JP2001175415A - Coordinate inputting/detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical coordinate inputting/detecting device or a coordi nate inputting/detecting device using an image inputting means such as a camera for changing display density according to wiring pressure, and for changing linear width. SOLUTION: This coordinate inputting/detecting device is constituted of plural light-emitting means and plural light-receiving means for detecting the plane or almost plane two-dimensional coordinates of a light-interrupt means according to the presence or absence of the light-interrupt means within the light emitting/receiving optical passage. Also, this coordinate inputting/detecting device is constituted of an image input means for fetching a plane or almost plane coordinate inputting/detecting area, and a means for converting a part of area of information fetched by the picture inputting means into two-dimensional coordinate information. This coordinate inputting/detecting device is provided with a contact pressure detecting means for detecting a contact pressure at coordinate inputting and a signal processing means for processing a coordinate input/detection signal. Then, display density or display area is changed according to the contact pressure at the coordinate input.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a coordinate input / detection device, and more particularly to a personal computer and the like.
The present invention relates to a so-called touch panel type coordinate input / detection device that detects a coordinate position specified by a pointing member such as a pen, a finger, or the like in order to input or select information. This coordinate input / detection device is used integrally with an electronic blackboard and a large display.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a coordinate input / detection device detects an electric change by electrostatic or electromagnetic induction when a coordinate input surface is pressed with a pen or when the pen approaches a coordinate input surface. There is.

[0003] Another method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-239.
There is an ultrasonic type touch panel coordinate input / detection device as known from Japanese Patent No. 322. In simple terms, the surface acoustic wave transmitted onto the panel is touched to the panel to attenuate the surface acoustic wave and its position is detected.

[0004]

However, in the method of detecting a coordinate position by electrostatic or electromagnetic induction, the coordinate input surface has an electric switch function, so that the manufacturing cost is high and the pen and the main body are connected. There was a difficulty in operability because a cable was required.

[0005] Further, in the ultrasonic type, since a finger input is premised, when a pen input is made with a material (soft and elastic) having an absorption on a panel and a straight line is drawn, a press is performed. At this point, stable attenuation is obtained, but when the pen is moved, sufficient contact is not obtained and the straight line is broken. Therefore, in order to obtain sufficient contact, the pen is pressed with excessive force. Then, as the pen moves,
Due to the elasticity of the pen, it receives stress and generates strain, and a force to return during movement acts. For this reason, once you try to draw a curve at the time of pen input, the force to hold down the pen is weakened and the force to restore distortion is excellent, so it will not return and stable attenuation can be obtained,
It is determined that the input has been interrupted. For this reason, there is a problem that reliability cannot be ensured as pen input.

[0006] However, regarding the problems of the prior art as described above, the present applicant has previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 10-12 / 1998.
No. 7035 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 99, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
An optical coordinate input / detection device represented by, for example, a device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 319501, a device previously proposed by the present applicant as Japanese Patent Application No. 10-230960,
Alternatively, the problem is solved by a coordinate input / detection device using an image input unit, and a touch panel type coordinate input / detection device can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

In recent years, such a coordinate input / detection device has
With the spread of personal computers, etc., it is positioned as a powerful tool for inputting and selecting information, and other than those disclosed in the above publications are being studied earnestly, but toward full-scale practical use. There are still many issues that need to be resolved.

The present invention relates to such an optical coordinate input / detection device or a coordinate input / detection device using an image input means such as a camera.
First, for example, the display density or the line width is changed depending on the pen pressure.

Secondly, for example, when the screen is lightly touched when there is no intention to enter, the display is canceled in consideration of the lightly touched contact pressure.

Thirdly, for example, it is easy to control the contact pressure by improving the durability of the coordinate input / detection device, making the contact pressure detecting means less likely to be damaged, and making contact with the soft member in the input. Or to obtain a smooth input feeling by contact with a soft member during input.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention firstly comprises a plurality of light emitting means and a plurality of light receiving means, and a light blocking means in the light path for light emission / light reception. Depending on the presence / absence, the plane or substantially plane 2
A coordinate input / detection device for detecting dimensional coordinates, or image input means for capturing a plane or substantially plane coordinate input / detection area, and a partial area of information captured by the image input means is defined as 2 A coordinate input / detection device comprising means for converting into dimensional coordinate information, comprising: a contact pressure detecting means for detecting a contact pressure in coordinate input; and a signal processing means for processing a coordinate input / detection signal. By changing the display density or the display area in accordance with the contact pressure in the input, for example, the display density or the line width is changed by the pen pressure.

Secondly, in the first coordinate input / detection device, by detecting the coordinate input only when the contact pressure is within a predetermined range, for example, by lightly touching the screen when there is no intention to enter. In the case where the display has been touched, the display is canceled in consideration of the lightly touched contact pressure.

Third, in the first coordinate input / detection device, since the contact pressure detecting means is covered with a soft member, for example, the durability of the coordinate input / detection device can be improved. , Making the contact pressure detecting means less likely to be damaged, making it easier to control the contact pressure by contacting the soft member at the time of input, and providing a smooth input feeling by contacting the soft member at the time of input. I did it.

[0014]

Embodiments will be described below in order. First, regarding a first example of an optical coordinate input and detection device to which the present invention is applied,
The principle will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an optical coordinate input / detection device to which the present invention is applied. The coordinate input area 3 has a quadrangular shape, and may be a display surface for electronically displaying an image, a white board written with a pen such as a marker, or the like. Instructing means 2 such as a user's finger, pen, or support rod made of an optically opaque material on the coordinate input area 3
Think about touching with. The purpose of such an optical coordinate input device is to detect the coordinates of the pointing means 2 at this time.

Light receiving / emitting means 1 is mounted on both upper ends of the coordinate input area. A light beam bundle (probe light) of L1, L2, L3,..., Ln is emitted from the light emitting / receiving means 1 toward the coordinate input area. Actually, it is a fan-shaped plate-like light wave that travels along a plane parallel to the coordinate input plane spread from the point light source 81.

A retroreflective member 4 is mounted around the coordinate input area 3 with the retroreflective surface facing the center of the coordinate input device 3.

The retroreflective member 4 is a member having a characteristic of reflecting incident light in the same direction regardless of the incident angle. For example, when focusing on one beam 12 of the fan-shaped plate-like light wave emitted from the light receiving and emitting means 1, the beam 12 is reflected by the retroreflective member 4 and returns to the light receiving and emitting means 1 through the same optical path as the retroreflected light 11 again. Proceed back. The light receiving / emitting means 1 is provided with a light receiving means, which will be described later, and can determine whether or not the returning light has returned to the light receiving / emitting means for each of the probe lights L1 to Ln.

Now, consider the case where the user touches position 2 with his hand. At this time, the probe light 10 is blocked by the hand at the position 2 and does not reach the retroreflective member 4. Therefore, by detecting that the return light of the probe light 10 does not reach the light receiving / emitting means 1 and that the return light corresponding to the probe light 10 is not received, the supporting object is placed on the extension line (straight line L) of the probe light 10. Can be detected. Similarly, the probe light is emitted from the light emitting / receiving means 1 installed at the upper right of FIG. 1 to detect that the return light corresponding to the probe light 13 is not received.
It is possible to detect that the supporting object is inserted on the extension line (straight line R) of No. 3. If the straight line L and the straight line R can be obtained, the coordinates at which the indicating means 2 is inserted can be obtained by calculating the intersection coordinates by calculation.

Next, the structure of the light receiving / emitting means 1 and the probe light L1
A description will be given of a mechanism for detecting which probe light is blocked out of L to Ln. FIG. 2 schematically shows the internal structure of the light receiving / emitting means 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the light emitting / receiving unit 1 attached to the coordinate input surface of FIG. 1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the coordinate input area 3. Here, for simplicity, the coordinate input area 3
The description will be made on a two-dimensional plane parallel to.

In a schematic configuration, a point light source 81 and a condenser lens 5 are provided.
1 and a light receiving element 50. The point light source 81 emits light in a fan shape in a direction opposite to the light receiving element 50 when viewed from the light source. The fan-shaped light emitted from the point light source 81 is considered to be a set of beams traveling in the directions of arrows 53 and 58 and other directions. The beam traveling in the direction of the arrow 53 is reflected by the retroreflective member 55, passes through the condenser lens 51, and reaches a position 57 on the light receiving element 50. Arrow 5
The beam traveling along the traveling direction of No. 8 reaches the position 56 on the light receiving element 50 by the retroreflective member 55. The light emitted from the point light source 81 and reflected by the retroreflective member 55 and returning on the same path reaches respective different positions on the light receiving element 50 by the action of the condenser lens 51. Accordingly, when the pointing means is inserted at a certain position and a certain beam is cut off, the light does not reach the point on the light receiving element 50 corresponding to the beam. Therefore, by examining the distribution of the light intensity on the light receiving element 50, it is possible to know which beam is blocked.

The above operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the light receiving element 50 is installed on the focal plane of the condenser lens 51. Light emitted from the point light source 81 toward the right side in FIG. 3 is reflected by the retroreflective member 55 and returns along the same path. Therefore, the light is condensed again at the position of the point light source 81.
The center of the condenser lens 51 is installed so as to coincide with the point light source position. The retroreflected light returned from the retroreflective member 55 passes through the center of the condenser lens 51, and thus travels in a symmetrical path behind the lens (light receiving element side).

At this time, the light intensity distribution on the light receiving element 50 is considered. If the pointing means is not inserted at the position 80, the light intensity distribution on the light receiving element 50 is substantially constant, but if the pointing means for blocking light is inserted at the position 80 as shown in FIG. The light beam is blocked, and a region having a low light intensity is generated at the position Dn on the light receiving element 50 (dark spot). This position Dn is the exit / incidence angle θn of the blocked beam.
Θn can be known by detecting Dn. That is, θn can be expressed as a function of Dn as θn = arctan (Dn / f) (eq. 1). Here, in particular, θn in the light receiving / emitting means 1 in the upper left of FIG. 1 is replaced with θnL, and Dn is replaced with DnL.

In FIG. 4, the angle θL between the pointing means 80 and the coordinate input area 3 is given by the transformation g of the geometric relative positional relationship between the light receiving / emitting means 1 and the coordinate input area 3.
As a function of DnL obtained by (eq. 1), θL = g (θnL) where θnL = arctan (DnL / f) (eq. 2).

Similarly, for the light receiving / emitting means 1 in the upper right of FIG. 1, the L symbol in the above equation is replaced with an R symbol, and the geometrical relationship between the right light receiving / emitting means 1 and the coordinate input area 3 is obtained. By the conversion h of the relative positional relationship, θR = h (θnR) where θnR = arctan (DnR / f) (eq. 3).

If the mounting interval of the light receiving and emitting means on the coordinate input area is w shown in FIG. 4 and the origin is the origin and the coordinates are shown in FIG. The coordinates (x, y) of the point at position 80 are x = w tanθR / (tanθL + tanθR) (eq. 4) y = w tanθL · tanθR / (tanθL + tanθR) (eq. 5)

As described above, x and y can be represented as functions of DnL and DnR. That is, by detecting the positions DnL and DnR of the dark spots on the light receiving element 50 on the left and right light emitting / receiving means 1 and considering the geometrical arrangement of the light receiving / emitting means, the coordinates of the point at the position 80 designated by the indicating means are obtained. Can be detected.

Next, an embodiment will be described in which the optical system described above is installed in a coordinate input area, for example, on the surface of the coordinate input area. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which one of the left and right light emitting / receiving means 1 described in FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed on the surface of the coordinate input area 3.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the coordinate input area, which is viewed in the direction from negative to positive on the y-axis shown in FIG. In FIGS. A and B, the viewpoints are changed as shown in the figure for the sake of explanation.

The light emitting means among the light receiving and emitting means will be described. Laser diode, pinpoint as light source 83
Use a light source such as an LED that can narrow the spot to some extent.

Light emitted perpendicularly to the coordinate input area 3 from the light source 83 is collimated by the cylindrical lens 84 only in the x direction. This is because the collimator is turned back by the half mirror 87 and then distributed as parallel light in a direction perpendicular to the display surface. After exiting the cylindrical lens 84, the two cylindrical lenses 85, 8 whose curvature distribution is orthogonal to the cylindrical lens 84.
The light is condensed in the y direction in FIG. Part A in the figure shows the arrangement of the cylindrical lens groups and the high-speed focusing state when the viewpoint is rotated about the z-axis and viewed from the x direction to explain this situation.

By the action of the cylindrical lens group, a linearly focused area is formed behind the cylindrical lens 86. Here, a slit 82 narrow in the y direction and elongated in the x direction is inserted. That is, a linear secondary point light source 81 is formed at the slit position. The light emitted from the secondary point light source 81 is turned back by the half mirror 87, and the coordinate input area 3
In the direction parallel to the coordinate input area 3, the light travels along the coordinate input area 3 while spreading in a fan shape around the secondary point light source 81 in the direction parallel to the coordinate input area 3. The light that has traveled is reflected by the retroreflective member 55 installed at the peripheral edge of the display, and travels in the same direction toward the half mirror 87 (arrow).
Return to C). The light transmitted through the half mirror advances parallel to the coordinate input area 3 and passes through the cylindrical lens 51 to enter the light receiving element 50.

At this time, the secondary point light source 81 and the cylindrical lens 51 are in a conjugate positional relationship with respect to the half mirror 87 (FIG. D). Accordingly, the secondary point light source 81 corresponds to the point light source 81 in FIG. 3, and the cylindrical lens 51 corresponds to the lens 51 in FIG. FIG. 5B shows the cylindrical lens and the light receiving element on the light receiving side viewed from the z-axis direction while changing the viewpoint, and corresponds to the lens 51 and the light receiving element 50 in FIG.

Next, the principle of a second example of an optical coordinate input / detection device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

FIG. 6 shows a typical optical coordinate input device, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) 61 arranged Xm in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. The Xm number of phototransistors 62 arranged, the Yn number of LEDs 63 arranged in the vertical direction, and the Yn phototransistors 64 arranged facing each other in a one-to-one correspondence form a coordinate detection area 65. Form.

When a touch input is made to, for example, a touch portion 66 in the coordinate detection area 65, an optical path passing through the touch portion 66 is blocked, so that the amount of light received by the phototransistors 62 and 64 in the cut light path is reduced. descend. Therefore, the phototransistor 6 whose received light amount is reduced
The positions of 2, 64 are averaged to calculate the position 67 of the touch coordinates.

Next, the principle of a third example of an optical coordinate input / detection device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a third example of the optical coordinate input / detection device. Here, two adjacent corners (k1, k2) of the coordinate input surface 71 which is a quadrangular flat plate
Then, the light emission detection devices 72 and 73 are fixedly installed. Light is emitted from the two light emission detection devices 72 and 73 onto the coordinate input surface 71. On the other hand, the user points to an arbitrary position on the coordinate input surface 71 with the position pointing stick, that is, the pen 75.

At this time, the light emission detection devices 72 and 73 are used by the pen 75 out of the light emitted from the light emission detection devices 72 and 73.
The light which is reflected by and returns to the light emission detection devices 72 and 73 is detected, and the position coordinates of the pen 75 are calculated. The light emission detection devices 72 and 73 have the same configuration, and the light emission units 72-1, 73-1 and the light reception angle detection unit 72-2,
73-2. Here, the light emission detection device 7
Reference numerals 2 and 73 denote the coordinate input surface 71 such that the light emission optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting unit and the light reception optical axis of the light reception angle detection unit both face the reference point 74 of the coordinate input surface. Installed. The light emission detecting device corresponds to the light emission / detection unit described above, the light emitting unit corresponds to the light emitting unit, and the light receiving angle detection unit corresponds to the angle detection unit.

In FIG. 7, the direction of a line segment a1 connecting the angle k1 of the coordinate input surface 1 and the reference point 74 and the direction of a line segment a2 connecting the angle k2 of the coordinate input surface and the reference point 74 are determined by the light emission detecting devices 72 and 7.
3. Each of the light emitting optical axis and the light receiving optical axis. Here, the line segments a1 and a2 are directions in which the angle of the coordinate input surface 71 is bisected into 45 °. The angle k2 of the coordinate input surface 71 is defined as the origin (0, 0), and the position on the coordinate input surface 71 is defined as Y in the horizontal direction.
The axis and the vertical direction are represented by an XY coordinate system with the X axis.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the light emission detection devices 72 and 73. Here, the light emitting units 72-1 and 73-1 of the light emission detecting device include a light source (LED) 76 and an optical lens 77. The optical lens 77 is a cylindrical lens characterized by changing only the magnification in one direction of the image, or a toroidal lens characterized by changing only the magnification in one direction of the image and not changing the magnification by the incident angle. Use. The light-receiving angle detectors 72-2 and 73-2 of the light-emission detecting device include a PSD 78 and a cylindrical lens 79.

The light emitted from the LED 76 is transmitted to the coordinate input surface 71 by the optical lens 77 disposed immediately before the light.
Are condensed so as to become a parallel beam. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, light in a direction perpendicular to the coordinate input surface 71 is condensed by the optical lens 77 so as to be parallel to the coordinate input surface 71, and further becomes a fan-shaped beam parallel to the coordinate input surface 71. To do. As described above, when the light is condensed into a fan-shaped beam, the light can be used more effectively than when the light is not condensed, so that the reliability of position detection can be improved. Here, the LED 76 may be one that emits visible light, but L265 that emits infrared light (wavelength 890 nm).
6 (manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics). The optical lens 77 has a length of 10 mm in a direction perpendicular to the coordinate input surface 71 and a length of approximately 10 mm in a direction parallel to the coordinate input surface 71 and perpendicular to the emission optical axis of the infrared light. ,
Use a lens with a focal length of about 6 mm. Furthermore, it is fixedly arranged so that the light emitting point of the LED 76 comes to the focal position of the optical lens.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical lens 79 constituting the light receiving angle detecting units 72-2 and 73-2 is
It is arranged so that the reflected light from the pen 75 is collected in a direction parallel to the coordinate input surface 71. The condensed spot light is received by the PSD 78. As shown in the figure, the PSD 78 has a structure that is elongated in a direction parallel to the coordinate input surface 71, and the light receiving surface is a PN junction surface for converting incident light into an electric signal.

In the PSD 78, output terminals (S ₁ , S ₂ ) for extracting current are provided at both ends of the light receiving surface.
Currents (I ₁ , I ₂ ) inversely proportional to the distance between the light receiving point S ₀ and the output terminal are output from the output terminal. The currents (I ₁ , I ₂ ) are A / D converted and calculated by a microcomputer, whereby the position of the light receiving point S ₀ can be specified, and further, the light receiving angle of the reflected light from the pen 75 can be calculated. it can. A control circuit for performing this arithmetic processing will be described later.

The PSD 78 may be one having a light receiving surface length of 13 mm in a direction parallel to the coordinate input surface 71 and a length of approximately 1 mm in a direction perpendicular to the coordinate input surface 1. For example, S3270 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics can be used.

FIG. 10 shows a cylindrical lens 79 and P
A specific arrangement example of the SD 78 is shown. Here, the cylindrical lens 79 has a length in a direction parallel to the light receiving surfaces of the coordinate input surface 71 and the PSD 78 of about 10 mm and a length in a direction perpendicular to the coordinate input surface 71 of about 10 mm. Are arranged so that the distance between the optical center position of the light emitting device and the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 is 6.5 mm. Also,
A mask 70 made of a material such as black ABS is arranged around the cylindrical lens 79 so that the reflected light from the pen 75 does not directly enter the light receiving surface of the PSD 78.

Further, since the distance between the lens and the PSD changes due to the difference in the angle of incidence of the reflected light from the pen 75, the focal length of the cylindrical lens 79 is different from the distance between the center of the cylindrical lens 79 and the light receiving surface of the PSD 78. May be between the maximum value max and the minimum value min. For example, in the case of FIG. 10, max = 9.2 mm, min6.
Since it is 5 mm, a cylindrical lens 79 having a focal length of about 9 mm may be used. The mask 70 described above is used.
The length in the direction parallel to the coordinate input surface 71 may be longer than the length of the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 (= 13 mm). For example, in the case of FIG. 10, it may be approximately 15 mm.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a configuration is shown in which the cylindrical lens 79 is used to squeeze the reflected light from the pen 75 into spot light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is shown in FIG. As described above, instead of the cylindrical lens 79, an aperture having one minute transmission hole may be used. FIG. 9 shows a conceptual diagram of the configuration of the light emission detecting means 72 and 73 using the aperture 68. In the case of this embodiment, of the reflected light from the pen 75, only the light that has passed through the transmission hole 69 is received at the light receiving point S0 of the PSD 78 as spot light. As the aperture 68,
A thin plate made of a material such as black ABS may be used.

FIG. 11 shows an aperture 68 and a PSD 78.
The following shows a specific arrangement example. Here, as in FIG.
When the length of the light receiving surface of SD78 is 13 mm, PSD7
The aperture 68 is arranged at a position which is half the distance 6.5 mm away from the light receiving surface 8 so that the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 is parallel to the surface of the aperture 68. Also,
The size of the aperture 68 is adjusted so that the reflected light from the pen 75 does not directly enter the light receiving surface of the PSD 78.
8 is preferably larger than the light receiving surface. For example, PS
The size of the aperture 68 can be about 15 mm × 3 mm, while the size of the light receiving surface of D is 13 mm × 1 mm. In the direction parallel to the coordinate input surface 71,
The length is shorter than the length of the light receiving surface of the SD 78 (13 mm), and is longer than the length of the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 (1 mm) in the direction perpendicular to the coordinate input surface 71. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the size can be 2 mm × 2 mm.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show conceptual diagrams of the light emission detecting device. The components (the light source LED 76, the optical lens 77, the PSD 78, the cylindrical lens 79 or the aperture 68) are arranged as described above. And may be integrally molded into one housing. However, the light emitting unit (LE
D76, optical lens 77) and light receiving angle detector (PSD7)
8. Cylindrical lens 79 or aperture 68)
Means that they are arranged as close as possible to each other so as not to interfere with light emission and light reception, and furthermore, the light emission optical axis of the infrared light emitted from the light LED 76 and the reception of the infrared light received by the cylindrical lens 79 or the aperture 68. It is necessary to arrange them so that the optical axis is in the same direction.

The size of the light emission detection device can be reduced to about 20 mm × 15 mm × 10 mm by being integrally molded, so that the size can be reduced as compared with the case where the position detection is performed by scanning the light beam using a rotary motor. It is.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit for the LED 76 and the PSD 78. This control circuit is LED
It controls the light emission timing of 76 and calculates the currents (I ₁ , I ₂ ) output from the PSD 78. As shown in the figure, the control circuit mainly includes an MPU 27, a ROM 25 for storing programs and data,
6. Timer 28 for controlling light emission time interval, interface driver 29, A / D converter 23 and L
The ED driver 24 is configured to be connected to a bus.

The current (I ₁ ,
As a circuit for calculating I ₂ ), an amplifier 21 and an analog operation circuit 22 are connected to output terminals (S ₁ , S ₂ ) of the PSD 78 as shown in the figure. The currents (I ₁ , I ₂ ) output from the PSD 78 are input to the amplifier 21 and amplified.
The amplified current signal is subjected to processing such as I ₂ / (I ₁ + I ₂ ) in the analog operation circuit 22, further converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 23, and passed to the MPU 27.
After that, the MPU 27 calculates the light receiving angle and the position coordinates of the pen.

This control circuit may be incorporated in the same housing as one of the light emission detecting devices, or may be incorporated in a part of the coordinate input surface 1 as a separate housing. Further, it is preferable to provide an output terminal for outputting the calculated coordinate data to a personal computer or the like via the interface driver 29.

Next, FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the shape of the tip of a pen 75 which is a position pointing stick used in the present invention.
The pen 75 has a shape similar to a so-called writing instrument, and has a “light reflecting structure” (retroreflective portion) at its tip, that is, in a region through which light emitted from the light emission detection devices 72 and 73 passes. Prepare. In particular, the “structure that reflects light” is a recursive structure that reflects light emitted from the light emission detection devices 72 and 73 in the same direction as the incident direction.

FIG. 14 shows a configuration example in which the tip of the pen 75 is composed of a large number of corner cubes. As shown in FIG. 15, the corner cube is a combination of three plane mirrors that are perpendicular to each other. In general, a portion surrounded by a thick line in a figure obtained by cutting one corner from a glass cube is used as a corner cube. In the corner cube configured as described above, after the incident light is reflected once on each of the three surfaces, the reflected light accurately returns in the direction of the incident light.

For example, a corner cube having a side length c of 2 mm is radially arranged at the tip of a pen having a diameter of 10 mm. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, when the corner cubes adjacent to each other are arranged in a reverse direction, 62
14 corner cubes.
With a step configuration, a total of 186 corner cubes can be configured. Although a structure using a corner cube as a structure in which reflected light returns in the direction of incident light has been described, other structures may be used as long as the structure has a recursive property in which reflected light returns in the direction of incident light. Good.

Next, the principle of detecting the position indicated by the pen in the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention will be described. Here, a case will be described in which two light emission detection devices are used, as shown in FIG. 7, but the same pen pointing position can be detected using three or more light emission detection devices.

First, on the coordinate input surface 71 of FIG.
Using the pen 75 shown in FIG. 14, an appropriate position (X, Y)
Is instructed. At this time, of the infrared light emitted from the LED 76 of the light emitting section 72-1 of the light emission detecting device 72, the light emitted in the direction of the line segment p1 hits the pen 75, and the reflected light proceeds on the same line segment p1 in the opposite direction. P of light reception angle detection unit 72-2
The light is received by SD78. Similarly, out of the infrared light emitted from the LED 76 of the light emitting unit 73-1 of the light emission detecting device 73, the light emitted in the direction of the line segment p2 hits the pen 75, and the reflected light travels in the same line segment p2 in reverse. , Light receiving angle detector 73-2
Is received by the PSD 78. The light received by the PSD 78 forms spot light at different positions on the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 depending on the incident angle with respect to the PSD 78 as shown in FIG. Here, the line segment p2 forms an angle of θ2 from the line segment a2 that bisects the angle k2 of the coordinate input surface 1, and the line segment p1 is a line segment a1 that bisects the angle k1 of the coordinate input surface 1. From the angle θ1.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a specific example of the positional relationship between the coordinate input surface 1 and the cylindrical lens 79 and the PSD 78 forming the light receiving angle detector 72-2. Here, it is assumed that the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 is perpendicular to a line segment a1 that forms an angle of 45 ° with two sides of the coordinate input surface 71. That is,
A line segment a1 connecting the center of the cylindrical lens 79 and the center of the light receiving surface of the PSD 78 coincides with the light receiving optical axis and the light emitting optical axis. Also, the center of the cylindrical lens 79 and the PS
The distance from the center of the light receiving surface of D78 is L, and the length of the light receiving surface of PSD 78 is 2L.

Now, it is assumed that the reflected light from the pen 75 passes through the line segment p1 and is received at a position D1 away from the central position of the PSD 78. In addition, the light receiving surface of PSD 78
The current values obtained from the two output terminals are defined as I ₁ and I ₂ . At this time, the following relationship is established between the current and the light receiving position of the PSD 78. I ₁ = I ₀ × (L−D 1) / 2L I ₂ = I ₀ × (L + D 1) / 2 L I ₀ = I ₁ + I ₂ (I ₀ : all currents) Therefore, L + D 1 = ₂ L × I ₂ / (I ₁ + I ₂ )

That is, the light receiving position D1 of the reflected light is PS
The current is obtained from the current values I ₁ and I ₂ obtained in D78.
Is calculated by By the way, according to FIG.
Since the relationship of D1 / L = tan θ1 holds, the incident angle θ1 of the reflected light is obtained from the following equation. θ1 = tan ⁻¹ (D1 / L)

Similarly, the other light emission detecting device 73
Also, assuming that the distance from the center of the PSD 78 to the light receiving position is D2, the incident angle θ2 of the reflected light can be obtained by the following equation. θ2 = tan ⁻¹ (D2 / L)

Further, the pointing position (X, Y) of the pen 75
Is a line segment a formed by the incident angles θ1 and θ2 of the two reflected lights.
Since it is the intersection of 1, a2, the indicated position (X, Y) is obtained from θ1, θ2 from the following equation. Y = Xtan (45 ° −θ2) Y = (AX) tan (45 ° −θ1) Here, A is the horizontal length of the coordinate input surface 71 as shown in FIG.

By solving the above simultaneous equations, the position coordinates X and Y on the coordinate input surface 71 specified by the pen 75 are obtained. Since (θ1, θ2) and (X, Y) are formalized, if these formulas are programmed and incorporated in the ROM, they can be easily obtained by the operation of the MPU 27. Also, the calculation result (X, Y)
Are transferred to a personal computer or the like via the interface driver 29, and can be used for processing such as displaying the position indicated by the pen and inputting a command corresponding to the indicated position.

In the above embodiment, an example in which two light emission detection devices are used has been described. However, if the LEDs of both devices emit light at the same time, mutual infrared light may be detected by the PSD in the other device. Therefore, the LED 76 by the LED driver 24
It is preferable that the light emission control is alternately performed in a time-division manner, and the current of the PSD 78 is detected in synchronization with this.

For example, one LED emits light and the other LED emits light.
With the ED turned off, the PS corresponding to one LED
After detecting the current of D, after 10 msec,
Is turned off and the other LED emits light, and the other L
The current of the PSD corresponding to the ED can be detected. That is, every 10 msec, two L
One of the EDs may emit light. This control is performed by the MPU 27 using the timer 28. By performing the time-sharing control of the LED light emission in this manner, erroneous detection of infrared light is eliminated, and position detection can be sufficiently followed even when the pen 75 moves.

Note that the coordinate input surface 71 may be a flat shape that can indicate a position with a pen, and is not particularly limited to the square shape as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, but may be another shape. . Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that a plane plate is used as the coordinate input surface 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a display device, for example, a display screen of a CRT or LCD may be used. When using a CRT or LCD, it is preferable to use the above-mentioned infrared light emitting LED in order to eliminate the effect of display light being incident on the PSD 78 and being erroneously detected.
It is preferable to use one that can detect the peak emission wavelength of D. Further, in order to prevent infrared rays generated from the CRT or the LCD from affecting the coordinate detection, it is preferable to arrange an infrared cut filter made of a PVC resin or the like on the display screen.

Next, as a fourth example of an optical coordinate input / detection device to which the present invention is applied, the principle of a coordinate input / detection device using image input means will be described.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of such a coordinate input / detection device. Reference numeral 91 denotes an infrared position detection unit, and 92a and 92b denote two infrared CCD cameras arranged in the infrared position detection unit 91, which are arranged at a distance L in the horizontal direction. 93 is an infrared LE
D and 94 are pen-shaped coordinate input units each having an infrared LED 93 disposed at the end thereof so as to emit infrared rays from the infrared LED 93 upward.

Reference numeral 95 denotes a control unit, 96 denotes a reset signal generated by the control unit 95 and input to the infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b of the infrared position detection unit 91, and 97 denotes a reset signal generated by the control unit 95 and transmitted to the infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b. A vertical clock signal for vertical scanning is input, 98 is a horizontal clock signal for horizontal scanning generated in the control unit 95 and input to the infrared CCDs 92a and 92b, and the infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b are a reset signal 96 and a vertical clock. The scanning in the XY directions is started in response to the input of the signal 97 and the horizontal clock signal 98.

Reference numerals 99a and 99b denote infrared CCD cameras 92.
a and 92b are video signals output from 92b. 100 is a reset signal circuit that generates a reset signal 96; 101 is a vertical clock circuit that generates a vertical clock signal 97;
A horizontal clock circuit 02 generates a horizontal clock signal 97. 103a and 103b are video signals 99a and 99
b, a horizontal clock signal 98 is detected.
Is a peak detection circuit that generates a peak signal in accordance with the cycle of (1). 104a and 104b are the peak detection circuits 1
It is a peak detection signal obtained from the signals 03a and 103b.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an arithmetic circuit for calculating a coordinate position. An interface circuit 106 transmits the coordinate position calculated by the arithmetic circuit 105 to a computer (not shown). A display circuit 107 displays the coordinate position calculated by the arithmetic circuit 105. Although not shown, when the pen-shaped coordinate input unit 94 is located outside the shooting range of the infrared position detection unit 91, an audible circuit unit that generates a warning sound or the like is provided, thereby improving operability. it can. Also, an infrared CCD camera 92a,
By providing the lens magnification adjustment circuit unit or the focal length adjustment circuit unit in the pixel 92b, the resolution and the detection range can be set according to the size of the document, the demand for the input accuracy or the work space, and the operability can be improved. .

In this embodiment, the control section 95 is formed separately from the infrared position detecting section 91. However, the control section 95 is integrated with the infrared position detecting section 91 by reducing the size of each circuit described above. It is also possible.

The operation of the coordinate input device configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing signal waveforms of the coordinate input device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

First, the reset signal 96, the vertical clock signal 97, and the horizontal clock signal 98 are simultaneously output from the two infrared Cs.
The data is input to the CD cameras 92a and 92b. In response to these input signals, the infrared position detecting section 91
Video signals 99a, 99 from the CD cameras 92a, 92b
b is input to the control unit 95. Normal infrared CC
This pen-shaped coordinate input unit 94 is used by the D cameras 92a and 92b.
Is photographed, the pen itself is photographed. However, when photographed by the infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b with reduced exposure, only the light emitting portion of the infrared LED 93 is photographed, and other objects are black without being photographed.

Therefore, each infrared CCD camera 9
Infrared LE is used for video signals 99a and 99b of 2a and 92b.
The strong peak signal 10 corresponds to the position of D93.
8a and 108b appear. Therefore, the respective peak signals 108a and 108b are output from the peak detection circuits 103a and 103a.
3b and transmitted to the arithmetic circuit 105 as peak detection signals 104a and 104b. The arithmetic circuit 10
5, a conversion table (not shown) calculated in advance in a ROM (not shown) of the control unit 95,
Peak signal 108 is sent to infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b.
a, 108b appear when the infrared CCD camera 92
Since it is known how many angles are located from the reference origin of a and 92b, the two angle information and the two infrared rays C
The coordinate position of the pen-shaped coordinate input unit 94 can be calculated from the distance L between the CD cameras 92a and 92b. The obtained coordinate position is transmitted to a computer or the like via the interface circuit 106 and displayed on a display screen (not shown) or the like.

A method of calculating a coordinate position in the coordinate input device that operates as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 2
The two infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b detect peak detection signals 104a and 104b indicating the position of the pen-shaped coordinate input unit 94 having the infrared LED 93, and detect the position of the vertical clock signal 97 from the reset signal 96 and the horizontal clock. Infrared CCD camera 9 depending on the position of signal 98
The two-dimensional coordinates (x1, y1) in (2a, 92b), (x
2, y2) is required.

Here, the origin of each coordinate is appropriately determined, but here, the origin is set at the lower left corner of the photographing range of each infrared CCD camera 92a, 92b. From now on, infrared CCD
The angles α and β from the origin of the infrared LED 93 in the cameras 92a and 92b can be obtained from the following (Equation 1). α = tan ⁻¹ (y1 / x1) β = tan ⁻¹ (y2 / x2)

From these equations, the pen angles α and β of the infrared LED 93 from the two infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b can be calculated. Here, assuming that the position of one infrared CCD camera 92a is the origin and the distance between the two infrared CCD cameras 92a and 92b is L, the equations of the straight lines (a) and (b) are as shown in FIG. It is represented by an equation. (A) y = (tan α) × x (b) y = (tan (π−β)) × (x−L)

By solving these two simultaneous linear equations, the coordinate position of the pen-shaped coordinate input section 94 of the infrared LED 93 can be calculated. Here, in order to increase the calculation speed of the calculation circuit 105, by providing a conversion table for calculating the coordinate position based on the angles α and β, the coordinate position can be obtained immediately, and input of a smooth figure or the like can be performed. it can.

As described above, according to the coordinate input / detection device using the image input means such as the electronic camera,
There is no need to place a tablet board or the like on a worktable or the like, and the coordinate position can be accurately detected in inputting a figure or the like using a space where the worktable is located, so that the worktable or the like can be effectively used. Further, even if originals and the like are bundled, a position input operation of a figure or the like can be performed thereon. Further, when a drawing or the like is described in the document, the photographing range can be variably set according to the size of the document by the lens magnification adjustment circuit unit and the resolution can be set, so that operability and convenience can be improved. it can.

The principle of the optical coordinate input / detection device or the coordinate input / detection device using image input means such as a camera has been described above. However, these are examples relating to the coordinate input / detection device. However, the present invention is not limited to these methods, and it goes without saying that the present invention is applied to an optical coordinate input and detection device, or a coordinate input and detection device using image input means such as a camera. Nor.

[0084]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, various technically preferable limitations are added. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description. The embodiments are not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a coordinate input / detection device according to the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to claim 1.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a coordinate input / detection device to which the first embodiment of the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 20, a plurality of pressure detecting elements are
The coordinate input / detection device is arranged in a matrix in the coordinate input / detection area, and the coordinate input / detection device is disposed in a place where information is handled, such as an office or a school.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The coordinate input / detection device comprises a plurality of light-emitting means and a plurality of light-receiving means, and detects the two-dimensional coordinates of the plane or substantially plane of the light-shielding means based on the presence or absence of the light-shielding means in the light-emitting / light-receiving optical path. A coordinate input / detection device, or image input means for capturing a plane or substantially plane coordinate input / detection area, and converting a part of the information captured by the image input means into two-dimensional coordinate information. A coordinate input / detection device comprising a converting means, comprising: a contact pressure detecting means for detecting a contact pressure in the coordinate input; and a signal processing means for processing a coordinate input / detection signal.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart. The coordinate input / detection signal for characters and the like is obtained by the coordinate input / detection means.
Is entered. Here, the signal input by the coordinate input / detection means has contact pressure information. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is processed by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit having a program for recognizing the characteristics of the signal and processing them according to the purpose in advance as a ROM. Here, for example, when the contact pressure is high, processing such as increasing the display density or increasing the display area is performed and output. next,
The processed coordinate input / detection signal is displayed by the display means.

As a specific example, coordinate input / detection signals for characters and figures are input by coordinate input / detection means such as an LED matrix system or an optical system using a CCD camera. Next, the contact pressure at each coordinate is determined by contact pressure detecting means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix.
Is detected. Next, contact pressure information at each coordinate is added to the coordinate input / detection signal by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is converted by a signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit according to a designated purpose such as changing the density or the line width. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is subjected to signal processing suitable for the relationship between the coordinate input / detection means and a display means such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is displayed on the screen in accordance with the input coordinates by a display means such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display.

In the contact pressure detecting means, FIG.
2, it may be arranged in a matrix on the coordinate input / detection area. In this case, the number and arrangement of the contact pressure detecting means may be determined so that the pressure information can be appropriately added to the coordinate input / detection information. For example, in the case of finger input,
The contact area when the finger is pressed on a substantially flat surface is approximately 1
In order for the circle with a diameter of 1 cm to be sufficiently placed on the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor covers the matrix-like points at 5 mm intervals so that the pressure can be sensed appropriately at that point. It may be arranged. Also, for example, in the case of pen input with a thin point, the contact area is smaller than that of the finger.When the contact area is approximated by a circle, the pressure sensor covers an interval of half the diameter of the circle in a matrix, and May be arranged so that the pressure can be sensed appropriately.

Here, the pressure may be directly touched by a finger or a pen on the coordinate input / detection area with the pressure sensor. However, if the pressure is sufficiently transmitted, the pressure may be applied via a soft member made of a certain kind of elastic member. You may. In any case, it is conceivable that the contact pressure of the coordinate input / detection information over a plurality of contact pressure detecting means is detected. In this case, the plurality of contact pressure information is approximated by least squares by the signal processing means. The contact pressure information at the coordinates may be approximately obtained.
Conversely, when an input is made to a portion not sensed by the pressure sensor, the pressure value of the portion not sensed by the pressure sensor may be estimated by least square approximation from surrounding pressure sensors.

As described above, the coordinate input / detection device according to the present embodiment uses the coordinate input / detection means input by the coordinate input / detection means.
By adding the contact pressure information at the coordinate input to the detection signal, the contact pressure at the coordinate input is applied to the display.

There are pressure gauges of various principles for a wide pressure range from a vacuum pressure to a high pressure of 2 GPa. Pressure gauges are classified into a gravity balance type, an elastic type, an electric resistance type, and a piezoelectric type according to the basic principle of detection. The gravitational equilibrium type is a type in which the pressure is balanced with the weight of a liquid column or a weight, and there are a liquid column type and a weight type. Both can detect the pressure absolutely and are used as a standard device for the calibration of the pressure gauge. Liquid column type is also about 20
Widely used for general purposes below 0 kPa (mercury pressure gauge).
An elastic pressure gauge utilizes deformation of an elastic element due to pressure, and is most often used for general measurement. The pressure-sensitive elastic elements include Bourdon tube, diaphragm, bellows, hollow,
There are types such as circular tubes, and changes or strains due to the pressure of these elastic elements can be measured using mechanical expansion indicator mechanisms, transducers such as strain gauges, diffusion type semiconductor gauges, electric capacity, and differential transformers. It converts to the displacement of the pointer and the amount of electricity, and indicates the pressure. There are many different types and structures depending on the pressure range and application. The electric resistance type is a pressure gauge that uses the property that the electric resistance of manganin wire and gold chrome wire changes with pressure, and is suitable for detecting high pressure of 100 MPa or more. The piezoelectric method utilizes the piezoelectric phenomenon of a crystal and uses quartz or lead zirconate titanate, and is suitable for detecting a fluctuating pressure. Among the pressure gauges, those that target a specific pressure area are called barometers,
It is called a vacuum gauge, differential pressure gauge, micro pressure gauge, or high pressure gauge. The principle of detection based on transport and ionization phenomena in a high vacuum region is applied to the vacuum gauge in addition to the elastic type and the liquid column type.

As a semiconductor pressure sensor, there is a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor utilizing the piezoresistance effect. A product in which a diffusion strain gauge is formed on the surface of a silicon wafer and the silicon itself is thinned by etching from the back surface to form a diaphragm has been commercialized. When pressure is applied, the diagram bends, and the resistivity of the diffusion strain gauge changes with the applied stress. This is the piezoresistance effect. When a current or a voltage is applied to a bridge formed by the diffusion strain gauge, an electric signal according to the pressure is obtained. Diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensors using silicon are characterized in that they are smaller and have higher sensitivity than conventional strain gauges, and have high reliability without hysteresis or the like.

Conventionally, for example, when a signal input to a coordinate input / detection area is displayed on a display device, a specified line has been displayed. When writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush, the thickness or density of a line or the like can be changed by the writing pressure. However, a conventional coordinate input / detection device cannot consider this input parameter, and has a drawback that it lacks expression ability as compared with a case where writing is performed on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush. I was

Therefore, this time, the LED matrix method and the CCD
By providing coordinate input / detection means such as an optical type using a camera, contact pressure detection means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix, and signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit, display means such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. Can be used to perform display in consideration of the pen pressure parameter.

As a result, the contact pressure in the coordinate input can be applied to the display. For example, the display density can be changed by the pen pressure, the line width can be changed, and the pencil can be applied to a medium such as paper. It is possible to provide an input environment that is closer to the case where writing is performed using a writing instrument such as a brush or a brush.

Further, it is possible to input data in the same manner as a position designation or a click on a mouse by using a means for detecting pressure, and to provide a coordinate input / detection device having a more preferable man-machine interface. it can.

Thus, for example, when the coordinate input / detection device is used in an office or a school, an input environment closer to writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush is realized, so that a conference, a lecture, etc. Efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the coordinate input / detection device according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to claim 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a coordinate input / detection device to which the second embodiment of the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 20, a plurality of pressure detecting elements are
The coordinate input / detection device is arranged in a matrix in the coordinate input / detection area, and the coordinate input / detection device is disposed in a place where information is handled, such as an office or a school.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 shows a flowchart. A coordinate input / detection signal such as a character is input by a coordinate input / detection unit. Here, the signal input by the coordinate input / detection means has contact pressure information. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is processed by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit having a program for recognizing the characteristics of the signal and processing them according to the purpose in advance as a ROM. Here, a process of detecting a coordinate input is performed only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range, and output. Next, the processed coordinate input / detection signal is
Displayed by the display means.

As a specific example, coordinate input / detection signals for characters and figures are input by coordinate input / detection means such as an LED matrix system or an optical system using a CCD camera. Next, the contact pressure at each coordinate is determined by contact pressure detecting means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix.
Is detected. Next, contact pressure information at each coordinate is added to the coordinate input / detection signal by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is subjected to a process of detecting the coordinate input only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. next,
The coordinate input / detection signal is subjected to signal processing suitable for the relationship between the coordinate input / detection means and a display means such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is displayed on the screen in accordance with the input coordinates by a display means such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display.

In the contact pressure detecting means, FIG.
2, it may be arranged in a matrix on the coordinate input / detection area. In this case, the number and arrangement of the contact pressure detecting means may be determined so that the pressure information can be appropriately added to the coordinate input / detection information. Here, when the contact pressure of the coordinate input / detection information is detected over a plurality of contact pressure detecting means, the plurality of contact pressure information is least square approximated by the signal processing means, and the contact pressure information at the coordinates is obtained. May be approximated. Then, whether or not the contact pressure value belongs to a predetermined range may be determined using the approximate value.

As described above, the coordinate input / detection device according to the present embodiment uses the coordinate input / detection means input by the coordinate input / detection means.
By adding the contact pressure information at the coordinate input to the detection signal, the contact pressure at the coordinate input is applied to the display.

Conventionally, for example, when a signal input to a coordinate input / detection area is displayed on a display device, a specified line has been displayed. When writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush, the thickness or density of a line or the like can be changed by the writing pressure. However, a conventional coordinate input / detection device cannot consider this input parameter, and has a drawback that it lacks expression ability as compared with a case where writing is performed on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush. I was

However, the coordinate input / detection area does not always touch only at the time of character input. For example, a part of the writer's body or clothes touching the coordinate input / detection area, a document, a pen, or the like often occurs when the coordinate input / detection apparatus is actually used. In this case, since the writer does not intend to input, it is inconvenient to use the coordinate input / detection device to perform the coordinate input / detection in such a state. In the coordinate input / detection area, using a pointing stick or a pen to indicate something means that if the coordinate input / detection area and the display area overlap,
This is common in the use of coordinate input / detection devices. Again, the writer has no intention of input,
Performing coordinate input / detection in such a state is inconvenient in using the coordinate input / detection device.

Therefore, this time, the LED matrix method and the CCD
By providing coordinate input / detection means such as an optical type using a camera, contact pressure detection means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix, and signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit, display means such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. The coordinate input / detection device detects a coordinate input only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range.

As a result, the contact pressure in the coordinate input can be applied to the display. For example, the display density can be changed by the pen pressure, the line width can be changed, and the pencil can be applied to a medium such as paper. It is possible to provide an input environment that is closer to the case where writing is performed using a writing instrument such as a brush or a brush.

Further, since the coordinate input is detected only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range, for example, when there is no intention to enter, a part of the writer's body or clothes, a document, a pen, or the like is placed in the coordinate input / detection area. In the case of light touch, for example, the display can be canceled in consideration of the lightly touched pressure. Further, since the coordinate input is detected only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range, the coordinate input / detection area is strongly applied to, for example, using a pointing rod or a pen to indicate something when there is no intention to enter. In the case of touch, for example, the display can be canceled in consideration of the strongly touched contact pressure.

In addition, it is possible to provide a coordinate input / detection device having a more preferable man-machine interface, which enables input of data in the same manner as position designation and click on a mouse by utilizing a means for detecting pressure. Can be.

Thus, for example, when the coordinate input / detection device is used in an office or a school, a part of the writer's body or clothes, a document, a pen, etc., touches the coordinate input / detection area lightly when there is no intention to write. Even if you touch the coordinate input / detection area strongly when pointing something with the pointing stick, pen, etc., it will not be considered as input but only normal input form. And the efficiency of lectures and the like can be improved.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the coordinate input / detection device according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to claim 3.

This embodiment is applied to the same coordinate input / detection / display device as in the first embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the first embodiment will be described. The same components as those of the coordinate input / detection / display device of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram of a coordinate input / detection device to which the third embodiment of the coordinate input / detection device according to the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 23, a plurality of pressure detecting elements
The coordinate input / detection device is arranged in a matrix in the coordinate input / detection area, and the coordinate input / detection device is disposed in a place where information is handled, such as an office or a school.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 shows a flowchart. A coordinate input / detection signal such as a character is input by a coordinate input / detection unit via a soft member. Here, the signal input by the coordinate input / detection means has contact pressure information. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is processed by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit having a program for recognizing the characteristics of the signal and processing them according to the purpose in advance as a ROM. Here, for example, when the contact pressure is high, processing such as increasing the display density or increasing the display area is performed and output. next,
The processed coordinate input / detection signal is displayed by the display means.

As a specific example, coordinate input / detection signals for characters and figures are input via soft members by coordinate input / detection means such as an LED matrix system or an optical system using a CCD camera. Next, the contact pressure at each coordinate is transmitted through a soft member which transmits a contact pressure favorably by attaching an elastic member such as a plastic film, rubber, resin, etc., which covers the coordinate input / detection area with a thin and substantially uniform spread. The pressure is detected by contact pressure detecting means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is
Contact pressure information at each coordinate is added by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is converted by a signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit according to a designated purpose such as changing the density or the line width. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is subjected to signal processing suitable for the relationship between the coordinate input / detection means and a display means such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display by signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit. Next, the coordinate input / detection signal is
Display means such as a display and a liquid crystal display display the image on the screen in accordance with the input coordinates.

In the contact pressure detecting means, FIG.
2, it may be arranged in a matrix on the coordinate input / detection area. In this case, the contact pressure detecting means may be covered with a soft member so that the contact pressure at the time of inputting the coordinates is transmitted to the contact pressure detecting means via a soft member such as a plastic film, rubber, or resin. Further, in this case, the number and arrangement of the contact pressure detecting means may be determined so that the pressure information can be appropriately added to the coordinate input / detection information. Here, when the contact pressure of the coordinate input / detection information is detected over a plurality of contact pressure detecting means, the plurality of contact pressure information is least square approximated by the signal processing means, and the contact pressure information at the coordinates is obtained. May be approximated.

Here, in the case of a touch panel, the soft member is
Generally, a PET film having a thickness of about 100 to 200 μm is used, but for example, an amorphous resin film such as a polyethersulfone film or a polyarylate film is also used. If necessary, a cured film made of a silicon-based or acrylic-based resin may be formed on the surface of the film to protect the film. Of course, a layer made of a polyorganosiloxane having a crosslinked structure described later may be formed on the surface of the film as a protective layer. The substrate of the touch-side substrate is not particularly limited as long as it has high transparency (preferably 90% or more in light transmittance), is easy to touch input, and is particularly excellent in sliding friction (damage) with a pen. There is no.

As described above, the coordinate input / detection device according to the present embodiment employs the coordinate input / detection means input by the coordinate input / detection means.
By adding the contact pressure information at the coordinate input to the detection signal, the contact pressure at the coordinate input is applied to the display.

Conventionally, for example, when a signal input to a coordinate input / detection area is displayed on a display device, a specified line has been displayed. When writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush, the thickness or density of a line or the like can be changed by the writing pressure. However, a conventional coordinate input / detection device cannot consider this input parameter, and has a drawback that it lacks expression ability as compared with a case where writing is performed on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush. I was

However, unlike the case where a medium such as paper is used for the coordinate input / detection area, since the same coordinate input / detection area is used repeatedly for coordinate input / detection, the durability of the coordinate input / detection area is improved. It becomes an issue. For example,
When placing a pressure sensor or the like in the coordinate input / detection area,
If the pressure sensor is directly touched, the sensor may be broken, and if there is a pressure sensor, writing comfort in coordinate input may be impaired.

Therefore, this time, the LED matrix method and the CCD
By providing coordinate input / detection means such as an optical type using a camera, contact pressure detection means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix, and signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit, display means such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. In the coordinate input / detection device, the contact pressure detecting means is covered with a soft member.

As a result, the contact pressure in the coordinate input can be applied to the display. For example, the display density can be changed by the pen pressure, the line width can be changed, and the pencil can be applied to a medium such as paper. It is possible to provide an input environment that is closer to the case where writing is performed using a writing instrument such as a brush or a brush.

Further, since the contact pressure detecting means is covered with a soft member, for example, the durability of the coordinate input / detection device is improved, the contact pressure detecting means is hardly damaged, and the input pressure detecting means is not easily damaged. The contact pressure can be easily controlled by contacting the member, or a smooth input feeling can be obtained by contacting the soft member in input.

Furthermore, it is possible to input data in the same manner as a position designation or a click on a mouse by using a means for detecting pressure, and to provide a coordinate input / detection device having a more preferable man-machine interface. it can.

Thus, for example, when the coordinate input / detection device is used in an office or a school, the durability of the coordinate input / detection device and the writing comfort in input can be improved, so that the efficiency of a meeting or a lecture can be improved. Can be.

As described above, according to the present invention, with the spread of personal computers and the like in recent years, the realization of a coordinate input / detection device which is positioned as a powerful tool for inputting and selecting information has been realized. It aims to solve important issues and promote its commercialization.

The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

[0133]

According to the present invention, as described above, claim 1
According to the coordinate input / detection device of the described invention, the coordinate input /
The detecting device includes a plurality of light emitting units and a plurality of light receiving units, and detects a two-dimensional coordinate of a plane or a substantially plane of the light blocking unit based on the presence or absence of the light blocking unit in the light path for light emission / reception. An input / detection device or image input means for capturing a plane or substantially planar coordinate input / detection area, and converts a part of the information captured by the image input means into two-dimensional coordinate information. A coordinate input / detection device comprising: a contact pressure detection unit configured to detect a contact pressure in the coordinate input; and a signal processing unit configured to process a coordinate input / detection signal. The display density or the display area is changed by using this method.

Conventionally, for example, when a signal input to a coordinate input / detection area is displayed on a display device, a specified line has been displayed. When writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush, the thickness or density of a line or the like can be changed by the writing pressure. However, a conventional coordinate input / detection device cannot consider this input parameter, and has a drawback that it lacks expression ability as compared with a case where writing is performed on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush. I was

Therefore, this time, the LED matrix method and the CCD
By providing coordinate input / detection means such as an optical type using a camera, contact pressure detection means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix, and signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit, display means such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. Can be used to perform display in consideration of the pen pressure parameter.

As a result, the contact pressure in the coordinate input can be applied to the display. For example, the display density can be changed by the pen pressure, the line width can be changed, and the pencil can be applied to a medium such as paper. It is possible to provide an input environment that is closer to the case where writing is performed using a writing instrument such as a brush or a brush.

Further, it is possible to input data in the same manner as a position designation or a click on a mouse by utilizing a means for detecting pressure, and to provide a coordinate input / detection device having a more preferable man-machine interface. it can.

Thus, for example, when the coordinate input / detection device is used in an office or school, an input environment closer to that of writing with a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush on a medium such as paper is realized. Efficiency can be improved.

Further, according to the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention, the coordinate input / detection device comprises a plurality of light emitting means and a plurality of light receiving means. A coordinate input / detection device that detects two-dimensional coordinates of a plane or a substantially plane of the light blocking unit, or an image input unit that captures a plane or substantially plane coordinate input / detection area depending on the presence or absence of the light blocking unit; A coordinate input / detection device comprising: means for converting a partial area of information taken in by the image input means into two-dimensional coordinate information, wherein: a contact pressure detecting means for detecting a contact pressure in the coordinate input; Signal processing means for processing a coordinate input / detection signal, wherein the coordinate input is detected only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range.

Conventionally, for example, when a signal input to a coordinate input / detection area is displayed on a display device, a specified line has been displayed. When writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush, the thickness or density of a line or the like can be changed by the writing pressure. However, a conventional coordinate input / detection device cannot consider this input parameter, and has a drawback that it lacks expression ability as compared with a case where writing is performed on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush. I was

However, the coordinate input / detection area does not always touch only at the time of character input. For example, a part of the writer's body or clothes touching the coordinate input / detection area, a document, a pen, or the like often occurs when the coordinate input / detection apparatus is actually used. In this case, since the writer does not intend to input, it is inconvenient to use the coordinate input / detection device to perform the coordinate input / detection in such a state. In the coordinate input / detection area, using a pointing stick or a pen to indicate something means that if the coordinate input / detection area and the display area overlap,
This is common in the use of coordinate input / detection devices. Again, the writer has no intention of input,
Performing coordinate input / detection in such a state is inconvenient in using the coordinate input / detection device.

Therefore, this time, the LED matrix method and the CCD
By providing coordinate input / detection means such as an optical type using a camera, contact pressure detection means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix, and signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit, display means such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. The coordinate input / detection device detects a coordinate input only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range.

As a result, the contact pressure in the coordinate input is applied to the display. For example, the display density can be changed by the pen pressure, the line width can be changed, and the pencil can be applied to a medium such as paper. It is possible to provide an input environment that is closer to the case where writing is performed using a writing instrument such as a brush or a brush.

Further, since the coordinate input is detected only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range, for example, when there is no intention to enter, a part of the writer's body or clothes, a document, a pen, or the like is placed in the coordinate input / detection area. In the case of light touch, for example, the display can be canceled in consideration of the lightly touched contact pressure. Further, since the coordinate input is detected only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range, the coordinate input / detection area is strongly applied to, for example, using a pointing rod or a pen to indicate something when there is no intention to enter. In the case of touch, for example, the display can be canceled in consideration of the strongly touched contact pressure.

In addition, it is possible to provide a coordinate input / detection device having a more preferable man-machine interface, which enables input of data in the same manner as position designation and click on a mouse by utilizing means for detecting pressure. Can be.

Thus, for example, when the coordinate input / detection device is used in an office or a school, a part of the writer's body or clothes, a document, a pen, etc., lightly touches the coordinate input / detection area when there is no intention to write. Even if you touch the coordinate input / detection area strongly when pointing something with the pointing stick, pen, etc., it will not be considered as input but only normal input form. And the efficiency of lectures and the like can be improved.

Further, according to the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention, the coordinate input / detection device comprises a plurality of light emitting means and a plurality of light receiving means. A coordinate input / detection device that detects two-dimensional coordinates of a plane or a substantially plane of the light blocking unit, or an image input unit that captures a plane or substantially plane coordinate input / detection area depending on the presence or absence of the light blocking unit; A coordinate input / detection device comprising: means for converting a partial area of information taken in by the image input means into two-dimensional coordinate information, wherein: a contact pressure detecting means for detecting a contact pressure in the coordinate input; Signal processing means for processing coordinate input / detection signals, wherein the contact pressure detecting means is covered with a soft member.

Conventionally, for example, when a signal input to a coordinate input / detection area is displayed on a display device, a specified line has been displayed. When writing on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush, the thickness or density of a line or the like can be changed by the writing pressure. However, a conventional coordinate input / detection device cannot consider this input parameter, and has a drawback that it lacks expression ability as compared with a case where writing is performed on a medium such as paper using a writing instrument such as a pencil or a brush. I was

However, unlike the case where a medium such as paper is used for the coordinate input / detection area, since the same coordinate input / detection area is used repeatedly to perform the coordinate input / detection, the durability of the coordinate input / detection area is improved. It becomes an issue. For example,
When placing a pressure sensor or the like in the coordinate input / detection area,
If the pressure sensor is directly touched, the sensor may be broken, and if there is a pressure sensor, the writing comfort in coordinate input may be impaired.

Therefore, this time, the LED matrix method and the CCD
By providing coordinate input / detection means such as an optical type using a camera, contact pressure detection means such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure sensor matrix, and signal processing means such as an arithmetic circuit, display means such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. In the coordinate input / detection device, the contact pressure detecting means is covered with a soft member.

As a result, the contact pressure in the coordinate input can be applied to the display. For example, the display density can be changed by the pen pressure, the line width can be changed, and the pencil can be applied to a medium such as paper. It is possible to provide an input environment closer to the case where writing is performed using a writing instrument such as a brush or a brush.

Further, since the contact pressure detecting means is covered with a soft member, for example, the durability of the coordinate input / detection device is improved, the contact pressure detecting means is hardly damaged, and the input pressure detecting means is not easily damaged. The contact pressure can be easily controlled by contacting the member, or a smooth input feeling can be obtained by contacting the soft member in input.

Further, it is possible to input data in the same manner as a position designation or a click on a mouse by utilizing a means for detecting pressure, and to provide a coordinate input / detection device having a more preferable man-machine interface. it can.

Thus, for example, when the coordinate input / detection device is used in an office or school, the durability of the coordinate input / detection device can be improved and the writing comfort in input can be improved, so that the efficiency of meetings and lectures can be improved. Can be.

As described above, according to the present invention, with the spread of personal computers and the like in recent years, the realization of a coordinate input / detection device positioned as a powerful tool for inputting and selecting information has been realized. It aims to solve important issues and promote its commercialization.

[0156] The large coordinate input common format is used in the entire technical field to which the invention belongs, the entire prior art, the entire problem to be solved by the invention, and the means for solving the invention. And FIGS. 1 to 19 of the drawings.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an optical coordinate input / detection device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an internal structure of a light receiving / emitting means.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a light intensity distribution on a light receiving element.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a geometric relative positional relationship between a light receiving / emitting means and a coordinate input area.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment in which one of the left and right light receiving / emitting means described in FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed on a display surface.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical optical coordinate input device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a coordinate detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment of a light emission detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment of a light emission detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a layout diagram of a cylindrical lens and a PSD of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a layout diagram of an aperture and a PSD of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a state of condensing emitted light according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an LED and PSD control circuit of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of the shape of the tip of the pen of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the shape of a corner cube used for the tip of the pen of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a cylindrical lens according to the present invention and a PSD.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a coordinate input / detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing signal waveforms of the coordinate input device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a coordinate detection operation of the coordinate input device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing first and second embodiments of the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the coordinate input / detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a contact pressure detecting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a coordinate input / detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1; light receiving and emitting means, 2; indicating means, 3; coordinate input area,
4: retroreflective member.

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B068 AA05 AA15 AA22 AA25 AA33 BB01 BC03 BC04 BC11 BD02 BD09 BD13 BD17 BE07 CC11 CC14 CC18 5B087 AA05 AA05 AA10 AE02 BC03 BC32 CC01 CC05 CC11 CC33 CC43 DD01 DD19 DJ03

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A two-dimensional coordinate system comprising a plurality of light-emitting means and a plurality of light-receiving means, and detecting the presence or absence of a light-blocking means in an optical path of light emission / reception to detect a plane or a substantially plane of the light-blocking means. A coordinate input / detection device or image input means for capturing a plane or substantially plane coordinate input / detection area, and converting a part of the information captured by the image input means into two-dimensional coordinate information; A contact pressure detecting means for detecting a contact pressure in the coordinate input;
And a signal processing means for processing the detection signal, wherein the display density or the display area is changed according to the contact pressure in the coordinate input. 2. The coordinate input / detection device according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate input / detection device detects a coordinate input only when the contact pressure value is within a predetermined range. 3. The coordinate input / detection device according to claim 1, wherein said contact pressure detection means is covered with a soft member.