With the continuous development of computer technology, industrial control systems are increasingly using industrial PCs, which often require multiple input devices such as keyboards and mice. Normally, we use one keyboard to operate an industrial PC, but if multiple people need to work collaboratively or a more efficient operating method is required, we can use two keyboards connected to the industrial PC. Today, we will introduce how to connect two keyboards to an industrial PC and discuss the advantages and application scenarios of this method.
How to connect an industrial computer using two keyboards
To connect two keyboards to an industrial computer, we need to meet the following two conditions:
Hardware support is required. The industrial PC needs two USB ports or two PS/2 ports to connect the two keyboards to the PC.
Software support is required. The operating system needs to support multiple keyboards so that we can configure two keyboards to control the industrial computer separately.
If both of the above conditions are met, we can proceed with the setup as follows:
Connect the two keyboards to the two USB ports or two PS/2 ports of the industrial computer, respectively.
Open the Control Panel, select "Keyboard", and then select "Keyboard Properties".
Click the "Hardware" tab, and then select the device corresponding to the second keyboard.
Click "Properties", and then select "Change settings".
Click "Advanced", then select "Use this device (Enable)".
Once completed, we can use two keyboards to control the industrial computer separately.
Advantages of using two keyboards to connect an industrial control computer
Using two keyboards to connect to the industrial control computer has the following advantages:
Improve collaborative work. In some industrial control systems, multiple people need to handle tasks on the industrial computer simultaneously. If there is only one keyboard, it is necessary to switch input devices to operate, which is a waste of time and energy. If two keyboards are connected to the industrial computer, multiple people can operate simultaneously, improving work efficiency.
Improve operational efficiency. In some situations, we need to frequently switch input devices to complete multiple tasks, which not only wastes time but also reduces work efficiency. If two keyboards are connected to the industrial computer, we can use both hands to operate different tasks simultaneously, saving the time spent switching input devices and improving operational efficiency.
Enhance operational security. In industrial control systems requiring high confidentiality, we do not want the risk of data leakage due to multiple people sharing a single keyboard. If two keyboards are connected to the industrial computer, we can assign each person an independent keyboard, thus ensuring data security.
Application scenarios of using two keyboards to connect to an industrial control computer
Using two keyboards to connect to an industrial control computer has the following application scenarios:
Multi-person collaborative operation. In some industrial control systems that require collaborative work by multiple people, such as workshop production control systems and oil and gas systems, the industrial control computer needs to be operated by multiple people simultaneously. In this case, two keyboards are needed to connect the industrial control computer so that multiple people can operate it simultaneously.
Improve operational efficiency. In some industrial control systems with extremely high operational efficiency requirements, such as semiconductor production lines and fiber optic manufacturing, industrial PCs need to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. In such cases, using two keyboards connected to the industrial PC can save time spent frequently switching input devices, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Data security protection. In some highly confidential industrial control systems, such as financial transaction systems and military control systems, password input can only be performed via a specific keyboard. Therefore, two keyboards are needed to connect to the industrial control computer to protect data security.
Using two keyboards to connect an industrial PC can improve operational efficiency, enhance collaborative work, and strengthen data security, with a wide range of applications. For some industrial control systems that require high operational efficiency, data security, and collaborative work, using two keyboards to connect the industrial PC is particularly beneficial.
