OS determination system and input device

Abstract

An OS determination system that determines an OS mounted on a terminal to which a peripheral device is connected, the OS capable of being mounted on the terminal including a first OS that transmits a predetermined second signal when a predetermined first signal is received, the OS determination system being provided with: a transmission control unit that transmits the predetermined second signal to the terminal when the peripheral device is connected to the terminal; causing the first signal to be automatically transmitted from the peripheral device to the terminal (# 3); a signal determination unit that determines whether or not a second signal (# 4) has been transmitted from the terminal; and an OS determination unit that, when it is determined that the second signal has been transmitted, determines that the first OS (# 5) has been mounted on the terminal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an OS determination system that determines what kind of OS is mounted on a terminal, and an input device connected to the terminal. BACKGROUND

[0002] A terminal (computer) accepts various operation inputs from a keyboard as an input device. The keyboard has a plurality of keys as an operation section (key operation section), and transmits a signal corresponding to the operated key to the terminal to cause the terminal to perform a specific action. As disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the keyboard has a number key for inputting a numerical value, and the number key can have a numerical value input function for inputting a numerical value and other functions, and the functions of the number key can be switched by a number lock (Num Lock) key. When the number lock key is in an ON state, the number key becomes in a state where a numerical value can be input (numerical value input).

[0003] Note that the switching of the functions of such a number key can be performed when an OS (Operating System) mounted on the terminal is a prescribed OS.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-177858 SUMMARY

[0007] There is a demand for more easily using an input device such as a keyboard having a plurality of functions like this. An object of the present application is to enable easy use of an input device having a plurality of functions.

[0008] To achieve the above object, an OS determination system of one embodiment of the present application determines an OS mounted on a terminal to which a peripheral device is connected, wherein the OS that can be mounted on the terminal includes a first OS that transmits a prescribed second signal when a prescribed first signal is received, and the OS determination system includes a transmission control section that causes the first signal to be automatically transmitted from the peripheral device to the terminal when the peripheral device is connected to the terminal, a signal determination section that determines whether the second signal is transmitted from the terminal, and an OS determination section that determines that the first OS is mounted on the terminal when it is determined that the second signal is transmitted.

[0009] By connecting a peripheral device, an OS mounted on a terminal is automatically determined. Therefore, the OS mounted on the terminal can be easily determined, and the action of the terminal with respect to the action of the peripheral device can be easily controlled. As a result, a peripheral device having a plurality of functions can be easily used.

[0010] Moreover, an input device of one embodiment of the present application is connected to a terminal on which any of a plurality of OSs including a first OS is mounted, and performs operation input to the terminal, wherein the first OS transmits a predetermined second signal when a predetermined first signal is received, the input device includes a transmission unit which transmits information to the terminal and automatically transmits the first signal to the terminal when connected to the terminal, a signal determination unit which determines whether the second signal is received, and an OS determination unit which determines that the first OS is mounted on the connected terminal when it is determined that the second signal is received.

[0011] The OS mounted on the terminal is automatically determined by connecting the input device. Thus, the OS mounted on the terminal can be easily determined, and the operation of the terminal with respect to the operation of the input device can be easily controlled. As a result, the input device having a plurality of functions can be easily used.

[0012] Further, the input device can include a first operation unit which causes the terminal to execute one function, one or a plurality of second operation units which cause the terminal to execute a first function or a second function, the terminal on which the first OS is mounted can selectively execute the first function or the second function, the input device does not have a function selection unit which selects a function executed when the second operation unit is operated, and the input device includes a function state determination unit which determines whether the terminal is in a state of executing the second function when the second operation unit is operated when it is determined that the first OS is mounted on the terminal, and an operation execution unit which controls the terminal to execute the first function when the second operation unit is operated in a case where it is determined by the function state determination unit that the terminal is in a state of executing the second function.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the terminal can be caused to execute the first function according to the operation input regardless of whether the terminal is in a state of executing the first function or a state of executing the second function. As a result, the input device having a plurality of functions can be easily used.

[0014] Further, the function state determination unit can determine that the terminal is in a state of executing the second function according to a predetermined fourth signal transmitted from the terminal when a predetermined third signal is transmitted to the terminal.

[0015] According to the above configuration, whether the terminal is in a state of executing the first function or a state of executing the second function can be easily determined. As a result, the input device having a plurality of functions can be easily used.

[0016] Further, the second operation unit can be a number key, and the first function can be a number lock.

[0017] According to the above configuration, in the keyboard having the numeric keys, the terminal can be inputted with the number according to the input to the numeric keys, regardless of whether the terminal is in the state of executing the first function or in the state of executing the second function. As a result, the input device having the plurality of functions can be used easily.

[0018] Further, it can be that each of the second operation sections sends an original operation signal to the terminal when operated, the terminal executes different functions when receiving the operation signal, in the state of executing the first function and in the state of executing the second function, the operation execution section sends a function change signal to change the function executed when the second operation section is operated, and the operation execution section sends the operation signal after sending the function change signal.

[0019] According to the above configuration, even if the terminal is in the state of executing the second function, the operation signal can be sent to the terminal after being changed to the state of executing the first function, and thus the terminal can be caused to execute the first function according to the operation input, regardless of whether the terminal is in the state of executing the first function or in the state of executing the second function. As a result, the input device having the plurality of functions can be used easily.

[0020] Further, it can be that the operation execution section sends the function change signal to the terminal again after sending the operation signal.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the terminal can be caused to execute the first function according to the operation input, while maintaining the state of the terminal.

[0022] Further, it can be that a third operation section is provided to cause the terminal to execute a third function, and an operation execution section is provided to send a first function control signal to the terminal as a prescribed function control signal to execute the third function when it is determined that the first OS is mounted, and to send the function control signal other than the first function control signal to the terminal to cause the terminal to execute the third function when it is determined that an OS other than the first OS is mounted in the terminal.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the function control signal corresponding to the OS can be sent according to the determination result of the OS mounted in the terminal. Thus, the terminal can be caused to easily execute the function corresponding to the operation of the input device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the terminal and the keyboard.

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the keyboard.

[0026] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of a function and a signal transmitted to a terminal.

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an OS determination system.

[0028] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow involved in determination of an OS.

[0029] Explanation of Reference Signs:

[0030] 1: terminal; 4: keyboard (input device peripheral); 4A: function key (first operation part); 4B: number key (second operation part); 8: operation signal; 9: function selection part; 9S: function change signal; 10: OS determination system; 11: transmission control part; 13: signal determination part; 15: OS determination part; 21: transmission part; 23: operation execution part; 26: first signal; 27: second signal; 31: function state determination part; 33: third signal; 34: fourth signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] 〔Terminal and Keyboard〕

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 , a terminal 1 such as a personal computer mounts an OS as a basic software. The terminal 1 is connected with an input device (peripheral) such as a keyboard 4 that performs operation input to the terminal 1, and performs an action in response to an input operation via the input device. Note that the peripheral is not limited to the input device that performs operation to the terminal 1, and can be various devices that are connected to the terminal 1 and function in synchronization with the terminal 1. The action of the terminal 1 is controlled by a control part 6 that is mounted on the terminal 1 and performs an action on the OS. The control part 6 mounts a processor such as a CPU, and the processor controls the action of the control part 6 and the terminal 1.

[0033] As the OS, there are various OSes, and the terminal 1 mounts one of them. Note that the terminal 1 can mount a plurality of OSes and perform an action using one of them, and is sometimes referred to as an OS that mounts the used one.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2 , the keyboard 4 has a plurality of keys as an operation part, and by operating (pressing) the keys, operation signals 8 (refer to Figure 3) is sent to the terminal 1. The keyboard 4 is provided with one or more function keys 4A as the first operation section. The first operation section (function keys 4A) inputs letters and the like corresponding to the keys. When the function keys 4A are operated (pressed), operation signals 8 inherent to the respective keys are sent to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 executes a first function corresponding to the received signals. That is, the first operation section (function keys 4A) causes the terminal 1 to execute one function (first function). The keyboard 4 is provided with or connected to numeral keys 4B, and one or more keys (equivalent to the second operation section) of the numeral keys 4B input numbers, symbols, and the like. When the second operation section (numeral keys 4B) is operated (pressed), operation signals 8 inherent to the keys are sent to the terminal 1. The terminal 1 can execute either of two different functions in response to the operation signals 8 sent with the operation (pressing) of the second operation section (numeral keys 4B). For example, the first function is a function of inputting numbers, and the second function is a function of scrolling and the like. That is, the second operation section (numeral keys 4B) causes the terminal 1 to execute the first function or the second function.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3 , the terminal 1 can execute a function of inputting numbers as the first function (Num Lock is on) or execute a function of scrolling and the like as the second function (Num Lock is off) in response to the operation of the numeral keys 4B. That is, in the Num Lock on state, numbers are input from the numeral keys 4B, and in the Num Lock off state, a function of scrolling and the like is executed in accordance with the operated numeral keys 4B. The terminal 1 is controlled in such a manner that the first function is executed when the second operation section is operated in the Num Lock on state, and the second function is executed when the second operation section is operated in the Num Lock off state. The on / off of the Num Lock can be switched by any operation. For example, the on / off of the Num Lock is switched by operating a Num Lock switch as the function selection section 9 which is a key. The function selection section 9 is a toggle switch which switches the on / off state of the Num Lock each time the function selection section 9 is operated. When the function selection section 9 is operated, a function change signal 9S (refer to Figure 3 ) is sent to the terminal 1.

[0036] The function selection section 9 for switching the state of the Num Lock can also be provided to the keyboard 4 including the numeral keys 4B, but the keyboard 4 of the present embodiment is preferably not provided with the function selection section 9 for switching the Num Lock. By the keyboard 4 not provided with the function selection section 9 for switching the Num Lock, it is possible to suppress erroneous switching from the Num Lock on state to the Num Lock off state, and it is possible to easily and continuously perform input of numbers using the numeral keys 4B. That is, the keyboard 4 of the present embodiment easily maintains a state in which numbers can be input from the numeral keys 4B, and it is easy to perform input of a program and the like in a manner of inputting numbers.

[0037] The switching between the first and second functions of the numeric keypad 4B, which serves as the second operating unit, varies depending on the type of operating system (OS) installed on the terminal 1. Specifically, when the OS is Windows, the Num Lock can be switched on / off (the Num Lock function can be executed), and the Num Lock can be set to the off state to allow the numeric keypad 4B to execute the second function. However, in other OSes, the Num Lock cannot be switched to the off state. In other words, the terminal 1 equipped with the first OS (Windows) can selectively execute either the first or second function.

[0038] [Summary of OS-dependent control]

[0039] As described above, the functions that terminal 1 can perform vary depending on the OS it carries. Therefore, it is determined that the OS carried by terminal 1 is valid. By determining the OS carried by terminal 1, control corresponding to the functions that terminal 1 can perform can be performed from peripheral devices. For example, if terminal 1 can perform the function of digital locking (switching the digital lock on / off), depending on the open / closed state of the digital lock of terminal 1, an operation on the input device can have different functions, or control can be performed by sending different signals from the input device.

[0040] At this time, it is also possible to determine the function being executed by terminal 1, and change the content of control performed by terminal 1 based on the determination result. That is to say, at least one of the determination of the OS installed on terminal 1 and the determination of the function being executed by terminal 1 is performed, and the action to be performed by terminal 1 or peripheral device is determined based on the determination result.

[0041] The following is for reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 Use Figures 3 to 5 The following configuration is explained: (The connection has usage) Figure 2 In the terminal 1 of the keyboard 4 described herein, numbers are input from the numeric keypad 4B regardless of whether the numeric lock is on or off. Here, the keyboard 4 is an example of an input device for a peripheral device.

[0042] [System for determining the OS]

[0043] The OS determination system 10 of this embodiment is a structure capable of data communication with a terminal 1 equipped with an OS and a keyboard 4. The OS determination system 10 includes a transmission control unit 11, a signal determination unit 13, an OS determination unit 15, and a storage unit 17. The OS determination system 10 includes a processor such as a CPU, and the functional blocks such as the transmission control unit 11 are controlled by the processor to operate.

[0044] The terminal 1 has, in addition to the control section 6 that operates on the OS, a communication section 19 that communicates with the OS determination system 10, the keyboard 4, and the like. Here, the OS (Windows (registered trademark) OS, which corresponds to the first OS) that enables the terminal 1 to execute a prescribed function such as a digital lock function has a function of transmitting a prescribed second signal 27 when receiving a prescribed first signal 26.

[0045] The transmission control section 11 of the OS determination system 10 controls the transmission of a prescribed signal to the terminal 1 in order to determine the OS mounted on the terminal 1. Specifically, the transmission control section 11 controls the transmission of the first signal 26 to the terminal 1.

[0046] The signal determination section 13 determines the signal transmitted from the terminal 1. Specifically, when the first signal 26 is transmitted to the terminal 1, the signal determination section 13 determines whether the second signal 27 is transmitted from the terminal 1.

[0047] When the signal determination section 13 determines that the second signal 27 is transmitted from the terminal 1 when the first signal 26 is transmitted to the terminal 1, the OS determination section 15 determines that the OS mounted on the terminal 1 is the first OS. Note that the OS determination section 15 can determine that the OS mounted on the terminal 1 is the first OS not only by the transmission and reception of the first signal 26 and the second signal 27 but also by other criteria.

[0048] The storage section 17 stores, as needed, the first signal 26, the second signal 27, OS information 29 indicating the kind of mounted OS, and the like.

[0049] [Keyboard]

[0050] The keyboard 4 connected to the terminal 1 and the OS determination system 10 has, in addition to the function keys 4A and the number keys 4B that function as operation sections, a transmission section 21. The transmission section 21 transmits information to the terminal 1, and transmits an operation signal 8 corresponding to the key operated (pressed) to the terminal 1. Note that the transmission section 21 can automatically transmit a prescribed signal (the first signal 26) to the terminal 1 according to the control of the transmission control section 11 of the OS determination system 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the keyboard 4 has an operation execution section 23. Regardless of the state of the digital lock, when the number keys 4B (second operation section) are operated, the operation execution section 23 controls the terminal 1 to execute a function (first function) of inputting a number corresponding to the key operated (pressed).

[0052] [Digital input control]

[0053] In this embodiment, control is performed such that when the number key 4B of the keyboard 4 is pressed, the terminal 1 performs the function of inputting numbers (first function). Here, the OS installed on the terminal 1 is assumed to be any one of Windows OS, Mac OS, or Chrome OS. Furthermore, Windows OS is assumed to be the first OS, capable of performing the number lock function (first function).

[0054] When keyboard 4 is connected to terminal 1 ( Figure 5 Step #1) is to determine the type of OS installed on terminal 1.

[0055] First, the OS determination system 10 determines whether the OS installed on the terminal 1 is Mac OS (registered trademark). Figure 5 Step #2). For example, keyboard 4 is wirelessly connected to terminal 1 via USB (Universal Serial Bus). Then, when keyboard 4 is connected to terminal 1 via USB, data communication occurs between keyboard 4 and terminal 1. Here, when terminal 1 is running Mac OS, the specified signal transmission and reception occur between keyboard 4 and terminal 1; if terminal 1 is running an OS other than Mac OS, the specified signal transmission and reception do not occur. Therefore, when keyboard 4 is connected to terminal 1 via USB, OS determination system 10 determines whether the specified signal transmission and reception occurs between keyboard 4 and terminal 1, thereby determining whether the OS running on terminal 1 is Mac OS.

[0056] When it is determined that the OS installed on terminal 1 is not Mac (registered trademark) OS ( Figure 5 Step #2 (No), the OS determination system 10 determines whether the OS installed on the terminal 1 is Windows OS or Chrome OS.

[0057] Specifically, the transmission control unit 11 automatically sends the scroll lock signal (a signal sent when the scroll lock key is operated), which is the first signal 26, from the keyboard 4 to the terminal 1. Figure 5 (Step #3). Simultaneously, the transmitting unit 21 of the keyboard 4 sends the first signal 26 (scroll lock signal) to the terminal 1. The first signal 26 (scroll lock signal) can be pre-stored in the storage unit 17. It should be noted that the first signal 26 is not limited to the scroll lock signal, and can be any signal that can be responded to by the second signal 27.

[0058] When the first signal 26 is sent, the signal determination unit 13 determines whether the second signal 27 has been sent from the terminal 1.Figure 5 Step #4). Then, when it is determined that the second signal 27 has been sent, the OS determination unit 15 determines that the terminal 1 is equipped with the first OS. That is, when it is determined that the second signal 27 has been sent ( Figure 5 When step #4 is performed, the OS determination unit 15 determines that the terminal 1 is equipped with Windows (registered trademark) OS as the first OS. Figure 5 Step #5) If a signal other than the second signal 27 is sent from terminal 1 or no signal is sent, it is determined that the second signal 27 has not been sent. Figure 5 When step #4 (no) occurs, the OS determination unit 15 determines that the terminal 1 is equipped with Chrome (registered trademark) OS. Figure 5 Step #6).

[0059] Here, the keyboard 4 may have a function state determination unit 31. When it is determined that the terminal 1 is equipped with a first OS, the function state determination unit 31 determines whether the terminal 1 is in the state of executing a second function (Num Lock Off state) when the second operation unit (Num Lock 4B) is operated.

[0060] Then, when it is determined that terminal 1 is equipped with Windows (registered trademark) OS as the first OS ( Figure 5 Step #5), the function status determination unit 31 determines whether terminal 1 is in the state of executing the second function (digital lock off state). Figure 5 Step #7). Specifically, the function state determination unit 31 determines that the terminal 1 is in a state of performing the second function (digital lock off state) based on sending a predetermined third signal 33 to the terminal 1 and sending a predetermined fourth signal 34 from the terminal 1. The third signal 33 and the fourth signal 34 can be stored in the storage unit 17 of the OS determination system 10 or the storage device of the keyboard 4, etc.

[0061] When the function status determination unit 31 determines that the terminal 1 is in the state of performing the second function (digital lock off state), Figure 5 Step #7 is that the operation execution unit 23 controls the terminal 1 to perform the first function when the number key 4B is operated. That is, when the number key 4B is operated, the operation execution unit 23 performs an additional operation to switch the digit lock on / off. Figure 3 Step #8). Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, before the operation signal 8 accompanying the operation of the numeric key 4B is sent, the operation execution unit 23 sends a function change signal 9S.

[0062] It should be noted that, alternatively, the operation execution unit 23 may send the function change signal 9S after sending the function change signal 9S and the operation signal 8. Thus, after changing to the digit lock open state, the operation execution unit 23 can send the operation signal 8 corresponding to the operated key, and then return to the digit lock closed state. This ensures that the state of terminal 1 remains consistent before and after the operation of the digit key 4B.

[0063] Furthermore, when terminal 1 is in the state of performing the first function (digital lock open state) ( Figure 5 Step #7 (No), without sending the second signal 27 ( Figure 5 Step #4 (No) is used to determine that the terminal 1 is equipped with Chrome OS. Figure 5 Step #6), in the case that terminal 1 is equipped with Mac (registered trademark) OS ( Figure 3 Step #2 is), such as Figure 5 As shown, the operation execution unit 23 sends an operation signal 8 corresponding to the operated number key 4B, and sends an input number signal to the terminal 1. ​ Step #9).

[0064] Through the above, even when terminal 1 is in the state of performing the second function (digit lock off state), it can still send an operation signal 8 corresponding to the operated key after changing the digit lock to the open state (terminal 1 performing the first function state) via the function change signal 9S. Furthermore, when terminal 1 is in the state of performing the first function (digit lock on state), it can directly send the operation signal 8 corresponding to the operated key to input numbers. As a result, when operating the numeric key 4B, regardless of whether terminal 1 is in the state of performing the second function (digit lock on state), a signal for inputting the number corresponding to the key operation can be sent to terminal 1. Therefore, the keyboard 4 of this embodiment can input numbers corresponding to the key operation regardless of the state of terminal 1, and the keyboard 4 (input device) with multiple functions can be used conveniently.

[0065] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0066] (1) In the above-described embodiments, the keyboard 4 can have a third operation section that causes the terminal 1 to execute a prescribed third function. The third operation section transmits a function control signal corresponding to the OS mounted on the terminal 1, in accordance with the OS mounted on the terminal 1. The function control signal is a signal for causing the terminal 1 to execute the third function, and is a signal that differs for each OS. That is, when the third operation section is operated, the keyboard 4 transmits a function control signal for causing the terminal 1 to execute the third function, in accordance with the OS mounted on the terminal 1. For example, the keyboard 4 has a screenshot key as the third operation section, and when the screenshot key is operated, the terminal 1 executes a screenshot as the third function. In this case, the function control signal transmitted from the keyboard 4 to the terminal 1 differs in the case where the terminal 1 mounts a Windows (registered trademark) OS, and in the case where the terminal 1 mounts a Mac (registered trademark) OS or a Chrome (registered trademark) OS.

[0067] Then, the keyboard 4 determines the OS mounted on the terminal 1, and when the third operation section is operated, transmits a function control signal corresponding to the mounted OS to the terminal 1. That is, when the third operation section is operated, the keyboard 4 transmits different function control signals to the terminal 1, in accordance with the determined OS. Specifically, when the OS determination section 15 determines that a Windows (registered trademark) OS is mounted on the terminal 1, when the third operation section (screenshot key) is operated, the operation execution section 23 of the keyboard 4 transmits a function control signal (first function control signal) for executing the third function (screenshot), in accordance with the Windows (registered trademark) OS, to the terminal 1. Note that, when it is determined that a Mac (registered trademark) OS is mounted on the terminal 1, the operation execution section 23 can transmit a function control signal (function control signal other than the first function control signal) for executing the third function (screenshot), in accordance with the Mac (registered trademark) OS, to the terminal 1, and when it is determined that a Chrome (registered trademark) OS is mounted on the terminal 1, the operation execution section 23 can transmit a function control signal (function control signal other than the first function control signal) for executing the third function (screenshot), in accordance with the Chrome (registered trademark) OS, to the terminal 1.

[0068] As described above, in order to cause the terminal 1 to execute one function, even the keyboard 4 that transmits different function control signals in accordance with the mounted OS can transmit a function control signal corresponding to the OS, in accordance with the determination result of the OS mounted on the terminal 1. Thus, the terminal 1 can easily execute a function corresponding to the operation of the keyboard 4.

[0069] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the function state determination section 31 is not limited to being mounted on the keyboard 4, but can be mounted on the OS determination system 10, and can be arbitrarily arranged. Thus, an input device (keyboard 4) having a plurality of functions can be used simply and conveniently, without being limited to the configuration.

[0070] (3) In each of the above other embodiments, the peripheral device is not limited to the keyboard 4, but can be any device such as another input device connectable to the terminal 1. Further, the second operation section is not limited to the number keys 4B, but can be any operation section. Thus, various input devices having multiple functions can be used easily. Further, the first function is not limited to the number input, and the second operation section can be any operation section as long as it can cause the terminal 1 to execute a second function different from the first function. That is, the second operation section is not limited to a configuration capable of opening / closing the number lock, but can be a configuration capable of switching to either of two functions.

[0071] (4) In each of the above other embodiments, the application is not limited to the input control from the input device, but can be applied when various actions of the control device are controlled. Thus, various input devices having multiple functions can be used easily.

[0072] (5) In each of the above embodiments, at least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 is not limited to the configuration of the above functional blocks, but can be configured by any functional blocks. For example, each functional block can be further refined, or a part or all of each functional block can be merged. Further, at least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 can include other functional blocks. Further, each functional block of the OS determination system 10 can be mounted on the terminal 1, the keyboard 4, or another device, all the functional blocks can be mounted on one device, or can be mounted on multiple devices. Further, the functions of at least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 are not limited to the above functional blocks, but can be realized by a method executed by any functional blocks. Further, a part or all of the functions of at least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 can be configured by software. A program related to the software is stored in any storage device such as the storage section 17, and executed by a processor such as a CPU included in the terminal 1, the OS determination system 10, or the keyboard 4, or a processor provided independently.

[0073] Industrial applicability

[0074] The application can be applied to a terminal mounted with an OS and a peripheral device of the terminal.

Claims

1. An OS determination system for identifying the OS of a terminal connected to peripheral devices, characterized in that, The OS that can be mounted on the terminal includes a first OS that sends a predetermined second signal when a predetermined first signal is received. The OS determination system has the following features: The transmission control unit, when the peripheral device is connected to the terminal, causes the first signal to be automatically transmitted from the peripheral device to the terminal; The signal determination unit determines whether the second signal has been sent from the terminal; as well as When the OS determination unit determines that the second signal has been sent, the OS determination unit determines that the terminal is equipped with the first OS.

2. An input device connected to a terminal equipped with any one of a plurality of operating systems, including a first operating system, for inputting operations onto the terminal, wherein, The first OS sends a predetermined second signal upon receiving a predetermined first signal, and the input device is characterized by having: The transmitting unit sends information to the terminal, and automatically sends the first signal to the terminal when connected to the terminal; The signal determination unit determines whether the second signal has been received; as well as When the OS determination unit determines that the second signal has been received, the OS determination unit determines that the connected terminal is equipped with the first OS.

3. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that, have: The first operation unit causes the terminal to perform a function; and One or more second operating units respectively cause the terminal to perform a first function or a second function. The terminal equipped with the first OS can selectively execute the first function or the second function. The input device does not have a function selection unit that selects the function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated. The input device includes: The function state determination unit determines whether the terminal is in the state of executing the second function when the second operation unit is operated when it determines that the terminal is equipped with the first OS. as well as The operation execution unit controls the terminal to execute the first function when the function state determination unit determines that the terminal is in a state of executing the second function, in a manner that the second operation unit is operated.

4. The input device according to claim 3, characterized in that, If a predetermined fourth signal is sent from the terminal when a predetermined third signal is sent to the terminal, the function state determination unit determines that the terminal is in the state of performing the second function.

5. The input device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second operation section is a numeric keypad. The first function is digital locking.

6. The input device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the second operation units sends a unique operation signal to the terminal when it is operated. When the terminal is in the state of performing the first function and in the state of performing the second function, it performs different functions upon receiving the operation signal. The operation execution unit sends a function change signal to the terminal, modifying the function executed when the second operation unit was operated. The operation signal is sent after the function change signal is sent.

7. The input device according to claim 6, characterized in that, After sending the operation signal, the operation execution unit sends the function change signal to the terminal again.

8. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that, have: The third operation unit causes the terminal to perform a third function; and When the operation execution unit operates the third operation unit, if it determines that the first OS is installed, it sends a first function control signal to the terminal as a predetermined function control signal for executing the third function; if it determines that the terminal is installed with an OS other than the first OS, it sends a function control signal other than the first function control signal to the terminal to cause the terminal to execute the third function.

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