Input device

Abstract

To conveniently use an input device with multiple functions.SOLUTION: There is provided an OS discrimination system for identifying an OS installed on a terminal to which a peripheral device is connected. The OS installable on the terminal includes a first OS that transmits a predetermined second signal upon receiving a predetermined first signal, and comprises (#3) a transmission control unit that automatically makes the peripheral device transmit the first signal to the terminal when the peripheral device is connected to the terminal, (#4) a signal determination unit that determines whether the second signal was transmitted, and (#5) an OS determination unit that determines that the first OS is installed on the terminal when it is determined that the second signal was transmitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an OS determination system that determines what OS is installed on a terminal, and to an input device that is connected to the terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] A terminal (computer) accepts various operational inputs from a keyboard, which is an input device. The keyboard has multiple keys that are an operation unit (key operation unit), and sends a signal to the terminal according to the key operated, causing the terminal to perform a specific operation. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the keyboard has a numeric keypad for inputting numbers, and the numeric keypad may have a numeric input function for inputting numbers as well as other functions, and the function of the numeric keypad can be switched using the Num Lock key. When the Num Lock key is ON, the numeric keypad is in a state where numbers can be input (numeric input).

[0003] Such switching of the functions of the numeric keypad can be performed when the OS (Operating System) installed in the terminal is a predetermined OS. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-177858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for an input device such as a keyboard having multiple functions that can be used more easily. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device having multiple functions that can be used more easily. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention provides an OS determination system that determines the OS installed on a terminal to which a peripheral device is connected, wherein the OS that can be installed on the terminal includes a first OS that transmits a predetermined second signal upon receiving a predetermined first signal, and the system is equipped with a transmission control unit that automatically transmits the first signal from the peripheral device to the terminal when the peripheral device is connected to the terminal, a signal determination unit that determines whether the second signal has been transmitted from the terminal, and an OS determination unit that determines that the first OS is installed on the terminal when it determines that the second signal has been transmitted.

[0007] When a peripheral device is connected, the OS installed on the terminal is automatically determined. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the OS installed on the terminal and easily control the operation of the terminal in response to the operation of the peripheral device. As a result, it is easy to use a peripheral device with multiple functions.

[0008] Furthermore, an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an input device that is connected to a terminal equipped with one of a plurality of OSs including a first OS that transmits a predetermined second signal upon receiving a predetermined first signal, and that performs operational input to the terminal, and is equipped with a transmitting unit that transmits information to the terminal and automatically transmits the first signal to the terminal upon connection to the terminal, a signal determining unit that determines whether the second signal has been received, and an OS determining unit that determines that the first OS is installed in the connected terminal upon determining that the second signal has been received.

[0009] When an input device is connected, the OS installed on the terminal is automatically determined. Therefore, the OS installed on the terminal can be easily determined, and the operation of the terminal in response to the operation of the input device can be easily controlled. As a result, input devices with multiple functions can be easily used.

[0010] The terminal may further include a first operation unit, each of which causes the terminal to execute one function, one or more second operation units, each of which causes the terminal to execute a first function or a second function, the terminal equipped with the first OS being capable of selectively executing the first function or the second function, not having a function selection unit which selects the function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated, a function state determination unit which, when it is determined that the terminal is equipped with the first OS, determines whether the terminal is in a state to execute the second function when the second operation unit is operated, and an operation execution unit which, when it is determined by the function state determination unit that the terminal is in a state to execute the second function, controls the terminal to execute the first function when the second operation unit is operated.

[0011] According to the above configuration, whether the terminal is in a state where it is executing the first function or a state where it is executing the second function, the terminal can always be made to execute the first function in response to an operation input, thereby enabling easy use of an input device with multiple functions.

[0012] In addition, the function state determination unit may determine that the terminal is in a state to execute the second function when a predetermined third signal is transmitted to the terminal and a predetermined fourth signal is transmitted from the terminal.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the terminal is in a state to execute the first function or the second function, thereby enabling easy use of an input device having multiple functions.

[0014] The second operation unit may be a numeric keypad, and the first function may be a number lock.

[0015] With the above configuration, in a keyboard with a numeric keypad, numbers can always be input to the terminal according to inputs to the numeric keypad, whether the terminal is in a state of executing the first function or a state of executing the second function, thereby making it easy to use an input device with multiple functions.

[0016] Furthermore, each of the second operation units may transmit a unique operation signal to the terminal when operated, and the terminal may execute a different function when receiving the operation signal when the terminal is in a state in which the first function is executed and when the terminal is in a state in which the second function is executed, and the operation execution unit may transmit a function change signal to the terminal that changes the function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated, and may transmit the operation signal after the function change signal is transmitted.

[0017] With the above configuration, even if the terminal is in a state where it is executing the second function, the operation signal is sent to the terminal after changing the state to execute the first function, so that whether the terminal is in a state where it is executing the first function or a state where it is executing the second function, the terminal can always be made to execute the first function in response to the operation input. As a result, an input device with multiple functions can be used easily.

[0018] After the operation signal is transmitted, the operation execution unit may transmit the function change signal again to the terminal.

[0019] With the above configuration, it is possible to maintain the state of the terminal while always causing the terminal to execute the first function in response to an operation input.

[0020] The device may also include a third operation unit that causes the terminal to execute a third function, and an operation execution unit that, when the third operation unit is operated and it is determined that the terminal is equipped with the first OS, sends a first function control signal to the terminal as a predetermined function control signal that causes the terminal to execute the third function, and, when it is determined that the terminal is equipped with an OS other than the first OS, sends a function control signal other than the first function control signal to the terminal to cause the terminal to execute the third function.

[0021] With the above configuration, it is possible to transmit a function control signal corresponding to the OS installed in the terminal in accordance with the determination result of the OS, thereby allowing the terminal to easily execute a function corresponding to an operation on an input device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between a terminal and a keyboard. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a keyboard configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the state of a function and a signal transmitted to a terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an OS determination system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow relating to determination of an OS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [Terminal and Keyboard] As shown in FIG. 1, a terminal 1 such as a personal computer is equipped with an OS as basic software. An input device (peripheral device) such as a keyboard 4 that inputs operations to the terminal 1 is connected to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 operates in response to input operations via the input device. Note that the peripheral device is not limited to an input device that operates the terminal 1, but can be any type of device that is connected to the terminal 1 and functions in synchronization with the terminal 1. The operation of the terminal 1 is controlled by a control unit 6 that is installed in the terminal 1 and runs on the OS. The control unit 6 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and the processor controls the operation of the control unit 6 and the terminal 1.

[0024] There are multiple types of OS, one of which is installed on the terminal 1. Note that the terminal 1 can be equipped with multiple OSs and can operate using one of them, and the one OS used is sometimes referred to as the installed OS.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard 4 has a plurality of keys as an operation unit, and when a key is operated (pressed), an operation signal 8 (see FIG. 3) specific to each key is transmitted to the terminal 1. The keyboard 4 is provided with one or more function keys 4A as a first operation unit. The first operation unit (function keys 4A) inputs alphabets or the like corresponding to the key. When the function key 4A is operated (pressed), an operation signal 8 specific to each key is transmitted to the terminal 1, and the terminal 1 executes a first function corresponding to the received signal. In other words, the first operation unit (function keys 4A) causes the terminal 1 to execute one function (first function). The keyboard 4 is equipped with (or has connected to) a numeric keypad 4B, and one or more keys (corresponding to a second operation unit) constituting the numeric keypad 4B input numbers and symbols. When the second operation unit (numeric keypad 4B) is operated (pressed), an operation signal 8 specific to the key is transmitted to the terminal 1. The terminal 1 can execute one of two different functions in response to an operation signal 8 transmitted in response to an operation (press) of the second operation unit (numeric keypad 4B). For example, the first function is a function for inputting numbers, and the second function is a function such as scrolling. In other words, the second operation unit (numeric keypad 4B) causes the terminal 1 to execute the first function or the second function.

[0026] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the terminal 1 can execute a first function of inputting numbers (Num Lock ON state, Num Lock) or a second function of a scrolling function or the like (Num Lock OFF state) in response to an operation on the numeric keypad 4B. That is, in the Num Lock ON state, numbers are entered from the numeric keypad 4B, and in the Num Lock OFF state, a scrolling function or the like is executed according to the operation of the numeric keypad 4B. The terminal 1 controls the first function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated in the Num Lock ON state, and controls the second function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated in the Num Lock OFF state. The Num Lock can be switched ON / OFF by any operation. For example, the Num Lock is switched ON / OFF by operating the function selection unit 9, which is a Num Lock switch or key. The function selection unit 9 is a toggle switch, and the ON / OFF state of the Num Lock is switched each time the function selection unit 9 is operated. When the function selection unit 9 is operated, a function change signal 9S (see FIG. 3) is transmitted to the terminal 1.

[0027] Although a function selection unit 9 for switching the Num Lock state may be provided on the keyboard 4 including the numeric keypad 4B, it is preferable that the keyboard 4 according to this embodiment does not include a function selection unit 9 for switching the Num Lock. By using a keyboard 4 that does not include a function selection unit 9 for switching the Num Lock, it is possible to prevent the Num Lock from being accidentally switched from ON to OFF, and it is possible to easily and continuously input numbers using the numeric keypad 4B. In other words, the keyboard 4 according to this embodiment makes it easier to maintain a state in which numbers can be input from the numeric keypad 4B, and it becomes easier to input programs that require input of numbers.

[0028] Switching between the first and second functions of the numeric keypad 4B, which is the second operation unit, may or may not be possible depending on the type of OS installed in the terminal 1. Specifically, if the OS is Windows (registered trademark), it is possible to switch Num Lock ON / OFF (execute the Num Lock function), and by turning Num Lock OFF, it is possible to have the numeric keypad 4B execute the second function, but with other OSs, it is not possible to switch Num Lock OFF. In other words, a terminal 1 installed with a first OS (Windows (registered trademark) OS) can selectively execute the first function or the second function.

[0029] [OS-dependent control overview] As described above, the functions that terminal 1 can execute vary depending on the OS installed. For this reason, it is effective to determine the OS installed in terminal 1. By determining the OS installed in terminal 1, it is possible to perform control from a peripheral device according to the functions that terminal 1 can execute. For example, if terminal 1 can execute the Num Lock function (switching Num Lock ON / OFF), it is possible to assign a different function to a single operation on an input device or control the input device to send a different signal depending on the ON / OFF state of Num Lock on terminal 1.

[0030] At this time, the function being executed by the terminal 1 may be determined, and the content of the control performed by the terminal 1 may be changed according to the determination result. In other words, at least one of the OS installed in the terminal 1 and the function being executed by the terminal 1 is determined, and the operation to be performed by the terminal 1 or the peripheral device is decided according to the determination result.

[0031] Below, we will explain using Figures 3 to 5, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the configuration for inputting numbers from the numeric keypad 4B regardless of the ON / OFF state of Num Lock in a terminal 1 to which the keyboard 4 described using Figure 2, which is an example of an input device as a peripheral device, is connected.

[0032] [System for determining the OS] The OS determination system 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to communicate data between 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 transmission control unit 11 and other functional blocks operate under the control of the processor.

[0033] The terminal 1 includes a control unit 6 that operates on the OS, as well as a communication unit 19 that communicates with an OS determination system 10, a keyboard 4, etc. Here, the OS (equivalent to the Windows (registered trademark) OS first OS) that can cause the terminal 1 to execute predetermined functions such as a Num Lock function has a function of transmitting a predetermined second signal 27 upon receiving a predetermined first signal 26.

[0034] The transmission control unit 11 of the OS determination system 10 controls the transmission of a predetermined signal to the terminal 1 in order to determine the OS installed in the terminal 1. Specifically, the transmission control unit 11 controls the transmission of a first signal 26 to the terminal 1.

[0035] The signal determination unit 13 determines the signal transmitted from the terminal 1. Specifically, when a first signal 26 is transmitted to the terminal 1, the signal determination unit 13 determines whether a second signal 27 is transmitted from the terminal 1.

[0036] If the signal determination unit 13 determines that the second signal 27 has been transmitted from the terminal 1 when the first signal 26 is transmitted to the terminal 1, the OS determination unit 15 determines that the OS installed in the terminal 1 is the first OS. Note that the OS determination unit 15 may determine that the OS installed in the terminal 1 is the first OS based on criteria other than the transmission and reception of the first signal 26 and the second signal 27.

[0037] The storage unit 17 stores the first signal 26, the second signal 27, OS information 29 indicating the type of OS installed, and the like, as needed.

[0038] 〔keyboard〕 The keyboard 4 connected to the terminal 1 and the OS determination system 10 includes a transmitter 21 in addition to function keys 4A and a numeric keypad 4B, which are operation units. The transmitter 21 transmits information to the terminal 1 and transmits an operation signal 8 corresponding to an operated (pressed) key to the terminal 1. The transmitter 21 can also automatically transmit a predetermined signal (first signal 26) to the terminal 1 under the control of the transmission control unit 11 of the OS determination system 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the keyboard 4 includes an operation execution unit 23. When the numeric keypad 4B (second operation unit) is operated, regardless of the state of the Num Lock, the operation execution unit 23 controls the terminal 1 to execute a function (first function) of inputting a number corresponding to the operated (pressed) key. Note that the operation execution unit 23 is not limited to being mounted on the keyboard 4, and may be mounted on any of the OS determination system 10, the terminal 1, and other devices.

[0040] [Number input control] In this embodiment, when the numeric keypad 4B of the keyboard 4 is operated (pressed), the terminal 1 is controlled to execute a function (first function) for inputting numbers. Here, the OS installed in the terminal 1 is assumed to be either the Windows (registered trademark) OS, the Mac (registered trademark) OS, or the Chrome (registered trademark) OS. Also, it is assumed that the Windows (registered trademark) OS is the first OS and is capable of executing the Num Lock function (first function).

[0041] When the keyboard 4 is connected to the terminal 1 (step #1 in FIG. 5), the type of OS installed in the terminal 1 is determined.

[0042] First, the OS determination system 10 determines whether the OS installed on the terminal 1 is the Mac® OS (step #2 in FIG. 5). For example, the keyboard 4 is wirelessly connected to the terminal 1 via USB. When the keyboard 4 is connected to the terminal 1 via USB, data communication occurs between the keyboard 4 and the terminal 1. If the terminal 1 is equipped with the Mac® OS, a predetermined signal is transmitted and received between the keyboard 4 and the terminal 1. However, if the terminal 1 is equipped with an OS other than the Mac® OS, the predetermined signal is not transmitted and received. Therefore, when the keyboard 4 is connected to the terminal 1 via USB, the OS determination system 10 determines whether the OS installed on the terminal 1 is the Mac® OS by determining whether a predetermined signal is transmitted and received between the keyboard 4 and the terminal 1.

[0043] If it is determined that the OS installed on terminal 1 is not Mac (registered trademark) OS (step #2 No in Figure 5), the OS determination system 10 determines whether the OS installed on terminal 1 is Windows (registered trademark) OS or Chrome (registered trademark) OS.

[0044] Specifically, the transmission control unit 11 automatically transmits the first signal 26, a Scroll Lock signal (a signal transmitted when the Scroll Lock key is operated), from the keyboard 4 to the terminal 1 (step #3 in FIG. 5). Accordingly, the transmission unit 21 of the keyboard 4 transmits the first signal 26 (Scroll Lock signal) to the terminal 1. The first signal 26 (Scroll Lock signal) can be stored in advance in the storage unit 17. Note that the first signal 26 is not limited to the Scroll Lock signal, and may be any signal from which the second signal 27 is returned.

[0045] When the first signal 26 is transmitted, the signal determination unit 13 determines whether or not the second signal 27 has been transmitted from the terminal 1 (step #4 in FIG. 5). If the OS determination unit 15 determines that the second signal 27 has been transmitted, it determines that the first OS is installed in the terminal 1. That is, if the OS determination unit 15 determines that the second signal 27 has been transmitted (step #4 in FIG. 5: Yes), it determines that the first OS, Windows (registered trademark) OS, is installed in the terminal 1 (step #5 in FIG. 5). If the OS determination unit 15 determines that the second signal 27 has not been transmitted from the terminal 1, either because the terminal 1 has not transmitted any signal other than the second signal 27 or because the terminal 1 has not transmitted any signal at all (step #4 in FIG. 5: No), it determines that the Chrome (registered trademark) OS is installed in the terminal 1 (step #6 in FIG. 5).

[0046] Here, the keyboard 4 can be provided with a function state determination unit 31 that, when it is determined that the terminal 1 is equipped with a first OS, determines whether the terminal 1 is in a state in which the second function is executed (Num Lock OFF state) when the second operation unit (numeric keypad 4B) is operated.

[0047] Then, when it is determined that the first OS, Windows (registered trademark) OS, is installed in terminal 1 (step #5 in FIG. 5), function state determination unit 31 determines whether terminal 1 is in a state in which the second function is executed (Num Lock OFF state) (step #7 in FIG. 5). Specifically, function state determination unit 31 transmits a predetermined third signal 33 to terminal 1 and determines that terminal 1 is in a state in which the second function is executed (Num Lock OFF state) by receiving a predetermined fourth signal 34 from terminal 1. Third signal 33 and fourth signal 34 can be stored in memory unit 17 of OS determination system 10 or a storage device provided in keyboard 4.

[0048] When the function state determination unit 31 determines that the terminal 1 is in a state in which the second function is executed (Num Lock OFF state) (Step #7 Yes in FIG. 5), the operation execution unit 23 controls the terminal 1 so that the first function is executed when the numeric keypad 4B is operated. That is, the operation execution unit 23 adds an operation to switch the Num Lock ON / OFF when the numeric keypad 4B is operated (Step #8 in FIG. 5). Specifically, the operation execution unit 23 transmits a function change signal 9S before transmitting an operation signal 8 accompanying the operation of the numeric keypad 4B, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] The operation execution unit 23 may further transmit the function change signal 9S after transmitting the function change signal 9S and the operation signal 8. This allows the operation execution unit 23 to change the Num Lock to ON state, then transmit the operation signal 8 corresponding to the operated key, and then return the Num Lock to OFF state. This allows the state of the terminal 1 to be consistent before and after the operation of the numeric keypad 4B.

[0050] Furthermore, when terminal 1 is in a state where it executes the first function (Num Lock ON state) (step #7 No in FIG. 5), when second signal 27 is not transmitted (step #4 No in FIG. 5), when it is determined that terminal 1 is equipped with Chrome (registered trademark) OS (step #6 in FIG. 5), or when it is determined that terminal 1 is equipped with Mac (registered trademark) OS (step #2 Yes in FIG. 5), operation execution unit 23 transmits operation signal 8 corresponding to the operated numeric keypad 4B as shown in FIG. 3, and transmits a signal to input numbers to terminal 1 (step #9 in FIG. 5).

[0051] As described above, even if terminal 1 is in a state where it executes the second function (Num Lock OFF state), it is possible to transmit an operation signal 8 corresponding to an operated key after changing Num Lock to ON state (a state where terminal 1 executes the first function) by the function change signal 9S. Also, when terminal 1 is in a state where it executes the first function (Num Lock ON state), it is possible to transmit an operation signal 8 corresponding to an operated key to input a number. As a result, when the numeric keypad 4B is operated, a signal for inputting a number corresponding to a key operation can be transmitted to terminal 1 whether or not terminal 1 is in a state where it executes the second function (Num Lock ON state). Therefore, the keyboard 4 of this embodiment can input numbers according to key operations regardless of the state of terminal 1, and the keyboard 4 (input device) having multiple functions can be used easily.

[0052] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the keyboard 4 may include a third operation unit that causes the terminal 1 to execute a predetermined third function. The third operation unit transmits a function control signal corresponding to the OS installed in the terminal 1, depending on the OS installed in 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 depending on the OS. In other words, when the third operation unit is operated, the keyboard 4 transmits a function control signal for causing the terminal 1 to execute the third function, depending on the OS installed in the terminal 1. For example, suppose that the keyboard 4 has a screenshot key as the third operation unit, 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 when the terminal 1 is installed with the Windows (registered trademark) OS is different from the function control signal transmitted when the terminal 1 is installed with the Mac (registered trademark) OS or the Chrome (registered trademark) OS.

[0053] The keyboard 4 determines the OS installed in the terminal 1, and when the third operation unit is operated, transmits a function control signal corresponding to the installed OS to the terminal 1. That is, when the third operation unit is operated, the keyboard 4 transmits a different function control signal to the terminal 1 according to the determined OS. Specifically, when the OS determination unit 15 determines that the Windows (registered trademark) OS is installed in the terminal 1, the operation execution unit 23 of the keyboard 4 transmits a function control signal (first function control signal) corresponding to the Windows (registered trademark) OS for executing a third function (screenshot) to the terminal 1 when the third operation unit (screenshot key) is operated. Note that when the operation execution unit 23 determines that the Mac (registered trademark) OS is installed in the terminal 1, it may transmit a function control signal (function control signal other than the first function control signal) corresponding to the Mac (registered trademark) OS for executing a third function (screenshot) to the terminal 1, and when it determines that the Chrome (registered trademark) OS is installed in the terminal 1, it may transmit a function control signal (function control signal other than the first function control signal) corresponding to the Chrome (registered trademark) OS for executing a third function (screenshot) to the terminal 1.

[0054] In this way, even if the keyboard 4 transmits different function control signals depending on the installed OS in order to cause the terminal 1 to execute one function, it is possible to transmit a function control signal corresponding to the OS in accordance with the determination result of the OS installed in the terminal 1. This makes it possible to easily cause the terminal 1 to execute a function corresponding to an operation on the keyboard 4.

[0055] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the functional state determination unit 31 is not limited to being mounted on the keyboard 4, but may be mounted on the OS determination system 10 or may be arbitrarily located. This allows for easy use of an input device (keyboard 4) having multiple functions without being limited by its configuration.

[0056] (3) In each of the above-described other embodiments, the peripheral device is not limited to the keyboard 4, but may be any other device such as another input device that can be connected to the terminal 1. Furthermore, the second operation unit is not limited to the numeric keypad 4B, but may be any operation unit. This allows for easy use of various input devices with multiple functions. Furthermore, the first function is not limited to numeric input, and the second operation unit may be capable of causing the terminal 1 to execute a second function different from the first function. In other words, the second operation unit is not limited to a configuration that can turn Numlock on / off, but may be capable of switching between two functions.

[0057] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to input control from an input device, but may also be applied to control various operations of devices, thereby enabling easy use of various input devices with multiple functions.

[0058] (5) In the above embodiments, at least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 is not limited to being composed of the above-described functional blocks and may be composed of any functional blocks. For example, each functional block may be further subdivided, or conversely, some or all of the functional blocks may be combined. At least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 may further include other functional blocks. Each functional block of the OS determination system 10 may be installed in the terminal 1, the keyboard 4, or another device. All functional blocks may be installed in one device or distributed across multiple devices. The functions of at least one of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 may not be limited to the above-described functional blocks and may be realized by a method executed by any functional block. At least one of the functions of the OS determination system 10 and the keyboard 4 may be composed of software. A software program is stored in any storage device, such as the memory unit 17, and executed by a processor, such as a CPU, installed in the terminal 1, the OS determination system 10, or the keyboard 4, or by a separately provided processor. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] The present invention can be applied to terminals equipped with an OS and peripheral devices for such terminals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 device 4 Keyboard (input device peripheral) 4A Function key (first operation section) 4B Numeric keypad (second operation section) 8 Operation Signal 9 Function selection section 9S Function change signal 10 OS Judgment System 11 Transmission control section 13 Signal determination unit 15 OS determination section 21 Transmitter 23 Operation execution unit 26 First Signal 27 Second Signal 31 Functional status determination unit 33 Third traffic light 34 4th Signal

Claims

1. An OS determination system for determining an OS installed in a terminal to which a peripheral device is connected, comprising: the OS that can be installed in the terminal includes a first OS that transmits a predetermined second signal upon receiving a predetermined first signal; a transmission control unit that automatically transmits the first signal from the peripheral device to the terminal when the peripheral device is connected to the terminal; a signal determination unit that determines whether the second signal has been transmitted from the terminal; an OS determination unit that determines that the first OS is installed in the terminal when it determines that the second signal has been transmitted.

2. An input device that is connected to a terminal that has one of a plurality of types of OSs installed, including a first OS that transmits a predetermined second signal upon receiving a predetermined first signal, and that performs an operation input to the terminal, a transmitting unit that transmits information to the terminal and automatically transmits the first signal to the terminal when connected to the terminal; a signal determination unit that determines whether the second signal has been received; an OS determination unit that, when it is determined that the second signal has been received, determines that the first OS is installed in the connected terminal.

3. a first operation unit each of which causes the terminal to execute one function; one or more second operation units each causing the terminal to execute a first function or a second function; The terminal on which the first OS is installed can selectively execute the first function or the second function, The device does not have a function selection unit that selects a function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated, a function state determination unit that, when it is determined that the first OS is installed in the terminal, determines whether the terminal is in a state in which the second function can be executed when the second operation unit is operated; The input device according to claim 2, further comprising an operation execution unit that controls the terminal to execute the first function when the second operation unit is operated when the function state determination unit determines that the second function is in a state where it can be executed.

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

5. the second operation unit is a numeric keypad, 4. The input device of claim 3, wherein the first function is a number lock.

6. Each of the second operation units transmits a unique operation signal to the terminal when operated; the terminal executes different functions when receiving the operation signal depending on whether the terminal is in a state where the first function is executed or a state where the terminal is in a state where the second function is executed; the operation execution unit transmits to the terminal a function change signal for changing a function to be executed when the second operation unit is operated; The input device according to claim 3 , wherein the operation signal is transmitted after the function change signal is transmitted.

7. The input device according to claim 6 , wherein after the operation signal is transmitted, the operation execution unit transmits the function change signal again to the terminal.

8. a third operation unit that causes the terminal to execute a third function; 3. The input device according to claim 2, further comprising an operation execution unit that, when the third operation unit is operated, if it is determined that the first OS is installed, sends a first function control signal to the terminal as a predetermined function control signal for executing the third function, and, if it is determined that an OS other than the first OS is installed in the terminal, sends a function control signal other than the first function control signal to the terminal to cause the terminal to execute the third function.

Images