JPH11237949A - Three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system which uses a digitizer device having a painting device that outputs the ultrasonic coordinate signals and at least three receiving devices which receive these coordinate signals. SOLUTION: This digitizer system consists of a digitizer input part 1 which includes a reference signal generation means, an ultrasonic wave output element and a 2nd communication transmitting means, at least three ultrasonic wave receiving elements 2a, 2b and 2c, a 2nd communication receiving means 3 which receives the reference signal, and a digitizer device 5 which includes a reference signal generation means, at least three coordinate signal detection means, a time difference calculation means, a distance calculation means and a coordinate calculation means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for inputting three-dimensional digital coordinate data using an ultrasonic pointing device.
Involved in dimensional digitizer systems.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Input of three-dimensional coordinate data such as a three-dimensional image and VR (virtual reality) is performed by: (1) irradiating a three-dimensional image by scanning at least three axes of a laser beam or the like and detecting reflected light thereof; The image processing device calculates and outputs three-dimensional digital coordinate data. (2) The pointing device is XYZ
It is installed on a movable base that can move in the axial direction, and a three-dimensional image is pointed in contact or non-contact, and three-dimensional digital coordinate data is calculated and output from a movement data generator of the mobile base. It is performed by a method of calculating and outputting three-dimensional relative digital coordinate data by an integration operation from an input from a motion amount sensor for detecting a motion amount. These methods have the problem that expensive dedicated hardware is required for each application and the range of measurement or detection is fixed, and it is not possible to cope with various applications.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has a pointing device for outputting an ultrasonic coordinate signal and at least three receiving devices for receiving the ultrasonic coordinate signal. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive three-dimensional digitizer system that is highly accurate, can be used in a wide range of applications, and is inexpensive using a digitizer.

[0004]

In a three-dimensional digitizer system in which a large-screen display such as a PDP or a liquid crystal projector is used as a digitized display screen and three-dimensional digitized data is input, a reference signal for generating a reference signal serving as a reference for a coordinate signal is provided. Generating means, an ultrasonic output element for ultrasonically outputting a coordinate signal, and a digitizer input unit having a second communication output means for communicatively outputting a reference signal, and at least receiving the coordinate signal output by the digitizer input unit Three ultrasonic receiving elements, second communication receiving means for receiving a reference signal signal output from the digitizer input section, reference signal generating means for receiving and demodulating the received reference signal and generating a time reference signal, At least three coordinate signal detecting means for detecting a coordinate timing signal from the ultrasonic signal;
Time difference calculating means for calculating and outputting a time reference signal and time difference data for each of the coordinate timing signals; distance calculating means for calculating and outputting distance data from the time difference data; and coordinate data for the digitizer input unit based on at least three distance data. And a digitizer device having coordinate calculation means for calculating and outputting.

Further, a digitizer input section is connected to a reference signal generation section for generating a reference signal, a communication modulation section for modulating a carrier signal with the reference signal and outputting a modulation reference signal, and the modulation reference signal is transmitted to the second communication means. It is composed of a transmission unit for communication output, a modulation unit for modulating an ultrasonic signal with a reference signal and modulating and outputting a coordinate signal, and an ultrasonic output element for ultrasonically outputting a coordinate signal obtained by modulating an ultrasonic carrier with a reference signal. .

Further, the ultrasonic output element is an ultra-small ultrasonic speaker, or a ceramic electrostrictive element that generates electrostriction by voltage input.

Further, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like, wherein the second communication output means is a wired communication means for connecting the digitizer input section and the digitizer device with a conductor cable or an optical cable and directly or modulating and transmitting a reference signal. Infrared transmission means using a light emitting element of
As a wireless transmission unit using a weak radio wave, or a receiving unit for receiving a reference signal transmitted from a digitizer, and a communication demodulating unit for demodulating the received reference signal.

Further, an ID memory storing the ID of the digitizer input section and an ID judging section for judging and outputting a specified ID from the received and demodulated reference signal data are additionally provided for the plurality of digitizer input sections.

Further, a SW1 for performing a click input and the like and a SW for performing a drag input and the like are provided in a digitizer input section.
2 and an additional operation unit composed of:

[0010] Further, the operating unit has a SW1 shaft slidable from the distal end of the digitizer input unit housing and having a flange at the center, a push spring for pushing the SW1 shaft outward from the inside, and a SW1 shaft. SW1 having a switch mechanism disposed at an end; a slidable push button inserted into a through hole of a grip portion of the digitizer input unit housing; and a switch mechanism disposed at an inner end of the push button. SW2.

Further, the switch mechanism is configured such that a magnet piece is fixed to the other end of the SW1 shaft or the inner end of the push button by adhesion or fusion, and a magnetoresistive element is arranged inside the digitizer input unit housing. Alternatively, a magnet reed is fixed to the other end of the SW1 shaft or the inner end of the push button by bonding or fusion, and a magnetic reed switch is arranged inside the digitizer input unit housing.

Further, the plurality of ultrasonic receiving elements are microphones or ceramic ultrasonic sensors for converting ultrasonic signals into electric signals.

[0013] Further, the digitizer device includes a receiving section by a second communication receiving means for receiving a reference signal output from the digitizer input section, a communication demodulation section for demodulating the received reference signal, and an operation reference based on the demodulated signal. A reference signal generator for generating a time reference signal, at least three coordinate signal detectors for detecting a coordinate timing signal from the received ultrasonic signal, and a time difference signal and time difference data for each coordinate timing signal are calculated and output A time difference calculation unit, a distance calculation unit that calculates and outputs distance data from the time difference data, a coordinate calculation unit that calculates and outputs coordinate data of the digitizer input unit from at least three distance data, and performs operation input of the digitizer device. An operation input unit, a system memory storing an operation sequence program of the digitizer, and a system memo. Constituted by a control unit which issues a control command to each portion of the device based on the operation sequence program stored in.

Further, the second communication receiving means of the digitizer device is replaced with a second communication transmitting means, and the communication demodulation section is replaced with a communication modulation section which modulates a carrier signal with a reference signal and outputs a modulation reference signal.

Further, a scanning control unit for issuing a command to output coordinate signals to a plurality of digitizer input units and an ID code superimposing unit for superimposing an ID code designating the output command on a reference signal are additionally provided in the digitizer apparatus.

Further, the coordinate signal detecting section includes a variable amplifier capable of controlling an amplification factor by inputting a control voltage, a BPF for passing only the coordinate signal component, and detecting the amplitude of the amplified coordinate signal to reduce the control voltage of the variable amplifier. A control voltage input comprising a detector for outputting, a linear detector for performing envelope detection of the received and amplified coordinate signal, and a Schmitt circuit for outputting a state of “1” or “0” when a predetermined input voltage is reached. A variable amplifier capable of controlling the amplification factor, a BPF for passing only the coordinate signal component, a detector for detecting the amplitude of the received and amplified coordinate signal and outputting a control voltage of the variable amplifier, and a constant amplitude for the amplified coordinate signal A variable amplifier whose amplification factor can be controlled by a control voltage input and a coordinate signal component only consisting of a limiter circuit that limits the input signal and a linear detector that detects the envelope. And the BPF causes a detector that outputs a control voltage detects the amplitude of the amplified coordinate signal variable amplifier, and a linear detector for detecting an envelope of the amplified coordinate signal,
A / D for converting the envelope detection output into a digital signal;
A variable amplifier capable of controlling an amplification factor by a control voltage input, a BPF that allows only a coordinate signal component to pass, A detector for detecting the amplitude of the received and amplified coordinate signal and outputting a control voltage of the variable amplifier, an A / D for converting the amplified coordinate signal into a digital signal, and an A / D
It comprises a threshold value judging unit for judging and comparing the output value with a preset threshold value.

Further, a sensor for detecting environmental data such as a transmission speed of an ultrasonic signal and an installation condition of an ultrasonic receiving element is additionally installed in the digitizer.

Further, the sensor is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the environment where the apparatus is installed, or a distance sensor for detecting the installation position or installation distance of the ultrasonic receiving element.

Further, the digitizer device has a correction coefficient memory storing correction coefficient data for distance calculation, a detecting section for detecting correction condition data such as temperature and installation distance from an input signal from the sensor, and a correction condition. A correction calculation unit for calculating and outputting a correction coefficient for distance calculation based on the data and the time difference data and storing and inputting the correction coefficient to the correction coefficient memory, or a coordinate calculation memory for storing primary coordinate data of the coordinate calculation; A coordinate axis setting unit for setting a reference coordinate axis of coordinate data is additionally installed.

Further, the coordinate setting of the coordinate axis setting unit is set to XYZ coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, and coordinates are calculated in units of the number of images on the display screen. XYZ coordinate axes are set to orthogonal to each other, and coordinates are calculated in units of absolute distance. XYZ coordinate axes orthogonal to each other are set, and coordinates are calculated using relative distance as a unit.

Further, the digitizer device has a coordinate data memory for storing calculation output coordinate data of the coordinate calculation unit,
A display data generation unit for generating three-dimensional display image data and an image output unit for outputting an image signal based on the display image data are additionally installed.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a three-dimensional digitizer system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the three-dimensional digitizer system according to the present invention. The schematic operation of the system of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The system includes a display unit 6 having a large screen such as a PDP, a reference signal generating unit for generating a reference signal serving as a reference for a coordinate signal, an ultrasonic output element for outputting a coordinate signal by ultrasonic waves, and a communication output of the reference signal. A pen-type digitizer input unit 1 having a second communication output means, and at least 3 arranged at one side of the measuring table 4A at an interval of 100 cm left and right and 30 cm up and down to receive coordinate signals output from the digitizer input unit 1 Ultrasonic receiving elements 2, second communication receiving means 3 for receiving a reference signal signal output from the digitizer input unit 1, reference signal generating means for receiving and demodulating the received reference signal and generating a reference signal, At least three coordinate signal detecting means for detecting a coordinate signal from the received ultrasonic signal; time difference calculating means for calculating and outputting time difference data between the reference signal and each coordinate signal; And distance calculating means for calculating output more distance data, and a digitizer apparatus 5 and a coordinate calculator for calculating outputs coordinate data of the digitizer input from fewer or three distance data.

The pen-type digitizer input unit 1 outputs a coordinate signal from the ultrasonic output element based on the reference signal and transmits the reference signal from a second communication transmitting unit having a different signal transmission speed such as optical transmission or radio transmission. Output. The coordinate signal is received by at least three ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, 2c. The reference signal is received and demodulated by the second communication receiving means 3. Based on the reference signal data demodulated and received, time difference data is calculated and output from the time difference between the coordinate timing signals received and detected by the three ultrasonic receiving elements. Based on the fact that the propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal in the air is about 348 m / sec, the distance data from each of the ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, 2c to the digitizer input unit 1 is calculated and output using this time difference data. Is done. The coordinate data of the digitizer input unit 1 is determined to be XYZ based on the distance data at three places and the preset installation position data of the three ultrasonic receiving elements.
It is calculated and output as coordinates on the axis. The transmission speed of the reference signal by the second communication transmitting means is about 300,000 km / sec. In calculating the time difference between the coordinate timing signals, the transmission time of the reference signal can be ignored.

The general operation of the system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the system of the first embodiment is that the four digitizer input units 1A of the wristwatch type are fastened to the human body, and that the reference signal is transmitted from the second communication transmitting means 3A and the digitizer input unit 1A indicates that the reference signal is being received by the second communication receiving means. The second communication transmitting means 3A transmits a reference signal by superimposing ID data designating the digitizer input section. On the other hand, the digitizer input section 1A stores an ID in advance, and generates and outputs a coordinate signal when receiving a reference signal on which a corresponding ID code is superimposed. The digitizer device 5
The calculated and output coordinate data is stored in a memory or the like, and is subjected to display image processing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part of various embodiments of the digitizer input unit according to the present invention. The detailed operation of the digitizer input unit will be described with reference to the drawings. (A) is a first embodiment, in which the reference signal generating unit 11 outputs 10 signals at 5 msec intervals.
A reference signal of 0 μsec is generated. The modulation unit 12 is 100
A KHz ultrasonic carrier wave is modulated to modulate and output a coordinate signal. The coordinate signal is amplified by the driving unit 13 and an ultrasonic output element 14 such as a micro ultrasonic speaker or a ceramic electrostrictive element that generates electrostriction by voltage input.
Drive. On the other hand, the communication modulation unit 15 similarly modulates the carrier wave and drives the transmission unit 16 of the second communication transmission unit. Although not shown, the second communication transmitting means 16 connects the digitizer input section 1 and the digitizer device 5 with a conductor cable or an optical cable, and transmits a reference signal directly or by modulating a wired communication means, a light emitting diode or a laser diode. For example, an infrared transmission unit using a light emitting element, a wireless transmission unit using a weak radio wave, or the like is selected. The operation unit 17 includes an SW 1 for performing a click input or the like and an SW 2 for performing a drag input or the like. These operation data are superimposed on a coordinate signal by the modulation unit 12 and are modulated and output.

(B) is a digitizer input unit in which the receiving unit 18 for receiving the reference signal sent from the digitizer 5 and the communication demodulation unit for demodulating the received reference signal are replaced. The reference signal generator 11 generates a reference signal synchronized with the demodulated reference signal.

In (c), the ID judging section 20 compares and judges the ID signal demodulated by the communication demodulating section 19 with the ID of the digitizer input section stored in the ID memory 21 in advance. The signal is supplied to the reference signal generator 11.

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of various embodiments of the digitizer input unit according to the present invention. The detailed operation of the structure and configuration of the digitizer input unit will be described with reference to the drawings. (A) shows a partial sectional view of one embodiment. An ultrasonic output element 14 is arranged near the tip of the pen-type digitizer input unit housing 1, and a plurality of LEDs or phototransistors 16 of the second communication means are arranged near the tip. Both have directivity in all directions. Next, the operation unit (SW1, SW
The switch mechanism 2) will be described. A SW1 shaft 18a having a flange portion 30b at the center slidably from the tip of the digitizer input unit housing, a pressing spring 30c for pushing the SW1 shaft outward from the inside, and a second end of the SW1 shaft 30a. SW1 comprising a switch mechanism 30, a slidable push button 31a inserted into a through hole of a grip portion of the digitizer pen housing, and a switch mechanism 31 disposed at an inner end of the push button 31a. SW2. The switch mechanism is composed of a switch piece having a contact welded to a leaf spring and a metal piece 32 connected to the ground end of the circuit. (B) Magnet pieces 30d and 31b are fixed to the other end of the SW1 shaft 30a or the inner end of the push button 31a by bonding or fusion bonding, and the magnetoresistive element is mounted on the printed board 32 inside the digitizer input unit 1 housing. 32a, 32b
Are arranged. The description of the ON / OFF operation of the circuit is omitted. (C) The magnet pieces 30d and 31b are fixed to the other end of the SW1 shaft 30a or the inner end of the push button 31a by bonding or fusion, and the magnetic reed switch is mounted on the printed board 32 inside the digitizer input unit 1 housing. 32
c and 32d are arranged. Circuit ON / O
The description of the FF operation is also omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a main part of a first embodiment of the digitizer according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main part of a second embodiment of the digitizer according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a coordinate according to the present invention. It is a principal part block diagram of the various Example of a detection part. The detailed operation of the digitizer of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The digitizer device 5 includes a receiving unit 51 of the second communication receiving unit 3 for receiving the reference signal signal output from the digitizer input unit 1, a communication demodulation unit 52 for demodulating the received reference signal, A reference signal generator 53 for generating a reference signal; at least three coordinate signal detectors 54A, 54B, 54C for detecting a coordinate timing signal from the received coordinate signal; and a time difference between the time reference signal and each coordinate timing signal. A time difference calculating section 55 for calculating and outputting data; a distance calculating section 56 for calculating and outputting distance data from the time difference data;
A coordinate calculation unit 57 for calculating and outputting coordinate data of the digitizer input unit 1 from the two distance data; an operation input unit 63 for inputting operation of the digitizer device; a system memory 64 storing an operation sequence program of the digitizer device; And a control unit 65 for issuing a control command to each unit of the apparatus based on the operation sequence program stored in the system memory 64. In addition, the aim was to improve the accuracy of distance data calculation, coordinate data calculation, etc.
A sensor 7 for detecting environmental data such as a transmission speed of an ultrasonic signal and an installation condition of an ultrasonic receiving element, a correction coefficient memory 60 for storing correction coefficient data for distance calculation, and a temperature, A detection unit 58 for detecting correction condition data such as an installation distance, and a correction calculation unit 59 for calculating and outputting a correction coefficient for distance calculation based on the correction condition data and the time difference data and storing and inputting the correction coefficient to the correction coefficient memory 60 are additionally provided. I have. In order to support various coordinate data formats, a coordinate calculation memory 60 for storing primary coordinate data of coordinate calculation, a coordinate axis setting unit 62 for setting a reference coordinate axis of output coordinate data, and the like are additionally provided.

The digitizer 5 receives the reference signal output from the digitizer input unit 1 at the receiving unit 51 of the second communication receiving unit 3 and demodulates the signal by the communication demodulation unit 52.
The reference signal generation unit 53 generates a time reference signal serving as a reference for time difference calculation from the demodulated reference signal. The coordinate signals output by the digitizer input unit 1 are received by three ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, 2c arranged on one side of the measuring table 4A at an interval of 100 cm left and right and 30 cm vertically, and for each ultrasonic receiving element. The connected coordinate signal detection units 54A, 54B,
A coordinate timing signal is detected and output by 54C. The time difference calculation unit 55 calculates and outputs time difference data t1, t2, and t3 of each coordinate timing signal starting from the time reference signal. The distance calculating unit 56 calculates the propagation speed Vt (about 3
48 m / sec) and the time difference data t1, t2, t3, the distances L1, L2, L3 between the three ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, 2c and the digitizer input unit 1 are calculated and output based on the following formula. . (1) L1 = Vtxt1 (2) L2 = Vtxt2 (3) L3 = Vtxt3 The coordinate calculation unit 57 determines the distances L1, L2, L3 and the ultrasonic receiving element 2a, which are preset. Based on the coordinate data 2b and 2c, coordinate data on the XYZ axes of the digitizer input unit 1 is calculated and output to an output terminal OUT, and is input as three-dimensional coordinate data of the digitizer.

There are various choices for the sensor 7, but two examples will be described. The first example is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the environment in which the apparatus is installed, and corrects a change in the propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal depending on the installation environment temperature. The second example is a distance sensor that automatically detects the installation position or the installation distance of the ultrasonic receiving element 1, automatically inputs coordinate data of the ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, and 2c at the time of coordinate calculation, and uses the measuring table 4A The ultrasonic wave receiving element 1 points the designated point whose distance has been measured in advance, and corrects the propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal by performing an inverse calculation based on the time difference data.
The coordinate axis setting unit 62 selects the output coordinates calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 57 in a reference coordinate format such as orthogonal coordinates on XYZ axes orthogonal to each other, cylindrical coordinates expressed by a center axis and a cylindrical diameter and a rotation angle, and a unit of coordinates. The calculation unit such as the number of pixels of the captured image, the absolute distance, or the relative distance normalized in the reference section is set. The coordinate calculation unit 57 includes a coordinate calculation memory 61 based on the setting conditions of the coordinate axis setting unit 62.
A coordinate calculation function and a designated constant stored in advance are read and coordinate calculation is performed.

The detailed operation of the second embodiment for receiving coordinate signals from a plurality of digitizer input units 1A will be described with reference to FIG. 5, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. The reference signal generation unit 53A generates a reference signal of 100 μsec at intervals of 5 msec, and supplies one to the time difference calculation unit 55 as in the first embodiment. The scanning control unit 70 cyclically generates the ID code of the digitizer input unit 1A that sends the coordinate signal output command in synchronization with the reference signal. The ID code superimposing section 71 superimposes and outputs the ID code on the other front edge of the reference signal. The reference signal on which the ID code is superimposed is modulated by the communication modulator 52A, and is transmitted and output via the transmitter 51A of the second communication output unit 3A.

Further, as in the system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, for the purpose of displaying three-dimensional multi-point coordinate data in a time series, a coordinate operation unit 57 is provided at an output terminal of the coordinate operation unit 57. A coordinate data memory 72 for storing calculation output coordinate data 57, a display data generation unit 73 for generating three-dimensional display image data, and a display image output unit 74 for outputting a display image signal based on the display image data are additionally provided. Have been. The coordinate data is temporarily stored in the coordinate data memory 72 in chronological order together with the ID specified by the scanning control unit 70. The display data generation unit 73 reads out time-series coordinate data from the coordinate data memory 72 in accordance with an operation instruction from the operation input unit 63, and generates and outputs display data such as coordinates, symbols, and characters on the display screen. The display control unit 74 controls and outputs a video signal to which a synchronization signal or the like is added to the display unit 6.

The details of the method of detecting the coordinate signal will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a circuit block diagram of the first embodiment of the coordinate signal detecting section. Since the distance between the digitizing input unit 1 and the ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, 2c is not constant, the level of the input coordinate signal has a level difference of 100 times or more, and the coordinate timing signal is extracted. In doing so, it is necessary to control the peak value of the received coordinate signal to a constant value. The input coordinate signal is supplied to a variable amplifier 5 having a control terminal for controlling the amplification factor based on the detection output voltage of the detector 54c.
Amplified and output by 4a. The output signal is 100KHz
Only the carrier component is taken out by the BPF 54b, inputted to the linear detector 54d, peak-detected by the detector 54c, and fed back to the control terminal of the variable amplifier 54a. As a result, the peak amplitude of the coordinate signal output from the variable amplifier 54a is controlled to a constant amplitude. The linear detector 54d performs envelope detection of the input coordinate signal and inputs the signal to the Schmitt circuit 54f. The Schmitt circuit 54f
When the input value reaches a certain threshold, the output is changed from “0” to “1”. This output signal is input to the time difference calculator 54 as a coordinate timing signal. (B) is the second embodiment, and the first half is the same as the first embodiment and is omitted. The coordinate signal input to the limiter circuit 54g is subjected to a constant level limiter process, an intermittent signal of a constant amplitude is output, and the linear detector 54d performs envelope detection to generate a coordinate timing signal. (C) is a third embodiment, in which the output of the linear detector 54d is converted into digital data by the A / D 54h,
The threshold value is input to the threshold determination unit 54i. The threshold determining unit 54i
When the input digital data reaches a preset threshold, the output is changed from “0” to “1”. This output signal is input to the time difference calculator 54 as a coordinate timing signal.
(2) is a fourth embodiment, in which the coordinate signal input to the A / D 54h is converted into digital data,
Input to i. When the input digital data reaches a preset threshold value, the threshold value judging unit 54i changes from “0” to “1”.
To output. This output signal is input to the time difference calculator 55 as a coordinate timing signal, and the first rising pulse is used as a time difference calculation timing signal.

FIG. 8 is a time chart of an ultrasonic coordinate signal according to the present invention and an explanatory diagram of a coordinate calculation. In the time chart of the ultrasonic coordinate signal of (a), (a) is 5 ms.
100 μsec reference signal at c intervals, (b) 100K
Hz output coordinate signal obtained by modulating an ultrasonic carrier wave, (c)
(D) and (e) show received signals obtained by lumped amplitudes of the ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, and 2c. The time difference calculating unit 55 calculates and outputs the time difference data t1 (c), t2 (d), and t3 (e) for each of the origin coordinate timing signals from the time reference signal (a). In the coordinate calculation of (b), the distance calculation unit 56
Is the distance L between the three ultrasonic receiving elements 2a, 2b, 2c and the digitizer input unit 1 from the time difference data t1, t2, t3.
Compute and output 1, L2 and L3. The coordinate calculation unit 57 determines the distances L1, L2, L3 and the ultrasonic receiving element 2 set in advance.
The coordinate data of a, 2b, and 2c and the distances L1, L2, and L3 are vector-calculated, and the coordinates x, y, and z on the XYZ axes are calculated and output.

[0036]

The present invention is embodied in the form described above, and has the following effects. The digitizer input unit outputs a coordinate signal from the ultrasonic output element based on the reference signal and outputs a reference signal from the second communication transmitting means having different signal transmission speeds, and the coordinate signal includes at least three ultrasonic signals. A time difference is calculated between the coordinate timing signal and the time reference signal detected by the receiving element, and the coordinates on the XYZ axes are calculated and output based on the time difference calculation result.
It can be the dimensional digitizer input data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a three-dimensional digitizer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the three-dimensional digitizer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a main block diagram of various embodiments of a digitizer input unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a main part block diagram of a digitizer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a main part block diagram of a digitizer according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of various embodiments of a digitizer input unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a main part of various embodiments of a coordinate detection unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a time chart of an ultrasonic coordinate signal and an explanatory diagram of a coordinate calculation according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digitizer input part 2a, 2b, 2c Ultrasonic receiving element 3 Second communication receiving means 3A Second communication transmitting means 5 Digitizer device 6 Display part 7, 7A Sensor 11 Reference signal generating part 12 Modulating part 14 Ultrasonic output element 15, 52A communication modulation section 16, 51A transmission section 17 operation section 18, 51 reception section 19, 52 communication demodulation section 20 ID determination section 21 ID memory 53, 53A reference signal generation section 54A, 54B, 54C coordinate signal generation section 54a variable amplifier 54b BPF 54c Detector 54d Linear Detector 54f Schmitt Circuit 54g Limiter Circuit 54h A / D 54i Threshold Determination Unit 55 Time Difference Calculation Unit 56 Distance Calculator 57 Coordinate Calculator 58 58A Detection Detector 59 Correction Calculator 60 Correction Coefficient Memory 61 Coordinate Calculator Memory 62 Coordinate axis setting unit 63 Operation input unit 64 System memory 65 Control unit 70 Scanning control unit 71 ID code superimposition unit 72 Coordinate data memory 73 Display data generation unit 74 Image output unit

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional digitizer system in which a large-screen display such as a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) or a liquid crystal projector is used as a digitizing display screen and three-dimensional digitizing data is input, a reference for generating a reference signal as a reference of a coordinate signal. A digitizer input unit having a signal generation unit, an ultrasonic output element that ultrasonically outputs the coordinate signal, and a second communication transmission unit that communicates and outputs the reference signal; and receives a coordinate signal output by the digitizer input unit. At least three ultrasonic receiving elements, second communication receiving means for receiving a reference signal signal output from the digitizer input section, and a reference signal for receiving and demodulating the received reference signal to generate a time reference signal. Generating means, and detecting at least three coordinate signals for detecting a coordinate timing signal from the received coordinate signals; A stage, a time difference calculating means for calculating output time difference data of said each coordinate timing signal said time reference signal,
A digitizing device comprising: a distance calculating means for calculating and outputting distance data from the time difference data; and a coordinate calculating means for calculating and outputting coordinate data of the digitizer input unit from the at least three distance data. The input unit outputs a coordinate signal from the ultrasonic output element based on the reference signal and outputs the reference signal from the second communication output unit having a different signal transmission speed,
The coordinate signal is received and detected via at least three ultrasonic receiving elements, and the coordinates on the XYZ axes are calculated and output from the received and detected coordinate timing signal to obtain three-dimensional digitizer input data. Characterized three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system. 2. A digitizer input unit comprising: a reference signal generator for generating the reference signal; a communication modulator for modulating a carrier signal with the reference signal and outputting a modulation reference signal; A transmitter for communicating and outputting by a communication means, a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic signal by the reference signal and modulating and outputting a coordinate signal, and an ultrasonic output for ultrasonically outputting a coordinate signal obtained by modulating an ultrasonic carrier with a reference signal. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system comprises an element. 3. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein said ultrasonic output element is an ultra-small ultrasonic speaker. 4. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein said ultrasonic output element is a ceramic electrostrictive element which generates electrostriction by voltage input. 5. The second communication output means is a wired communication means for connecting the digitizer input section and the digitizer device by a conductor cable or an optical cable and transmitting the reference signal directly or by modulating the reference signal. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1. 6. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein said second communication output means is an infrared transmission means using a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or a laser diode. 7. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein said second communication output means is a wireless transmission means using a weak radio wave. 8. The digital communication device according to claim 1, wherein said second communication means of said digitizer input section is replaced by a receiving section for receiving a reference signal transmitted from said digitizer device, and a communication demodulation section for demodulating said received reference signal. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 9. An ID memory for storing an ID (number) of the digitizer input unit in each of the plurality of digitizer input units, and an ID determination unit for determining and outputting a specified ID from received and demodulated reference signal data. Additional installation, said I
The D determining unit determines the specified ID from the received and demodulated reference signal data.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: determining and outputting a reference signal; and issuing a reference signal generation command to the reference signal generation unit.
-Dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system. 10. An operation unit comprising an SW1 for performing a click input or the like and an SW2 for performing a drag input or the like is additionally installed in the digitizer input unit, and a click & drag operation function is added to the digitizer input unit. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 8, wherein: 11. An SW1 shaft slidable from a tip end of the digitizer input unit housing and having a flange portion at a center portion, and the S1
A push spring for pushing the W1 axis outward, a switch SW1 having a switch mechanism disposed at the other end of the SW1 axis, and a slidable push button inserted into a through hole of a grip portion of the digitizer input unit housing. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 10, comprising: a SW2 having a switch mechanism disposed at an inner end of the push button. 12. The switch mechanism, wherein a magnet piece is fixed to the other end of the SW1 shaft or the inner end of the push button by adhesion or fusion or the like, and a magnetoresistive element is arranged inside the digitizer input unit housing. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The switch mechanism, wherein a magnet piece is fixed to the other end of the SW1 shaft or the inner end of the push button by adhesion or fusion, and a magnetic reed switch is arranged inside the digitizer input unit housing. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 11, wherein: 14. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of ultrasonic receiving elements are ultrasonic microphones. 15. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of ultrasonic receiving elements are ceramic ultrasonic sensors for converting an ultrasonic signal into an electric signal. 16. A digitizing device comprising: a receiving unit including second communication receiving means for receiving a reference signal output from the digitizer input unit; a communication demodulating unit for demodulating the received reference signal; A reference signal generation unit for generating a time reference signal of a calculation reference; at least three coordinate signal detection units for detecting a coordinate timing signal from the received ultrasonic signal; A time difference calculating section for calculating and outputting time difference data, a distance calculating section for calculating and outputting distance data from the time difference data, and a coordinate calculating section for calculating and outputting coordinate data of the digitizer input section from the at least three distance data. An operation input unit for inputting operation of the digitizer device, and a system storing an operation sequence program of the digitizer device. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 1, comprising a system memory, and a control unit that issues a control command to each unit of the device based on an operation sequence program stored in the system memory. 17. The digitizer device according to claim 1, wherein said second communication receiving means is replaced by said second communication transmitting means, and said communication demodulation part is a communication modulation part which modulates a carrier signal with said reference signal and outputs a modulation reference signal. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein the system is changed. 18. A digitizing device further comprising: a scanning control unit for issuing a coordinate signal output command to a plurality of digitizer input units; and an ID code superimposing unit for superimposing an ID code designating the output command on a reference signal. 17. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein: 19. A variable amplifier capable of controlling an amplification factor by a control voltage input;
BPF (Band Pass F) that passes only the coordinate signal component
ilter), a detector that detects the amplitude of the amplified coordinate signal and outputs a control voltage of the variable amplifier, a linear detector that detects the envelope of the received amplified coordinate signal, and “1” when a predetermined input voltage is reached. Or a Schmitt circuit that outputs a state of "0". After the received input coordinate signal is controlled to a constant peak signal amplitude, envelope detection is performed, and the coordinate of the received input coordinate signal is obtained by the Schmitt circuit operation. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein a timing signal is generated. 20. A variable amplifier capable of controlling an amplification factor by a control voltage input;
A BPF that passes only the coordinate signal component, a detector that detects the amplitude of the received and amplified coordinate signal and outputs a control voltage of the variable amplifier, and a limiter circuit that limits the amplified coordinate signal with a constant amplitude. The received input coordinate signal is converted into a coordinate signal having a constant amplitude by the limiter circuit after the peak signal amplitude is controlled to a constant value, and the received input coordinate signal is envelope-detected. 17. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein an output of the detector is used as a coordinate timing signal of the received input coordinate signal. 21. A variable amplifier capable of controlling an amplification factor by a control voltage input;
A BPF that passes only the coordinate signal component, a detector that detects an amplitude of the amplified coordinate signal and outputs a control voltage of the variable amplifier, a linear detector that detects an envelope of the amplified coordinate signal, and the envelope. A / D (Analog Digital Converter) for converting a linear detection output into a digital signal;
/ D output value and a threshold value determining unit for comparing and determining a predetermined threshold value. The received input coordinate signal is subjected to envelope detection after controlling the peak signal amplitude to a constant value and converted into a digital signal. 17. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein the coordinate timing signal is generated based on a comparison judgment with a preset threshold value. 22. A variable amplifier capable of controlling an amplification factor by a control voltage input;
A BPF that passes only the coordinate signal component, a detector that detects the amplitude of the received and amplified coordinate signal and outputs a control voltage of the variable amplifier, and an A / D that converts the amplified coordinate signal into a digital signal. A threshold value judging section for comparing and judging the A / D output value with a preset threshold value, the received input coordinate signal is subjected to envelope detection after controlling the peak signal amplitude to a constant value, and converted into a digital signal. 17. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein the coordinate timing signal is generated based on a comparison judgment with a preset threshold value. 23. An apparatus for additionally installing a sensor for detecting environmental data such as a transmission speed of an ultrasonic signal and an installation condition of the ultrasonic receiving element in the digitizer, and correcting a distance calculation based on the environmental data. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein: 24. The three-dimensional ultrasonic sensor according to claim 23, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of an environment in which the apparatus is installed, and the transmission speed of the ultrasonic signal is subjected to a temperature correction operation. Sonic digitizer system. 25. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the sensor is a distance sensor that detects an installation position or an installation distance of the ultrasonic receiving element, and performs a correction operation in a distance operation and a coordinate operation. 3D ultrasonic digitizer system. 26. A digitizing device, comprising: a correction coefficient memory storing correction coefficient data for distance calculation; a detection unit for detecting correction condition data such as temperature and installation distance from an input signal from the sensor; 17. A correction calculation unit for calculating and outputting a correction coefficient for distance calculation based on the correction condition data and the time difference data and storing and inputting the correction coefficient to the correction coefficient memory.
3. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to 1. 27. The digitizer device further includes a coordinate calculation memory for storing primary coordinate data of the coordinate calculation, and a coordinate axis setting unit for setting a reference coordinate axis of the output coordinate data. 17. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, wherein coordinate data on an arbitrary reference coordinate axis is output based on the coordinate data. 28. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 27, wherein the coordinate setting of said coordinate axis setting section is performed by using XYZ coordinate axes orthogonal to each other and performing coordinate calculation in units of the number of images on a display screen. 29. The coordinate system according to claim 27, wherein the coordinate setting of said coordinate axis setting section is performed by using XYZ coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, and performing a coordinate operation in units of an absolute distance.
-Dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system. 30. The coordinate system according to claim 27, wherein the coordinate setting of the coordinate axis setting section is performed by using XYZ coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, and performing coordinate calculation in units of a relative distance.
-Dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system. 31. A coordinate data memory for storing calculation output coordinate data of the coordinate calculation unit, a display data generation unit for generating three-dimensional display image data, an image signal based on the display image data. 17. The three-dimensional ultrasonic digitizer system according to claim 16, further comprising an image output unit for outputting the coordinate data, and outputting the coordinate data captured by the digitizer device as an image signal for three-dimensional display.