JP3676150B2 - Computer application equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a computer application apparatus in which a dedicated function for a specific application is added to a basic function as a computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, due to lower prices of computers, particularly personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “personal computers”), improved processing speed, or generality, devices that have been designed as dedicated machines are now designed as computer application devices. It is becoming. As a result, high processing capacity can be obtained at a low price, the development period of the apparatus can be shortened, or the development environment can be generalized. As this type of computer application device, for example, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal device configured based on a personal computer can be cited.
[0003]
Computer application devices often have a dedicated keyboard, such as the keyboard provided in the above-mentioned POS terminal device. Usually, an OS (Operating System) automatic startup function that is basic software of a computer (personal computer) is used. Is set so that a dedicated application program is automatically started in the apparatus. Therefore, this kind of computer application apparatus can operate without providing a keyboard for operating the personal computer OS.
[0004]
In addition, this kind of computer application device also has a function as a personal computer. When this is used as a personal computer, or when operating a dedicated application program, the personal computer OS function is used to input, for example, kanji. Conventionally, a dedicated keyboard assigned with the same keys as a personal computer keyboard such as alphabets is mounted, or a personal computer keyboard is separately connected to the outside.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the input of alphabets and the like is also used with a dedicated keyboard as in the prior art, the number of keys and the key layout are different from those of a personal computer keyboard, and thus a special input method must be taken. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to get used to the key operation, and even if it gets used to it, it is difficult to perform a quick operation like a JIS keyboard, and the application to other devices does not work.
[0006]
On the other hand, when a PC keyboard is connected separately, a dedicated keyboard is usually installed in a place where it is most easily operated, so the PC keyboard is placed in front of or next to the device. The operability is bad. Further, when connecting a keyboard for a personal computer to the apparatus as necessary, it is necessary to turn off the power when connecting, and it takes time to restart the apparatus. In addition, when investigating an abnormal operation of the apparatus using a keyboard for a personal computer, the data may be lost if the power is turned off, and the investigation may not be possible. On the other hand, when the keyboard for a personal computer is left connected, an object may touch the personal computer keyboard while the dedicated keyboard is being used, and erroneous input may occur. In addition, if the personal computer keyboard is not used frequently, the awareness of the personal computer keyboard being connected may be lessened, and an erroneous input may not be noticed.
[0007]
In addition, since the keyboard for a personal computer operates directly under the OS, it can be operated at a higher level than the application program dedicated to the apparatus, but it is vulnerable to erroneous input and mischief. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of users of personal computers, and it is desirable to prevent irreparable mischief from receiving personal computer keyboards.
[0008]
Furthermore, this kind of computer application device can be used as a personal computer functionally as described above, but because it is designed on the assumption that a dedicated application program runs, it is accidentally dedicated using a personal computer keyboard. When an operation that interferes with the operation of the application program, such as a forced termination operation (Ctrl + Alt + Delete), is performed, the processing by the dedicated application program is aborted, and both updated and incomplete files are mixed. Therefore, there is a problem that the consistency of the file is lost.
[0009]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a computer application apparatus having a keyboard capable of favorably operating a dedicated function for a specific application and a basic function as a computer.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object is to provide an apparatus main body storing computer basic software and an application program that operates on the computer basic software, a first keyboard connected to the apparatus main body when operating the application program, and the computer basic software. This is achieved by a computer application device comprising a keyboard unit having a second keyboard connected to the device body when operating.
[0011]
In this case, it is preferable that the keyboard unit is formed in a flat plate shape, and the first keyboard is disposed on one surface and the second keyboard is disposed on the other surface. JP-A-8-272508 describes an example in which, for example, an ASCII layout key switch is arranged on one side of a keyboard device and a JIS layout key switch is arranged on the other side. As in the invention, there is no disclosure of a technique for switching software and application programs stored in a computer application device in conjunction with a plurality of keyboards.
[0012]
The device main body and each keyboard are connected by contacting a connector provided on the device main body with a first contact provided on one end face of the keyboard unit or a second contact provided on the opposite end face. It is preferred to do so. Here, the first contact is used when connecting the first keyboard to the apparatus main body, and the second contact is used when connecting the second keyboard to the apparatus main body. The connector of the apparatus main body and the first and second contacts of the keyboard unit are used to recognize which keyboard is connected to the apparatus main body or which keyboard is connected to the apparatus main body. It is preferable to arrange connection recognition signal pins for exchanging signals.
[0013]
A computer application apparatus according to the present invention includes a computer main body storing a computer basic software and an application program that operates on the computer basic software, a first keyboard for operating the application program, and a computer basic software operating device. The computer basic software corresponding to the first or second keyboard connected to the apparatus main body, comprising: a keyboard unit having a second keyboard and one of the two keyboards connected to the apparatus main body Alternatively, the application program is configured to be activated.
[0014]
Here, since the application program operates on the computer basic software, the activation of the application program includes the activation of the computer basic software. For example, when the connection from the second keyboard to the first keyboard is switched while the computer basic software is operating, the application program is started on the computer basic software, and then the second keyboard When the keyboard is switched, the application program is closed and the computer basic software is in operation. In this case, it is preferable that input from a keyboard not connected to the apparatus main body is suppressed.
[0015]
Furthermore, the computer application apparatus according to the present invention includes a computer main body storing a computer basic software and an application program that operates on the computer basic software, a first keyboard for operating the application program, and a computer basic software operating device. A keyboard unit that has a second keyboard and one of the two keyboards is connected to the apparatus main body, and the connection with the apparatus main body is second to second during the operation of the application program. When the keyboard is switched, the second keyboard can be input while the application program is still in operation. Unlike the above-described apparatus, this facilitates operations such as data updating using the second keyboard during the operation of the application program. In this case, it is preferable that preset key input of the second keyboard is suppressed.
[0016]
With this configuration, it is possible to mount a standard computer keyboard in addition to a dedicated keyboard on a computer application device so that it can be easily operated, and the keyboard can be switched without turning off the power. Further, the computer keyboard is devised so as not to cause an erroneous input other than operation, and does not hinder the operation of the application program. Furthermore, one or a plurality of application programs can be stored in the computer application apparatus separately from the application program operated by a dedicated keyboard, and these can be operated as a general personal computer using the computer keyboard.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, as an example of a computer application apparatus according to the present invention, a POS terminal apparatus constituted by a personal computer will be described as an example.
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a POS terminal device. As shown in the figure, in this apparatus, a keyboard unit 1 that performs key input, a main display 2 that displays various status information, input information, and various data according to the operation of the keyboard unit 1, and a printer 3 that prints receipts and journals. A cash drawer 4 for storing bills and coins, and a customer display 5 for informing the shop shopper of products and amounts are arranged on the apparatus main body 6. Here, the keyboard unit 1 can be detached from the apparatus main body 6.
[0018]
2A and 2B are diagrams showing an embodiment of the keyboard unit 1. FIG. 2A shows the keyboard unit 1a side, and FIG. 2B shows the keyboard unit 1b side. As shown in the figure, a POS keyboard 10 is mounted on the keyboard unit 1a side, and a personal computer (PC) keyboard 13 is mounted on the keyboard unit 1b side. When the keyboard unit 1a side is turned upside down in the figure, the keyboard unit 1b side appears. Contacts 11a and 11b are mounted on the front and rear end surface central portions of the keyboard unit 1, respectively. These are contact portions for exchanging power and signals with the apparatus main body 6.
[0019]
When the POS keyboard 10 is on the front side, a contact 11a for connecting the signal of the POS keyboard appears on the front end face, and when the PC keyboard 13 is on the front side, a contact for connecting the signal of the PC keyboard 11b appears on the front end face. On the left and right sides of the contacts 11a and 11b, concave portions 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d that are fitted with guides for preventing erroneous insertion are provided, respectively. The recesses have different sizes on the left and right, and small recesses (small) 12a and 12c are arranged on the left side, and large recesses (large) 12b and 12d on the right side.
[0020]
3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of a connection relationship between the contacts of the keyboard unit and the connector of the apparatus main body. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the connector of the apparatus main body, FIG. 3B is a front view of the contact 11a, and FIG. A front view of the contact 11b, (d) is a cross-sectional view of the contact portion between the contact and the connector. As shown in the figure, the contact 11 a or 11 b of the keyboard unit 1 is connected to the connector 20 mounted on the apparatus main body 6. The contact 11a includes a reception pin 111, a transmission pin 112, a power supply pin 113, a grounding pin 114, and connection recognition signal pins 115 and 116, and the contact 11b similarly includes a reception pin 121, a transmission pin 122, A power supply pin 123, a ground pin 124, and connection recognition signal pins 125 and 126 are provided. These pins are formed of a flat metal plate and are internally connected to a power source and a signal source.
[0021]
On the other hand, the connector 20 includes a transmission pin 201, a reception pin 202, a power supply pin 203, a grounding pin 204, and connection recognition signal pins 205 and 206. The contact portions of these pins are arched springs, which are pressed against and contact the plate-like pins of the contacts 11a or 11b. On the left and right sides of the connector 20, convex portions 21a and 21b serving as guides to be fitted into the concave portions 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d of the keyboard unit 1 described above are arranged. The convex portions 21a and 21b have different sizes on the left and right sides, and a convex portion (small) 21a is mounted on the left side and a convex portion (large) on the right side. The positions and sizes of the convex portion (large) 21 and the convex portion (small) 21b are matched with the concave portions 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d of the keyboard unit 1 described above. As a result, the keyboard unit 1 is prevented from being inserted upside down.
[0022]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control block of the POS terminal apparatus. In the figure, a personal computer system device function 30 is a control unit of a personal computer, and incorporates basic functions of CPU, memory, hard disk, floppy disk, display interface, keyboard interface 33, mouse interface, serial interface, and parallel interface. A main display 2, a customer display 5, and a printer 3 are connected to each interface of the personal computer. A cash drawer 4 is connected to the printer 3. Thereby, the POS terminal device operates using the function of the personal computer.
[0023]
The keyboard interface 33 is connected to a keyboard control unit 31 that sends key data to the personal computer system device function 30 by key input. The keyboard control unit 31 is connected to the keyboard unit 1 via the connector 20. The keyboard unit 1 includes a key scan control unit 32 that detects an input of an actual key of the keyboard, a POS keyboard 10 in which key switches for POS are arranged in a matrix, a PC keyboard 13 in which keys for a personal computer are arranged, and Contacts 11a and 11b for connecting the connector 20 to a power source and a signal source are provided.
[0024]
One of the contacts 11 a and 11 b is connected to the connector 20 depending on the direction in which the keyboard unit 1 is attached. In addition, a signal for causing the keyboard control unit 31 to recognize that the contact is connected is disposed on the contacts 11a and 11b. Specifically, as described above, the connection recognition signal pins 116 and 126 are assigned to the contacts 11a and 11b, respectively, and are connected to the ground on the contacts 11a and 11b side. On the other hand, the keyboard control unit 31 takes in this signal via the connector 20 and pulls it up to the power source with a resistor. Then, it is recognized as a high level when not connected, and as a low level when connected.
[0025]
Further, a signal for recognizing which contact is connected is arranged on the contact 11a and the contact 11b. Specifically, as described above, the connection recognition signal pins 115 and 125 are assigned to the contacts 11a and 11b, respectively, connected to the ground on the contact 11a side, and not connected on the contact 11b side. In the keyboard control unit 31, this signal is taken in via the connector 20 and pulled up to the power source by a resistor. When the contact 11a is connected, it is recognized as a low level. When the contact 11b is connected and when the keyboard unit 1 is not connected, it is recognized as a high level.
[0026]
The keyboard control unit 31 controls the power supply to the keyboard unit 1 and turns off the power supply when the unconnected state of the keyboard unit 1 is detected, and turns on the power supply when a connection is detected. As a result, when the keyboard unit 1 is not connected, the connector 20 is exposed, but in this state, the power supply to the connector 20 is turned off. A short circuit of the power supply can be avoided. In addition, by turning on the power supply after the connection is stabilized, it is possible to prevent the key scan control unit 32 from operating in an unstable state.
[0027]
The key scan control unit 32 detects that a key on the keyboard has been pressed, and sends the code of the key to the keyboard control unit 31. When the keyboard control unit 31 receives the key code from the key scan control unit 32, the keyboard control unit 31 sends the key data to the personal computer system device function 30 through the keyboard interface 33. In the personal computer system device function 30, the OS receives this key data, and passes the key data to the application program as necessary to execute the program.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the keyboard control unit 31. The keyboard control unit 31 first determines whether or not the keyboard unit 1 is connected (S101), and if not connected, turns off the power supply to the keyboard unit 1 (S102). On the other hand, if the keyboard unit 1 is connected, it is determined whether the power supply to the keyboard unit 1 is turned on (S103). As a result, if it is in the off state, power supply to the keyboard unit 1 is turned on (S104), and it is determined whether the key scan control unit 32 is ready (S105). If the preparation is completed, it is determined whether or not the POS keyboard is on the front side (S106). If the POS keyboard is on the front side, the key scan control unit 32 is instructed to read the POS keyboard (S107). On the other hand, if the PC keyboard is on the front side, the key scan control unit 32 is instructed to read the PC keyboard (S108). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the key code from the key scan control unit 32 has been received (S109). When the key code is received, the key code is edited as necessary (S110), and the keyboard data is transmitted to the personal computer (S111).
[0029]
Next, as an example of the key code editing process (S110), FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a processing procedure in which keyboard switching and application program operation are linked, and FIG. The flowchart of the prohibition code processing procedure for prohibiting key input is shown respectively.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the application program linkage processing, first, it is determined whether or not the POS keyboard surface is changed to a table (S201). When the POS keyboard surface is changed to the front, it is determined whether or not the POS application program is operating (S202). If the POS application program is not operating, the POS application program is activated (S203). If it is determined in S201 that the POS keyboard surface has not changed to the front, it is determined whether the PC keyboard surface has changed to the front (S204). As a result, if it is determined that the keyboard side of the PC has changed to a table, it is determined whether or not the POS application program is operating (S205), and if it is operating, the POS application program is closed (S206). As a result, the POS keyboard is displayed on the front, and it is possible to prevent processing interruptions and file misoperations caused by operating the PC keyboard during the operation of the POS application program.
[0031]
In the prohibition code check process of FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not the POS application program is operating (S301). As a result, when the POS application program is operating, it is determined whether the key code input from the keyboard is a prohibited code registered in advance (S302). If the input key code is a prohibition code, the key code is deleted (S303). As a result, it is possible to prohibit the input of an operation that hinders the operation of the application program, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of file inconsistency or the like due to the processing of the application program being interrupted.
[0032]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the key scan control unit 32. First, the process is started by turning on the power supply of the keyboard control unit 31 (S104 in FIG. 5), and the preparation completion is transmitted to the keyboard control unit 31 (S401). Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction for a surface to be scanned with the keyboard is received from the keyboard control unit 31 (S402). If it is received, the key on the designated keyboard surface is scanned (S403). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a key input (S404). If there is a key input, a key code assigned in advance to the key is transmitted to the keyboard control unit 31 (S405).
[0033]
As a result, since the key input is not detected when the keyboard unit 1 is detached from the apparatus main body 6, it is possible to prevent the key from being erroneously input when turning the keyboard upside down. In addition, when the keyboard unit 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 6, the input on the back side keyboard is not detected, so that an article or the like is placed under the key on the back side to prevent erroneous key input due to the key being pressed. be able to.
[0034]
The computer application apparatus according to the present invention has been described by taking the POS terminal apparatus as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made. For example, without using a contact-type connector for power connection and signal transmission / reception of the keyboard unit, a power supply means such as a battery is built in the keyboard unit as a power supply, and a communication means for wirelessly transmitting / receiving infrared rays or the like, and a keyboard A keyboard attachment detecting means for detecting that the position is in a predetermined position by means of an optical or mechanical sensor, and a protrusion or dent whose position differs depending on the surface of the keyboard, and a means for identifying the keyboard surface by a sensor for identifying it. Also good. Further, instead of the power supply means and the communication means, a cable for connecting a power source and exchanging signals may be used.
[0035]
As described above, in the computer application apparatus according to the present invention, the computer keyboard can be used without turning off the power and sacrificing the operability with a simple operation of turning the keyboard unit upside down. Can do. In addition, by linking a dedicated application program and a keyboard, it is possible to automatically start and end the application program. As a result, the user can easily use the computer application apparatus as a personal computer. Furthermore, it is possible to make the processing of the application program consistent by providing means for prohibiting key input that prevents the operation of the application program from the computer keyboard while the dedicated application program is running. it can. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the processing of the application program from being interrupted due to a key operation mistake or mischief with the computer keyboard connected.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the computer application apparatus which has a keyboard which can operate the special function for a specific use and the basic function as a computer favorably can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a POS terminal device.
2A and 2B are diagrams showing an embodiment of a keyboard unit, where FIG. 2A shows the keyboard unit 1a side, and FIG. 2B shows the keyboard unit 1b side.
3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a connection relationship between a keyboard unit contact and a connector of the apparatus main body, wherein FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the connector of the apparatus main body, FIG. 3B is a front view of the contact 11a, and FIG. Is a front view of the contact 11b, and (d) is a cross-sectional view of the contact portion between the contact and the connector.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control block of a POS terminal device.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a keyboard control unit.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which keyboard switching and application program operation are linked.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for prohibiting key input that hinders the operation of an application program during operation.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a key scan control unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Keyboard unit 2 Main display 3 Printer 4 Cash drawer 5 Customer display 10 POS keyboard 11a, 11b Contact 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Concavity 13 PC keyboard 20 Connector 21a, 21b Convex part 30 Personal computer system apparatus function 31 Keyboard control Unit 32 Key scan control unit 33 Keyboard interface

Claims (6)

A computer application device main body; and a keyboard unit connected to the device main body, wherein the keyboard unit is formed in a flat plate shape, with a first keyboard on one side and a second keyboard on the other side. In each of the computer application devices arranged, the device main body has a connector, the keyboard unit has a first contact provided on one end surface and a second contact provided on the opposite end surface, When connecting one keyboard to the apparatus main body, the first contact is brought into contact with the connector, and when connecting the second keyboard to the apparatus main body, the second contact is brought into contact with the connector. and to Turkey computer application device. 2. The computer according to claim 1 , wherein power supply to the keyboard unit is turned on when connection of the keyboard unit to the apparatus main body is detected, and power supply is turned off when unconnected is detected. Applied equipment. The connector, the first contact, and the second contact respectively exchange signals for recognizing which one of the keyboards is connected to the apparatus main body or which keyboard is connected to the apparatus main body. 3. The computer application device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection recognition signal pin. The apparatus main body stores computer basic software and an application program, and the computer basic software or the application program corresponding to the first or second keyboard connected to the apparatus main body is activated. The computer application apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3 . The computer application apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an input of the keyboard that is not connected to the apparatus main body is suppressed. A flat keyboard unit connected to a computer application device main body, wherein a first keyboard is arranged on one surface and a second keyboard is arranged on the other surface, and the first keyboard is connected to the device main body. A first contact provided on one end surface and a second keyboard for contact with the apparatus main body. And a second contact provided on an opposite end surface for connection.

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