that of the frequency channel setting DIP switch 23, a communication status indicating a normal response and a retransmission request indicated by 10,01, and a 1 indicating the LED information of CAPS and KANA. It has 11-bit data consisting of 4-bit data bits including the indicated LED status and redundant bits that are 1-bit parity bits.

In the following description, the radio signal S2 including the communication status of the normal response is ACK (acknowledge), and the radio signal S2 including the communication status of the retransmission request is NAK (negative response).

The establishment of wireless communication between the input device 1 and the control device 2 requires the frequency channels of the input device 1 and the control device 2 to coincide with each other.
Each of the ID bits in FIGS. 3A and 3B is identical. The control of each unit and each module described above is executed by firmware F11 and F21 stored in the built-in ROM of each of the microcomputer 12 and the microcomputer 22.

Referring to FIG. 4 showing a sequence of wireless communication realized by the firmware F11 and F21, data transfer from the input device 1 to the control device 2 is performed by the wireless signal S1 and the input from the control device 2. Data transfer to the device 1 is performed by a radio signal S2. 4A shows a sequence in the case of normal communication, FIG. 4B shows a sequence in the case where an error occurs in the radio signal S1, and FIG. 4C shows a sequence in the case where an error occurs in the radio signal S2. . The firmware operation in each case will be described with reference to FIG. 5 showing the flowcharts of the firmware F11 and F21. FIG. 5A shows a flowchart of the firmware F11, and FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of the firmware F21. S000-S
019 indicates each step of the firmware F11, F21.

First, the microcomputer 12 is connected to the key matrix 11
Is scanned, and when key ON is detected, the wireless communication unit 13 transmits make-up data as a wireless signal S1 having the data format of FIG. 3A (S001), and waits for a return (S002). On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit 21 detects the carrier of the wireless signal S1, an interrupt is generated in the microcomputer 22 by the signal CS2 (S008), and the make data is received (S009, S010). The ID of the received make data is checked. If the IDs do not match (S011), all of the received data is abandoned and the interrupt processing ends (S019).
I do. If the IDs match, the parity is checked, and if abnormal, NAK is returned (S015, S016), and if normal, ACK is returned (S013, S014). Next, it is determined whether or not the transmitted make data can be output to the personal computer body 3 as described later (S017). If possible, the make data is output to the personal computer body 3 as a corresponding key code (S018). ).

Here, the judgment processing in step S017 is as follows.
It is also determined whether the key code data is valid for the personal computer 3 and whether the valid key code data has already been output to the personal computer 3 during this sequence. That is, a determination is made to prevent the same make code or break code from being output to the personal computer main body 3 twice consecutively in the same sequence. if,
If the make code is output twice consecutively, the personal computer body 3 performs an operation corresponding to the two key ON operations for one key ON operation by the operator, thereby preventing a malfunction that may cause a malfunction. Function. This determination process is executed by setting a key map K21 for managing key ON / OFF in the built-in RAM of the microcomputer 22.

Next, the data returned as the radio signal S2 is received via the radio communication unit 13 (S003).
The microcomputer 12 checks the ID, and if the IDs do not match, returns to the process of waiting for data reception again (S004). If the ID is normal, the parity is detected. If the ID is abnormal, the process returns to the output of the same data again (S005). If the ID is normal, the process ends (S007). Similarly, if the received data is other than ACK, the process returns to the data output again (S006).

Referring again to FIG. 4B, the radio signal S
This shows that an error has occurred in the make data transmitted as 1, but the same make data has been retransmitted due to the return of the NAK, and the error has been recovered. FIG. 4 (C)
As shown in FIG. 5, since an error occurred in the ACK returned as the wireless signal S2, the same make code was retransmitted, but the retransmitted make data is not output to the personal computer 3,
This shows how the error has been recovered without malfunction.

Referring to FIG. 6A, L shown in FIG.
The communication sequence of the ED sense data is controlled by the firmware F12 stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 12, and uses the same format as in FIG. Referring also to FIG. 6B, the firmware F12 shown in FIG.
The flowchart of the process of steps S100 to S11
Consists of one.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, this LE
The communication sequence control operation of the D sense data will be described. Since the LED status of the control device 2 may be changed by a command transmitted from the personal computer 3, the input device 1 transmits the LED sense data at one second intervals. Using the built-in RAM of the microcomputer 22 of the control device 2
Poll the LED status stored in the.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the sequence k
1, k2 and k3 are LED sense data transmitted at one-second intervals, and the kana LED is off at the time of receiving a return (ACK) for the LED sense data of sequence k1.
Although it was in the state, the kana LED of the LED status of the control device 2 was turned on in response to the command of the sequence k4, and when the return (ACK) for the LED sense data of the sequence k2 was received, the kana LED was turned on. The updated Kana LED 15 of the input device 1 is turned on.

The operation of the sequence k2 will be described with reference to FIG. 6B. The LED sense data output (S101)
Thereafter, the return is performed (S102), and the return data is received (S1).
05), and an ID check (S10) as in FIG.
6), after executing the parity check (S107) and the ACK check (S108), since the LED status of Kana has been changed (S109), the updated Kana LED is output (S110).

In this embodiment, from when the personal computer 3 issues a command to when the LED of the input device 1 changes, 1
Although a delay of seconds may occur, it is possible to reduce this delay by adjusting the polling interval of the LED sense data. Further, since the LED status is also included in the return for the make data / break data corresponding to the key ON / OFF, a check such as steps S109 and S110 may be performed at the time of receiving the return data.

Next, one second after the sequence k2, the LED sense data of the sequence k3 was output. However, since the power supply of the personal computer 3 was turned off at the time of the sequence k5, the control device 2 receiving the power supply was turned off. Power supply is also O
The state becomes the FF state, and the LED sense data cannot communicate. In such a case, steps S103 and S104
The microcomputer 12 enters the standby state to reduce the current consumption.

In the present embodiment, the function of the LED sense data is extended and supported, but data indicating a key OFF may be newly set separately from the LED sense command.

Further, the power supply circuit 17 of the input device 1 is turned off.
Alternatively, the current consumption may be reduced by the method described above. In this embodiment, the LED status data is used to poll the LED status of the control device 2 at one-second intervals. However, when the control device 2 receives a command from the personal computer 3 (sequence k4). A radio signal S is input to the input device 1.
A method of transmitting the LED status as No. 2 may be used. However, in this method, it is necessary to always keep the RXSW signal of the wireless communication unit 13 of the input device 1 in the ON state and always keep the receiving module 43 in the operating state, and generally, the operating time of the power supply circuit 17 using a battery is extended. Is difficult. In addition, monitoring data may be newly set separately from the LED sense data as data for monitoring the power OFF of the control device 2 and reducing current consumption.

Referring to FIG. 7A, which shows an interface between the microcomputer 22 and the personal computer 3 by blocks,
The make / break code transfer signal KBD corresponding to the key ON / OFF is transmitted to the data output port DO of the microcomputer 22.
2 is supplied to the data input port DI3 of the personal computer body 3. LED status change command transfer signal KBC
Is supplied from the command output port CO3 of the personal computer 3 to the command input port CI2 of the microcomputer 22.
The keyboard reset signal KBR is sent from the output port OP3 of the personal computer 3 to the interrupt port INT of the microcomputer 22.
0 is supplied. These signals KBD, KBC and KBR are transmitted via the cable 4.

The operation will be described with reference to FIG. 7B which is a flowchart showing the interface control firmware F22 stored in the built-in ROM of the microcomputer 22.
When a reset is issued from the personal computer 3 by the signal KBR, an interrupt (INT0) of the microcomputer 22 is generated (S
200). Check the key map K21 (S20
1) Then, the make code of the key in the ON state is output to the personal computer 3 as a signal KBD (S202), and then the reset process of the microcomputer 22 is executed (S203), but the key map K21 is not cleared (S204). .

As a result, the operation at the time of resetting in the key ON state is maintained compatible with a normal keyboard with a cable, and the mode setting software of the personal computer can be started.

Referring to FIG. 8 showing a second embodiment of the present invention in which the function of the LED sense data is expanded, FIG.
8B shows a communication sequence according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8B is a part of a flowchart of the firmware F21A of the present embodiment stored in the built-in ROM of the microcomputer 22 and is added between S014 and S017 in FIG. Step S020-
S023 is shown.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the extended L
The operation of the ED sense data function will be described.
In the ED sense data function, all keys of the input device 1 are OFF.
Only in the state, the LED sense data is output, and upon receiving the LED sense data, the control device 2 checks the key map K21 stored in the built-in RAM of the microcomputer 22,
A key break code of the key stored in the ON state is output to the personal computer body to clear the key map K21.

First, when the key "a" is turned on, the "a" make code is output (sequence k7). However, since an error has occurred in the radio signal and the radio signal has been propagated as the "b" make code, the control device 2 sets "b""Make code is output (sequence k8). Next, when the key “a” is turned off,
When the "a" break data is output (sequence k9), the wireless signal is normally propagated. Control device 2 receives the break data of key "a", but does not output the break code of key "a" because it recognizes that key "a" has not been turned on yet (sequence k10). At this point, all the keys of the input device 1 are not turned on,
The personal computer recognizes that the key “b” is in the ON state. Output one second after sequence k9 (sequence k
11) When the LED sense data is normally received, the microcomputer 22 proceeds to steps S008 to S014 to S0.
Processing is performed according to 20 to S023 to S019. When the key map K21 is checked, the key "b" is in the ON state (S021), and the break code of the key "b" is output to the personal computer 3 (sequence k12) (S02).
2) The key map K21 is cleared (S023). At this point, all the keys of both the input device 1 and the personal computer 3 are turned off, and the malfunction is restored. As described above, the wireless communication becomes unstable, and automatic recovery can be performed even if the personal computer 3 malfunctions.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the frequency channel is set by the dip switch. However, when a plurality of personal computers are used in parallel, it is necessary to set different frequency channels to manage the used frequencies, but it is practically difficult. It is desirable to search for an unused channel by wireless communication and set a frequency channel. In the first embodiment, the ID bit of the wireless data is fixedly set for each frequency channel. However, in order to improve confidentiality of communication, the ID bit is set independently of the frequency channel. It is desirable. In this embodiment, communication for setting a frequency channel or an ID bit is performed only when the first data is transferred from the input device 1 to the control device 2. Thereafter, the set frequency is set until the power of the control device 2 is turned off. Use channel / ID bits.

Referring to FIG. 9 showing the communication sequence of the present embodiment, in the case of setting the frequency channel, the microcomputer 12 transfers the channel setting request data to the control device 2 in response to the first key ON detection. This channel setting request data is defined as, for example, data bit = 71h in the data format of FIG. In addition, the transfer channel of the channel setting request data is a preset fixed channel. When receiving the channel setting request data, the microcomputer 22 uses the receiving PLL signal (PLL1) of the wireless communication unit 22 and the signal CS2 to generate
An unused channel is searched from the four frequency channels to determine a used channel. Next, the input device 1
K is returned and the channel data is transferred. The format of the channel data is such that the above data bits = channel data. Thereafter, the input device 1 and the control device 2 perform wireless communication related to the key ON on the set channel. At this time, the microcomputer 22 always outputs the signal TXSW2
Is set to the ON state, and the carrier of the radio signal S2 is set to the output state, thereby securing the right to use the channel.

In the case of setting the ID bit, fixed data previously set in the control device 2, for example, data bit = 72
The ID bit setting request data defined as h is transmitted.
When receiving the ID bit setting request data, the microcomputer 22 sets the ID bit using one byte of the internal RAM. The above-mentioned RAM allocates a non-initialized RAM that has not been initialized by resetting after the power is turned on. Each bit of the uninitialized RAM is undefined and becomes random data every time the power is turned on. Thereafter, the microcomputer 22 returns an ACK to the input device 1 and transfers the ID bit data.

In this embodiment, once the frequency channel setting / ID bit setting is performed, the subsequent communication is performed using the set frequency channel / ID bit. However, the frequency channel / ID bit is set every time the communication is executed. You may. Also, I
Data using a random number table may be used as the D bit setting data.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which constituent elements common to those in FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that, in addition to the input device 1, the control device 2, and the personal computer 3, which are common to the first embodiment, the second The control device 5 and the personal computer body 6, and the personal computer bodies 3 and 5
And a host machine 7 connected by a LAN (local area network).

FIG. 10 and the signal S2 of the control devices 2 and 5
The operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 showing the data format of A and S2B and the processing flowchart. The radio signal S1 transmitted from the input device 1 is received simultaneously by the control devices 2 and 5, and Devices 2, 5
Radio signals S2A, S2B transmitted from each of
Is received by the input device 1. The signal S1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the signals S2A and S2B are two-bit devices for distinguishing the control devices 2 and 5 from the signal S2 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. Code has been added. In the present embodiment, the device code = 00,
01 is set, and these device codes are also stored in the built-in RAM of the microcomputer 12 of the input device 1.
The input device 1 can determine which of the control devices 2 and 5 is the return data by checking the device code of the wireless signal S2. The ID bits of the input device 1 and the control devices 2 and 5 are the same.

When each of the control devices 2 and 5 receives data from the input device 1 as the signal S1, it returns return data to which the respective device codes are added to the input device 1 as signals S2A and S2B, respectively. At this time, the control devices 2, 5
If the data is returned at the same time, data collision will occur. Therefore, it is better to change the time from data reception to return in each of the control devices 2 and 5.

The addition of the device code is executed in step S013 or S015 of the flowchart of FIG. The input device 1 that has received the return data as the radio signals S2A and B checks whether or not data has been returned from all of the stored control devices corresponding to the device codes, and if so, the process is completed. The processing of the input device 1 is performed by adding a step S301 in FIG. 11B between S006 and S007 in the flowchart in FIG.

As described above, since it is possible to input data to a plurality of control devices at the same time, it is possible to collectively perform the maintenance work of the personal computers constituting the LAN, which has conventionally been performed by the operator in a round trip. it can. In this embodiment, one input device and two control devices are connected. However, by expanding the device code, two input devices can be connected to one input device.
It is possible to connect more than one control device.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which constituent elements common to those of FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that a second input device 8 similar to the input device 1 is provided in addition to the input device 1, the control device 2, and the personal computer 3 common to the first embodiment. It is to prepare.

FIG. 12 and the signal S1 of the input devices 1 and 8
The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 showing the data format of A, S1B and the signal S2C of the control device 2 and FIG. 14 showing the processing flowchart.
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, signals S1A, S1B and signal S2C of the present embodiment are two-bit signals for distinguishing input devices 1 and 8 from signals S1 and S2 of the first embodiment, respectively. Device codes have been added. In this embodiment, device codes = 00 and 01 are set for the input devices 1 and 8, respectively, and these device codes are also stored in the built-in RAM of the microcomputer 22 of the control device 2. By checking the device codes of the radio signals S1A and S1B, the control device 2 can determine which of the input devices 1 and 8 is the transmission data, and can determine the device code corresponding to the input device that transmitted the data. Is added to the return data and returned, whereby each input device can be individually controlled. The IDs of the input devices 1 and 8 and the control device 2
The bits are identical.

When the input device 1 transmits data using the signal S1A, it uses the CS signal to check for the presence or absence of the signal S2, waits until the radio signal S2 no longer exists, and then outputs the data. This processing can be realized by adding step S401 in FIG. 14A between S000 and S001 in the flowchart in FIG. Upon receiving the signal S1, the control device 2 checks the ID bit, compares the received device code with the stored device code, terminates the process if there is an error, and shifts to the parity check if it is normal. This processing is performed between S011 and S012 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Can be realized by adding step S402. Next, the same device data as the device data received in steps S015 and S016 of FIG. 5B is added, and the data is returned to the input device 1 as a signal S2C. The input device 1 that has received the return data checks the device code after checking the ID bit. If there is an error, the input device 1 returns to receiving the data again. This processing is performed in S of the flowchart shown in FIG.
Step S40 of FIG. 14C between 004 and S005
3 can be realized. The input device 8 performs wireless communication with the control device 2 in a similar manner. In order to alleviate the collision of data transmission between the input devices 1 and 8, the control device 2 turns on the TXSW2 signal when receiving the CS signals corresponding to the signals S1A and S1B, and sets the carrier of the signal S2 to the output state. Therefore, it is desirable that the data transmission of the other input device be in a standby state (S401).

As described above, it is possible to connect a plurality of input devices to one control device and control each input device individually. In this embodiment, one control device and two input devices are connected. However, by expanding the device code, it is possible to connect two or more input devices to one control device.

As the second input device 8, CAPS
Alternatively, a mouse equipped with rotary encoders in the X and Y directions may be used instead of the key matrix 11 instead of the key LED 14 and the kana LED 15.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, each transmitting and receiving antenna of the input device and the control device may be a shared transmitting and receiving antenna. Further, the control device may be built in the personal computer body. Instead of a 1-bit parity bit as a redundant bit of wireless communication target data, a CRC code, BC
Use of a redundant bit having a high detection rate, such as an H code, further improves the reliability of wireless communication. A method of converting data bits into codes, such as Manchester conversion, without using redundant bits may be used.

[0065]

As described above, according to the wireless keyboard of the present invention, the input device and the control device are connected to each other by two-way wireless communication, so that the degree of freedom of arrangement is greatly improved and the reliability is improved. This has the effect of realizing high-quality wireless communication and achieving full compatibility with a keyboard with cable. Further, there is an effect that it becomes possible to simultaneously input data from a single input device to a plurality of control devices and to connect a plurality of input devices to a single control device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a wireless keyboard according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication unit of each of the input device and the control device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data format of a wireless signal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication sequence of key data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of key data firmware according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a communication sequence and firmware of LED sense data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an interface circuit between a microcomputer of the control device of the present embodiment and a personal computer main body and a flowchart of firmware.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a communication sequence and firmware of LED sense data of the second embodiment of the wireless keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a communication sequence for setting a wireless communication channel and setting an ID bit in a third embodiment of the wireless keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the wireless keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a data format and firmware of a wireless signal in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the wireless keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a data format of a wireless signal in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of firmware in the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional wireless keyboard.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,8 input device 2,5 control device 3,6 personal computer body 4 cable 7 host machine 11 key matrix 12,22 microcomputer 13,21 wireless communication unit 14,15 LED 16,23 dip switch 17 power supply circuit 18,19,24 , 25 Antenna 41, 52 Frequency setting module 42, 53 Transmitting module 43, 51 Receiving module 100 Display 114, 136 Light-to-light converter 111, 137 Photoelectric converter 112 Decoder 113 Encoder 120 Controller 130 Keyboard 131 Key switch 132 Key code generator 133 Key code buffer 134 Encoder 139 Comparator 411, 521, 523 PLL circuit 412, 522, 524 VCO 413, 525 IF generation circuit 421, 531 Modulation circuit 42 , 532 AMP 423,431,433,435,511,513,5
15,533 BPF 432,434,512,514 MIX 436,517 Demodulation circuit 437,516 Carrier detection circuit F11, F12, F21

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] An input device for modulating first key information including first key code data from a keyboard having key switches arranged on a matrix and transmitting the modulated first key information as a first wireless signal; A control device for transferring a second key code data obtained by demodulating a signal to a higher-level device to which data is to be input, wherein the input device receives a supply of the first key code data and performs a first identification. A first program group including a plurality of predetermined programs that generate the first key information including a code and control the first wireless communication unit corresponding to the reception control data corresponding to the first control data; A first microprocessor having stored first storage means;
Generating the first wireless signal in response to the supply of the first key information, receiving and demodulating a second wireless signal transmitted by the control device, and demodulating the second key code data from the control device; A first wireless communication unit that outputs the first reception control data including a corresponding response signal, wherein the control device receives and demodulates the first wireless signal, and outputs a first wireless signal corresponding to the first key information. A second wireless communication unit for outputting the first reception key information and receiving the first control data to generate the second wireless signal; and the first control data including a second identification code. A second program group storing a second program group including a plurality of predetermined programs including the generation of
And a third microprocessor having at least the second key code data and a third storage means storing a key map which is data for managing the second key code data. Features a wireless keyboard. 2. A first modulation circuit for modulating a first carrier wave with the first key information to generate a first modulation signal, and a first modulation circuit for generating the first modulation signal. A first transmitting module including a first high-frequency amplifier circuit for amplifying and generating the first radio signal, and a first frequency control in response to a supply of a predetermined first phase-locked loop control signal A first phase-locked loop for generating a signal; a first voltage-controlled oscillator for generating the first carrier in response to the first frequency control signal; and a first and a second carrier for receiving the first carrier. A first frequency setting module including a first intermediate frequency synthesizing circuit for generating first and second local oscillation signals having two local oscillation frequencies, and a first frequency setting module receiving the second radio signal and receiving the second radio signal. Of each of the first and second local oscillation signals And first and second mixer circuits for generating first and second intermediate frequency signals in response to the first and second intermediate frequency signals, respectively, and demodulating in response to the supply of the second intermediate frequency signal to generate the first control data. In response to the supply of the first demodulation circuit and the second intermediate frequency signal.
And a first carrier detection circuit that generates a first carrier detection signal that indicates the presence of a second carrier of the wireless signal of the first wireless module. A second modulation circuit that modulates the second carrier signal with the first control data to generate a second modulation signal, and a second high frequency that amplifies the second modulation signal to generate the second radio signal A second transmitting module including an amplifying circuit; and second and third generating, respectively, second and third frequency control signals in response to providing predetermined second and third phase locked loop control signals. And the second and third voltage controlled oscillators respectively generating the second and third carrier signals in response to each of the phase locked loop and the second frequency control signal, and the supply of the third carrier, respectively. 4th and 5th A second frequency setting module including a second intermediate frequency synthesizing circuit that generates each of a third and a fourth local oscillation signal having a local oscillation frequency; Third and fourth mixer circuits for generating third and fourth intermediate frequency signals respectively in response to the supply of the fourth local oscillation signal, and demodulation in response to the supply of the fourth intermediate frequency signal A second demodulation circuit for generating the first received key information and a second carrier signal for generating a second carrier detection signal indicative of the presence of the first carrier in response to the supply of the fourth intermediate frequency signal. 2. The wireless keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising: a second receiving module including a carrier detection circuit. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first key information is a predetermined number of bits of the first identification code, the first key code data, and a lock display instruction for displaying a lock state of a predetermined key switch. The first control data includes lock state sense data and first redundant data, and the first control data has a predetermined number of bits.
Communication status data including a normal response corresponding to normal reception of the key code and a retransmission request response corresponding to abnormal reception, lock display status data indicating a state of the lock display, and second redundant data. The wireless keyboard according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The first program group transmits the first key information generated in response to the detection of the make of the key switch as the first wireless signal via the first wireless communication unit. Then, a step of setting a reply waiting state; and the first state generated in response to the detection of the second wireless signal.
Checking the validity of the second identification code included in the control data of the above, if the second identification code is normal, the validity of the second wireless signal by the first redundant data Checking; wherein said second group of programs interrupts said second microprocessor in response to detection of a first carrier of said first wireless signal via said second wireless communication unit. Generating the first radio signal in response to detecting the first wireless signal.
Checking the validity of the first identification code included in the received key information, and if the first identification code is normal, the validity of the first wireless signal by the second redundant data Checking; and, if the first wireless signal is normal, transmitting the second wireless signal as the reply via the second wireless communication unit; and Converting the second key code data to the second key code data to determine whether or not the second key code data can be transferred to the host device. Wireless keyboard. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether or not the key code data transfer is possible is performed by transferring the same second key code data in the same sequence performed using the key map stored in the third storage means in advance. The wireless keyboard according to claim 4, further comprising determining whether or not the wireless keyboard is a wireless keyboard. 6. The input device further includes a lock display unit for displaying a lock state according to lock information indicating a lock state of a predetermined key switch, wherein the third storage unit stores the lock state information. The first program group interrogating the lock information stored in the third storage means at predetermined intervals; and the first reception control returned in response to the inquiry. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: detecting the lock information from data to check whether the lock state has been changed; and changing the display of the lock display unit when the lock state has been changed. 1. The wireless keyboard according to 1. 7. The first program group responds to an undetectable second carrier of the second wireless signal returned within a predetermined time from the transmission of the first wireless signal. The wireless keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising a step of setting all components of the input device to a low current consumption state. 8. The first program group includes a step of transmitting all key-off information generated in response to continuation of an off state of all keys for a predetermined time or more, wherein the second program group includes: Transferring the first code data corresponding to all key-offs included in the key map to the upper-level device in response to receiving the all-key-off information, and setting the upper-level device to the all-key-off state. The wireless keyboard according to claim 1. 9. The second program group outputs second code data corresponding to key-on information included in the key map to the high-order device in response to supply of a reset signal from the high-order device. 2. The wireless keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising the step of setting a key to a key-on state. 10. The second program group controls a second wireless communication unit in response to an initialization process, and selects one of the vacant frequency channels as a selected channel. Setting the frequency channel of the second wireless communication unit as a selected frequency channel after transmitting the information as the second wireless signal, wherein the first program group is based on the information of the selected channel. Setting the frequency channel of the first wireless communication unit to the selected channel. 11. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second program group sets, as the second identification code, random data in the third storage unit generated in response to an initialization process;
Transmitting the first control data including the second identification code as the second radio signal, and mutually comparing the first identification code with the set second identification code; Transferring the first and second identification codes to the higher-level device if the first and second identification codes match, wherein the first program group is configured to add the first key information to the first key information based on the second identification codes. 4. The wireless keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising a step of setting a first identification code. 12. A control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second control device similar to said control device, wherein said first control data and said second control data corresponding to said second control device are respectively assigned to said first and second control data. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein first and second device codes for distinguishing the control devices are added.
The described wireless keyboard. 13. The apparatus further comprising a second input device similar to the input device, wherein the first key information and the second key information corresponding to the second input device correspond to the first and second key information, respectively. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein first and second device codes for distinguishing the input device are added.
The described wireless keyboard. 14. At least one of the first and second input devices is provided with a pointing device using a moving distance encoder in each of X and Y directions instead of the key matrix and the lock state display unit. The wireless keyboard according to claim 13, wherein