WO2001095082A1

WO2001095082A1 - Key input apparatus having keys capable of executing predetermined operation and computer system including same

Info

Publication number: WO2001095082A1
Application number: PCT/KR2000/001367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dong-Bok Lee
Original assignee: Aircode Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-06-07
Filing date: 2000-11-27
Publication date: 2001-12-13
Also published as: AU2001218996A1; KR20010110564A; KR100362142B1

Abstract

Disclosed is a key input apparatus (10) and a computer system for executing predetermined application programs using the key input apparatus. A key input apparatus comprises a plurality of keys (12) provided on a predetermined part of the key input apparatus; and a key value converter for converting a user's input values provided via the keys into predetermined data which can be read by the computer system and outputting the data. A computer system comprises a key input apparatus including a plurality of keys provided on a predetermined part of the key input apparatus, and a key value converter for converting a user's input values provided via the keys into predetermined data which can be read by the computer system and outputting the data, and enabling to use a mouse (22) in correspondence with a computer system's mouse; a computer main body for installing a predetermined program for enabling a user to assign jobs, and when one of the keys is pressed, executing a job assigned to the corresponding key; and a monitor for displaying a job setting screen.

Description

Key Input Apparatus having Keys Capable of Executing Predetermined Operation and Computer System Including Same

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a key input apparatus having keys for executing predetermined operations and a computer system including the key input apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a key input apparatus having keys for executing predetermined operations and a computer system including the key input apparatus for supporting the use of a mouse which is one of user interfaces of a computer system and for easily driving predetermined operations installed in the computer system.

(b) Description of the Related Art

Recently, as semiconductor technologies have been developed, the computer systems have been popularized to companies and homes, and hence, developments of user interface technologies for the users to easily handle the computer system have been required.

Presently, the user interface used in the computer system is mainly a graphic user interface (GUI), and the GUI adopts two input devices such as a keyboard and mouse for executing the application programs.

The mouse especially moves a cursor to a predetermined position displayed on a monitor screen to activate an icon of the corresponding position, and a mouse pad is used to precisely manipulate functions of the mouse. Hence, even though the mouse pad is an auxiliary device of the mouse which is an input device of the computer system, the mouse pad occupies an additional space beside the computer system.

In order to execute the application program installed in the computer system, the user activates a corresponding icon using the keyboard or the mouse, or selects the corresponding application program using a file manager program (e.g., the Explorer on the MS Windows system) to activate the same.

Therefore, when there are a lot of numbers of the icons of the application programs displayed on the monitor screen, it is inconvenient to directly find and execute the application program, or to find a predetermined application program using the file manager.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a key input apparatus having keys for executing predetermined operations and a computer system including the key input apparatus.

In one aspect of the present invention, a key input apparatus enabling to use a mouse in correspondence with a computer system's mouse comprises a plurality of keys provided on a predetermined part of the key input apparatus; and a key value converter for converting a user's input values provided via the keys into predetermined data which can be read by the computer system and outputting the data, the data output by the key value converter being transmitted to the computer system via a predetermined communication. The key value converter is connected to an input/output terminal of the computer system, and the predetermined communication between the key value converter and the computer system is a serial communication.

In another aspect of the present invention, a computer system comprises a key input apparatus including a plurality of keys provided on a predetermined part of the key input apparatus, and a key value converter for converting a user's input values provided via the keys into predetermined data which can be read by the computer system, outputting the data, and enabling to use a mouse in correspondence with a computer system's mouse; a computer main body, connected to the key input apparatus via a predetermined communication method, for installing a predetermined program for enabling a user to assign jobs including predetermined application program names, network addresses and electronic mail addresses, and when one of the keys is pressed, executing a job assigned to the corresponding key; and a monitor, connected to the computer main body, for displaying a job setting screen that enables the user to assign predetermined jobs to the keys using the predetermined program.

Previously assigned categories and jobs assigned by the user are set to the respective keys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

FIG. 1 shows a key input apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows transmission (Tx) data transmitted from a plurality of keys on the key input apparatus of FIG. 1 to a computer system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a screen shot for setting predetermined operations to the keys on the key input apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the key input apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, only the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by the inventor(s) of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

FIG. 1 shows a key input apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the key input apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of keys

12.

Individual operations can be assigned to the twenty-four keys 12.

The key input apparatus 10 is connected to a serial port of the computer system through a serial connection line 14 and a first connector 16. Hence, since the power required by the key input apparatus 10 is provided via the serial port of the computer system, the key input apparatus 10 does not need a further power supply.

A mouse 22 which is connected to the computer system through a mouse connection line 18 and a second connector 20 is positioned on the top surface of the key input apparatus 10 in order for the mouse 22 to be freely moved.

At this time, the serial connection line 14 and the mouse connection line 18 can be integrated into one body and concurrently the connectors 16 and 20 can be integrated into one body to be connected to the serial port of the computer system.

Before a user provides an input signal through the key 12, a key input apparatus driving program is previously installed in the computer system.

The key input apparatus driving program initializes the serial port of the computer system connected to the key input apparatus 10 when the computer system is booted or according to a user's request.

FIG. 2 shows transmission (Tx) data transmitted from a plurality of keys on the key input apparatus of FIG. 1 to a computer system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Values of the keys 12 are American Standard Cord for Information

Interchange (ASCII) codes. The format to be transmitted from the key input apparatus 10 to the computer system has a baud rate of 1 ,200, has no parity bit, has 8 transmission data bits, and has a 1-bit stop bit between the data.

FIG. 3 shows a screen shot for setting predetermined operations to the keys 12 on the key input apparatus 10.

When a 'Store' button B1 is pressed, a present state is stored in a user environment file or a computer system environment file such as a registry.

When an 'Initialize' button B2 is pressed, the environment state returns to the initial stored state. A 'Port' button B3 enables the user to select the serial port of the computer system connected to the key input apparatus 10. An 'End' button B4 enables the user to finish the setting process and close the setting window.

Number fields F1 correspond to the keys 12 of the key input apparatus 10, and operations corresponding to the respective keys 12 are assigned to name box fields F2.

At this time, contents to be input to the name box field F2 depend on the setting contents of a combo box fields F3.

The setting options of the combo box fields F3 include 'No setting', 'Internet address', 'Sending an e-mail' and 'Running a program.' Especially, the user can define categories of jobs to be established.

In the case the user sets the 'Internet address,' a corresponding Internet address, that is, a Uniform Resource Location (URL) must be input to the name box field F2. However, when the 'Sending an e-mail' is established, an e-mail address of an e-mail receiver and an e-mail title must be input to the name box field F2, and when the 'Running a program' is established, the name of the application program to be executed and the position of the corresponding program must be input to the name box field F2. In the preferred embodiment, it is assumed that the 'Internet address' is assigned to a first key, the 'Sending an e-mail' to a second key, and the 'Running a program', corresponding addresses and program names to third and fourth keys.

The jobs are assigned to the four keys as described above, but since the preferred embodiment includes 24 keys, 24 jobs can be totally established, and as the number of the keys installed on the key input apparatus 10 is varied, the number of the established jobs is also varied.

As described above, when predetermined jobs including the Internet address are assigned to the four keys, the user presses a key to which a predetermined job that is established for the key input apparatus 10 is assigned while the user is using the mouse 22 placed on the key input apparatus 10, and accordingly, the corresponding job is executed.

For example, since a predetermined Internet address is assigned to the first key, when the user presses the first key of the keys 12 on the key input apparatus 10, a web browser built in the computer system is automatically executed to display the homepage of the Internet address.

In the prior art, in order to access the homepage of the established address, after a web browser is found and executed, the address is input using a keyboard or is found from 'favorites' using the mouse 22 by a click operation by the user, but since the present invention can access the corresponding address at one time using the key 12 installed on the key input apparatus 10, the user can conveniently and easily use the computer system.

Regarding the second key, in the same manner of the first key, when the user presses the second key on the key input apparatus 10, the e-mail managing program is automatically executed and the title of the e-mail to be sent is input, and therefore, the user only needs to input the contents of the corresponding e-mail and send the same. Hence, the user can send the e- mails very conveniently as described above.

Regarding the third and fourth keys, in the same manner, when the user presses the third or fourth key on the key input apparatus 10, a corresponding job assigned to the key is automatically executed, and accordingly, conventional inconvenience caused by a plurality of operations is removed.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the key input apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the keys 12 installed on the key input apparatus 10 are provided by 4 x 6 format, and comprise twenty-four keys.

The keys are connected to a key value converter 100. When the user presses one of the keys 12, a key value corresponding to the pressed key is scanned and the Tx data are transmitted to the serial port of the computer system via a Tx port as shown in FIG. 4.

The computer system receives the key value from the key value converter 100 and performs an operation established according to the corresponding key.

According to the present invention, when the user assigns frequently used jobs to the keys 12, the user can execute desired operations by a single pressing of the corresponding key, and use a mouse on the key input apparatus. Therefore, even those who are not familiar with the computer can easily use the Internet, e-mails and communications.

While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A key input apparatus enabling to use a mouse in correspondence with a computer system's mouse, comprising: a plurality of keys provided on a predetermined part of the key input apparatus; and a key value converter for converting a user's input values provided via the keys into predetermined data which can be read by the computer system and outputting the data, the data output by the key value converter being transmitted to the computer system via a predetermined communication.

2. The key input apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the key value converter is connected to an input/output terminal of the computer system, and the predetermined communication between the key value converter and the computer system is a serial communication.

3. The key input apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power used by the key input apparatus is supplied through the input/output terminal of the computer system.

4. The key input apparatus of claim 2, wherein the data transmitted to the input/output terminal of the computer system from the key value converter are American Standard Cord for Information Interchange (ASCII) codes.

5. A computer system, comprising: a key input apparatus including a plurality of keys provided on a predetermined part of the key input apparatus, and a key value converter for converting a user's input values provided via the keys into predetermined data which can be read by the computer system, outputting the data, and enabling to use a mouse in correspondence with a computer system's mouse; a computer main body, connected to the key input apparatus via a predetermined communication method, for installing a predetermined program for enabling a user to assign jobs including predetermined application program names, network addresses and electronic mail addresses, and when one of the keys is pressed, executing a job assigned to the corresponding key; and a monitor, connected to the computer main body, for displaying a job setting screen that enables the user to assign predetermined jobs to the keys using the predetermined program.

6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein previously assigned categories and jobs assigned by the user are set to the respective keys.

7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the previously assigned jobs comprise network addresses, sending electronic mails and running programs.

8. The computer system of claim 6, wherein setting states are stored in a computer system's environment file or a user environment file.