Communication system, connection interval setting method, and program

Abstract

To provide a key input system capable of transferring key input data entered by a user operating a keyboard or the like, to an external information device in real time with low power consumption, and using the data.SOLUTION: A scientific calculator 10 and a PC 20 each include short-range wireless communication units (17, 28) using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), enabling two-way communication and transferring key code data entered in response to key operations on the scientific calculator 10 to the PC 20 in real time. The PC 20 then inputs the key code data of the scientific calculator 10 transferred to the PC 20 into a calculator emulator running on the PC 20, and executes processing according to the input key code. At this time, a communication interval CI between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 is set, for example, short if a type of a key that requires high-speed processing is input, and long if a type of a key that does not require high-speed processing is input, according to a type of a key input on the scientific calculator 10 and based on a communication interval setting table (12c).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to Communication system, connection interval setting method and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a scientific calculator has been widely used as a small electronic calculator that can execute calculations of various functional expressions input by key operations.

[0003] As a usage form of such a scientific calculator, for example, there is a school lesson in which a graph of a functional expression is displayed and analyzed, and each teacher and student uses a scientific calculator. And, in the scientific calculator used by the teacher, it has been proposed to receive and integrate calculation data such as graph data from each student's scientific calculator transferred by infrared communication or the like, and to perform enlarged projection display of the integrated calculation data of the integrated result (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, as a method of transferring calculation data obtained by a scientific calculator to an external information device such as a Web server, in the scientific calculator, the calculation data to be transferred is converted into an image of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) and displayed. Then, it is considered to photograph and decode the displayed two-dimensional code image with a communication device equipped with a camera such as a tablet terminal, and transfer the decoded calculation data to an external information device via a communication network such as the Internet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] On the other hand, as another usage form of a scientific calculator, an emulator program (calculator emulator) of the scientific calculator is installed in a PC (personal computer), and by touching a scientific calculator (calculator image) displayed on the touch panel display screen of the PC, the same calculations as those of the scientific calculator can be executed on the PC. And such a PC may be used by students to take classes or exams, or by researchers to analyze calculation results.

[0007] However, when a user touches and operates a scientific calculator (calculator image) displayed on the display screen of a PC, the feeling is quite different from that when directly operating a scientific calculator, and there is a problem of poor operability.

[0008] Therefore, it is conceivable to install a communication device capable of two-way communication with an external information device in the scientific calculator, and transfer key input data input by operating the keys of the scientific calculator to the PC in real time and input it to the calculator emulator of the PC. However, since the power source of the scientific calculator is a battery power source for low power consumption such as a button battery, a solar cell, or a AA dry battery, there is a risk that the power required for communication with the PC cannot be covered.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such Problem and aims to provide a There is provided a communication system and a connection interval setting method that can suppress power consumption. The communication system includes setting means for setting a value of a connection interval between the information device and the physical device when a user performs an input operation of a calculation formula to a calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of a predetermined information device by operating an input key of the physical calculator. When the calculation formula is input, the setting means updates the value of the connection interval to a value pre-assigned to the operated input key each time the input key is operated. and a program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The The connection interval setting method according to the present invention is a communication method executed by a communication system. The method includes a setting process for setting a value of a connection interval between the information device and the physical device when a user performs an input operation of a calculation formula to a calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of a predetermined information device by operating an input key of the physical calculator. When the calculation formula is input, the setting process updates the value of the connection interval to a value pre-assigned to the operated input key each time the input key is operated. The program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as setting means for setting a value of a connection interval between the information device and the physical device when a user performs an input operation of a calculation formula to a calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of a predetermined information device by operating an input key of the physical calculator. When the calculation formula is input, the setting means updates the value of the connection interval to a value pre-assigned to the operated input key each time the input key is operated.

Figure 1

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the key input system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuits of the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 provided in the key input system 1.

[0015] The key input system 1 includes a scientific calculator 10 as a key input device and a PC 20 as an information device, and a calculator emulator is installed in the PC 20.

[0016] Also, both the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 are provided with a short - range wireless communication unit using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) as a communication device for performing two - way communication.

[0017] In the key input system 1 of this embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 17 of the scientific calculator 10 functions as a "slave", and the short-range wireless communication unit 28 of the PC 20 functions as a "master". Then, the short-range wireless communication unit 17 transfers, in real time, key input data, which is data input by the user operating the key input unit 15 of the scientific calculator 10, to the PC 20 and enables it to be input to the calculator emulator of the PC 20.

[0018] The PC 20 in FIG. 1 shows a state in which a calculator emulator screen Gem is displayed on the display unit 27 with a touch panel.

[0019] The electronic circuit of the scientific calculator 10 includes a CPU (processor) 11 which is a computer (control unit).

[0020] The CPU 11 controls the operations of each part of the circuit and realizes various functions according to program data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, program data read by the recording medium reading unit 14 from an external recording medium 13 such as a memory card and stored in the storage unit 12, or program data downloaded from an external program server and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0021] As the program data of the scientific calculator 10 of this embodiment, there are stored calculator program data 12a that controls the overall operation of the scientific calculator 10, short-range communication program data 12b that is activated in a mode for operating the short-range wireless communication unit 17 in cooperation with the calculator program data 12a to perform two-way communication with an external master-side information device (here, the PC 20), and the like.

[0022] Also, a communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3), calculation data 12d, etc. are also stored in the storage unit 12. Here, the communication interval means a time interval.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the communication interval setting table 12c stored in the storage unit 12 of the scientific calculator 10.

[0024] The communication interval setting table 12c is a table for changing and setting the communication interval CI (Connection Interval) with the PC 20 according to the type of key when the function calculator 10 is set to the key code transmission mode for transferring the key code data input by key input in real time to the PC 20 in response to a user operation. In the present embodiment, the communication interval CI corresponding to the operation of the [=] (calculation execution) key 15a is the shortest at 20 msec, the communication interval CI corresponding to the operations of the [DEL] (delete) key 15b and the [AC] (all clear) key 15c is 100 msec, the communication interval CI corresponding to the operations of the [+][-][×][÷] (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) keys 15d is 200 msec, and the communication interval CI corresponding to the operations of the other keys related to calculations including the [1] to [9] (numeric) keys is set to the longest at 500 msec. Also, the initial value of the communication interval CI is set to the longest at 500 msec.

[0025] Note that the communication interval CI when using BLE can be set, for example, between 7.5 msec and 4 sec.

[0026] In the key code transmission mode of the function calculator 10 of the present embodiment, when keys not related to calculations such as the [SHIFT] key, [ALPHA] key, [MENU] key, and [↑][↓][←][→] (cursor) keys are keyed in, the key code data is not transferred.

[0027] The calculation data 12d is calculation data obtained by various calculation processes such as data of calculation formulas and calculation result data corresponding to a user's key input operation.

[0028] To the CPU 11, the storage unit 12, the recording medium reading unit 14, the key input unit 15, the display unit 16, and the short-range wireless communication unit 17 are connected via a system and data bus, and the power supply for driving each of these circuit parts is supplied from a battery power source 18 for low power consumption such as a button battery, a solar battery, or a AA dry battery.

[0029] The function calculator 10 configured as described above has the CPU 11 control the operations of each part according to the instructions described in the program data (calculator program data 12a, short-range communication program data 12b), and realizes calculator processing (Fig. 5) as described in the following operation description by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0030] The electronic circuit of the PC 20 includes a CPU (processor) 21 which is a computer (control unit).

[0031] The CPU 21 controls the operations of each part of the circuit and realizes various functions according to the program data pre-stored in the storage unit 22, or the program data read by the storage medium reading unit 24 from an external storage medium 23 such as a CD-ROM and stored in the storage unit 22, or the program data downloaded from a Web server (here a program server) 30 on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0032] As the program data of the PC 20 of the present embodiment, in addition to the operating system program data that controls the overall operation of the PC 20, there are calculator emulator program data 22a that realizes the same operation as the function calculator 10, and short-range communication program data 22b that is started in a mode for operating the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in cooperation with the calculator emulator program data 22a to perform two-way communication with an external slave-side electronic device (here the function calculator 10), etc. are stored.

[0033] Also, communication interval setting data (CI) 22c, calculation history data 22d, etc. are also stored in the storage unit 12.

[0034] The communication interval setting data (CI) 22c is the setting data of the communication interval CI requested from the function calculator 10 when the short-range wireless communication unit 28 is operated to perform two-way communication with an external slave-side electronic device (here the function calculator 10), and the next communication interval CI with the function calculator 10 is set according to the communication interval setting data (CI).

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of transmission data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 to the PC 20 in association with the short-distance communication between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20.

[0036] For example, in the key code transmission mode of the scientific calculator 10, when there is no key operation and there is no key code data to be transmitted during the communication standby, as shown in FIG. 4(A), transmission data including communication interval setting data (CI; initial value) and empty data is generated and transmitted.

[0037] Also, when transmitting the key code in which the key code data to be transmitted exists in response to a key operation, as shown in FIG. 4(B), transmission data including communication interval setting data (CI; corresponding to the key type) and key code data is generated and transmitted.

[0038] In the short-distance wireless communication process using BLE, in one communication process, for example, data transmission and reception of up to 4 packets (1 packet = 20 bytes) are possible.

[0039] The calculation history data 22d is calculation data such as data of calculation formulas and calculation results obtained by various calculation processes in the calculator emulator that operates according to the calculator emulator program data 22a.

[0040] Connected to the CPU 21 are a storage unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 24, a communication unit 25, a key input unit 26, a display unit with a touch panel 27, and a short-distance wireless communication unit 28 via a system and data bus.

[0041] The PC 20 configured in this way controls the operations of each unit according to the instructions described in the program data (including the calculator emulator program data 22a and the short-distance communication program data 22b), and the software and hardware cooperate to operate, thereby realizing the PC processing (FIG. 6) as described in the following operation explanation.

[0042] Next, the operation of the key input system 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0043] In this embodiment, when a user takes a test using a PC 20 equipped with a calculator emulator, it is assumed that the key input operation for the calculator emulator is performed by operating the key input unit 15 of the scientific calculator 10 placed beside the PC 20 (for example, within a range of 1 to 2 m from the PC 20), and this will be described.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the calculator processing according to the calculator program (12a) and the short-distance communication program (12b) of the scientific calculator 10.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the PC processing according to the calculator emulator program (22a) and the short-distance communication program (22b) of the PC 20.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the communication operation between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 according to the calculator processing in the key code transmission mode of the scientific calculator 10 and the PC processing in the key code reception mode of the PC 20.

[0047] In the scientific calculator 10, when the key code transmission mode is selected and specified by the user from the menu screen of the operation mode displayed on the display unit 16 in response to, for example, the operation of the [MENU] key (step S1 (Yes)), the CPU 11 reads out the communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value; 500 msec] of the uplink signal indicating a communication connection request from the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3), and transmits it to the PC 20 via the short-distance wireless communication unit 17 (step S2), and waits for the reception of the connection authentication signal from the PC 20 (step S3).

[0048] In the PC 20, for example, when a shortcut icon of a calculator emulator program (22a) is selected and specified by the user from the desktop shortcut icons displayed on the display unit 27 with a touch panel, the CPU 21 sets the operation mode of the PC 20 to the calculator emulator mode, and as shown in FIG. 1, displays a calculator emulator screen Gem in which an image of the scientific calculator 10 is expanded on the display unit 27 with a touch panel (step M1 (Yes)).

[0049] In the PC 20 set to the calculator emulator mode, for example, when a key code reception mode for operating the calculator emulator according to key code data input from the outside is selected and specified from the operation mode setting item in the pull-down menu of the calculator emulator screen Gem (step M2 (Yes)), the CPU 21 waits for reception of a communication connection request signal from the scientific calculator 10 via the short-range wireless communication unit 28 (step M3).

[0050] When a communication connection request signal (including communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value: 500 msec]) transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 is received (step M3 (Yes)), the CPU 21 writes and sets the received communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value: 500 msec] 22c to the storage unit 22 (step M4), and transmits a connection authentication signal to the scientific calculator 10 via the short-range wireless communication unit 28 (step M5).

[0051] The CPU 21 receives a communication standby signal (upward) (see FIG. 4(A)) transmitted from the scientific calculator 10, for example, as shown in timings T1 and T2 in FIG. 7, corresponding to the currently set communication interval CI [initial value: 500 msec] in the storage unit 22 (according to the set communication interval CI), and transmits a communication standby signal (downward) as a response signal thereto (step M6).

[0052] Here, when receiving a communication standby signal (upward) and transmitting the same (downward), if the current communication interval CI is not set to [initial value; 500 msec], the communication interval (CI) setting data [initial value; 500 msec] 22c is set again (step M7).

[0053] Then, while repeating the reception / transmission of the communication standby signal (upward / downward), it waits for the reception of key code data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 (steps M6 to M8 (No)).

[0054] In the scientific calculator 10, when a connection authentication signal transmitted from the PC 20 is received (step S3 (Yes)), the CPU 11 transmits a communication standby signal (upward) (see FIG. 4(A)) to the PC 20 via the short-range wireless communication unit 17 corresponding to the communication interval CI [initial value; 500 msec] set in step S2, and receives a communication standby signal (downward) from the PC 20 as its response signal (step S4).

[0055] Then, when it is determined that no key related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is input within the current communication interval CI [initial value; 500 msec] (step S5 (No)), the CPU 11 transmits a communication standby signal (upward) to the PC 20 via the short-range wireless communication unit 17 and receives a communication standby signal (downward) from the PC 20 as its response signal in the same manner as above (step S4).

[0056] After that, in the scientific calculator 10, when a key (for example, [AC] key 15c) related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is input according to a user operation (step S5 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes and sets the current communication interval CI to [100 msec] according to the [AC] key 15c based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3) (step S6).

[0057] Then, transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including the set communication interval setting data [100 msec] and the input key code data [AC] is generated, and the transmission data is transmitted to the PC 20 corresponding to the communication interval CI [500 msec] before the change in step S6 as shown in the timing T3 of FIG. 7 (step S7).

[0058] The CPU 11 executes processing according to the key code of the input [AC] key 15c, and here, all the calculation data 12d in the storage unit 12 is erased (step S8).

[0059] Then, it is determined whether a key related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 has been input within the current communication interval CI [100 msec] changed in step S6 (step S9), and it is determined whether data has been received from the PC 20 corresponding to the current communication interval CI (step S10).

[0060] Here, if it is determined that no key related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 has been input within the current communication interval CI [100 msec] (step S9 (No)), and no data has been received from the PC 20 corresponding to the current communication interval CI (step S10 (No)), the process returns to the process from step S4, the communication interval CI is reset to [initial value; 500 msec], a communication standby signal (upward) (see FIG. 4(A)) is transmitted to the PC 20, and a communication standby signal (downward) from the PC 20 as its response signal is received (step S4).

[0061] In the PC 20, when transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including the key code data [AC] and the communication interval setting data [100 msec] transmitted corresponding to step S7 from the scientific calculator 10 is received as shown in the timing T3 of FIG. 7 (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI (22c) to [100 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [100 msec] (step M9).

[0062] Then, it executes processing according to the received key code data [AC], and here, it completely erases the calculation history data 22d in the storage unit 22 (step M10).

[0063] Based on the result of the processing according to the received key code data in step M10, the CPU 21 determines whether there is data to be transmitted to the scientific calculator 10 (calculation result data in this embodiment) (step M11). If it is determined that there is no data to be transmitted (step M11 (No)), it waits for the reception of the key code data to be transmitted next from the scientific calculator 10 corresponding to the communication interval CI [100 msec] set in step M9 (step M8).

[0064] In step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, when a key related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 (for example, [4] (numeric) key) is input according to the user operation within the current communication interval CI [100 msec] (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes and sets the current communication interval CI to [500 msec] according to the [4] key (other calculation-related keys) based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3) (step S6).

[0065] Then, it generates transmission data including the set communication interval setting data [500 msec] and the input key code data [4] (see FIG. 4(B)), and transmits the transmission data to the PC 20 corresponding to the communication interval CI [100 msec] before the change in step S6 as shown in the timing T4 in FIG. 7 (step S7).

[0066] The CPU 11 executes processing according to the key code of the input [4] (numeric) key, and here, it writes data of the operand "4" as the calculation data 12d in the storage unit 12 (step S8).

[0067] In the PC 20, as shown by the timing T4 in FIG. 7, when transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including the key code data [4] transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 corresponding to its step S7 and the communication interval setting data [500 msec] is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI (22c) to [500 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [500 msec] (step M9).

[0068] Then, the CPU 21 executes processing according to the received key code data [4]. Here, data of the operand "4" is written as the calculation history data 22d in the storage unit 22 (step M10).

[0069] Next, in step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, when a key ([×] (multiplication) key 15d) related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is input according to the user operation within the current communication interval CI [500 msec] (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes and sets the current communication interval CI to [200 msec] according to the [×] key 15d based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3) (step S6).

[0070] Then, the CPU 11 generates transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including the set communication interval setting data [200 msec] and the input key code data [×], and transmits the transmission data to the PC 20 corresponding to the communication interval CI [500 msec] before the change in step S6 as shown by the timing T5 in FIG. 7 (step S7).

[0071] The CPU 11 executes processing according to the key code of the input [×] (multiplication) key 15d. Here, data of the multiplication symbol "×" is written following the operand "4" already stored as the calculation data 12d in the storage unit 12 (step S8).

[0072] In the PC 20, as shown by the timing T5 in FIG. 7, when transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including key code data [×] transmitted corresponding to step S7 from the scientific calculator 10 and communication interval setting data [200 msec] is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI (22c) to [200 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [200 msec] (step M9).

[0073] Then, the CPU 21 executes processing according to the received key code data [×]. Here, data of the multiplication symbol "×" is written following the operand "4" that has already been stored as the calculation history data 22d in the storage unit 22 (step M10).

[0074] Next, in the same manner as above, in step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, when a key ([5] (numeric) key) related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is input in response to a user operation within the current communication interval CI [200 msec] (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes and sets the current communication interval CI to [500 msec] according to the key ([5] (numeric) key) according to the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3) (step S6).

[0075] Then, transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including the set communication interval setting data [500 msec] and the input key code data [5] is generated, and the transmission data is transmitted to the PC 20 corresponding to the communication interval CI [200 msec] before the change in step S6 as shown by the timing T6 in FIG. 7 (step S7).

[0076] The CPU 11 executes processing according to the key code of the input [5] (numeric) key. Here, data of the operand "5" is written following the operand "4" and the multiplication symbol "×" that have already been stored as the calculation data 12d in the storage unit 12 (step S8).

[0077] In the PC 20, as shown by the timing T6 in FIG. 7, when transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including key code data [5] transmitted corresponding to step S7 from the scientific calculator 10 and communication interval setting data [500 msec] is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI (22c) to [500 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [500 msec] (step M9).

[0078] Then, it executes processing according to the received key code data [5]. Here, data of the arithmetic operand "5" is written following the multiplicand "4" and the multiplication symbol "×" that are already stored as calculation history data 22d in the storage unit 22 (step M10).

[0079] Subsequently, in the same manner as above, in step S9 of the scientific calculator 10, when a key ([=] (calculation execution) key 15a) related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is input according to a user operation within the current communication interval CI [500 msec] (step S9 (Yes)), the CPU 11 changes and sets the current communication interval CI to the shortest [20 msec] corresponding to the [=] (calculation execution) key 15a based on the communication interval setting table 12c (see FIG. 3) (step S6).

[0080] Then, it generates transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including the set communication interval setting data [20 msec] and the input key code data [=], and transmits the transmission data to the PC 20 corresponding to the communication interval CI [500 msec] before the change in step S6 as shown by the timing T7 in FIG. 7 (step S7).

[0081] The CPU 11 executes processing according to the key code of the input [=] (calculation execution) key 15a. Here, it calculates the calculation formula "4 × 5 =" consisting of the multiplicand "4", the multiplication symbol "×", and the arithmetic operand "5" that are already stored as calculation data 12d in the storage unit 12, and writes data of the calculation result "20" following the calculation formula (step S8).

[0082] In the PC 20, as shown by the timing T7 in FIG. 7, when transmission data (see FIG. 4(B)) including key code data [=] transmitted corresponding to step S7 from the scientific calculator 10 and communication interval setting data [20 msec] is received (step M8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI (22c) to the shortest [20 msec] according to the received communication interval setting data [20 msec] (step M9).

[0083] Then, a process corresponding to the received key code data [=] (execution of calculation) is executed. Here, the arithmetic expression "4 × 5 =" consisting of the operand "4", multiplication symbol "×", and operand "5" already stored as calculation history data 22d in the storage unit 22 is calculated, and data of the calculation result "20" is written following the arithmetic expression (step M10).

[0084] Here, when it is determined in the CPU 21 that there is data to be transmitted to the scientific calculator 10 (data of the calculation result "20" in this embodiment) (step M11 (Yes)), as shown by the timing T8 in FIG. 7, corresponding to the current communication interval CI [20 msec] changed and set in step M9, the data "20" of the calculation result is transmitted to the scientific calculator 10 (step M12).

[0085] In the scientific calculator 10, when data "20" of the calculation result transmitted from the PC 20 is received as shown by the timing T8 in FIG. 7 corresponding to the current communication interval CI [20 msec] changed and set in response to the input of the [=] key 15a (step S10 (Yes)), the data "20" of the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 16 and stored as the calculation result (step S11).

[0086] After that, if it is determined that no key input related to the calculation of the key input unit 15 is performed within the current communication interval CI [20 msec] (step S5 (No)), the CPU 11 transmits a communication standby signal (upward) for resetting the communication interval CI to the initial value [500 msec] to the PC 20 again as shown in the timing T9 of FIG. 7, and receives a communication standby signal (downward) from the PC 20 as its response signal (step S4).

[0087] In the PC 20, as shown in the timing T9 of FIG. 7, while waiting to receive key code data transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 corresponding to the current communication interval CI [20 msec] (step M8), when a communication standby signal (upward) (see FIG. 4(A)) transmitted from the scientific calculator 10 is received and a communication standby signal (downward) as its response signal is transmitted (step M8 (No) → M6), the CPU 21 changes and sets the current communication interval CI [20 msec] to [initial value; 500 msec] again (step M7).

[0088] Then, as shown in the timing T10 of FIG. 7, it waits to receive the next key code data or the next communication standby signal from the scientific calculator 10 (step M8 or M6).

[0089] Therefore, according to the scientific calculator 10 (key input device) and the PC 20 (information device) of the key input system 1 configured as described above, BLE (Bluetooth It is equipped with short - range wireless communication units 17 and 28 that use (Low Energy), enables two - way communication, and transfers the key - code data input according to the key operations of the scientific calculator 10 to the PC 20 in real - time. Then, in the PC 20, the key - code data of the scientific calculator 10 transferred to the PC 20 is input into the calculator emulator operating on the PC 20, and the processing corresponding to the input key code is executed. At this time, according to the type of key input on the scientific calculator 10, the communication interval CI between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 is set, for example, shorter when a key of a type that requires high - speed processing is input, longer when a key of a different type is input, and furthermore, when a key of a type not related to calculation is input, the transfer of the input key code to the PC 20 is not performed.

[0090] As a result, for example, even when performing calculations using the calculator emulator operated on the PC 20, it is possible to perform key operations using the actual scientific calculator 10 without the need to touch - operate the calculator image displayed on the touch - panel display unit 27 of the PC 20, ensuring high operability. Moreover, even when the power source of the scientific calculator 10 is a battery power source 18 for low power consumption such as a button battery, a solar cell, or a AA dry battery, the setting of the communication interval CI in BLE is appropriately changed according to the type of input key. So, the more repetitive calculations are performed, the more effectively the power required for communication with the PC 20 (power consumption related to communication with the PC 20) can be reduced. For example, even if the capacity of the battery power source 18 is comparable to the capacity of the battery power source of a general scientific calculator, the scientific calculator 10 can be used as a key - input device that can be continuously used for a long time.

[0091] Therefore, according to the key - input system 1 of this embodiment, for example, it becomes possible to transfer and utilize the key - input data input by the user operating a key - input device such as a keyboard to an external information device in real - time with low power consumption.

[0092] (Other embodiments) Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, if the communication interval CI between the scientific calculator 10 and the PC 20 is set to be long, power consumption can be reduced, but the processing speed will be slow. On the other hand, if the communication interval CI is set to be short, the processing speed will be fast, but it will be difficult to reduce power consumption. However, as another embodiment, in the scientific calculator 10, when the operation speed of the key input operation by the user is detected and the average operation speed becomes faster than a certain threshold value, the communication interval CI set based on the communication interval setting table 12c is shortened at a certain rate, so that it is possible to realize a more operable key input system 1 while reducing power consumption.

[0093] Also, in the key input system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the case where the key input device is the scientific calculator 10 and the information device is the PC 20 has been described. However, the information device may be a tablet terminal or the like having the same function as the PC 20 and is not limited to the PC 20. Also, the key input device is not limited to the scientific calculator 10, and for example, a general calculator (a calculator that does not use complex mathematical formulas as calculation targets like a scientific calculator) may be used. Also, the key input device provided with a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE may be a keyboard such as a calculation dedicated keyboard or a general keyboard.

[0094] Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication units 17 and 28 are not limited to BLE, and even if they are wireless communication units using other communication methods, by performing the same processing as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to transfer and use the key input data input by the user operating the keyboard to an external information device in real time with as low power consumption as possible.

[0095] The methods of each process by the key input system 1 described in each of the above embodiments, that is, the calculator processing of the calculator 10 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the PC processing of the PC 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, etc., can all be stored and distributed as programs executable by a computer on a medium of an external recording device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. Then, a computer (CPU) of an electronic device that becomes a key input device or an information device reads the program recorded on the medium of this external recording device into a storage device, and the operation is controlled by this read program, thereby realizing various functions described in each of the above embodiments and executing the same processes by the methods described above.

[0096] Also, the data of the program for realizing each of the above methods can be transmitted on a communication network (N) in the form of program codes, and the program data is taken in from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N) into an electronic device that becomes a key input device or an information device and stored in a storage device, and various functions described above can also be realized.

[0097] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each embodiment, or some constituent elements are combined in different forms, if the problems described in the column of the problems to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects described in the column of the effects of the invention can be obtained, the configuration in which these constituent elements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

[0098] The invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended below.

[0099] [Appendix 1] A key input unit including a plurality of types of keys, A first wireless communication unit, And a first control unit, The first control unit, Causes the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information of the input key to an external information device according to the communication interval set according to the type of the key input by the key input unit. Key input device.

[0100] [Appendix 2] The first control unit, Causes the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information of the input key to an external information device together with the information of the set communication interval. The key input device according to Appendix 1.

[0101] [Appendix 3] The first wireless communication unit is a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE. The key input device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0102] [Appendix 4] Equipped with a battery power supply, The first wireless communication unit and the first control unit are driven by the battery power supply. The key input device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3.

[0103] [Appendix 5] A second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with an external key input device, And a second control unit, The second control unit, Causes the second wireless communication unit to receive the key information transmitted from the key input device corresponding to the communication interval set according to the type of the key input by the key input device, And performs processing according to the received key information. Information device.

[0104] [Appendix 6] The second control unit causes the second wireless communication unit to receive, together with the key information transmitted from the key input device, the information on the communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input device. The information device according to Supplementary Note 5.

[0105] [Supplementary Note 7] The second wireless communication unit is a short-range wireless communication unit using BLE. The information device according to Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 8] Comprising a key input device and an information device, The key input device includes a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys, a first wireless communication unit, and a first control unit, The first control unit causes the first wireless communication unit to transmit the information on the input key to the information device according to the communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input unit. The information device includes a second wireless communication unit, and a second control unit, The second control unit causes the second wireless communication unit to receive the key information transmitted from the key input device corresponding to the set communication interval of the key input device. Key input system.

[0107] [Supplementary Note 9] A computer of a key input device including a key input unit including a plurality of types of keys and a first wireless communication unit is caused to function so as to transmit the information on the input key to an external information device by the first wireless communication unit according to the communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input unit. A computer-readable program for causing the above.

[0108] [Supplementary Note 10] A computer of an information device having a second wireless communication unit capable of communicating with an external key input device, causes the second wireless communication unit to receive key information transmitted from the key input device corresponding to a communication interval set according to the type of key input by the key input device, and performs processing according to the received key information. A computer-readable program for functioning as described above.

Explanation of Signs

[0109] 1... Key input system 10... Function calculator (key input device) 20... PC (information device) 11, 21... CPU (control unit) 12, 22... Storage unit 12a... Calculator program data 12b, 22b... Short-range communication program data 12c... Communication interval setting table 12d... Calculation data 22a... Calculator emulator program data 22c... Communication interval setting data (CI) 22d... Calculation history data 13, 23... External recording medium 14, 24... Recording medium reading unit 15, 26... Key input unit 16... Display unit 27... Display unit with touch panel 17, 28... Short-range wireless communication unit 18... Battery power supply

Claims

1. A method for inputting a formula into a calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of a predetermined information device, the method comprising: setting means for setting a value of a connection interval between the information device and the actual calculator when a user inputs a formula into the calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of the information device by operating input keys of the actual calculator; said setting means updates the value of said connection interval to a value previously assigned to said operated input key each time said input key is operated when said calculation formula is input. A communication system comprising:

2. The calculator has numeric keys and arithmetic keys as the input keys, the assigned values ​​are different between the numeric keys and the arithmetic keys; 2. The communication system according to claim 1 .

3. The operation keys are assigned a value smaller than the value of the connection interval set by the setting means when a period of no operation of the input keys reaches a predetermined length.

3. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The numeric keys are assigned a value equal to the value of the connection interval set by the setting means when a period of no operation on the input keys reaches a predetermined length.

4. The communication system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A connection interval setting method executed by a communication system, comprising: a setting process for setting a value of a connection interval between a predetermined information device and an actual calculator when a user inputs a formula into a calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of the information device by operating input keys of the actual calculator, the setting process updates the value of the connection interval to a value previously assigned to the operated input key each time the input key is operated when the calculation formula is input; A connection interval setting method comprising:

6. A computer comprising: a setting means for setting a value of a connection interval between a specific information device and the actual calculator when a user inputs a formula into a calculator emulator as a virtual calculator displayed on a display unit of the specific information device by operating input keys of the actual calculator; said setting means updates the value of said connection interval to a value previously assigned to said operated input key each time said input key is operated when said calculation formula is input. A program characterized by:

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