WO2013175818A1

WO2013175818A1 - Pen-type input device

Info

Publication number: WO2013175818A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/054435
Authority: WO
Inventors: 沙希子田代; 森　直樹; 孝志松原
Original assignee: 日立コンシューマエレクトロニクス株式会社
Priority date: 2012-05-23
Filing date: 2013-02-22
Publication date: 2013-11-28
Also published as: JP2013242819A

Abstract

Provided is a pen-type input device that uses a simple sensor to determine each type of state related to the pen-type input device, namely pen pressure, slope, grip, twisting, and the like. The pen-type input device is provided with a strain sensor that detects the strain amount in at least one direction, and a pen shaft having at least one of the strain sensors provided in the pen tip section thereof such that the detected direction of the strain amount and the pen shaft direction are made to correspond. The contact state of the pen tip with the writing surface, the pushing state of the tip of the pen, and the tilt direction of the pen are detected using the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor while in a state of equilibrium. In addition, the strain sensor is arranged in the direction in which deformation caused by twisting of the pen shaft is at a maximum so that the twisting state of the pen shaft is detected.

Description

Pen-type input device

The present invention relates to an electronic pen sensor mounting structure that is optimal for computer input.

In recent years, with the increase in the screen size of monitors and the widespread use of projector devices, electronic pens have been provided that allow a computer to be used to write data on the display surface in the same form as writing letters and figures on a white board with a writing instrument. The electronic pen is required to notify the computer of trajectory information and to notify the computer of operation information such as writing pressure and tilt of the electronic pen.

For example, Patent Document 1 shows an example of an electronic pen. Specifically, an electronic pen disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a substantially cylindrical casing that is gripped by a user, a pen tip portion formed on a tip side of the casing, and a three-dimensional configuration of the pen tip section. It is disclosed that the apparatus includes a detecting unit that detects a target displacement and calculates a writing pressure or an inclination of the pen tip portion.

And an electronic pen, a coordinate position detection device that detects a coordinate position touched on the touch panel surface of the display device by the electronic pen, and information corresponding to a detection result of the coordinate position of the coordinate position detection device. In the touch panel device including a display control device to be displayed, the electronic pen includes a substantially cylindrical housing that is gripped by a user, a pen tip portion formed on a tip side of the housing, and the pen tip portion. Detecting means for detecting the three-dimensional displacement of the electronic pen, and calculating the writing pressure of the electronic pen, the display control device according to the writing pressure of the electronic pen calculated by the detecting means, It is disclosed that the display mode of information displayed on a display device is changed.

JP 2006-92410 A

According to the electronic pen described in Patent Document 1, the writing pressure of the electronic pen and the inclination of the pen axis can be detected, but the function necessary for digitization of the writing function of the conventional writing tool has been realized. However, it has not yet reached the point of providing a new input device.

An object of the present invention is to enable more accurate detection of pen pressure detection and inclination detection state, and to detect pen state other than the conventional pen pressure and inclination, for improved usability and a new usage method. The object is to provide an applicable electronic pen.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the electronic pen of the present invention has a strain sensor for detecting the amount of strain in one direction installed in any one of a pen tip part, a pen base part, a grip part, and a pen peripheral part, Based on the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, the contact state of the electronic pen on the writing surface, the pressing state on the writing surface, and the tilt direction of the electronic pen are detected. I made it.

In addition, the strain sensor is installed in the direction in which the deformation due to the twist of the pen shaft is maximum, and the twist state of the pen shaft is determined by the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state. To detect.

The electronic pen of the present invention can improve writing pressure detection and inclination detection accuracy, and can notify computer operation information with the electronic pen alone, and can be applied to a new usage method.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a pen-type input device. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that a pen type input device is distorted in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the output in a distortion detection part. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of sensor arrangement in Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that a pen type input device is distorted in Example 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of sensor arrangement in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how a pen-type input device is distorted in a third embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sensor arrangement in Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in the third embodiment. In Example 4, it is a figure which shows an example of a mode that a pen type input device is distorted. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the sensor in Example 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in the fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the sensor in Example 5. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the sensor in Example 6. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an electronic pen that can detect the pen tip contact state, the pressure applied to the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the pen-type input device 100. The pen-type input device 100 includes a distortion detection unit 101, a calculation unit 102 that determines a pen state based on the detection result of the distortion detection unit 101, a communication unit 103 that notifies the computer of the pen state, and an operation unit 104. And a power supply unit 105 and a control unit 106. Details of each block will be described later.

In addition, although each part of 101-106 is independent in FIG. 1, you may comprise by one or several structural requirements as needed. For example, 102 and 106 may be configured to perform processing by one or more central processing units (CPUs). In FIG. 1, each of the components 101 to 106 is configured inside the pen-type input device. However, one or more components are configured outside the pen-type input device, and network connection or universal serial bus (USB ) It may be connected to a pen-type input device by connection.

The strain detection unit 101 is composed of a semiconductor strain sensor, and detects strain (shape change due to stress) generated in the case, tip, end, and gripping part of the pen-type input device that is generated by pen operation. The type of sensor is not limited to the semiconductor strain sensor, and other sensors may be used as long as they can detect strain.

The calculation unit 102 is configured by a circuit board or the like on which a microcomputer is mounted. The calculation unit 102 performs calculation processing on information on the presence / absence of a distortion signal and the level of the distortion signal obtained by the distortion detection unit 101, and the pen input device 100 is On the other hand, various states such as a contact state with another object are determined.

The communication unit 103 includes an ultrasonic unit, an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device, and the like, and is an interface that can communicate with devices external to the pen-type input device 100 such as a touch panel device, a projector, and a personal computer. Information on the distortion of the pen-type input device obtained by the distortion detection unit 101 or the calculation result of the calculation unit 102 is transmitted to the external device, and various signals are received from the external device.

The operation unit 104 includes buttons, switches, an operation panel, and the like, and is an interface that can accept a pen operation instruction input from a user.

The power supply unit 105 is configured with a battery or the like, and supplies power to the components of the pen-type input device 100.

The control unit 106 controls the calculation unit 102, the communication unit 103, and the power supply unit 105 based on information related to the distortion of the pen-type input device from the distortion detection unit 101 and a user input from the operation unit 104.

In the first embodiment, information regarding the distortion of the pen-type input device obtained by the distortion detection unit 101 is calculated by the calculation unit 102 and then transmitted from the communication unit 103 to the external device. It is good also as a structure which transmits to an external apparatus from the communication part 103 without going through. In this case, the information regarding the distortion of the pen-type input device obtained by the distortion detection unit 101 is transmitted to the external device without being subjected to the arithmetic processing, but the same arithmetic processing as the arithmetic unit 102 is performed by the external device. For example, the state of the pen-type input device 100 can be similarly determined. When all the arithmetic processes are performed by an external device, the arithmetic unit 102 is not necessary, and the arithmetic unit 102 may be excluded from the configuration in the pen-type input device 100.

FIG. 2 shows an example of use of the pen-type input device 100 of the first embodiment. 2A shows a state where writing is performed on a horizontal surface using a pen-type input device, and FIG. 2B shows a state where writing is performed on a vertical surface. In any case, the pen-type input device is often used in an inclined state, not perpendicular to the writing surface.

2 (c) and 2 (d) are diagrams for explaining the state of distortion of the pen tip. When the pen-type input device is not in contact with the writing surface, the pen tip is distorted as shown in FIG. 2 (c). Does not occur. However, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), when the contact is made in an inclined state with respect to the writing surface, distortion occurs on the surface and inside of the pen tip. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), distortion in the extending direction occurs on the side surface near the pen tip closest to the writing surface, and distortion in the shrinking direction occurs on the side surface near the pen tip farthest from the writing surface. .

FIG. 3 shows an example of the external force applied to the electronic pen and the sensor output in the strain detection unit 101. As described above, the strain detection unit 101 includes the semiconductor strain sensor 200 (hereinafter referred to as a strain sensor) using the piezoresistance effect. The strain sensor 200 is fixed to the electronic pen with an adhesive or the like, and has a characteristic that the electric resistance value changes according to the internal stress of the strain sensor. Moreover, the sensitivity axis 201 exists in the strain sensor, and the strain in the direction along the sensitivity axis can be detected with the highest sensitivity. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the strain sensor 200 is represented as a rectangular parallelepiped composed of three layers shown in FIG. 3, and the sensor sensitivity axis 201 exists in a direction perpendicularly passing through the three layers.

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the stress applied to the strain sensor 200 and the output of the strain sensor. FIG. 3C shows a state where no external force is applied to the pen and no distortion occurs in the sensor, and the output value of the strain sensor in this equilibrium state is ε ₀ . 3 (a) and 3 (b) show a state where an external force is applied in the direction in which the strain sensor contracts from the equilibrium state, and FIGS. 3 (d) and 3 (e) show a state in which the external force is applied in the direction in which the strain sensor extends from the equilibrium state. Show. It shows a state where a larger external force is applied as the distance from (c) in the equilibrium state increases.

The output value when a small stress is applied in the shrinking direction as shown in FIG. 3B is smaller than ε ₀ , and the output value when a large stress is applied in the shrinking direction as shown in FIG. , Even smaller. Conversely, when a small stress is applied in the extending direction as shown in FIG. 3D, the output value is larger than ε ₀ , and when a large stress is applied in the extending direction as shown in FIG. The output value is further increased.

As described above, there is a correlation between the external force applied to the strain sensor and the output characteristics of the strain sensor, and the external force applied to the strain sensor can be known by detecting the characteristic value of the strain sensor.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement position of the strain sensor 200 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, the tip portion of the pen-type input device is referred to as a pen tip, the portion gripped by the user is referred to as a grip portion, the vicinity of the center is referred to as a center portion, and the root portion is referred to as a pen base.

This example shows the arrangement of the strain sensor suitable for detecting the contact state of the pen tip during writing, the pressure applied to the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen shown in FIG. 2 (d).

4 (a) to 4 (c) are cross-sectional views of the pen-type input device. The strain sensor is arranged at the

outer surface

2001 or 2002 of the case structure of the pen-type input device, the inner surface 2003 or the like. 2004, internal 2005, and the like. In order to detect the distortion of the pen tip portion, it is sufficient to arrange one strain sensor at any one of the positions 2001 to 2005, but in order to increase the reliability of detection, a plurality of strain sensors are provided at a plurality of positions. You may arrange.

More specifically, by arranging a strain sensor between the pen tip and the gripping portion, the strain sensor detects a stress during writing of the pen between the pen tip and the gripping portion with the gripping portion as a fulcrum. The strain sensor may be disposed on the outer surface of the pen as shown in FIG. 4 (a), or may be disposed on the inner surface of the pen as shown in FIG. 4 (b). FIG. 4 (c) shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a pen having a configuration in which the pen shaft is not brought into contact with the outer case. Fig. 4 shows an example of installing strain sensors separately on the outer and inner surfaces of the pen and inside the pen shaft, but the strain sensors are installed in combination at multiple locations, such as both the outer and inner surfaces of the pen. You may make it do.

Next, the detection processing flow of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 (a) shows a one-round flow in which the processing of S501 to S503 is executed once each. In practice, this flow is repeated continuously, and after S503, the processing returns to S501. First, in S501, the current strain sensor output value εtip of the pen tip is acquired by the strain sensor arranged in any of 2001 to 2005 shown in FIG. When the processing of S501 ends, the process proceeds to S502.

In S502, Δεtip expressed by Δεtip = (εtip−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value of Etip which is a threshold value of a certain strain sensor. Here, ε ₀ is an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, and both ε ₀ and Etip are positive numbers. When the process of S502 ends, the process proceeds to S503.

In S503, the contact state of the pen tip, the pressure applied to the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen type input device are detected based on the comparison result in S502. Details of S503 will be described later with reference to FIG. When the processing of S503 ends, the series of processing shown in FIG.

FIG. 5B shows details of the processing in S503. When the comparison result of Δεtip and Etip satisfies Δεtip <−Etip as shown in 551, it is detected that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device is opposite to the sensor mounting side. To do. If the comparison result between Δεtip and Etip satisfies | Δεtip | ≦ Etip as indicated by 552, it is detected that the pen tip is not in contact with the writing surface. When the comparison result between Δεtip and Etip satisfies Δεtip> Etip as shown at 553, it is detected that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device is the same as that on the sensor mounting side. .

In 551 and 553 where the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface, the smaller the force pressing the pen tip against the writing surface, the smaller the distortion of the pen tip and the smaller the value of | Δεtip |. Conversely, the greater the force with which the pen tip is pressed against the writing surface, the greater the distortion of the pen tip and the larger the value of | Δεtip |. By utilizing this characteristic, the degree of pressure applied to the pen tip can be detected from the value of | Δεtip |.

The above-described tilt direction of the pen is based on the mounting position of the strain sensor 200. For this reason, in order to more accurately determine the tilt direction of the pen, it is desirable to fix the rotation direction of the pen by marking the grip direction on the grip portion.

Next, an embodiment for detecting the contact state of the pen base (pen base), the pressure applied to the pen base, and the tilt direction of the pen type input device will be described. According to the present embodiment, when the pen is used not only as a handwriting input means but also as an operation instruction means, the types of operation instructions can be increased.

FIG. 6 shows an example of how the pen-type input device 100 is distorted in the second embodiment.
When the pen-type input device is not in contact with the writing surface as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the pen base is not distorted, but as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the pen-type input device is in contact with the writing surface inclined. Then, distortion occurs on the surface and the inside of the pen base. In FIG. 6B, the distortion in the extending direction is generated on the side surface near the pen base closest to the writing surface, and the contracting direction is generated on the side surface near the pen base farthest from the writing surface.

FIG. 7 shows an arrangement example of the strain sensor arranged in the pen base portion in order to detect the distortion of the pen base portion shown in FIG. FIGS. 7A to 7C are all cross-sectional views of the pen-type input device, and examples of the location of the strain sensor include the outer surface 2011, the inner surface 2012, and the inner 2013 of the pen-type input device. It is done. In order to detect the distortion of the pen base part, it is sufficient to arrange one strain sensor at any one of 2011 to 2013. However, in order to increase the detection reliability, a plurality of strain sensors are installed at a plurality of places. You may arrange.

FIG. 8 shows an example of processing in the second embodiment.
FIG. 8A shows a processing flow. Although FIG. 8A shows a one-round flow in which the processes of S801 to S803 are executed once each, this flow is actually repeated continuously, and after S803, the process returns to S801.

First, in S801, the strain sensor output value εroot of the strain sensor arranged in any of the pen sources 2011 to 2013 shown in FIG. 7 is acquired, and the process proceeds to S802. In S802, Δεroot obtained by Δεroot = (εroot−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value of Eroot which is a threshold value of a constant strain sensor, and the process proceeds to S803. Here, ε ₀ is an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, and both ε ₀ and Eroot are positive numbers.

In S803, based on the comparison result in S802, the contact state of the pen base, the pressure applied to the pen base, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device are obtained. Details of S803 will be described later with reference to FIG. When the processing of S803 is finished, the series of processing shown in FIG.

FIG. 8B shows details of the processing of S803. As indicated by reference numeral 851 in FIG. 8B, when the comparison result between Δεroot and εroot satisfies Δεroot <−εroot, this indicates that the pen base is in contact with the writing surface, and the inclination of the pen-type input device The direction is opposite to the sensor mounting side. As shown in 852, when the comparison result between Δεroot and εroot satisfies | Δεroot | ≦ εroot, it indicates that the pen base is not in contact with the writing surface. If the comparison result of Δεroot and εroot satisfies Δεroot> εroot as shown in 853, it indicates that the pen base is in contact with the writing surface, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device is the same as the sensor mounting side. is there.

In 851 and 853 where the pen base is in contact with the writing surface, the smaller the force pressing the pen base against the writing surface, the smaller the distortion of the pen base, so the value of | Δεroot | becomes smaller. Conversely, the greater the force that presses the pen point against the writing surface, the greater the distortion of the pen point and the larger the value of | Δεroot |. Using this characteristic, the degree of pressure applied to the pen base can be detected from the value of | Δεroot |.

FIG. 9 is an embodiment in which strain sensors are provided at both the pen tip and the pen base, and shows the relationship between the detection values of the respective strain sensors and the state of the pen-type input device.
Specifically, by combining Δεroot obtained in S802 of FIG. 8 with Δεtip obtained in S502 of FIG. 5, it is possible to detect a more detailed state of the pen-type input device. Specifically, it can be distinguished whether the pen tip or the pen base is in contact with the writing surface, and the pen-type input device is pulled from both ends, pushed from both ends, held in the air or placed flat The detected state can be detected.

As shown in 901, when | Δεtip |> Etip and | Δεroot | ≦ εroot are satisfied, it is detected that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the pen base is not in contact. As shown in 902, when | Δεtip | ≦ Etip and | Δεroot |> εroot are satisfied, it is detected that the pen point is in contact with the writing surface and the pen point is not in contact. Alternatively, an operation in which the user pushes only the pen base, for example, a knocking operation can be detected. If Δεtip> Etip and Δεroot> εroot are satisfied as shown at 903, it is detected that the pen-type input device is pulled from both ends. If Δεroot <−Etip and Δεroot <−Eroot are satisfied as shown at 904, it is detected that the pen-type input device is pushed in from both ends. When | Δεtip | ≦ Etip and | Δεroot | ≦ Eroot are satisfied as indicated by reference numeral 905, it is detected that the pen-type input device is grasped or placed flat in the air.

As described above, in this embodiment, a strain sensor is arranged at the pen base, and the strain sensor output value of the pen base is acquired. Thereby, the effect of detecting the contact state of the pen base, the pressure applied to the pen base, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device can be obtained.

Furthermore, combining with the strain sensor output value of the pen tip, the effect of discriminating whether the pen tip or the pen base is in contact with the writing surface, and the pen-type input device is pulled from both ends and pushed from both ends It is possible to obtain an effect of detecting a held state, a state of being held or laid flat in the air.

Next, an embodiment for detecting the grip state of the pen-type input device will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a grip state of the pen-type input device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an arrangement example of the strain sensors for detecting the grip state. FIG. 12 shows an overview of the state determination processing flow. FIG. 13 shows a determination condition in the case where the pen grip state is determined in more detail in combination with the pen tip distortion sensor.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the pen-type input device is gripped with a weak force, no distortion occurs in the gripping portion. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, when gripping with a strong force, distortion occurs on the surface and inside of the gripping portion. In particular, in FIG. 10B, distortion in the direction of narrowing the gripping portion occurs.

In order to detect gripping of the pen shown in FIG. 10,

strain sensors

2021 and 2022 are provided on the cross section of the gripping portion of the pen as shown in FIG. Here, the strain sensor 2021 is suitable for detecting the compression of the pen shaft, and the strain sensor 2022 is suitable for detecting the bending of the pen shaft. In order to detect the strain of the gripping part, it is sufficient to arrange one strain sensor at any one of 2021 and 2022, but in order to increase the detection reliability, a plurality of strain sensors are arranged at a plurality of locations. May be.

Judgment of grip state is performed according to the flow of FIG. Here, the flow of steps S1201 to S1203 in FIG. 12A is executed once each, but in practice, this flow is repeated continuously, and after S1203, the process returns to S1201.

In S1201, the strain sensor output value εgrip of the current gripper is acquired by the strain sensor arranged in 2021 in FIG. 11, and the process proceeds to S1202. In S1202, Δεgrip represented by Δεgrip = (εgrip−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value of Egrip, which is a threshold value of a constant strain sensor. Here, ε ₀ is an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, and both ε ₀ and Egrip are positive numbers. When the process of S1202 ends, the process proceeds to S1203.

In S1203, the grip state of the pen-type input device is determined based on the comparison result in S1202. Details of the determination in S1203 will be described later with reference to FIG. When the processing of S1203 ends, the series of processing shown in FIG.

FIG. 12B shows details of the processing of S1203. As indicated by 1251, when | Δεgrip | ≦ Egrip is satisfied, it is determined that the pen-type input device is gripped with a weak force or placed flat. When | Δεgrip |> Egrip is satisfied as indicated by 1252, it is determined that the pen-type input device is gripped with a strong force.

When the pen-type input device is gripped, the smaller the force for gripping the pen-type input device, the smaller the distortion of the grip portion and the smaller the value of | Δεgrip |. Conversely, the greater the force with which the pen-type input device is gripped, the greater the distortion of the grip portion and the larger the value of | Δεgrip |. If this characteristic is used, the degree of force for gripping the pen-type input device can be detected from the value of | Δεgrip |.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the determination conditions for determining the grip state of the pen will be described in combination with Δεgrip obtained in S1202 of FIG. 12 and Δεtip obtained in S502 of FIG.
By this process, it is possible to distinguish whether the pen is gripped in contact with the writing surface or whether the pen is gripped in the air.

As shown in 1301, when | Δεtip | ≦ Etip and | Δεgrip | ≦ Egrip are satisfied, the pen tip is not in contact with the writing surface, and the pen-type input device is gripped or placed flat in the air with a weak force. It is determined that Further, as shown in 1302, when | Δεtip |> Etip and | Δεgrip | ≦ Egrip are satisfied, the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface, and the pen-type input device is held with a weak force during writing. Is determined. Furthermore, as shown in 1303, when | Δεtip | ≦ Etip and | Δεgrip |> Egrip are satisfied, the pen tip is not in contact with the writing surface, and the pen-type input device is gripped with a strong force in the air. judge. If | Δεtip |> Etip and | Δεgrip |> Egrip are satisfied as indicated by 1304, it is determined that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the pen-type input device is held with a strong force during writing. To do.

As described above, in this embodiment, a strain sensor is arranged in the gripping portion, and the strain sensor output value of the gripping portion is acquired. Thereby, the effect of detecting the grip state of the pen-type input device can be obtained.

Next, an embodiment for detecting the twist state of the pen-type input device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 shows an example of how the pen-type input device 100 is distorted, and FIG. 15 shows an example of the arrangement of strain sensors in order to detect a twisted state. FIG. 16 shows a twisted state detection process flow.

When the pen-type input device is not twisted as shown in FIG. 14 (a), no distortion occurs in the central portion, but as shown in FIGS. 14 (b) and 14 (c), the pen-type input device is not distorted. When the pen base is twisted clockwise or when the pen base is twisted counterclockwise with respect to the pen tip as shown in FIGS. 14 (d) and 14 (e), distortion occurs on the surface of the center portion. Has occurred.

In order to detect this distortion, a distortion sensor is arranged at the center of the pen-type input device as shown in FIG. FIGS. 15A to 15D are partial cutaway views of the pen-type input device. The strain sensor is arranged at locations such as 2031 and 2033 on the outer surface of the pen-type input device and 2032 and 2034 on the inner surface. Can be mentioned. In order to detect the strain at the center, it is sufficient to place one strain sensor at any one of 2031 to 2034. However, in order to increase the reliability of detection, a plurality of strain sensors are arranged at a plurality of locations. May be. Needless to say, it is desirable to dispose the strain sensor in a direction in which the deformation due to the twist of the pen-type input device is maximum (for example, a direction having an angle in the cross section).

FIG. 16 shows a processing flow of this embodiment. FIG. 16A shows a one-round flow in which each of the processes of S1601 to S1603 is executed once. In practice, this flow is repeated continuously, and after S1603, the process returns to S1601.

First, in S1601, the strain sensor output value εmid at the current center is acquired by the strain sensor arranged in any of 2031 to 2034 shown in FIG. 15, and the process proceeds to S1602.

In S1602, Δεmid represented by Δεmid = (εmid−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value of Emid, which is a constant strain sensor threshold value. Here, ε ₀ is an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, and both ε ₀ and Emid are positive numbers. When the process of S1602 ends, the process proceeds to S1603.

In S1603, the twist state of the pen-type input device is determined based on the comparison result in S1602. Details of S1603 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16B and 16C. When the process of S1603 ends, the series of processes shown in FIG.

FIG. 16B shows details of the processing in S1603 when the sensor placement location is 2031 or 2032 in FIG. If the comparison result between Δεmid and Emid satisfies Δεmid <−Emid as indicated by 1651, it is determined that the pen base is twisted counterclockwise with respect to the pen tip. If the comparison result of Δεmid and Emid satisfies | Δεmid | ≦ Emid as indicated by 1652, it is determined that no twist is applied to the pen-type input device. Further, if the comparison result between Δεmid and Emid satisfies Δεmid> Emid as indicated by 1653, it is determined that the pen base is twisted clockwise with respect to the pen tip.

FIG. 16C shows details of the processing in S1603 when the sensor placement location is 2032 or 2034 in FIG. When the comparison result between Δεmid and Emid satisfies Δεmid <−Emid as indicated by 1654, it is determined that the pen base is twisted clockwise with respect to the pen tip. If the comparison result between Δεmid and Emid satisfies | Δεmid | ≦ Emid as indicated by 1655, it is determined that no twist is applied to the pen-type input device. If the comparison result of Δεmid and Emid satisfies Δεmid> Emid as indicated by 1656, it is determined that the pen base is twisted counterclockwise with respect to the pen tip.

In 1651, 1653, 1654, and 1655 in which a twist is applied to the pen-type input device, the distortion at the center becomes smaller and the value of | Δεmid | becomes smaller as the force for twisting the pen-type input device becomes smaller. . Conversely, the greater the force with which the pen-type input device is twisted, the greater the distortion at the center and the larger the value of | Δεmid |. By utilizing this characteristic, the degree of force for twisting the pen-type input device can be detected from the value of | Δεmid |.

As described above, in this embodiment, a strain sensor is arranged at the center, and the strain sensor output value at the center is acquired. Thereby, the twist state of the pen-type input device can be detected.

Next, an embodiment suitable for detecting the tilt of the pen-type input device from the grip direction will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 shows an example of the arrangement of the strain sensors 200 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 18 shows the determination processing flow. In the first and second embodiments, the tilt direction of the pen-type input device is detected in two ways, the same as or opposite to the sensor mounting side, but in this embodiment, the tilt direction can be detected in more detail.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, two strain sensors are arranged on the cross-section of the pen tip, and the position of one sensor is the two strain sensors and the other sensor is the central axis of the pen-type input device. It arrange | positions so that it may become a position rotated 90 degree | times centering around.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 17A to 17E, the two strain sensors are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees in the cross section on any of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the inner portion of the pen-type input device.

Next, the outline of the detection process will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18A, it is assumed that the two strain sensors arranged at the pen tip are respectively on the X axis and the Y axis that pass through the central axis of the pen type input device and are orthogonal to each other. The four areas divided by the X axis and the Y axis are called the first quadrant to the fourth quadrant. Also, the current output value of the strain sensor deployed on the X axis is εx, and the current output value of the strain sensor deployed on the Y axis is εy.

In the processing flow shown in FIG. 18B, the processing of S1801 to S1803 is a one-time flow that is executed once, but this flow is actually repeated continuously, and after S1803, the process returns to S1801. Shall.

First, in S1801, the current strain sensor output value εx on the X-axis is acquired by a strain sensor arranged in any of 2001 to 2005 shown in FIG. Further, among 2041 to 2045 shown in FIG. 17, the strain sensor in which εx is obtained is arranged so as to be rotated by 90 degrees about the central axis of the pen-type input device. The strain sensor output value εy is obtained. When the processing of S1801 ends, the process proceeds to S1802.

In S1802, Δεx expressed by Δεx = (εx−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value Ex of the threshold value of a certain strain sensor. Further, Δεy expressed by Δεy = (εy−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value of Ey that is a threshold value of a certain strain sensor. Here, ε ₀ is an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, and ε ₀ , Ex, and Ey are all positive numbers. When the processing of S1802 ends, the process proceeds to S1803.

In S1803, the contact state of the pen tip, the pressure applied to the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device are determined based on the comparison result in S1802. Details of S1803 will be described later with reference to FIG. When the processing of S1803 ends, the series of processing shown in FIG.

FIG. 18C shows details of the processing of S1803. When Δεx <−Ex and Δεy <−Ey are satisfied as indicated by 1851, it is determined that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the pen-type input device is inclined in the direction of the first quadrant. When Δεx> Ex and Δεy <−Ey are satisfied as indicated by 1852, it is determined that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the pen-type input device is inclined in the direction of the second quadrant. When Δεx> Ex and Δεy> Ey are satisfied as indicated by 1853, it is determined that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the pen-type input device is inclined in the direction of the third quadrant. When Δεx <−Ex and Δεy> Ey are satisfied as indicated by 1854, it is determined that the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface and the pen-type input device is inclined in the direction of the fourth quadrant. As shown in 1855, when | Δεx | ≦ Ex and | Δεy | ≦ Ey is satisfied, the pen tip is not in contact with the writing surface, and the pen-type input device is held in the air or placed flat. Is determined.

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of strain sensors are arranged at the pen tip, and the strain sensor output value of the pen tip is acquired. Thereby, the inclination direction of the pen-type input device can be detected with high accuracy.

Next, in a pen-type input device in which the cross-sectional shape gripped by the user is a shape other than a circle and the gripping direction is constant, a preferred embodiment for determining in which direction the pen-type input device is inclined is shown in FIG. 19 and 20 will explain this. FIG. 19 shows an example of sensor arrangement in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 20 explains the determination process.

When the cross-sectional shape of the pen-type input device is a circle, there are innumerable ways to grip it, and it is difficult to estimate which part of the pen-type input device is in contact with the user's finger. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the pen-type input device is changed so that how to hold the pen-type input device is determined by a unique or limited number of patterns. Examples of such a cross-sectional shape include a general triangular shape shown in FIG. 19A and a shape in which a protrusion is loaded on a circle shown in FIG.

In the case of a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 19 (a), it is common to hold a pen-type input device with a thumb, index finger, and middle finger attached to each side of the triangle. In the case of the cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 19B, in order to prevent the protruding portion from hitting the finger, the thumb and index finger are attached so as to sandwich the protruding portion, and the middle finger is attached to the opposite side of the protruding portion, and the pen-type input device is attached. It is common to hold.

Here, the strain sensor is arranged as indicated by 2051 and 2052 on the pen tip of the surface where it can be predicted that the thumb is attached. Alternatively, even when the cross-sectional shape of the pen-type input device is a circle, the shape of the pen tip is a thin plate (cuboid) as shown in FIG. 19 (c), or a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIG. 19 (d). When the shape is a part of the rectangular parallelepiped, it is common to hold the pen-type input device with a thumb attached to a surface obtained by translating the surface having the largest area of the rectangular parallelepiped. Similarly, the strain sensor is arranged as indicated by 2053 and 2054 on the pen tip of the surface where it can be predicted that the thumb is attached.

The thumb is not always attached to the surface on which the strain sensor is arranged depending on the gripping method of the user holding the pen-type input device or the difference between right-handed / left-handed. A method for detecting in which direction the pen-type input device is inclined with respect to the surface to which the thumb is attached will be described assuming that the surfaces to be attached match. In the case where the index finger and the middle finger are attached to the surface on which the strain sensor is arranged, it is possible to similarly detect in which direction the pen-type input device is inclined with respect to the surface to which the index finger and the middle finger are attached.

It should be noted that two strain sensors may be provided according to the user's right-handed / left-handed so that the user's right-handed / left-handed can be specified separately, and the determination process may be performed according to this specification.

FIG. 20 shows an example of processing in the sixth embodiment. In the processing flow of FIG. 20 (a), the processing of S2001 to S2003 is a one-time flow that is executed once each. However, this flow is actually repeated continuously, and after S2003, the processing returns to S2001. And First, in S2001, the strain sensor output value εthumb of the current pen tip on the thumb contact surface is acquired by the strain sensor arranged in either 2051 or 2052 shown in FIG. When the processing of S2001 ends, the process proceeds to S2002.

In S2002, Δεthumb represented by Δεthumb = (εthumbx−ε ₀ ) is compared with the value of Ethumb that is a threshold value of a certain strain sensor. Here, ε ₀ is an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, and both ε ₀ and Ethumb are positive numbers. When the process of S2002 ends, the process proceeds to S2003.

In S2003, based on the comparison result in S2002, the contact state of the pen tip, the pressure applied to the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen type input device are detected. Details of S2003 will be described later with reference to FIG. When the process of S2003 ends, the series of processes shown in FIG.

FIG. 20B shows details of the processing in S2003. As shown in 2061, when the comparison result between Δεthumb and Ethum satisfies Δεthumb <−Ethumb, the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device is opposite to the side with the thumb attached. Judge that there is. If the comparison result between Δεthumb and Ethum satisfies | Δεthumb | ≦ Ethumb as indicated by 2062, it is determined that the pen tip is not in contact with the writing surface. As shown in 2063, when the comparison result between Δεthumb and Ethum satisfies Δεthumb> Ethumb, the pen tip is in contact with the writing surface, and the tilt direction of the pen-type input device is the same as the side with the thumb attached. It is determined.

19 to 20, by changing the cross-sectional shape of the pen-type input device, the way of gripping the pen-type input device is determined to be a unique or limited number of patterns. Other than changing the cross-sectional shape, a mark such as a specific color, mark, or pattern is added to the side where the sensor is placed, or the opposite side, so that a thumb can be attached to the side where the mark is added. Even when the user is guided, it is possible to detect in which direction the pen-type input device is inclined with respect to the user's hand or finger. In addition, even if the user is guided to tilt and hold the pen-type input device while maintaining the state where the specific surface with the mark is the farthest or close to the writing surface, In which direction the pen-type input device is inclined with respect to the finger can be detected.

As described above, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the pen-type input device is changed to a shape different from a circle. Thereby, it is possible to detect in which direction the pen type input device is inclined with respect to the user's hand or finger holding the pen type input device.

The embodiment described above is an example for explaining the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the embodiment.

200 Semiconductor strain sensor 201 Sensor sensitivity axis

Claims

A strain sensor that detects the amount of strain in at least one direction;
At least one of the strain sensors at the pen tip has a pen shaft provided with the strain amount detection direction and the pen shaft direction aligned with each other,
Detecting the contact state of the pen tip with the writing surface, the pressing state of the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen from the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state. A pen-type input device.
A strain sensor that detects the amount of strain in at least one direction;
At least one of the strain sensors on the pen base has a pen shaft provided so that the detection direction of the strain amount matches the pen shaft direction,
Detecting a contact state of the pen base on the writing surface, a pressing state of the pen base, and a tilt direction of the pen based on the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state. A pen-type input device.
A strain sensor for detecting at least two strains in one direction;
At least one of the strain sensors at each of the pen tip portion and the pen base portion has a pen shaft provided with the detection direction of the strain amount and the pen shaft direction aligned with each other,
Depending on the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state, the pen is pressed or pulled in the axial direction, the pen is held in the air, or the pen is flat. A pen-type input device that detects a placement state.
The pen-type input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The pen-type input device, wherein the strain sensor is installed on an outer surface or an inner surface of the pen shaft or inside the pen shaft, and detects a strain amount of the pen shaft.
A strain sensor that detects the amount of strain in at least one direction;
At least one strain sensor is provided between the pen tip portion and the pen base portion and gripped by the user so that the strain amount detection direction and the pen axis direction coincide with each other, or at least one strain sensor. A pen axis provided with the direction of detection of the amount of distortion coincident with the direction perpendicular to the pen axis,
A pen-type input device that detects a pen holding state and a pen flat state based on a strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and an output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state.
A strain sensor for detecting at least two strains in one direction;
At least one of the strain sensors is provided at the pen tip portion so that the strain amount detection direction and the pen axis direction coincide with each other, and at least a grip portion between the pen tip portion and the pen base portion and gripped by the user is provided. One strain sensor is provided with the strain amount detection direction and the pen axis direction aligned, or at least one strain sensor is provided with the strain amount detection direction aligned with the direction perpendicular to the pen axis. Has an axis,
Detecting the pen gripping state, the pen gripping state in the air, and the pen flat state based on the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state. A pen-type input device.
A strain sensor that detects the amount of strain in at least one direction;
At least one of the strain sensors has a pen shaft provided by tilting a strain amount detection direction in a circumferential direction of the pen shaft,
A pen-type input device that detects a twist state of a pen shaft based on a strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and an output value of an equilibrium strain sensor.
A strain sensor for detecting at least two strains in one direction;
At least two of the strain sensors have a pen shaft provided with an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the pen shaft, with the detection direction coinciding with the pen shaft direction,
Detecting the contact state of the pen tip with the writing surface, the pressing state of the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen from the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state. A pen-type input device.
A strain sensor that detects the amount of strain in at least one direction;
At least one of the strain sensors is provided at a predetermined finger position of the gripping portion between the pen tip portion and the pen base portion and gripped in a unique direction by the user so that the strain amount detection direction and the pen axis direction coincide with each other. With a pen axis
Detecting the contact state of the pen tip with the writing surface, the pressing state of the pen tip, and the tilt direction of the pen from the strain value detected by the strain sensor, a predetermined strain amount threshold value, and the output value of the strain sensor in an equilibrium state. A pen-type input device.