JP4049877B2 - Computer system using electronic pen - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a computer system (position indicator, position detection device, interface, computer main body, basic software called operating system, tablet driver, application software, display when a position detection device mounted with an electronic pen is used as an input device of a computer. The computer system as a whole including the apparatus and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a computer system that realizes a relative coordinate mode and a computer system that switches between a relative coordinate mode and an absolute coordinate mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a mouse has been frequently used as a coordinate input device for a computer, particularly a personal computer. Recently, a coordinate input device (position detection device) using a position indicator called an electronic pen has also been used.
[0003]
The mouse moves a pointer (hereinafter simply referred to as “pointer”) on a computer screen in accordance with an amount by which an operator moves a pack-shaped position indicator called a mouse. More precisely, the distance the mouse is slid on the desk is reflected in the pointer movement. That is, the movement distance when the mouse is in the air (the operator lifts it from the desk) is not reflected in the movement of the pointer. As a result, since the position of the pointer and the position of the mouse are relatively determined (not absolutely corresponded), such an operation method is called relative coordinate input.
[0004]
On the other hand, in a coordinate input device equipped with an electronic pen, the indication position of the electronic pen is obtained as an absolute position coordinate in the detection surface (coordinate reading area on the tablet surface) of the position detection device, and this position is It is reflected one-on-one at the position of the pointer. Even if the pointing position of the electronic pen is reflected one-on-one on the position of the pointer, the corresponding positional relationship is dynamically changed by the function of the application program or the like (the coordinate system is converted and enlarged by the function of the application or the like). -Executing reduction, rotation, parallel movement, etc.) is possible. Here, we will focus on the fact that the amount of movement will eventually be reflected in the pointer's pointing position even when the electronic pen is in the air. Such an operation method (operation suitable for handwriting input such as inking) Method) is called absolute coordinate input. The electronic pen is used, for example, as a position indicator of a position detection device using electromagnetic induction, and has the property that coordinates can be detected within a certain reading height range, unlike a writing instrument of a pressure sensitive pad. Therefore, it has the feature that inking (handwriting input) is possible without applying a strong writing pressure like a writing instrument of a pressure sensitive pad.
[0005]
In this specification, absolute coordinate input or relative coordinate input refers to, for example, the difference in the method of reflecting the operation of the input device to the pointer position, not the difference in the method of expressing the position information in the data format related to the interface. That is. In other words, absolute or relative is the difference that focuses on the sense of operation that the operator feels visually through the relationship between the sense of the operator operating the input device and the movement of the pointer on the computer screen. The computer system as a whole has the function rather than focusing on a specific part (possibly one of the coordinate processing program inside the tablet, tablet driver software incorporated in the computer main body, or application software). I will see. As long as the operator's feeling of operation reflected in the movement of the pointer on the display device is focused on, it is not so meaningful whether the coordinate data format in the intermediate processing is relative coordinates or absolute coordinates. This is because even if relative coordinates in the meaning of the coordinate data format are handled, the result of adding the data to the coordinates of the pointer finally becomes the absolute coordinates on the display screen. Further, in a state where absolute coordinates in the meaning of the coordinate data format are continuously detected, it is possible to generate relative coordinates by performing subtraction between data that are temporally adjacent. This is because the relative coordinates can be regarded as a movement amount.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a conventional system, in a system such as Windows (trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States), a so-called pointing process for performing an instruction operation is performed with a mouse, and a character input process such as a word processor is performed with a keyboard. The pointing operation is used from the viewpoint of a so-called graphical user interface (GUI). The pointer is moved to select an instruction target, and an operation such as pressing a button in that state is performed. Starts the associated process. In the pointing operation, in addition to the designation of the designated position, there may be a kind of operation switch that can instruct simple on / off.
[0007]
However, in recent years, with the spread of electronic pens, it has become possible to input characters by handwriting (inking input) using electronic pens. The absolute coordinate mode described above is indispensable for such handwritten character input or for drawing by writing similar to an actual writing instrument. Furthermore, in this case, it has become possible to express the thickness and shade according to the writing pressure by detecting the strength of the writing pressure applied to the pen tip. That is, a continuous amount that is not simply on / off can be input.
[0008]
In addition, position detection devices using electronic pens are becoming smaller in terms of price and ease of use. Therefore, even with the operation of the electronic pen, by adopting the relative coordinate mode similar to that of the mouse described above, the pointer can be moved by fixing the wrist of the hand holding the pen and moving the pen. A recent trend is to realize the same operation as a mouse. Since a position detection device called a tablet frequently detects absolute coordinates (usually about several hundred times per second) (absolute coordinates with a formal meaning meaning XY orthogonal coordinates in the coordinate reading area on the tablet). Obtain two absolute coordinates next to each other (or thin them out if necessary) and subtract from those absolute coordinates (executed by the processing unit inside the tablet, or realized by the OS or driver software on the computer main unit side) This is because the relative coordinates (movement amount information) can be generated. A method of enabling relative coordinate input (input similar to a mouse) using an absolute coordinate detection apparatus in this way is called a mouse emulation mode or a pseudo mouse mode.
[0009]
If it is a mouse, its structure is inevitable (if it is a mechanical mouse, it has a structure that detects the rotation of the ball in two orthogonal directions, and if it is an optical mouse, it measures the number of crossings of a large number of orthogonal stripe patterns) Will be in relative coordinate mode. In the case of an electronic pen, in the first place, the absolute coordinate mode is used, and in the case of using the relative coordinate mode, a method of emulating a mouse (a pseudo-function of a mouse) is generally used. Here, the problem is how to realize the reciprocating motion normally performed when trying to increase the pointer movement distance with the mouse in the mouse emulation mode using the tablet.
[0010]
With a mouse, if the operator tries to move the pointer greatly when moving it on the desk, it can be realized by moving it from one end to the other on the desk. The computer operator learns without knowing that it is enough to reciprocate. If this reciprocating motion is executed while keeping the mouse in contact with the mouse pad (or on the desk), the pointer will only come and go, and the operator will not be able to move. In this reciprocation, the operator learns unconsciously that if the mouse pad is touched on the go, the mouse is lifted up slightly and moved without detecting the relative coordinates.
[0011]
Consider the analogy of this in the mouse emulation mode of the electronic pen. Conventionally, whether or not the pointer is moved (whether or not the calculation result of relative coordinates is reflected in the movement of the pointer) is determined based on the height difference of the electronic pen from the position detection device (tablet surface). In this case, since the pointing operation is performed, the process related to the designated position is activated (for example, determination of the selected menu) is performed based on whether or not the pen tip pressure is simple. However, since accurate determination of the height is difficult and causes an increase in cost, the determination height tends to increase. If it does so, it will be necessary to lift an electronic pen high, and there existed a subject of becoming difficult to use. In other words, if the judgment height is set high with priority given to ease of inking input, pointing input will be difficult, and if the judgment height is made low with priority given to ease of pointing input, inking input will be difficult. There was a problem that it was difficult to do.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, in the present invention, instead of determining the height, detection as a continuous amount of the pen pressure of the electronic pen (for example, the magnitude of the pen pressure from 1 gram weight to 60 gram weight is continuously identified in 512 steps. Using the function, when the pen tip touches slightly, the movement of the pen tip is reflected in the movement of the pointer.
[0013]
Further, by further pressing the pen tip, the processing related to the designated position is started. As a result, the pointer can be moved with little lifting of the pen tip, and the operability is improved.
[0014]
Such a relative mode (pseudo-mouse mode) is convenient for pointing operation, but cannot write characters or draw a picture by carrying like a brush (inking input). Therefore, the operation can be performed while appropriately switching between the relative mode and the absolute mode.
[0015]
The mode can be switched, for example, by operating a switch provided on the tablet, a switch provided on the electronic pen, or another input device (for example, a keyboard).
[0016]
It would also be desirable to automatically switch between the two modes depending on the application. For example, some handwritten character recognition software has a handwritten character input area in a part of the display screen. In such a handwritten character input area, if the mode is automatically switched to the absolute mode, the operation for switching the mode every time becomes unnecessary.
[0017]
Similarly, in the drawing software, it can be considered to automatically switch to the absolute (handwriting) mode. However, since a person who is accustomed to mouse-like operation can also use the relative (pseudo-mouse) mode, in such a case, it may be switched automatically according to the preference of the user. In this case, the setting is performed in advance, and the setting of whether or not to switch is customized.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention. The position detection device 10 is an absolute coordinate detection device called a digitizer or a tablet. The position detection device used in the present invention can detect writing pressure as continuous value information. For example, many position detection devices provided by Wacom Co., Ltd., which has an address in Otone-cho, Saitama, Japan, use writing pressure as a continuous value (not only the presence / absence of writing pressure but also continuous value information such as 1 gram weight to 60 It is known to be a position detection device using electromagnetic induction that can detect continuous writing pressures up to gram weights in several hundred steps.
[0020]
The coordinate data processing unit 20 is a part that mainly exists on the computer main body side, and in terms of hardware, coordinate information input to the computer from the position detection device 10 when the CPU executes processing according to a predetermined program. It is a functional part that processes. From a software perspective, the operation system, which is the basic software of the computer, the tablet driver software, which is the driving software for the tablet, which is a peripheral device, the application program, and the like work together to perform this function.
[0021]
The reason that “mainly on the computer main body side” is written is that a modified embodiment in which a part of this function is given to the position detecting device 10 side is also possible. A recent position detection apparatus usually has a processor and a ROM or the like in which a necessary program is written, and performs coordinate data processing. When switching between the pseudo mouse mode and the handwriting mode is performed by a switch on the position detection device side or a switch operation of the position indicator (or a change in writing pressure), a part of the coordinate data processing unit 20 is on the position detection device side. Will exist.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, the arrow from the position detection device 10 to the coordinate data processing unit 20 indicates that the coordinate data detected by the position detection device 10 is sent to the coordinate data processing unit 20 according to the movement of the operator's position indicator. Indicates that it will be processed.
[0023]
The display processing unit 30 in FIG. 1 is a part that processes the contents to be displayed to the operator among the processing contents of the computer. That is, it is a well-known functional part that creates display data to be displayed on a display device (CRT display or the like) not shown. As for the arrow from the coordinate data processing unit 20 to the display processing unit 30, information on the coordinates of the pointer is sent from the coordinate data processing unit 20 to the display processing unit 30, and as a result, based on the operator's intention on the display screen of the display device. This indicates the situation where the pointer will be displayed.
[0024]
The application software 40 in FIG. 1 is application software such as drawing creation software, word processing software, photo editing software, drawing software, and the like, and particularly refers to a part that acquires coordinates to work. An arrow heading from the coordinate data processing unit 20 to the application software 40 indicates that the application software 40 acquires coordinate data input by the operator using a mouse or the like and uses it for processing of the application software. A reverse arrow, that is, an arrow from the application software 40 to the coordinate data processing unit 20 indicates inking input (handwriting input) in the window (area) when the application software opens a new window (work area). This means that the coordinate data processing unit 20 gives an instruction to execute the coordinate data processing in the absolute coordinate mode (handwriting input mode: inking input mode). Making the application program perform such a mode selection instruction is a design matter on the application program side. A modified embodiment in which the coordinate data processing unit 20 side is always in the relative coordinate mode (pseudo mouse mode) and the processing in the absolute coordinate mode is performed on the application program side is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, a coordinate mode selection instruction unit 50 is a function that gives an instruction to switch the coordinate data processing mode of the coordinate data processing unit 20 between an absolute coordinate mode (inking input mode) and a relative coordinate mode (pseudo mouse mode). It is a part which has. The instrument that is actually operated by the operator includes a position switch side switch (usually provided on the side of the electronic pen), a switch provided at an easy-to-press position on the tablet, a keyboard key, etc. One of them. When the operator operates it, the mode is switched based on the intention of the operator. This mode switching can be employed in combination with mode switching by the application program described above or independently.
[0026]
The character recognition engine 60 in FIG. 1 is for recognizing a handwritten character input in the absolute coordinate mode. Although not essential to the present invention, the use of this makes it possible to perform most computer operations using only a tablet without a keyboard.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents in the absolute coordinate mode in the present invention. As a result of selecting the absolute coordinate mode by executing the mode switching based on the operator's intention by the operation of the coordinate mode selection instruction unit 50 or the mode switching based on the necessity of the application by the operation of the application software 40, the absolute coordinate mode is selected. Enter the program (step 100).
[0028]
First, processing for adding the movement distance of the pen tip of the electronic pen to the coordinates of the display position of the pointer is executed (step 101). This process is based on the premise that even if the tablet outputs absolute coordinates in a formal sense, the amount of movement of the pen tip can be calculated by subtracting coordinate information that is temporally adjacent. . The mouse emulation (pseudo-mouse) mode is based on the fact that it is essential preprocessing and that most OSs on a normal personal computer are based on the use of a mouse. Here, the calculated pointer coordinates are saved for the next calculation.
[0029]
Next, it is determined whether the pen tip is in the air (step 102). This determination is conventionally performed based on whether or not the height of the pen from the tablet surface is above a certain threshold, but in the present invention, the pen pressure data of the electronic pen is acquired, This is done depending on whether it is above the threshold. A modification in which this threshold value can be customized according to the preference of the operator is also possible.
[0030]
If “Yes” in step 102, that is, if the pen pressure data of the electronic pen is less than a threshold, for example, 10 grams or less, the coordinates of the pointer calculated in step 101 are discarded (step 104). That is, it is not employed in application programs, character recognition engines, and the like.
[0031]
If “NO” in step 102, that is, if the pen pressure data of the electronic pen is equal to or greater than a threshold, for example, 10 grams or more, the coordinates of the pointer calculated in step 101 are subjected to a so-called inking process (pen down process) (step 103). ). That is, it is used as information employed in an application program, a character recognition engine, etc., and used for processing such as displaying a handwriting on a display device.
[0032]
While the absolute coordinate mode continues, the processing from step 101 to step 104 is repeated. According to this procedure, the coordinates of the pointer while the pen tip is in the air are used for the calculation of the next pointer coordinates, but they are not used as inking data, so it is used for inputting kanji and hiragana. One stroke can be input clearly, and the extra data during the stroke does not interfere with character recognition.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the relative coordinate mode in the present invention. An example of realizing a so-called pseudo mouse mode (mouse emulation) is shown.
[0034]
When the pseudo mouse mode is selected based on the operator's intention by the function of the coordinate mode selection instruction unit 50 or based on the necessity of the application by the function of the application software 40, the process of the relative coordinate mode is entered (step 200). ).
[0035]
First, it is determined whether the pen tip is in the air (step 201). Similar to the determination in step 102, this determination can be made in the present invention by acquiring writing pressure data and comparing it with a predetermined threshold value. As described above, this threshold value can be customized. In this embodiment, the threshold value may be customized differently in the absolute coordinate mode and in the relative coordinate mode. This is because, in general, it is easier to use if the writing pressure for pointing is smaller than the writing pressure for writing characters.
[0036]
If it is determined in step 201 that “Yes” (the pen tip is in the air), that is, the pen pressure is below the threshold value, the moving distance of the pen tip is not acquired and the process proceeds to step 203. This is to emulate the returning motion in the reciprocating motion when the pointer is moved greatly with the mouse.
[0037]
If it is determined in step 201 that “No” (the pen tip is on the tablet surface), that is, the writing pressure is above the threshold value, a process of adding the moving distance of the pen tip to the coordinates of the display position of the pointer is executed. (Step 202).
[0038]
Next, switch operation processing is performed (step 203). This is to emulate the operation of the left and right mouse buttons. This switch operation can be performed with a side switch of an electronic pen. Some recent electronic pens are provided with two side switches, which can be used for the left and right mouse buttons. In addition, if the electronic pen has only one side switch, it can be used as a left button, and one switch can be provided on the tablet side to provide a right button.
[0039]
After the switch operation process, the process ends (step 204). While the relative coordinate mode is selected, the processing from step 201 to step 204 is repeated. As a result, a pseudo mouse mode is realized, and when the movement similar to the reciprocating movement of the mouse is performed on the tablet using the electronic pen, the pointing operation can be freely performed by moving the pointer largely like the mouse. It becomes possible.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating how the drawing application software is operated when an absolute coordinate mode selection switch and a relative coordinate mode selection switch are provided on the coordinate input device side.
[0041]
The display screen of the display device is drawn in the upper half of FIG. Now, two windows are open, and the other application software displayed on the lower side is suitable for input in relative coordinate mode, and the drawing application software displayed on the upper side is in absolute coordinate mode. I think that the input of is suitable. The pointer is now on the drawing application software window. Drawing of the computer main body and the cables connecting it with the display device and the coordinate input device is omitted for the sake of convenience.
[0042]
In the lower half of FIG. 4, a coordinate input device (tablet, digitizer) and an electronic pen are drawn. The electronic pen is instructed by the operator, but the operator omits drawing. An absolute coordinate mode selection switch and a relative coordinate mode selection switch are provided at appropriate positions in the coordinate reading area of the coordinate input device. Once the absolute coordinate mode selection switch is pressed, the coordinate data processing unit 20 performs processing in the absolute coordinate mode (step 100) until the relative coordinate mode selection switch is pressed. Further, once the relative coordinate mode selection switch is pressed, the process of the coordinate data processing unit 20 is performed in the relative coordinate mode (step 200) until the absolute coordinate mode selection switch is pressed. In many cases, the switch information is sent from the coordinate input device to the computer main body, and is processed by the coordinate data processing unit 20 existing in the computer main body. However, a modification in which a part of the functions of the coordinate data processing unit 20 is provided in the position detection device 10 and a mode switching process based on the mode switching information is executed in the position detection device 10 is performed. Examples are not excluded by the present invention.
[0043]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is desirable for the operator to visually determine when an inking input such as a drawing application is preferred, and press an absolute coordinate mode selection switch. Execute handwriting input. When returning to other application software such as word processing software, this time, the relative coordinate mode selection switch is pressed to return to the pseudo mouse mode and the input operation is continued.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of a display screen in an embodiment in which the relative coordinate mode and the absolute coordinate mode are automatically switched (as required by an application program).
[0045]
On the display screen depicted in FIG. 5, a word processor work area is displayed, and a handwritten character input area (for four characters) is displayed thereon. Now, it is assumed that the operator intends to input the sentence “It is raining today” using only the electronic pen without using the keyboard. The input up to “Today” has already been made and displayed on the work area of the word processor. The relative coordinate mode is set outside the handwritten character input area. That is, the input mode that this word processor program requires in the work area is the relative coordinate mode (pseudo mouse mode). Therefore, by moving the electronic pen in the work area of the word processor, the pointer can be moved with the same operation feeling as the mouse ((1)).
[0046]
When the pointer enters the handwritten character input area, the absolute coordinate mode is set ((2)). In FIG. 5, “rain” has already been input and the character recognition result is displayed. When the operator holds the electronic pen when trying to input the first character of “falling” in the next third character to input the next kanji and hiragana, the absolute coordinate mode is set. Inking input is possible. This mode change is executed by a command from the application software 40 to the coordinate data processing unit 20.
[0047]
When a handwritten character is input ((3)), the character recognition engine 60 is activated to execute character recognition, and the application program 40 can acquire the recognition result.
[0048]
When the pointer comes out of the handwritten character input area, the mode returns to the relative coordinate mode ((4)). This is because the application program requests the relative coordinate mode in the work area of the word processor.
[0049]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the relative coordinate mode (pseudo-mouse mode) is realized by determining with a slight pressure applied to the pen tip of the electronic pen. The line drawn horizontally in FIG. 6 means the detection surface of a coordinate detection apparatus. (1) in FIG. 6 shows the movement when the pointer is moved greatly by the reciprocating motion of the electronic pen, and (2) in FIG. 6 is when the pointer is moved greatly by the reciprocating motion of the electronic pen. It shows the return movement. Since it is exaggerated in the figure, it is drawn as if the electronic pen is raised to a considerable height in (2), but actually the pen pressure is not lifted from the tablet surface in terms of distance. As long as it is less than or equal to the threshold value, the pointer can be moved greatly by reciprocating comfortably without being consciously floated in the air.
[0050]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example that realizes a relative coordinate mode (pseudo-mouse mode) by lifting and moving the electronic pen by a specific height or more. Conventionally, as shown in this figure, by lifting the electronic pen above a certain height, the electronic pen is read out and moved out of the range to emulate the same state as lifting the mouse.
[0051]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the relative coordinate mode and the absolute coordinate mode in the present invention. Now, assume that the reciprocating motion is repeated using the electronic pen as in (1) and (2). In the operation (1), the electronic pen is moved in contact with the detection surface of the coordinate detection device while maintaining a writing pressure equal to or higher than a preset threshold value. On the other hand, in the operation {circle over (2)}, the electronic pen is moved in a state where it is lifted from the detection surface of the coordinate detection device or while maintaining the writing pressure below the threshold even if it is in contact. How the pointer moves in the relative coordinate mode (pseudo-mouse mode) and the absolute coordinate mode (handwriting mode input) when this movement is performed will be described below with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that the electronic pen is within the reading height range during this movement.
[0052]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the electronic pen and the movement of the pointer on the display screen in the relative coordinate mode. In the relative coordinate mode, for example, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, when the electronic pen moves in contact with the tablet surface, the position of the pointer moves correspondingly (see step 202). On the other hand, when the electronic pen returns away from the tablet surface, the movement distance of the pen tip is not reflected in the coordinates of the pointer display position (see step 201), and the pointer display position is shown in the lower diagram of FIG. So on the one hand going in one direction.
[0053]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the electronic pen and the movement of the pointer on the display screen in the absolute coordinate mode. In the absolute coordinate mode, for example, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, when the electronic pen moves in contact with the tablet surface, the position of the pointer moves correspondingly (see step 103). At this time, if a handwritten character is input, inking (handwriting display) is simultaneously performed on the display screen. On the other hand, when the electronic pen returns, the moving distance of the pen tip is added to the coordinates of the display position of the pointer, so the pointer also returns in accordance with the movement of the electronic pen (step 101). The difference between going and returning is whether or not inking (handwriting display) is performed (step 103).
[0054]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the handwritten character recognition application. When a word processor is to be operated using only an electronic pen, a handwritten character input window is opened for character recognition. Right now, I am trying to input the “fu” character of hiragana by handwriting.
[0055]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the stroke and the input result when inputting handwritten characters in the absolute coordinate mode. This shows how to input the letter “a” in hiragana. Hiragana "A" is a character consisting of three strokes. The first stroke extends from left to right approximately horizontally upward. The second stroke extends vertically from top to bottom in the middle. The third stroke is somewhat complicated and consists of a connection between two arcs, a small arc and a large arc.
[0056]
In FIG. 12, a thick portion shows a portion that is actually inked. A dotted line in FIG. 12 shows a locus when the electronic pen floats and moves, and is a portion where inking is not performed. According to the processing in the absolute coordinate mode shown in FIG. 2, since the movement distance is added to the coordinates of the display position of the pointer even when the electronic pen is on the dotted line portion (see step 101), the first stroke If the electronic pen is lifted and moved from the position at the end of writing to the position at the beginning of writing the second stroke, the display position of the pointer also moves from the right end to the upper center position. Similarly, if the electronic pen is lifted and moved from the position at the end of the second stroke to the position at the beginning of writing of the third stroke, the display position of the pointer is also moved slightly upward from the lower center position. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the letter “a” in hiragana can be input normally.
[0057]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an input result when a handwriting stroke is input in the relative coordinate mode. In the relative coordinate mode (pseudo-mouse mode) shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that inking is performed in the pointer display in step 202, and the inking result is displayed with a thick line. In the relative coordinate mode, when the electronic pen is floating, there is no processing to add the movement distance to the pointer display position (see step 201), so the beginning of the second stroke is the same as the end of the first stroke. The beginning of drawing the third stroke coincides with the position at the end of writing the second stroke. Therefore, the result of inking is far from the hiragana “a” as shown in FIG.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
Even a small position detection device (coordinate detection device, tablet, digitizer) can freely indicate a wider area on the computer screen. In a configuration that allows character recognition, keyboard operation is essentially unnecessary, and almost all computer input operations (such as input of characters, ink input, pointing input, drawing work, etc.) can be performed with a single electronic pen. I can do it now.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing contents of an absolute coordinate mode in the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a relative coordinate mode in the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how a drawing application software is operated when an absolute coordinate mode selection switch and a relative coordinate mode selection switch are provided on the coordinate input device side;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of a display screen in an example of automatically switching between a relative coordinate mode and an absolute coordinate mode.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the relative coordinate mode is realized by determining with a slight pressure applied to the pen tip of the electronic pen.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a relative coordinate mode is realized by lifting and moving the electronic pen above a specific height.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the relative coordinate mode and the absolute coordinate mode in the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic pen and the movement of the pointer on the display screen in the relative coordinate mode.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic pen and the movement of the pointer on the display screen in the absolute coordinate mode.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation example of a handwritten character recognition application
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relationship between a stroke and an input result when inputting a handwritten character in the absolute coordinate mode.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an input result when performing handwriting when inputting handwritten characters in the relative coordinate mode;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Position detection device
20 Coordinate data processing unit
30 Display processing section
40 Application software
50 Coordinate mode selection instruction section
60 character recognition engine

Claims (7)

An electronic pen that has a writing instrument shape and is a position indicator for an operator to input operation information to a computer, and a tablet surface that can be designated by the electronic pen. A position detection device capable of detecting position information and writing pressure information which is a pressing force between the tablet surface and the electronic pen;
A computer having an operation control unit for acquiring position information and writing pressure information of the electronic pen detected by the position detection device as operation information for computer control;
A display screen showing information based on processing contents of the computer, and a display device for displaying a pointer on the display screen,
A computer system that realizes an interactive operation between an operator and a computer by causing the operation control unit to have a correspondence relationship between a display position of a pointer displayed on the display device and information from the position detection device. There,
The operation control unit reflects the movement direction and movement amount of the electronic pen when a slight writing pressure is applied to the tip of the electronic pen on the movement of the pointer, and further relates to the indication position of the pointer when the writing pressure is applied. A computer system characterized by starting processing. An electronic pen that has a writing instrument shape and is a position indicator for an operator to input operation information to a computer, and a tablet surface that can be designated by the electronic pen. A position detection device capable of detecting position information and writing pressure information which is a pressing force between the tablet surface and the electronic pen;
A computer having an operation control unit for acquiring position information and writing pressure information of the electronic pen detected by the position detection device as operation information for computer control;
A display screen showing information based on processing contents of the computer, and a display device for displaying a pointer on the display screen,
A computer system that realizes an interactive operation between an operator and a computer by causing the operation control unit to have a correspondence relationship between a display position of a pointer displayed on the display device and information from the position detection device. There,
The operation control unit has two operation modes,
One of them is a pseudo mouse mode in which the movement direction and amount of movement of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is almost in contact with the position detection surface are reflected in the movement of the pointer.
The other is a handwriting mode in which the position indicated by the electronic pen is reflected in the display position of the pointer regardless of whether the electronic pen is on the detection surface of the position detection device or in the proximity space.
A computer system comprising a mode switching unit capable of appropriately switching between the two modes. An electronic pen that has a writing instrument shape and is a position indicator for an operator to input operation information to a computer, and a tablet surface that can be designated by the electronic pen. A position detection device capable of detecting position information and writing pressure information which is a pressing force between the tablet surface and the electronic pen;
A computer having an operation control unit for acquiring position information and writing pressure information of the electronic pen detected by the position detection device as operation information for computer control;
A display screen showing information based on processing contents of the computer, and a display device for displaying a pointer on the display screen,
A computer system that realizes an interactive operation between an operator and a computer by causing the operation control unit to have a correspondence relationship between a display position of a pointer displayed on the display device and information from the position detection device. There,
The operation control unit has two operation modes,
One is that the movement direction and amount of movement of the electronic pen when a slight pressure is applied to the tip of the electronic pen is reflected in the movement of the pointer. It is a pseudo mouse mode that starts related processing.
The other is to reflect the indication position of the electronic pen on the display position of the pointer regardless of whether the electronic pen is on the detection surface of the position detection device or in the proximity space, and the pen pressure on the tip of the electronic pen is more than a predetermined value. It is a handwriting mode that starts processing related to the pointer pointing position when it is added.
A computer system comprising a mode switching unit capable of appropriately switching between the two modes. 4. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the mode switching unit can change the mode by operating an operation portion provided in the position detection device. 4. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the mode switching unit automatically switches according to a pointer indication position. 4. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the mode switching unit automatically switches to the handwriting mode when the pointer is in a handwriting entry area for handwritten character recognition. 6. The computer system according to claim 5, wherein the mode switching unit automatically switches according to information set in advance with respect to an object existing at a position indicated by a pointer.

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