Key-operated memory-programmable control coupled to a personal computer

A memory-programmable control (SPS) for coupling to a data interface (8) of a personal computer (PC), the personal computer (PC) including a user interface (13), a memory and a control unit for function assignment (3), the SPS comprising:

• means for operating the inputs and outputs (9, 10) of the SPS, the means including keys (T1 through Tn) for tripping machine functions, wherein the keys (T1 through Tn) are embodied as pushbuttons (T1 through Tn), provided in addition to the user interface (13) of the PC, are each electrically connected directly to one each of the SPS inputs (9) at the same time that the personal computer (PC) is coupled to the SPS and are each electrically connected, parallel to the SPS inputs (9), to an internal bus (14) of the PC;
• wherein one of a plurality of key levels, each with selected meanings, stored in memory in the PC, for the pushbuttons (T1 through Tn) is selectable from the user interface (13) of the PC;
• and
• a control unit for flag assignment (4) connected directly to the SPS inputs (9) and thus to the external pushbuttons (T1 through Tn) and to the PC via the data interface (8);
• wherein the control unit for flag assignment (4) receives information about a key allocation of the pushbuttons (T1 through Tn) in a particular key level upon selection and links this information with a pushbutton signal applied to an SPS input (9), and
• wherein upon selection of any of the keys (T1 through Tn), a respective surface function (5) of the PC, stored in the memory and simultaneously assigned to both the machine function and to the key's respective key allocation is tripped.