JPH0344325B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Industrial Application Field This invention relates to a foot keyboard, which is connected to, for example, a Japanese word processor or a personal computer, and which gives function commands by stepping on it. Regarding the keyboard.

BACKGROUND ART Recently, Japanese word processors and personal computers have become popular in order to streamline office processing. A Japanese word processor is equipped with a keyboard with character keys and various function keys, and by inputting hiragana, it can be converted into kanji and registered on a floppy disk. Therefore, Japanese word processors can input text more quickly than conventional Japanese typewriters, and since they can store data on a floppy disk, they can be printed out using a printer whenever needed. It has characteristics.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention By the way, keyboards for Japanese word processors and personal computers have a larger number of function keys than English typewriters due to the uniqueness of the Japanese language. Since it is easy for the fingers to separate from the keyboard, the blind touch is easily interrupted and it is difficult to maintain a typing rhythm. To compensate for this shortcoming, the layout of the various function keys must be changed or placed in special positions, which compromises the versatility of the keyboard layout and requires relearning the layout of some keys for each model. This causes the inconvenience of not having to do so.

Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a foot-operated keyboard for facilitating key operations in Japanese word processors, personal computers, and the like.

This invention connects a foot key in parallel to at least one frequently used function key other than character keys included in the keyboard of a Japanese word processor or personal computer. .

Function: By providing a foot keyboard, this invention allows function commands to be given by simply stepping on the foot keys in the same manner as when operating the function keys with fingers.

Embodiments Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a Japanese word processor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a main body 1 is provided with a keyboard 2, a display 3, and a floppy disk 4. A printer 5 is connected to the main body 1. Further, a foot keyboard 6, which is a feature of the present invention, is connected to the keyboard 2 via a connector 7 and a cable 8.

FIG. 2 is a key arrangement diagram of the keyboard 2 shown in FIG. 1. In Figure 2, the keyboard 2 of a Japanese word processor generally has character keys 2 and 2.
In addition to 1, a large number of function keys 22 are arranged. These function keys 22 include those that are used relatively frequently and those that are not. Frequently used function keys include kana symbol keys, alphanumeric keys, alphanumeric keys, kanji/segment keys, and hiragana keys. In this invention, the foot keyboard 6 is connected in parallel to these frequently used keys.

FIG. 3 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, the foot keyboard 6 includes foot keys 61 to 65 and 66, each of which has a step and is arranged in parallel. For example, a micro switch (not shown) is built in the lower part of each of the foot keys 61 to 67. This microswitch is connected in parallel with frequently used keys on the keyboard 2. Therefore, by stepping on any of the foot keys 61 to 66 with a foot, a function command can be given in the same way as when operating a function key on the keyboard 2 with a finger. Note that the central portion 67 serves as the home position, and is where the foot rests when the foot keys 61 to 66 are not depressed. This central portion 67 has other foot keys 61 to 6.
A step portion is formed to identify the number 6. Furthermore, the reason why each of the foot keys 61 to 65 is provided with a stepped portion is because the respective foot keys are close to each other.
This is to prevent mistakes. For example, when the foot key 62 is depressed, it is configured so that it does not fall above or below the upper surface of the adjacent foot key 63. Therefore, for example, foot key 6
Even if the foot is stepped on both the foot keys 2 and 63, the contacts of the foot key 62 are closed, and the contacts of the other foot key 63 are not closed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram when a foot keyboard is connected to a Japanese word processor. In FIG. 4, the foot keyboard 6 is the keyboard 2.
The keyboard 2 is connected in parallel to the processor 1. A display 3, a processor disk 4, and a printer 5 are connected to the processor 1.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of foot keys are provided on both sides of a central portion that serves as a fixed platform for placing feet as a home position, each having a step, By arranging each foot key so that its top surface does not drop below the top surface of the adjacent key each time you step on one of the keys, you will not be able to make mistakes with each foot key.
Even if you straddle two foot keys and step on them, the contact of one switch will only close, but the contact of the other foot key will not close, and you will not be able to move between the two keys. It is possible to eliminate the possibility that the signal will be output.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a Japanese word processor to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a key arrangement diagram of the keyboard shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a Japanese word processor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the figure, 2 is a keyboard, 3 is a display, 4 is a floppy disk, 5 is a printer, and 6
indicates a foot keyboard, 7 indicates a connector, and 8 indicates a cable.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A device which is connected in parallel to at least one frequently used function key other than character keys included in a keyboard of a Japanese word processor or personal computer, and which can be stepped on with a foot. Therefore, it is a foot-operated keyboard for giving function commands, and is provided with a central portion serving as a fixed platform for resting the foot as a home position, and steps on both sides of the central portion, respectively. A foot press comprising a plurality of foot keys arranged such that the top surface of each foot key does not fall below the top surface of an adjacent key when stepping on each foot key, and a switch that detects when each of the foot keys is pressed down. tread keyboard.