WO2011060777A2

WO2011060777A2 - Input device

Info

Publication number: WO2011060777A2
Application number: PCT/DE2010/075099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Marc Trobrillant
Original assignee: Jean Marc Trobrillant
Priority date: 2009-11-20
Filing date: 2010-09-28
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: DE102009044606A1; DE102009044606B4

Abstract

Input devices for electrical devices always have a label in order to differentiate the numerous keys from each other. Said keys can normally be labeled only in one language. In addition, individual keys can have different uses depending on the software used. Therefore, the aim of the invention is to create an input device, the keys of which can be adapted to various language and function assignments. Said aim is achieved by a keypad having transparent keys, below which an exchangeable display means is arranged.

Description

E I N G A B E V O R I C H T U N G

The present invention relates to an input device comprising a transparent keypad overlapping a display means, comprising a plurality of transparent keys, wherein the keys of the keypad are assigned functions which are represented by means of characters represented below the respective key on one of these associated areas of the display means ,

Such an input device is already known from US patent application US 2003/0128191 AI. The publication in question relates to an input device with ei ^¬ nem conventional computer screen, wherein the computer screen in question is associated with a transparent keyboard. It is intended to provide on the screen a section for the keyboard in question, which then has, instead of the formation of a touch screen display section on raised, spring-loaded key elements. In this way, the user is given a feedback at the press of a button, so that the user additionally perceives the keystroke in addition to visual and, if appropriate, also acoustic indications, also in a haptic or tactile manner. Due to the fact that the transparent keys partially overlap the screen, an icon can be displayed below the keys on the screen, which is perceived by the user through the surface of the keys. This symbol identifies the function in question, overlying key so that can be adjusted by changing the screen below the key whose identification ^¬ be allowed to be with changing functions of the keys. Also known is such a device from German Patent DE 40 17 897 Cl, which relates to an operating element for a vehicle. In this case, individual keys and / or sliders overlap a display on which the possible functions of the overlying switching element are displayed.

A keyboard with variable key labels is known from US 4,633,227 A, wherein the keys are transparent and having a sliding slide with several Beschrif ^¬ sets of sentences below. Depending on the position of a rotary switch, the legible inscription below the keys changes by moving the foil in the keyboard housing so that different layouts can be realized.

DE 690 26 770 T2 further discloses the possibility of projecting an image on the keys using prisms and projection means.

The basic, underlying problem is therefore that a button quite several functions can be zugeord ^¬ net, sometimes depending on used software, but which are not readily apparent to the user. In this respect, the user has no other choice than to know, read or try out the respective different key combinations or underlying functions in conventional keyboards or switching elements.

Against this background, the German patent application DE 83 03 605 already in the year 1983 includes an input device ^¬ with a number of variable function keys concerns. This was intended to apply an actuating roll to ver ^¬, with the help of a series by specially designated function keys different functions can be assigned. Depending on the position of the roller, each of the buttons receives a different function, which are shown on the roller, which is passed behind a viewing window. By rotating the roller in question, in addition to a change in the functions, a change of the display arranged above the keys in question is thus effected.

A repeated but further results from the interpreting ^¬'s patent application DE 35 32 327 Al, which relates to a word processor having variable buttons. In this case, it is provided that the individual keys have segment displays which are intended to represent the respectively set value of the individual keys. The provision of such segment displays, however, limits the possibilities of representable characters for the individual keys relatively strong. Significantly freer possibilities are given according to the German patent DE 10 2005 025 301 B4, which provides a Einga ^¬ before direction, which may consist for example of half of a conventional keyboard and the other half of a touchscreen area. It is provided, the touchscreen area by the display of a suitable

Use keyboard on the area in question as an extension of the existing keyboard and provide in this way a keypad variable-allocation and variable use. Finally, also from this area is the German

Patent application DE 10 2007 016 703 AI previously known, which relates to a medical device with an input device. In the context of the application in question is provided on the Appliance available keys or the area around these keys around with a display to which should be realized, for example, by means of the known electronic ink or alternatively by means of an LCD display.

Basically, however, there is always a need for great adaptability, so that the present invention has as an object to provide an input device which is highly adaptable to the needs of the user.

This is achieved by an input device according to the features of the main claim and the independent claim 3. Further useful embodiments of such an input device can be found in the features of the respective subclaims.

Such an input device may, for example, be both a computer keyboard and an integrated keypad in, for example, a remote control, an electronic game or another technical device to be controlled. Such a keyboard consists of a keypad, which can be formed of any number, arbitrarily composed keys and key subblocks. The keys of this keypad are transparent so that the user's gaze is kept clear of the surface of the keys in question on a display means arranged thereunder. The display means in question is used to represent below the transparent keys a character, so for example a letter or a symbol, which or which the user can then associate with the function of the overlying key. Thus, for example, below the letter ^¬ bentaste, which is to be occupied by the letter "A", on the display means a corresponding letter "A" Darge ^¬ represents his.

However, it is known that on the one hand in different regions different layouts are used for keyboards or keypads; for example, on a conventional keyboard with, for example, 105 keys, there will be a number of keys which always have the same function, but also a number of keys, which vary according to the language variant. In order to obtain the greatest possible freedom at this point, the display ^¬ medium below the transparent keypad is erfindungsge ^¬ accordance interchangeable, by being associated with the keypad within the common housing releasably. By an exchange of the entire display means the complete keyboard layout for the viewer can be changed at once, so that it can find a conversion readily take ^¬ when operating the keyboard in question in a different linguistic device.

This procedure also makes it possible to produce a standard keyboard during operation, with only the display means used having to be aligned for the individual language versions.

In order to obtain the best possible view of lying below the keys ^¬ blocks areas of the display means, it is provided that the keypad is placed on a contact module on which the individual keys are placed. The attachment takes place with the interposition of

Contact switches made by a depression of the button in question. The contact switches are single ^¬ Lich below the rim of the keys or on Randbe- arranged rich, so that the presence of the contact switch in question does not affect the view of the underlying display ^¬ medium. In addition, the Kon ^¬ contact switch can be inserted in a likewise provided below the edge of the individual keys encapsulation, preferably silicone, so that the entire contact module can be washed as such when required by the user. Contact of washing water or other liquids with electronics is thereby avoided.

The contact module as such represents on the one hand a support of the key block for realizing the suspension of the individual keys, on the other hand the contact module spans the display means, so that it makes sense to design the contact module as a transparent plate at least underneath the keys. Through such a transparent plate through the display means is always visible. Where appropriate, user-selectable also from loading - - decoration be applied in the form of a decorative layer, which is made for example by gluing, printing or otherwise applying, however, in areas where no keys are shown on the contact module pre ^¬, one may either For example, additional areas next to the buttons can be kept free in order to get a view of the display through these areas.

The construction of such an arrangement may provide a central connection module which functions as a link between the contact module and a control unit. When a button is pressed the key press is registered using the contact switch on the contact module and forwarded the fragli ^¬ che information about the connection module to the control unit. This can, if necessary, the information evaluate and forward to the system associated with the input device.

In the context of the invention, it is provided either to provide the contact module itself as a housing cover for the input device, or alternatively to set up an at least partially transparent housing cover, which overlaps the contact module, leaving the keys arranged thereon. In contrast, the display means may either be a printed plate on which the keyboard layout is printed and which can be inserted directly under the keypad or the contact module. Such printed plate here can be printed on both sides and thus already be riding ^¬ ask for two different layouts. Here, in addition also making contact with the connector module carried out if the display means is assigned a code which Siert the imaged thereon keyboard ^¬ availability of the active side of the plate characterize. For example, the thus configured Ad ^¬ gemittel notify the connection module, that it is at ^¬ play a German Tastaturlay-out, which optionally simplifies the communication between the input device and connected thereto System.

Alternatively, however, the display means can also be a plate-Miges display module on which characters representa ^¬ tion of the functions of overlying keys are displayed. Preferably, for the production of such a display module techniques such as the LED technology, OLED displays or LCD displays are also conceivable, however, any other imaginable in the form of a plate form of the display module. Such a configuration of the display means has the special advantage that one and the same display module can be used in ver ^¬ different types of keyboards. Thus, for example, on the same display module only by replacing the housing first a computer keyboard arise, the next moment but also a piano keyboard or a special keyboard, such as control units, medical equipment, etc. About a connection with which the display module connected to the connection module is, the control unit transmits commands to the display module, in which form the key assignment is to be displayed on the display module. For this purpose, the control unit utilizes the Informa ^¬ functions of a classification module which is assigned to the keyboard ^¬ housing and / or the contact module. This classification module represents an information store containing information about the distribution of the keys or a code with which the driver can derive the characteristics of the keyboard. From this, the requirements for the area size of a ^¬ individual keys are derived for the display module from, as well as their labeling.

In the context of the invention is also expressly provided that individual keys can be opaque and printed, as well as that the display module can be used in sections as a printed plate by individual areas of the display module are printed.

Upon a key press, as well as with corresponding requirements from the system connected to the input device, the control unit checks whether one or more keys have to change due to the information that has arrived. For example, when you press the Shift key, all characters previously shown as small letters are now displayed as large letters. A derar however, in the case of a computer system, software may offer different functions at the push of a button. Such functions as, for example, a store function, which is symbolized by a disk system, or else an opening function, which can be displayed with an arrow or the like, can be displayed in the area of a key provided for these functions. This can also take place during the input, so that, for example, a change in the key display takes place only as long as the shift key is pressed. After ^releasing , the previous presentation would then return again. A particular embodiment of the invention provides an embodiment as a computer keyboard, wherein in the region of the contact module, a display area is kept free, under which the display module realizes a calculator display. In this case, it is envisaged that either the entire keyboard, or areas thereof, such as the number pad provided on the keyboard, can be used as a calculator, whose operations and results can be displayed on a display thus formed. The keys outside the number block can be reserved for mathematical operations or freely programmed.

The power supply of such a calculator can be regulated so that it is realized either via a USB terminal always carrying voltage, but alternatively also possibilities are conceivable to realize a solar operation or a battery operation. In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection module to the modules discussed above further connecting means are added, which extend the functionality of the keyboard erwei ^¬ tern. Thus, the connection module, for example, additional USB connection means are assigned, via which more

Peripheral devices can be connected to the resulting connections of Tasta ^¬ tur. Also, a port for a second number pad of the keyboard is added in this way and much more.

Finally, it seems quite makes sense to give the transpar ^¬ pensions keys at their surface an optically effective design, so the ability to offer the underlying display means increases, for example, a magnifying effect display and thus the visible ^¬ ness to improve the viewer ,

The invention described above is explained in more detail below with ^{reference ¬} an ^exemplary embodiment.

Show it:

Figure 1 shows the schematic structure of an inventive

Input device in a perspective

Sectional view

2 shows a functional diagram of the input device according to the invention, and FIG. 3 shows an input device according to the invention in one

Top view . 1 shows the structure of an input device, consisting essentially of a contact module 2, which serves as Grund ^¬ plate for the arrangement of a series of keys 1, and an underlying display module 3. The contact module 2 is the basis for the structure of the input device, by the buttons 1 are arranged on the contact module 2 with the interposition of silicone encapsulated contact switches 7. By pressing the button 1, the contact ^¬ switch 7 is compressed and causes an electrical pulse, which is forwarded via suitable lines of the contact module 2 to a remote terminal module 10. The contact switch 7 are therefore encapsulated in silicone, on the one hand to verbes ^¬ the suspension of the button 1 and on the other hand to create a construction which is readily acted upon by water. The button 1 is also as transparent and the underlying area of the contact ^¬ module 2, so that the surface of the key 1, a displayed on the display module 3 mark 5 is seen. The image character 6 recognizable on the surface of the button 1 can be enlarged as required by using the lens effect, which can be effected by a lenticular design of the surface of the button 1 or the underlying area of the contact module 2, for the user to improve.

On the one hand, this arrangement has the advantage for the user that he can also control the key assignments of such other keyboards with a removable display module 3, which can also be used in other keyboards or input devices, and that the user only needs one display module in this respect in order to obtain the most diverse keyboards to Bedie ^¬ nen. On the other hand, the use of the display module 3 offers the Ability to adjust the icon 6 displayed on key 1 as needed as required by the software operated with the input device. As soon as the button 1 in question is assigned a function other than the entry of the letter "A", a symbol for this new function is displayed on the display module 3 below the button 1 provided for this purpose, so that the user of the input device then displays that corresponding key 6 on the key sees and can immediately perceive which function of the respective key is now reserved.

The contact module 2 serves in this embodiment simultaneously as a housing cover, so that around the keys 1 around ^¬ free space can be printed with an attractive decor. At positions where parts of the display module 3 as additional

To serve display, the contact module 2 is to keep so far trans ^¬ parent, so that the underlying area of the display module 3 remains visible to the viewer.

The acting as a housing cover 2 with respect to a contact module housing base 4 is arranged so that contact between the module 2 and the housing base 4 to push a receptacle for a ^¬ or inserting the display module is kept free. 3 In this way, the display module 3 can be readily incorporated entnom ^¬ men and in another keyboard, Conversely, it is possible to use a display means such as in the form of a simp ^¬ Chen, printed board for the display module to specify a non-variable keyboard layout.

FIG. 2 shows a connection diagram in the center of which is a connection module 10. Associated with this is a standardized Steuerein ^¬ which to answer a any of a likewise connected contact module 2 inputs from the user and forwards it to the system that the entry with the connected to the request device of the system and in response to requests of the system or in response to key presses of the contact module

2 instructions for displaying the key assignment to the display module 3 passes. The housing of the keyboard used, or the contact module 2 with the keys 1, a Klassifika ^¬ tion module 9 is assigned, which basic information on the key distribution of the keyboard can be seen. For example, in this classification module 9, the information may be stored that the keyboard used is a 105-key keyboard. This information is taken into account by the control unit 8 both in evaluating the key inputs and in the representation of the key assignment. About the connection module 10, it is also mög ^¬ lich to provide additional connection means on the keyboard to expand this extent to the universal device. In that regard, a USB connection means 11 is provided in the present case, which expands the input device considered here simultaneously to the USB hub. Figure 3 shows a portion of a sample with an inserted contact module ^¬ keypad 2, which implements a special function of the invention. Due to an independent of the connected system power supply of the numeric keypad of the keyboard in question is used as a calculator, including the usual arithmetic operations, as well as the digits on the lying below the illustrated contact module 2 display module

3 are shown. On a representation of the remaining, unused keys 14 is omitted, so that they remain empty for the user. The display module 3 provides in this embodiment, a display area 13, on which the

Arithmetic operations of the resulting calculator are displayed. The arithmetic operations are performed by the control unit 8 of the input device. The display Rich 13 of the display module 3 is kept free of the overlying contact module 2, as well as the areas below the Tas ^¬ th 1, to allow the display there. The rest of the contact module 2 is available as a decorative area at leisure, so it can be printed at will with a suitable, desired by the user decor, pasted or otherwise coated.

Thus described above is an input device which, due to its construction, is extremely adaptable and therefore inexpensive to produce. This is achieved by making the respective keyboard layout dependent on a display means which can be inserted underneath a transparent keypad and, if necessary, exchanged for an alternative display means. Conversely, in the case of a display module designed as a display means, the housing body can also be exchanged and completely different housing shapes and a different range of functions can be used together with the display module.

E N G L IS H E N T E S T E Key

contact module

display module

caseback

character

glyph

contact switch

control unit

classification module

connection module

USB connection means

number pad

display area

unused buttons

decorative sector

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R E C H E

Input device with a transparent keypad encompassing a display means, comprising a plurality of transparent keys (1), wherein the keys (1) of the keypad are assigned functions which are assigned to the area of the display means assigned to one of them under the respective key (1) represented (5), wherein the keypad and the display means are accommodated in a common housing such that the display means is detachably associated with the keypad,

characterized in that the indication means is one that a ^¬ sided or double-sided, printed with a keyboard layout plate, wherein a contact ation of the display takes place ^¬ means of the connection module, and is assigned to the display ^¬ medium a code, which the abge it ^¬ formed Keyboard assignment of each active side of the plate characterized.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the keypad on a contact module (2) placed ^¬ sets, wherein each key (1) via a Fede ^¬ tion of the keys (1) realized, preferably ^¬ kon encapsulated in Sili, contact switch (7) are connected to the contact module (2).

An input device having a transparent keypad overlapping a display means and consisting of a plurality of transparent keys (1), wherein the keys (1) of the keypad have functions assigned to them by means of the respective key (1) on one of them associated area of the display means represented represented sign (5),

characterized in that the display means is a plate-shaped display module (3), preferably at least partially in the form of an LED display, an OLED display or an LCD display, which below the keys (1) of the keypad a sign to represent ^¬ indicated on a function of the respective key (1) and the keypad and the display means are accommodated in a ^{gemeinsa ¬} men housing such that the Anzeigemit ^¬ tel the key block is detachably associated.

Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the keypad on a contact module (2) placed ^¬ sets, wherein each key (1) via a Fede ^¬ tion of the keys (1) realized, preferably (in Sili ^¬ kon encapsulated, contact switch 7) are connected to the contact module (2).

Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the keyboard housing and / or the contact module (2) comprises a to the terminal module (10) a binding ^¬ bares classification module (9), which on the control unit (8) information Tastenver ^¬ division of the input device provides.

Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the display module (3) via the An ^¬ final module (10) with the control unit (8) is connected and a control of the display module (3) based on the control unit (8) standing information corresponding to the present keyboard type. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit (8) checks at a keystroke and / or requests from a system connected to the input device, whether the function of the keys (1) should change thereby, and in this case the display ^¬ module (3) for representing a modified function representing character (5) in which the affected button (1) associated region of the display module (3) is controlled ^¬ .

Device according to one of claims 2 or 4 to 7, characterized in that the individual keys (1) are connected exclusively along their key edges with the contact module (2).

Device according to one of claims 2 or 4 to 8, characterized in that the contact module (2) as be ^¬ rich, transparent, defined areas of the darun ^¬ underlying display means releasing, plate is ausgebil ^¬ det.

Device according to one of claims 2 or 4 to 9, characterized in that the contact module (2) via a connection module (10) with a control unit (8) ^¬ tenverbunden since the information about the operation of keys (1) of the keypad from Contact module (2) receives and forwards to a system associated with the input device.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the housing cover bereichswei ^¬ se is at least transparent, or the contact module (2) acts as Gehäu ^¬'s lid.

12. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a Computertas ^¬ Tatur, wherein the contact module (3) comprises a display area (13) of the display module (3), preferably in the Be ^¬ rich one contained in the key block Numeric keypad (12) releases, and the keys (1) can be used as a calculator whose operations are displayed on said display area (13) of the display module (3).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that at least used as a calculator keys (1) of the keypad independently of the operation of the computer independently available power supply, preferably via a powered even when the computer is turned off USB port.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (10) to terminal means for extending the functionality, in particular ^¬ special connection means for a second number block or USB connection means (11), are connectable.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent Oberflä ^¬ chen of the keys (1) of the keypad to form an optical effect, preferably a magnifying glass, from ^¬ formed, preferably lenticular formed.