Peripheral input device and method for changing an internal operating parameter of such a device

Abstract

Peripheral input device for a computer, comprising - a plurality of function keys operable by a user, - an interface for outputting a digital signal sequence and - a control unit connected on the one hand to the function keys and on the other hand to the interface, which is designed to periodically record the actuation state of the function keys, to derive therefrom an actuation sequence of chronologically ordered actuation values (t) and to calculate the digital signal sequence depending on the actuation sequence and to control the interface to output the calculated signal sequence, wherein the control unit is further configured to compare the actuation sequence with at least one reference pattern (10) stored in a memory unit and, if a section of the actuation sequence matches the reference pattern (10), to carry out a measure associated with the reference pattern (10), characterized by that the comparison of the actuation sequence with the reference pattern takes place parallel to the calculation of the signal sequence and the action taken is a change of an adjustable, device-internal operating parameter of the input device.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a peripheral input device for a computer, comprising - a plurality of function keys operable by a user, - an interface for outputting a digital signal sequence and - a control unit connected to the function keys on the one hand and to the interface on the other hand, which is designed to periodically record the actuation state of the function keys, i.e. to monitor the operating state of the function keys, to derive therefrom an actuation sequence of chronologically ordered actuation values and to calculate the digital signal sequence depending on the actuation sequence and to control the interface for outputting the calculated digital signal sequence, wherein the control unit is further configured to compare the actuation sequence with at least one reference pattern stored in a memory unit and, if a section of the actuation sequence matches the reference pattern, to carry out a measure associated with the reference pattern.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for changing an internal operating parameter of a peripheral input device for a computer, wherein the input device has a plurality of function keys that can be actuated by a user and an interface that can be controlled as a function of an actuation sequence of the function keys for outputting a corresponding digital signal sequence, wherein the actuation state of the function keys is periodically recorded, ie monitored, and the actuation sequence of chronologically ordered actuation values is derived therefrom. State of the art

[0003] A generic input device is known from DE 10 2013 100 214 A1.

[0004] Peripheral input devices for computers with a plurality of function keys, such as mice, trackballs or application-specific input devices such as steering wheels or joysticks for driving or flight simulators, are generally known. It is common practice to use a control unit, such as a microprocessor, to query the actuation status of the function keys periodically, for example, every millisecond, and to derive an actuation sequence from this, i.e., a sequence of chronologically ordered actuation values of the function keys. Such actuation sequences are then converted by the control unit into digital signal sequences, which are output via an interface of the input device to a computer, if connected, and can be interpreted by the computer in the context of an application running there. This usually takes place "in real time," i.e.During each period, the actual state of the function keys is recorded, and a corresponding digital signal is sent to the computer. Buffering of the actuation sequence as such is not usually provided. The term "key" is to be understood broadly here and encompasses any manually operable input element capable of converting a hand or finger movement into an electrical signal. The term "function key" refers here to keys dedicated to achieving the original function of the input device—i.e., generating a signal for a connected computer.

[0005] In many cases, operating parameters can be adjusted, particularly to suit the preferences of the respective user. For very simple devices, this is done using standard driver software on the connected computer and affects only the level of signal sequence interpretation by the computer. For example, certain signal sequence elements of the constantly constant signal rate at which the signal sequence controlling the screen cursor is transmitted from the mouse interface are simply ignored in order to reduce the resulting cursor speed. However, this reduces the temporal resolution of the control process, and the cursor begins to "jump." This approach is therefore unsuitable for high-end applications, such as high-resolution computer games.High-quality input devices therefore provide for device-internal operating parameters, such as a sampling rate used to capture mouse movement, to be adjustable purely internally, i.e., without the involvement of a connected computer. The present invention relates to this type of input device.

[0006] Typically, such devices are provided with separate input elements for setting the device's internal operating parameters. These are referred to here as special keys, in contrast to the function keys mentioned above. These special keys serve solely to set the aforementioned internal operating parameters; however, they play no role in the actual operation of the input device, i.e., in the direct generation of the actuation sequence whose individual states are used by the control unit for the digital signals output to the computer. In the known devices, the function keys alone are responsible for this.

[0007] This approach has proven to be functionally successful; however, the additional manufacturing costs associated with the inclusion of special keys are a disadvantage. In particular, the design and implementation of movable elements, such as the special keys, significantly impacts the costs of these typically very low-quality input devices.

[0008] As an alternative to the special keys mentioned, it is also known to install special driver software on the computer to be controlled. This driver software, which is specifically developed for a particular device and can make internal device settings via the computer, also makes it possible. The result is also high-quality and no additional keys are necessary, but it requires considerable effort on the part of the manufacturer to develop and maintain the software. On the user side, this results in restrictions to certain operating systems and the need for administrator rights (to install the software). The software for configuring the input device must also be installed on another computer. These are disadvantages that do not arise with hardware additional keys, which is why they are generally preferred despite the higher production costs mentioned above.

[0009] A special, self-learning variant of input devices that can be adjusted via the computer is disclosed in US 2004 / 0119682 A1. Here, driver software installed on the computer analyses and interprets the current manner in which the user is handling the input device while using an application running on the computer based on the signal sequences transmitted to the computer and accordingly changes both internal device operating parameters, e.g. a sampling rate for mouse movements, and settings on the computer, such as its screen resolution, in order to counteract identified handling difficulties that may, for example, result from a visual impairment of the user.The driver software then saves the settings it considers optimal (internal input device operating parameters and computer-specific settings) specifically for the specific user and specific for the specific application. This ensures that when the same user accesses the same application again at a later time, the settings saved as optimal are automatically activated in the computer and the input device. This extremely complex programming approach dramatically reduces the predictability of the computer's responses to user commands and profoundly interferes with the user's autonomy. It is therefore unlikely to meet with general acceptance, except for supporting disabled users.

[0010] The aforementioned generic publication does not address the problem of setting the input device's internal operating parameters at all. It discloses a method implemented in an input device for abbreviating long keyboard entries such as passwords or macro commands. For this purpose, a control unit functionally located in the input device between the function keys and the output interface temporarily stores the function key actuation sequence and compares it with reference patterns stored in a memory of the control unit. For each reference pattern, an associated signal sequence is also stored in this memory, which, when transmitted to a connected computer, would be interpreted by the computer as the said password or macro command.If the control unit detects no match between the buffered actuation sequence and one of the reference patterns, it instructs the interface to transmit a signal sequence directly corresponding to the actuation sequence to the computer. If, however, it detects a match, it instructs the interface to send the signal sequence associated with the recognized reference pattern to the computer instead of the signal sequence directly corresponding to the actuation sequence. A major disadvantage of this approach is the time delay associated with buffering and analyzing the actuation sequence and the subsequent decision on the signal sequence to be output, which significantly impairs user comfort. Furthermore, the cited publication contains no teaching on the specific implementation of the method and does not address the problem of setting the internal operating parameters of the input device.To adjust them, the known device has to resort to the special buttons explained above and accept the associated cost disadvantage. Task

[0011] It is the object of the present invention to further develop a generic input device in such a way that, without production cost disadvantages, an adjustment of device-internal operating parameters is possible without negatively affecting the ease of use of the input device.

[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide a corresponding operating method. Description of the invention

[0013] The problem is solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the comparison of the actuation sequence with the reference pattern takes place parallel to the calculation of the signal sequence and the measure carried out is a change of an adjustable device-internal operating parameter.

[0014] The problem is further solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 2 in that - a progress parameter is provided that is initially initialized to an initial value and can be updated with changeable progress values, and - at least one reference pattern assigned to the change in the internal operating parameter is provided from a sequence of pattern locations each assigned to a progress value and each occupied with a pattern value, where the current actuation value is iteratively compared with the pattern value of the pattern location of the reference pattern assigned to the current progress value and the progress value is either increased by a fixed increment in the case of agreement or, in the case of deviation, is either reset to the initial value or left unchanged depending on the quality of the deviation, When a predetermined maximum value of the progress value is reached, the internal operating parameter is changed and the progress value is reset to the initial value.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0016] The central idea of the invention is to dispense with the special input elements dedicated solely to setting the device's internal operating parameters, i.e., special keys, and instead to assign a dual function to the function keys or the actuation sequences generated by them. The actuation sequences generated by the function keys continue to serve as the basis for the signal sequences output at the interface; however, according to the invention, in addition to and in parallel to their aforementioned primary function, they serve as the basis for setting the device's internal operating parameters. For this purpose, the actuation sequences generated by the function keys are logged independently of their primary function and compared with reference patterns stored in a memory of the control unit. Each reference pattern is assigned to a specific change in a device-internal operating parameter.If the control unit detects a match between the current actuation sequence and a reference pattern, it interprets this as a command to carry out the corresponding operating parameter change, using the same actuation sequence in parallel to generate a signal sequence to be output at the interface.

[0017] For example, let's assume that the reference pattern associated with doubling the sampling rate for a computer mouse is a specific sequence of clicks from a right, left, and middle mouse button. When the mouse buttons are pressed, corresponding signals are sent to the connected computer (if available) and interpreted there in the conventional manner.

[0018] In parallel, however, the mouse button actuation sequence is compared with the reference pattern, and once the match is detected, the desired doubling of the sampling rate takes place purely internally and without interaction with the connected computer, if applicable.

[0019] In theory, this approach can lead to problems in that actuation sequences intended to change operating parameters can trigger undesired actions in the connected computer, and conversely, actuation sequences intended to trigger certain actions in the computer can trigger undesired changes in operating parameters in the input device. In practice, however, this theoretical risk is negligible or can be avoided. In the case of the mouse mentioned above as an example, if a change in operating parameters is desired, the cursor can be moved to a screen area where clicks have no effect. An undesired change in internal device operating parameters, on the other hand, can be prevented by sufficiently complex corresponding reference patterns, which should preferably be selected so that their probability of occurrence during normal, intended use is negligible.

[0020] Various variants are conceivable for the concrete method for implementing the invention in the control unit of a peripheral input device. In the variant preferred according to the invention, the comparison of the actuation sequence with the reference pattern takes place successively and in real time. In particular, there is no overall comparison of an actuation sequence section with a reference pattern. According to the invention, a progress parameter is defined which is initialized to an initial value, for example 0, at the start of the method. The actuation of the function keys is queried periodically in the usual way at a high repetition rate, for example every millisecond. In this way, each key actuation can be reliably detected. Immediately after its detection, each key actuation is compared with the pattern value of a specific pattern location of the reference pattern, which depends on the current value of the progress parameter.For example, the first actuation value generated by pressing a function key after progress value initialization is compared with the pattern value at the first pattern location of the reference pattern. If a match is detected here, the progress value is increased by a constant value, for example by 1. The second pattern location of the reference pattern is then assigned to the increased progress value. The next actuation value generated by pressing a function key is compared with the pattern value of the second pattern location of the reference pattern after it is detected, and here too the progress value is increased if there is a match. This continues until a predetermined maximum value of the progress parameter is reached, i.e. until the entire reference pattern has been processed.This corresponds to the current actuation sequence matching the reference pattern, so that the control unit implements the change in the internal operating parameter associated with the reference pattern. Meanwhile, the progress value is reset to its initial value, allowing the method according to the invention to be executed again.

[0021] If, however, when a specific value of the progress parameter is reached, a mismatch is detected between the current actuation value and the pattern value at the pattern location of the reference pattern assigned to the current progress value, different options are possible according to the invention. In a simple embodiment of the invention, such a mismatch necessarily leads to the termination of the method, i.e. to the resetting of the progress value to its initial value. However, such an embodiment does not take into account the usually non-existent synchronicity between the actual function key actuation and the function key query. In particular, it is possible for the user to hold down a function key for several query periods even though they only intend to press a single key.In a further development of the invention, it is therefore provided that in the event of a deviation, the progress value is left unchanged, provided that the current actuation value matches the immediately preceding actuation value. Thus, if an active actuation state of a function key is detected in several immediately consecutive query periods without a passive actuation state being detected in the meantime, this result is interpreted as a single actuation action, or the immediately consecutive identical query results are ignored.

[0022] In very complex input devices with a large number of function keys, possibly located close together, it can happen that the user accidentally presses a neighboring function key instead of the intended function key. A further development of the invention forgives such incorrect operations. In particular, such a further development provides that in the event of a deviation, the progress value is left unchanged, provided that the current actuation value is in a predetermined relationship to the pattern value of the pattern location of the reference pattern assigned to the current progress value. In other words, in such an embodiment, rules are stored in the control unit which determine the degree of deviation of the current actuation value from the actuation value expected according to the reference pattern, which leads to an abort of the method as an error, i.e.to the reinitialization of the progress parameter, and what degree of deviation is still tolerated as an accidental operating error and ignored with regard to the pattern comparison. Specifically, it can preferably be provided that in the event of a deviation, the progress value is left unchanged, provided that the current actuation value represents the actuation of a function key that is in the immediate vicinity of the function key whose actuation is represented by the pattern value of the pattern location of the reference pattern assigned to the current progress value. In simple terms, in this embodiment, actuations of neighboring keys to the key actually expected according to the reference pattern are interpreted as accidental operating errors and ignored. The actuation of other function keys, on the other hand, is interpreted as an intended deviation from the reference pattern and therefore leads to the termination of the process, i.e.to reinitialize the progress value.

[0023] The term "actuation value" is to be interpreted broadly in the context of the present invention and, in particular, does not exclusively include scalar values. Thus, in a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the actuation value comprises two elements, namely a key value representing the currently actuated function key and a duration value representing the number of immediately consecutive detections of the actuation of this function key. Such an embodiment forms the basis of a time-sensitive method variant. For this purpose, it can be analogously provided that the pattern values at the pattern locations of at least one section of the reference pattern each also comprise two elements, namely a key value representing a function key and a duration value representing a number of immediately consecutive detections of the actuation of this function key.In other words, the reference pattern in this embodiment is not defined solely by a sequence of arbitrarily long actuations of different function keys. Rather, the respective actuation length is also an essential pattern criterion. Thus, in this embodiment, the current actuation sequence is queried according to the key pressed and the respective actuation duration. When comparing the respective (two-element) actuation value with the (likewise two-element) pattern value of the current pattern location of the reference pattern, a decision is made as to whether there is agreement within the meaning of claim 2 only if both elements match, and otherwise as to a deviation within the meaning of claim 2. In this case, it is left to the person skilled in the art, taking into account the requirements of the individual case, whether the respective duration is to be interpreted as a minimum duration, a maximum duration, or a duration to be observed exactly, possibly within the framework of specified tolerances.A corresponding implementation can be carried out analogously to the fault tolerance approach explained above by ignoring.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specific description and drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] They show: Fig. 1: a simple embodiment of a method according to the invention and Fig. 2: a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. Description of preferred embodiments

[0026] The same reference symbols in the figures indicate the same or analogous elements.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified flowchart of a simple variant of a method according to the invention for changing an internal operating parameter of a peripheral input device for a computer. Such an input device can, for example, be configured in the form of a computer mouse with three function keys.

[0028] Such a simple design will be the basis for the following description. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is by no means limited to such designs, but can be expanded as desired, both with regard to the type of input device and the number of function keys.

[0029] A reference pattern 10 and a key table 12 are stored in a memory of the control unit. The key table 12 assigns an actuation value t0, t1, t2, t3 to each variant of a single actuation of a function key or the non-actuation of all function keys. The reference pattern 10 contains specific pattern values m0, m1, m2, ... at defined pattern locations M0, M1, M2, ... and represents a temporal sequence of actuation values, which as such represents the user's desire to change a specific internal operating parameter of the input device.

[0030] At the beginning of the process, a progress parameter F is initialized, i.e., in this case, set to the progress value F=0. A sample location M to be checked is then selected based on the current progress value. Typically, a progress value of 0 is assigned to the first sample location M0 of the reference sample 10, a progress value of 1 is assigned to the second sample location M1, and so on. Other assignments are, of course, also possible.

[0031] In the next step, the pattern value m is read out at the selected pattern location M. Subsequently, previously, or in parallel, the current actuation state of the function keys is queried, and an actuation parameter T is assigned the actuation value t representing the current actuation state.

[0032] In a subsequent comparison step, the actuation parameter T representing the current actuation state of the function keys is compared with the selected pattern value m. In the case of a match, the progress value is increased by a constant value, 1 in the present embodiment, and compared with a maximum value F stored in the control unit. max compared. If the maximum value F max not yet reached, a new iteration is run with an increased progress value F, ie the correspondence of the next pattern value with the current actuation state of the function keys is compared. In this way, the entire reference pattern is processed. If the maximum progress value F = F max is reached, the change of an internal operating parameter assigned to the reference pattern takes place and the process starts again with the reinitialization of the progress parameter F.

[0033] If, however, a mismatch is detected when comparing the actuation parameter T with the current pattern value m, the procedure is aborted and the progress parameter F is immediately reinitialized without any change to an internal operating parameter.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a further development of the method of Fig. 1. Problematic in the process of Fig. 1 is the lack of synchronicity between the keystroke and the iteration loop in the process. Typically, the iteration is much faster than the manually generated sequence of function keystrokes. Therefore, in the embodiment of Fig.2 If a mismatch is detected in the first comparison step, an additional query is provided. In particular, it is checked whether the current actuation state is the same as the actuation state in the previous iteration. If this is not the case, the mismatch can be considered intentional, so that the process is aborted and restarted after reinitializing the progress parameter. However, if the actuation state of the function keys is unchanged compared to the previous iteration, this is interpreted as a result of the aforementioned lack of synchronicity and is ignored. In practice, this is advantageously implemented by introducing an additional parameter T prev which represents the actuation value T of the immediately preceding iteration. This parameter T prevmust be initialized at the beginning of the procedure, to 0 in the embodiment shown, and updated after each iteration.

[0035] Further improvements of the method according to the invention, not shown in the figures, can take spatial tolerances in key actuation into account. For example, each pattern value can be assigned specific actuation values that are to be ignored due to the spatial proximity of the corresponding function keys. The practical implementation of such ignoring can be analogous to the previously described ignoring of an unchanged actuation state of the function keys.

[0036] Of course, the embodiments discussed in the specific description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative embodiments of the present invention. A wide range of possible variations is available to the person skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. List of reference symbols 10 reference samples 12 Key table F Progress value F max maximum progress value M i Sample position m i Sample value at M i t i Actuation value T Actuation parameter, representing the current actuation value T prev Actuation parameters of the previous iteration

Claims

[1] Peripheral input device for a computer, comprising - a plurality of function keys operable by a user, - an interface for outputting a digital signal sequence and - a control unit connected on the one hand to the function keys and on the other hand to the interface, which is designed to periodically record the actuation state of the function keys, to derive therefrom an actuation sequence of chronologically ordered actuation values (t) and to calculate the digital signal sequence depending on the actuation sequence and to control the interface to output the calculated signal sequence, wherein the control unit is further configured to compare the actuation sequence with at least one reference pattern (10) stored in a memory unit and, if a section of the actuation sequence matches the reference pattern (10), to carry out a measure associated with the reference pattern (10), characterized by , that the comparison of the actuation sequence with the reference pattern takes place parallel to the calculation of the signal sequence and the action taken is a change of an adjustable, device-internal operating parameter of the input device. [2] A method for changing an internal operating parameter of a peripheral input device for a computer, wherein the input device has a plurality of function keys operable by a user and an interface controllable in dependence on an actuation sequence of the function keys for outputting a corresponding digital signal sequence, whereby the actuation state of the function keys is recorded periodically and the actuation sequence of chronologically ordered actuation values is derived from this, characterized by , that - a progress parameter (F) is provided which is initially initialized to an initial value and can be updated with changeable progress values, and - at least one reference pattern (10) assigned to the change in the internal operating parameter is provided from a sequence of pattern locations (M) each assigned to a progress value (F) and each occupied with a pattern value (m), wherein the respective current actuation value (t) is iteratively compared with the pattern value (m) of the pattern location (M) of the reference pattern (10) assigned to the current progress value (F), and the progress value (F) is either increased by a fixed increment in the case of agreement or, in the case of deviation, is either reset to the initial value or left unchanged depending on the quality of the deviation, where upon reaching a predetermined maximum value (F max ) of the progress value (F) the internal operating parameter is changed and the progress value (F) is reset to the initial value. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that in case of deviation the progress value (F) is left unchanged, provided that the current actuation value (T) is identical to the immediately previous actuation value (T prev ) is identical. [4] Method according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized by that in the event of a deviation, the progress value (F) is left unchanged, provided that the current actuation value (T) is in a predetermined ratio to the pattern value (m) of the pattern location (M) of the reference pattern (10) assigned to the current progress value (F). [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that the current actuation value (T) represents the actuation of a function key which is in the immediate spatial proximity to the function key whose actuation is represented by the pattern value (m) of the pattern location (M) of the reference pattern (10) assigned to the current progress value (F). [6] Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized bythat the actuation value (T) comprises two elements, namely a key value representing the currently actuated function key and a continuous value representing the number of immediately consecutive detections of the actuation of this function key. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that the pattern values (m) at the pattern locations (M) of at least one section of the reference pattern (10) each comprise two elements, namely a key value representing a function key and a continuous value representing a number of immediately successive detections of the actuation of this function key. [8] Input device according to claim 1, characterized by that the control unit is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 2 to 7.

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