CN105637460B

CN105637460B - Write tablet computer information-recording apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN105637460B
Application number: CN201480056649.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杜南·马赫夫卡
Original assignee: Kent Displays Inc
Current assignee: Kent Displays Inc
Priority date: 2013-10-18
Filing date: 2014-08-05
Publication date: 2018-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-05
Also published as: WO2015069336A2; WO2015069336A3; CN105637460A

Abstract

The electronic information for corresponding to the image drawn in the pressure sensitive display is supplied to external equipment by a kind of drawing tablet computer equipment that the data capture device connecting with pressure sensitive display is utilized.The drawing tablet computer includes communication interface, and the drawing tablet computer is coupled to the external equipment sent in real time corresponding to the electronic information of described image or as the file stored.

Description

Write tablet computer information-recording apparatus

Cross reference to related applications

The application is the portion of the U.S. Patent application for the Application Serial No. 13/666,583 submitted on November 1st, 2012 Divide continuity case, it is required that the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application for the Application Serial No. 61/554,189 submitted on November 1st, 2011 Benefit.The part of the U.S. Patent application for the Application Serial No. 13/458,223 that the application is still submitted on April 27th, 2012 Continuity case.All these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Background of invention

Present invention relates generally to writing/drawing boards.More specifically, this application involves combine touch screen to utilize pressure-sensitive display Device can capture image data from the image drawn in pressure sensitive display and share the figure via wireless connection Picture.

In general, bistable liquid crystal display (BLCD) and especially cholesteric liquid crystal display (ChLCD) are Confirmation has very big potentiality to create efficient electrical power user and can be utilized in several unique equipment The pressure sensitive display of low cost.These displays use the pressure-sensitive character of ChLCD, allow to generate image but several using pressure Not or not consumption of electric power is not done so, and does not need the electrical power to maintain image on the display for a long time.

Recently, ImprovBoogiePressure-sensitive cholesteryl liquid crystal has write tablet computer Occur on the market, wherein the stylus of point or the finger of user can be used to write on the surface of tablet computer or depiction Picture.(ImprovIt is the unit of Kent Displays company).Such stylus is not by any ink or other Material is transferred to any surface.The tablet computer provides sizable improvement of the tablet computer technology before exceeding, and is, Image can be it is simple and can immediately with apply voltage pulse to the button of the electrode in the tablet computer propulsion come Erasing.In cholesteryl liquid crystal tablet computer, liquid crystal is sandwiched between two substrates with specific clearance gap.Upper substrate is Flexible and bottom substrate is coated with light absorption (black or colour) background.Cell gap is usually by being cylindrical in shape Or spherical plastic spacer or glass spacer set.When the stylus or finger or nail tip of someone's point or other When pressing on head substrate, liquid crystal is locally shifted object.The flowing induced in liquid crystal changes its optical texture from transparent Become the gorgeous reflection colour at the position of the pressure.The shallower color of the reflection and the dark-background of lower substrate Comparison is good.It will be indefinitely retained on tablet computer by stylus or the discribed image of finger until being wiped free of (usually not Consumption of electric power).Pass through transparent conductive electrode (its driving cholesteric voltage pulse being applied in the interior surface of each substrate Liquid crystal returns to its pellucidity from its colour reflective state) it completes to wipe.

Mentioned above principle is disclosed in more detail in the United States Patent (USP) of Patent No. 6,104,448, is incorporated by reference into Herein.Polymeric dispersions can be used to control the resolution ratio of pressure-sensitivity and image, such as submit simultaneously on May 16th, 2008 And described in the U.S. Patent application application No. is 12/152,729 being incorporated herein by reference.Including multiple cromograms Other modes of the operation of picture and selective erasing are being given above patent application publication and are submitting simultaneously on July 29th, 2008 And it is described in 8,139,039 United States Patent (USP) of Patent No. being incorporated herein by reference.

Therefore, tablet computer equipment should be write it is desirable that, having, wherein the image being drawn directly is being drawn It is observed on pad but (or then) is electronically captured and be digitized for being write tablet computer and being set being connected to simultaneously Subsequent calls (recall) are observed and be stored on standby computer screen or other any external equipments and make With.Should also usefully, equipment is operable to the input equipment for the external equipment connected and is connected outer Portion's equipment has the software of specialization to allow user to enhance image and pass through internet for image and other collaborative shares.Outside The example of portion's equipment includes smart phone, tablet computer, personal computer (laptop/desktop computer) net book, has company The possible electronic reader of the general character and other equipment with bluetooth and software appropriate.Writing tablet computer equipment can wrap It containing the software write for apple iOS device and is the additional software that Android (Android) and other equipment are write.It is such as low at The other feature of this and low-power consumption demand will belong to other advantage.

Summary of the invention

Provide multiple embodiments of the invention comprising but be not limited to the drawing tablet computer with data capture and set It is standby.Tablet computer equipment includes pressure-sensitive sketch surface comprising pressure-sensitive liquid crystal material, the pressure-sensitive liquid crystal material are configured to show Show the image that pressure is applied on drawing surface by using stylus and is drawn on drawing surface, and continue show image and Electric energy is consumed without pressure-sensitive sketch surface.Drawing tablet computer equipment includes erasing switch, is used to select by drawing plate electricity Erasing function provided by brain equipment is wiped image from pressure-sensitive sketch surface.Drawing tablet computer equipment includes that electronic data is caught Obtain equipment comprising data-dapture layer, data-dapture layer are configured to the electronically movement by stylus on pressure-sensitive sketch surface It is captured as indicating the electronic information of image.Processor is configured to create based on the electronic information for the movement for indicating stylus It is recorded in the digital ink file of each drawing stroke on pressure-sensitive sketch surface, so that external processing apparatus further uses figure Picture.Interface is configured to connect to the external processing apparatus, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment is configured to will be described One or both of digital ink file and the electronic information of movement for indicating the stylus are transmitted via the interface To the external processing apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention, one kind is provided to include drawing tablet computer equipment and be configured to from described The system that drawing tablet computer equipment receives the external processing apparatus of image data.The drawing tablet computer equipment includes bistable State cholesteric liquid crystal display is display configured to and the application pressure on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display The image drawn on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display, and be configured to continue display described image without The bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display consumes electric energy to show described image.The tablet computer equipment includes that erasing is opened It closes, is used to select the erasing function as provided by the tablet computer equipment with from the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display Wipe described image.The tablet computer equipment includes electronic data capture device comprising data-dapture layer, the data are caught Layer is obtained to be configured to electronically be captured as movement of the stylus on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display to indicate the touching The electronic information of the movement of pen.Interface is configured to connect to the external processing apparatus.The drawing tablet computer equipment quilt It is configured to based on the electronic information for the movement for indicating the stylus come by described image data transmission to the external treatment Equipment.Described image data include at least the location information of the position about the stylus described when drawing described image and draw with working as The pressure related information of the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display is applied to when described image processed.The external processing apparatus Including other interface and other display, interface in addition is configured to connect to the drawing tablet computer equipment simultaneously And described image data are received, display in addition is based on and is applied to the bistable cholesteric liquid when drawing described image The pressure of crystal display related information is replicated in the described image drawn on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display (including the line thickness being replicated in the described image drawn on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display).

According to another aspect, the drawing tablet computer equipment with data capture is provided.The drawing tablet computer Equipment may include having to be display configured to draw on the drawing surface and application pressure on the drawing surface The bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display on the drawing surface of the image of system.Described in the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display maintains Image is displayed without consumption electric energy.The drawing tablet computer equipment can also include being configured to generate to indicate that stylus exists The data capture device of the electronic information of movement on the drawing surface.The data capture device individually and independently of The bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display is operated.In addition, the drawing tablet computer equipment may include for it is outer The communication interface that portion's equipment is communicated.When being connected to the external equipment via the communication interface, the drawing plate Computer equipment is configured to generate electronic information with data capture device and real-time or near real-time transmits electronic information.It is described Electronic information includes at least described in the location information for indicating position of the stylus in the contact on the drawing surface and instruction The amplitude information of the intensity of the contact of the stylus on the drawing surface is to enable through external equipment on drawing surface The duplication (duplication that duplication includes line thickness) of the image of upper drafting.

According on the other hand, a kind of system is provided comprising drawing tablet computer equipment and capture application, it is described to catch It obtains using being configured to execute on external equipment, which has the non-transitory for being coupled to and storing the capture application The processor and display of computer-readable medium.The capture application is configured to obtain from the drawing tablet computer equipment Take image data.The drawing tablet computer equipment includes bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display, has and is display configured to The drawing surface for the image drawn on the drawing surface and applying pressure on the drawing surface, the bistable state Cholesteric liquid crystal display maintains display of the described image on the drawing surface without consuming electric energy；Data capture device, It is configured to generate the electronic information for corresponding to movement of the stylus on the drawing surface.The data capture device is independent It ground and is operated independently of the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display；And communication interface, it is real based on electronic information When or near real-time (when being generated by data capture device) image data is transmitted to external equipment.Quilt is applied in the capture It is configured to for image to be presented to the display of the external equipment, image is by the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display The copy of device described image shown on the drawing surface and based on being received from the drawing tablet computer equipment Described image data.

Additionally provide additional embodiment of the invention, some of which but be not all of is being carried out more herein below It describes in detail.

Brief description

When reference attached drawing reads description below, the exemplary feature and advantage of invention described herein will be to this hair Those of skill in the art involved in bright become obviously, in the accompanying drawings：

Fig. 1 shows the schematic diagram of writing/drawing tablet computer embodiment using resistive touch screen；

Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram of writing/drawing tablet computer embodiment using inductive touch；

Fig. 2A shows the schematic diagram that can be used to realize the example inductive formula touch screen of embodiment of Fig. 2；

Fig. 3 is shown about the example written/drawing tablet computer block diagram uploaded with dynamic data；

Fig. 4 is shown about the example written/drawing tablet computer block diagram for having local storage；

Fig. 5 is shown about the example written/drawing tablet computer block diagram for having ASIC；

Fig. 6 is shown about the block diagram with the additional example written tablet computer for looking back display；

Fig. 7 shows the schematic diagram for being connected to the example written tablet computer with message transmission capability of subscriber computer；

Fig. 8 shows the first example selection erasing function that can be arranged on example tablet computer；

Fig. 9 shows the second example selection erasing function that can be generated on example tablet computer

Figure 10, which is shown, is wirelessly connected to transmitting with real-time or near real-time information for outer projections display The schematic diagram of the example written tablet computer of ability；And

Figure 11 shows the example written tablet computer such as in Figure 10 but tablet computer has wherein that image can be by Prevent the schematic diagram of the example written tablet computer of the mode of the operation shown on the tablet computer；

Figure 12 shows that the plurality of tablet computer of the example written tablet computer such as in Figure 10 can be when presenting The schematic diagram for the example written tablet computer being used together；

Figure 13 is shown using inductive touch and also writing/drawing tablet computer with electronical display ability shows The schematic diagram of example embodiment；

Figure 14 display uses writing/drawing tablet computer of the inductive touch with integrated individual display The schematic diagram of example embodiment；

Figure 15 shows the example of the software template of prototype written tablet computer；

Figure 16 shows the Design and Features of " drag and share " software application；

Figure 17 is the schematic diagram via the external equipment connected by information sharing to the writing tablet computer of remote system；

Figure 18 is shown in can be combined use on prototype written tablet computer for the specific function on tablet computer Physical mechanical button position；And

Figure 19 a and Figure 19 b are shown as the pedestal that stylus specially designs.

The detailed description of example embodiment

Provide the electronic writing with one or more of desired feature discussed above/drawing tablet computer Embodiment.Term " drawing " and " writing " are used as synonym in the entire disclosure.Both term is interchangeably used to anticipate Refer to both image, drawing of lines etc. and writing of word, letter etc., and in the place using only one term, with It the use of another term is of equal value.

Electronic writing tablet computer as disclosed herein is a kind of design, can based on such as in U.S. Patent number 6, In 104,448 and in U.S. Patent Application Serial Number；12/152,729, it is issued as United States Patent (USP) 8,228,301 now；With 12/ 220,805, it is issued as Kent Displays' disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 8,139,039 nowTechnology, the above institute There are United States Patent (USP) and U.S. Patent application to be incorporated herein by reference, and it can be used for being modified to data capture spy The various embodiments in the writing of sign/drawing tablet computer drawing surface.It is disclosed in these referencesTechnology Pass through the specific pressure for utilizing certain materials for writing pressure conversion over the display is visible track over the display Force sensitivity (especially in cholesteric polymer composite system).In addition, submitted on May 26th, 2010 by quote simultaneously The PCT Application No. for entering this paper is relevant device of the PCT Application Publication with data capture ability of PCT/US10/36175.It should The various example embodiments of tablet computer disclose with by store function and/or data capture function be integrated into it is such write/ Several modes in drawing tablet computer.

A kind of mode be to capture simultaneously using state-of-the-art data capture device (such as touch screen) it is just electric in the plate The information drawn on brain drawing surface.For example, being arranged on simple, the inexpensive touch on the back side of writing/drawing surface Screen can be used to the movement by capturing stylus using the capture feature of touch screen, as illustrated in fig. 1, carry out below It is more fully described.

In the presence of can be used together with writing/drawing tablet computer such as proposed in this paper to provide data capture feature very Multi-touch input method (for example, provided by capacitor, inductance, resistance, optics, acoustics and other touch input technologies).It is right In many applications, which can use the comparatively low resolution technology of such as inexpensive electric resistance touch screen, and such Screen even can be to avoid the use of traditional transparent conductor indium tin oxide (ITO), because it can be since writing surface can (following) is arranged on behind writing surface to be made into flexible.Passive type stylus can be used in such touch screen. Similarly, behind writing surface (below) touch screen be also possible to using it is all as discussed in this article at least one preferred implementation Such other touch screen technologies of induction (electromagnetic induction (EMR)) method of example, because writing surface is to induction stylus Bright, it can be used to desired pressure being applied to writing surface.Resistance and inductive methods are to be not disturbed the tablet computer Expected operation touch screen technology example.These technologies also provide benefit, i.e.,：Their stylus does not need to write/draw The frenulum of figure tablet computer.

For most of such applications, the writing with integrated touch screen/drawing tablet computer is by unlikely need Large-scale processing capacity to be integrated in the equipment itself.Combine writing/drawing tablet computer drawing surface and touch Screen will be preferably adapted to be connected to external equipment (such as computer or cellular phone, for example, its then can provide it is any must The processing capacity wanted, such as image procossing etc.).Optionally, it is flat can also to be arranged on this for some minimum treat abilities In plate computer itself, to execute some basic processing functions, such as A/D conversion, tiny image processing, memory management function Energy, communication function and/or display processing function, for example, any one or all therein can be arranged on desired Place.It can also support to control the transmission of stored image to external equipment, or in integrated review display The feature shown on (such as additional display).Certainly, if necessary, (more by adding more powerful processor It is a) and more complicated software, any treating capacity can be provided.

Connection between the tablet computer and external equipment can be it is wired or wireless, as it is expected apply institute It is desired.Therefore, by way of example, it can use wired connection, direct wired connection or USB or the connection of other serial ports, or Even connected for the Ethernet of some embodiments.For be wirelessly connected, can use WiFi, bluetooth, NFC, infrared, 3G or its Its connection mechanism.Both in some embodiments, wired connection can be provided and be wirelessly connected, although it is contemplated that keeping the plate electric The cost of brain is low, keeps it small, thin and light, and expectation reduces power consumption as far as possible, may limit people in the tablet computer Some embodiments in the quantity of feature that provides.It is set with the equipment and storage inside and/or transmission image is operated to outside Therefore the minimum tablet computer of standby required only these features can be preferred illustrative embodiment.

The interface that the tablet computer is connected to external equipment can be set on the tablet computer.Such interface can To use custom protocol, or utilize any commercially available standard in several commercial standards.For example, realizing USB massive store classification In the file system that the image that permission saves on the tablet computer is appeared in host computer, and USB human interface devices Classification can be used to the tablet computer showing as digitlization input equipment or mouse to external host computer or other equipment. In addition, Wintab driver can be encoded for the tablet computer, so that any application for being programmed into Wintab specification can To use the tablet computer as input equipment.About the similar standard of bluetooth, there is also such as file transmission specifications and man-machine Interface equipment specification.Therefore, the processor of the tablet computer may be adapted to manage the file in the memory of the tablet computer System is to support such function.

For many applications, it is desirable to whenever possible, be significantly reduced by the processing capacity using external equipment Recordable writing/drawing tablet computer cost.Certainly, when needed, which can be integrated into plate electricity To be used for each application in brain itself, wherein external equipment is not expected to can be used, or without enough processing capacities to be used for Expected application (multiple), or to provide the more self-contained tablet computer more like computer.

Therefore, which, which can have, is incorporated in provide the processor of enough processing in the device (such as microcontroller, CPU or other types of processor).For realizing desired interface (for example, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, indigo plant Tooth, near field etc.) application specific processor can be utilized, and can be it is readily available (Gu with commercially available or customization software/ Part).Atom processor family from Intel is an example of the low power processor that can be used.

Alternatively, or furthermore it is possible to application specific processor, controller, A/D equipment or other electronic devices are provided with number Change, filter or modify in other ways the image drawn on the tablet computer, and such equipment is known as and one A little touch-screen applications are used together and some are commercially available.

In addition, the tablet computer may include memory devices (such as RAM, flash memory, EEPROM, hard disk drive or its Its data storage mechanism), the image drawn on display is stored in the equipment for download to later computer or Other equipment.It is hundreds and thousands of or even thousands of that such memory can enable the equipment store in the memory Or more image.Such memory devices can be removable, such as such as digital photography and music be stored normal Usb driver or flash card.The exemplary preferred embodiment of the tablet computer includes connecing for commercially available removable flash memory The slit entered.Therefore, in some embodiments, removable memory can be to avoid the company for tablet computer to external equipment The demand connect, because memory can be removed instead to use in other equipment.

As discussed above, there are many data capture options comprising many touch inputting methods can be put down with writing Plate computer is used together to obtain data capture function, such as pressure-sensitive touch screen, inductive touch (such as electromagnetic induction (EMR) touch screen), optical touch screen, acoustic touch screen, capacitive touch screen and other touch screens.

One preferred illustrative embodiment utilize with specialization stylus (such as electronically with the master of the touch screen interaction Dynamic formula stylus) inductance type (EMR) touch screen.Can be utilized with for such embodiment such touch panel device and One example of stylus is provided in U.S. Patent number 5,136,125, is incorporated herein by reference.Two different EMR Technology is available, one of those uses the stylus of the specialization comprising battery and another EMR technology uses no battery Stylus.Both technologies are suitable for being used together with writing/drawing tablet computer.In such embodiments, touch screen It is placed in below drawing surface, and does not therefore interfere drawing and show process and without expensive transparent group Part.Inductive touch carrys out inductively (electromagnetically) detection foot in a manner of any one of several different modes that can be used The presence of enough specialized stylus close to touch screen.A kind of mode of detection, which is that specialized stylus is equipped with, to be vibrated And the tuning circuit thus communicated with electromagnetic mode with " detector " of the detection oscillation on touch screen.Stylus is made It is powered with internal cell, or preferably it (such as (such as is incuded with electromagnetic mode by receiving electrical power from touch screen itself Ground)) it is powered with electromagnetic mode.According to stylus how close to touch screen or user to what extent by the point of stylus Portion is pressed into the screen (such as the stylus with adjustable tip), and the lines of wider or relatively narrow width can be with Stylus moves through the drawing surface and is electronically detected.For example, wider lines can be pressed in adjustable tip It is pressed onto the screen, makes tuning circuit closer to touch screen detector and therefore show the connection of more powerful (or more coupling) When be determined.

However, as discussed in more detail below, in the embodiment that inductance type touches, the electronic version of the image independently of The image drawn is detected (electronically be stored and/or be transmitted), because the former detects in tuning circuit and inspection Survey the electromagnetic coupling between device, and the latter shows image using from stylus pressure on a writing surface.Nevertheless, working as When appropriate balance, both of which captures very similar or consistent image, and therefore user gets nowhere.

In at least some embodiments, the stylus of inductive touch can be detected, even if when it is not touched completely When touching the drawing surface, the mobile of stylus may electronically be captured but not drawn on pressure display unit in this case Any image.When the cursor in the equipment for controlling attachment using stylus is with for realizing specific function, this can be useful , and it may also be needed in other cases.By the way that stylus is more exerted oneself, (deeper) is pressed into the drawing surface, Thicker lines can two be plotted on the drawing surface (due to the increased pressure of the stylus), and thicker lines It can also be opposite in stylus closer to the touch screen or via stylus tip due to the tip (or electromagnetic assembly) of the stylus Position (for example, its adjustment that can be detected that may cause the variable L C circuit in stylus) and detected by the touch screen It arrives.Therefore, the width of lines can be similarly or identically by shown image and electronically both institute's captured images In be adjusted.

Note that in the embodiment using the upper surface of the stylus of inductive touch and specialized (for example, active), when When using specialized stylus, data are only captured by the touch screen.Therefore, if someone uses the touching of finger or non-specialized Pen (it can not clearly capture the purpose of the image to provide) or pen or pencil are on the drawing surface of the tablet computer Upper drawing, then, for example, as a result, image can be drawn on the drawing surface with for watching, but there is no data It is collected by inductive touch, and therefore captured without corresponding electronic image.This can be used to that user is allowed to draw at this It is drawn on chart face without the use of stylus, but user cannot electronically capture the drawing in such a case.This is one It may be needed in a little situations.However, if it is desired to the drawing is electronically captured, then in this case, it should be total It is the stylus using specialization.Therefore, in the case where original possibility has been lost or damaged, replacement specialization can be provided Stylus.

Fig. 2 shows the principle of each layer of the drawing tablet computer of the integrated inductive touch with data capture device Figure.Inductive touch 60 is data-dapture layer, is placed in below drawing surface 10 and provides integrated writing and record Surface 55.Fig. 2A shows the specific example of such touch screen 60 ', and such touch screen 60 ' has company with face-up The surface mesh 63 of device 66 ' is connect, connector 66 ' is connected device for being connected to data capture controller electronic device 201 ' 211 are connected further to inner plate computer electronic device.

Referring again to Fig. 2, the plastic septum sheet material 42 of flat material is arranged between touch screen 60 and drawing surface 10 With the surface of " planarization " touch screen 60, in many examples be it is not exclusively smooth, due to the surface ten with touch screen 60 Word intersects the presence for sensing inductive stylus (for example, as detector, and in some cases, for electromagnetism side Formula provide electrical power to stylus) wiregrating 62 presence.The plastic septum sheet material 42 is positioned at data capture (touch screen 60) Layer between layer and drawing layer (drawing surface 10) is used to that the image of the wiregrating 62 of touch screen is prevented to appear in during use (that is, preventing " the releasing through (bleed to the pressure-sensitivity of pressure because of drawing pad display on display (drawing layer) Through) "), most especially in wherein screen may be contacted such as by hand or covering and light In the case where micromass culture.

The alternative of " release and pass through " is prevented to can be used the coating in touch screen surface, rather than plastic sheet.Example Such as, coating can be used as such：By blade type coat or by other ways be used as liquid come coat be then followed by solidification or Harden to smooth surface.It can be with gelation or sprayable or smearable material (such as coating, adhesive, the encapsulating of hardening Material etc.) it can also be used, and can be also used for additional function (such as each layer is bonded together).Alternatively, Also the sheet material with the groove for matching and receiving wiregrating 62 can be used.

Typically, it is desirable to keep the whole thickness of the equipment thin as much as possible, in particular, small in a preferred embodiment In 1cm thickness.Obviously, drawing surface 10 is thinner, and touch screen is easier (because tuning circuit can be closer to detection to detect pen Device).In addition, relatively thin partition sheet layer be it is desired, with a thickness of from the 2.35mm for injection molding ABS to acrylic work Make good 1.4mm, although the thickness on the order of magnitude of one inch of some thousandths of may be desired (as long as feasible).

The drawing surface 10 of the example embodiment has outer writing surface 15 and including two flexible base board 11, each A transparent conductive electrode 12 on inner surface.Pressure-sensitive liquid including dispersing cholesteric liquid crystal material in the polymer Crystal layer 13 is shelved between electrode 12.Data capture device includes the stylus 22 of specialization.Pressure from stylus 22 is being drawn The lesser clearance distance 18 compared to loose distance 17 is created on surface 10, and liquid crystal is caused to flow and by cholesteric group Knit basically transparent, stable state burnt wimble structure and change into reflection, stable state planar structure, when with such as pass through light absorbing layer When provided by 30 (for example, black layers 30) dark (usually black) background contrast, become visual for eyes Image.Therefore, which is drawn on drawing surface 10 and is displayed to user without consumption of electric power, because The deformation of image liquid crystal as caused by the pressure of stylus and formed, and the image because liquid crystal bi-stable character but hold Long.Therefore, when pressure is removed, which retains.

In the case where the inductive touch of the example embodiment, user utilizes the tip of the stylus 22 from specialization Pressure to draw on external writing surface 15, it is (outer without staying in substance to create image on the drawing surface On portion's writing surface 15).Meanwhile by by the position of stylus (or the tuning circuit being located therein, or the antenna being located therein) Or place is determined as locality data, passes through the electromagnetism interaction of the wiregrating 62 of the stylus 22 and touch screen of customizations, the position of stylus Confidence breath is transferred to touch screen 60 by drawing surface 10.In inductance type mode, do not need using stylus in the touch screen In pressure information determine locality data.The locality data from the touch screen is transferred to touch pads electricity via electrode 66 Sub- device (not shown).According to the type of the inductive touch utilized, there can be multiple electrodes 66.

As mentioned, for example, in the U.S. Patent number 4,786,765 and 5,135,125 being incorporated herein by reference, electricity Sense formula touch screen utilizes (the special touching of such as tuning circuit of the inductor and capacitor including series connection of special stylus Pen).The stylus is generally positioned without connected to power supply or other equipment, but is had and be approximately equal to the coil from tablet computer Arrange the resonance frequency of the frequency of derived from wave.By the way that the energy coupling incuded in the stylus is returned on the tablet computer Electrode grid detects position of the stylus on the tablet computer.In commercially available Waltop equipment, sensor board, control can be used Making sheet and UART connection are communicated with tablet computer MCU device.

Another example embodiment utilizes pressure-sensitive touch screen to be used for data capture feature, so that the place of the stylus is remembered Its place on the resistance-type pad being arranged on the back side for writing the drawing surface 10 of tablet computer is made in record, shows as shown in figure 1 Out.In Fig. 1, mode of the stylus 20 in a manner of being similar to and be discussed above with respect to Fig. 2 provides pressure electron and writes plate Computer graphics surface 10.

For the optional embodiment, pressure-sensitive touch screen 40 be disposed adjacent to drawing surface 10 with provide integrated writing and Recording surface 50.Drawing surface 10 is similar to above for surface of drawing described in Fig. 2, (wherein using flexible base board 11 Liquid crystal material 13 is set in-between) on transparent electrode 12.The pressure-sensitive touch screen of such as resistive touch screen the case where Under, the pressure from stylus 20 is transferred to the touch screen 40 at 18 by drawing pad 10, indicates it on the touch screen Position or place.The state loosened is shown at 17.Resistance data from the touch screen is transferred to via electrode 44 Digital record electronic device.According to the type of the resistive touch screen utilized, there can be multiple electrodes 44.The specific embodiment It can be provided with relatively low cost, be relatively simple, and can be done very thin and very light in weight.Quotient With touch screen can by this embodiment using or it can be custom-designed to preferably with write tablet computer integrate. Optional embodiment can use other types of touch screen technology.

Certainly, in some alternative embodiments, by providing in response to being applied in the dark light absorption background of exposure Voltage under stylus pressure and become transparent light reflection light background, which may be provided as process described above Egative film.Due to the comparison between the background and the part of liquid crystal deformed by pressure, any embodiment can be used Image is shown, to generate desired image.

In other other embodiments, can use digital camera or other optical acquisition equipment capture image without It is to utilize touch screen.Camera or imaging sensor can be such as with processing capacity with only identify and capture include should Image then shown on the indicator screen of Portable phone the image and store it in memory for One in the Portable phone of the writing surface for the tablet computer checked afterwards.The camera image can also be used to sharpen The image for example purifies the image by removing artifact or inverted image in other ways.

For any embodiment in above-described embodiment, whole image can by via interconnection 14 apply voltage pulse to Electrode 12 and wiped from pressure-sensitive sketch surface 10, such as in the United States Patent (USP) 6 that this paper is incorporated herein by the following way, 104,448 and beauty Disclosed in state's patent 8,228,301 and 8,139,039.In the exemplary embodiment, when by pressing " erasing " button or Erasing order is received from the equipment connected or applies these pulses when erasing function by certain other methods to activate.Excellent In the embodiment of choosing, drawing surface 10 needs electrical power, is used only for erasing image and liquid crystal is put back under neutral state For receiving next Drawing image.Power consumption is seldom with or without during the drawing stage for stating embodiment in use.However, When this function is activated, electrical power electronically captures image data for usually touch sensor is required for.

The function that alternate embodiment can use some electrical power such as to improve for various contrasts for drawing course Can, it provides inverse mode (for example, Mode A discussed below), or part (selective) erasing, as discussed below, but it is logical Often it is steady with display sheet since the bi-stable character of the liquid crystal for the equipment is maintained without any power State image.

In the additional example embodiment with data capture feature, using any method disclosed above and set Meter, mapping operation (via data capture method, such as touch screen) of the tablet computer apparatus senses during drawing course and Temporarily by the storage of this data, to memory devices, (it can be preferably integrated into the equipment itself, or alternatively may be used To be arranged in external equipment) in.(perhaps continuously or with specified time interval, if necessary to automatic capture Words) activation capture switch (such as promote button) when, equipment or external equipment are converted to the data being stored in memory The file in memory is also stored on " capture " present image.It is current just as shooting using the acquisition procedure of capture switch The snapshot of image is for storing.Then, user can continue to draw in equipment to modify present image, also, if If needing, additional image is captured by activation capture switch.In this way, user can capture to the progressive of image Change.Certainly, at any time, user can wipe present image, and restart the process.

In the additional examples, can also during image capture capture time information.Therefore, each image capture Time can be stored together with image or the time can be related with the individual data element from data capture device Connection.For example, (x, y, t) data can be captured, wherein x is a linear dimension coordinate, and y is vertical linearity latitude coordinates, and t It is the time for drawing or capturing the coordinate.By storage time information, image or a series of images can be by an appropriate order (and being perhaps mapped to audio recording, to re-create demonstration or lecture, for example) is gradually repainted, Perhaps the animation that is created by image drawing course or for certain other purposes.It is same in demonstration or lecture and audio recording In the case where step, when viewer is writing each word, draw in each symbol or drawing image in mathematical formulae When each lines, they can hear what speaker saying.

Generally, it when someone's (use suitable stylus, if necessary) on drawing surface when being drawn, touches Shield interface tracking drawing and by draw data crossfire to processor, wherein data are converted and are stored in memory In.For bitmap file format, such as BMP, PNG or TIFF, image buffers that the data of crossfire will be generally presented in RAM Device.When the image is " trapped ", data can be formatted as specified by file format and compressed and by Submit to flash memory.For vector file format, such as PDF, WMF, EMF, SVG or CGM, the data of crossfire can be submitted directly It is compressed to flash memory or optionally and is stored in RAM, to be then transferred to flash memory when the image is " trapped ".With It is to utilize in a kind of method of such storageExtracting Shape as being stored in RAM In compressed format.

Note that the embodiment of the stylus for using specialization (shows in such as Fig. 2 and inductance type discussed above touches Touch the embodiment of screen), only when the stylus is for when creating the drawing, data to be (for example, about stylus on pressure-sensitive sketch surface Mobile information) just electronically captured.If by without using specialization stylus it is some other in a manner of carry out drawing image, Acquisition procedure will fail to capture the image.In addition, if a part of the drawing is completed using the stylus of the specialization, but with Some other mode depicts another part, then only will electronically be captured by this part that the stylus of specialization is drawn. This feature can be used for special purpose, such as capturing the image for being substantially different from the image shown on the screen, for Any amount of reason, so as not to capture drawing initial raw sketch, for example.Touch biography is temporarily disabled by providing The device of sensor can also realize similar functions, allow to draw something on the screen without it is captured storage Device, even if when using the stylus of specialization, if necessary.By closing the power supply of touch sensor or by touch sensing Device is placed in low-power mode, this image that operates without with the power level greatly reduced that can permit when drawing is caught It obtains.

In a preferred embodiment, institute's captured image is stored as in the memory of the equipment(pdf) file.This by activation capture switch when finalization Acrobat file (by any need The expense (overhead) wanted is added to this document) and then this document preservation is used in a flash memory by watching after user Or transmission is to complete.In at least some preferred embodiments, captured image nothing after being wiped free of after original image Method is reappeared on the drawing surface of the equipment, and therefore must be transmitted to another equipment for watching.It is such not Equipment with re-production capabilities is greatly simplified, because the drawing surface does not need to merge addition cost, complexity and matter The display re-production capabilities of amount.In this regard, the conductive layer in any surface of liquid crystal layer is off-patent (that is, continuously extending Across the entire viewing areas of liquid crystal display).

However, in other embodiments, the equipment on drawing surface by providing the device of electronically drawing image (such as by using the technology of the state for changing liquid crystal layer, such as in U.S. Patent number 5,889,566 or 5,644,330 Disclosed in) ability that image is shown on drawing surface is provided.Alternatively, which can be drawn by using that will utilize The technology (such as by utilizing piezoelectric effect, for example) of the pressure-sensitivity in chart face is and over the display by " drafting ".

The drawing (image) captured can be sent to Desktop PC, laptop, PDA via wirelessly or non-wirelessly link Or cellular phone (Fig. 7 and Figure 10 for seeing below).Flash memory storage in the equipment can on a remote device with how to handle The similar mode of the flash memories being inserted into such equipment is accessed (for example, it can be shown as storage equipment) And the Acrobat file stored can be accessed accessed usual manner with such file.For this hair Bright equipment is being described in more detail herein below with several different designs for executing the function.

Embodiment in view of compact integrated, durability, low-power consumption and the convenience used, below the tablet computer In any embodiment can especially be provided to capture the image drawn on the tablet computer on external equipment：

Being typically designed for compact and economic example embodiment is shown in Fig. 4 with block diagram.It includes writing/drafting chart Face 10, data capture device (such as pressure (for example, resistance-type) touch screen 40 or inductive touch 60).Associated circuit 300 include that data are received from touch screen 40 or 60 for providing (for example, the data for passing through crossfire) to general purpose microcontroller unit Data capture controller 201, the general MCU205 with RAM, for wipe the image on drawing surface 10 (as above more in detail Carefully describe) tablet computer driving circuit 202, power for electron device and erasing function rechargeable battery 203, Flash memories 204 or other memories and for be connected to external equipment and for rechargeable battery 203 carry out The USB port 206 of charging.

Flash memories 204 can be it is removable, such as by using in USB flash drive or computer industry lead to The other kinds of removable flash memories (compact flash, memory stick, MicroSD, MMC etc.) or interior being often used The hard disk drive (such as can be by used in the laptop, for example) set.Alternatively, memory 204 can To be omitted, wherein the tablet computer depend on via the USB external equipment connected memory, for example, with save quality, Power and cost, in this case, image can be by crossfires to the external equipment.However, this would be possible to it is required that should Tablet computer equipment is bound to the external equipment so that, to save drawing iteration, this is in many feelings for most of mapping operation It may be worthless under condition.

Touch screen 40,60 and writing/drawing surface 10 are integrated to form combined writing/note of the tablet computer Surface 50,55 is recorded, as being shown respectively in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.Then these components are integrated flat to form this in the housing Plate computer (see for example, the item 500 in Fig. 7).The writing or drawing carried out on drawing surface 10 is set by resistance-type data capture Standby 40 or inductance type data capture device 60 it is (if applicable but only in the case where the stylus using specialization is drawn Words) or the data that sense alternatively by some other catching method, and captured by 201 turns of touch screen controller It is changed to coordinate data, is captured by crossfire to MCU 205 and by MCU 205.Typically, the image data is by dynamically (on the fly) is captured and is stored in RAM, until the user activates switch to capture in the sheet for storing image Image (such as pdf file, as described above in greater detail) in ground flash memories 204.Each image file then can be through External equipment is transferred to by USB port 206, such as PC, laptop, PDA, projector or cellular phone are (below more in detail It carefully discusses).If applicable, flash memories 204 (such as SD card) can be removed outer to transfer data to Portion's equipment.

Another example embodiment is shown in FIG. 3, and which are added wireless capabilities (such as blue tooth interface 207 or to be used for Near-field communication (NFC) interface of very short-range communication) to arrive cellular phone or PDA.It includes writing/drawing surface 10, the data capture device and associated electronic circuit 200 of such as pressure-sensitive touch screen 40 or induction type touch screen 60.Bluetooth side Mouth 207 can be used for being connected to external equipment, such as PC, laptop, PDA or cellular phone (not shown).Alternatively, NFC interface can be used to be connected to external equipment.NFC interface can replace bluetooth and come using or for by making to enable, matching To supplementing bluetooth with being automated the step of establishing bluetooth connection.Bluetooth is utilized relative to NFC's in latter situation Higher message transmission rate, while bluetooth setting is simplified for many users.Do not have external wireless energy as shown in Figure 4 The alternative circuit 200 of power can be provided further to simplify the equipment.

In addition, the image being stored in memory can pass through external display (such as projector) by the tablet computer Or additional review/previewing display for integrating with the tablet computer replays,.For example, rolling can be set Button will roll through stored image and repaint them on external or previewing display, without downloading Entire set of image.

In order to further reduce the cost and improve reliability, MCU 205, USB port 206,201 and of touch screen controller Driving circuit 202 can be replaced with a custom integrated circuit 400 (ASIC), as shown in Figure 5.

The display 220 of such as small-format display (such as 2.5 " TFT, for example) can be added to the equipment Any embodiment in each embodiment is such as shown in FIG. 6 for the ASIC embodiment of Fig. 5 with being used for page review/preview 's.Such display can also be used to roll through the image being stored in the tablet computer.Other display options include TFT display size, active display and the electric paper display of larger format comprising but it is not limited to electrophoresis, electrowetting, micro- Fluid and bistable liquid crystal (such as cholesteric).It can be made into except the occasion write except through stylus In the case where bright drawing surface 10, drawing surface 10 can be directly located on the top of display 220 and optical coupled To display 220, so that watching display 220 by drawing surface 10.This provides compact devices, wherein looking back display 220 can be equally big with drawing surface 10.Display 220 is looked back to be not limited to show the content recorded from drawing surface 10, but It can be used for showing other contents, photo, books, video etc..Review display 220, which can also be used to provide, is drawing The subsequent template in surface 10 (such as lined paper, table, test or basketball court).In such a system, it would be possible to can save logical It crosses and template is combined into generated composograph with the data captured on drawing surface.Including cholesteric LCD without back The drawing surface 10 of finishing coat is suitable for such application.Therefore, it can be provided in an alternate embodiment of the invention with display 220 More multi-functional tablet computer.

The battery 203 in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can use rechargeable lithium polymer battery in this design (or other rechargeable technologies) and/or solar battery, can be used for charging to additional rechargeable battery.Lithium Polymer battery can charge by solar battery or by USB port, for example.For being carried out from USB port The exemplary ready-made IC of charging is the bq24050 from Texas Instrument, is described as " 800mA, Single Cell Li- Ion and Li-Pol Battery Charger With Automatic Adaptor and USB Detection".In this way Design may last for several years without it is any change or replacement component.

The embodiment of additional display capabilities is provided

Tablet computer with dual imaging display

In the example embodiment shown in Figure 13, disclose by providing the function of electrical addressing image on drawing surface And provide the equipment that the ability of electronic image is shown on drawing surface.For such feature, a kind of option is using being used for Electronically change the technology of the state of liquid crystal layer (such as in Ed.G.Crawford (John Wiley&Sons 2005) J.W.Doane With look back in " Cholesteric Liquid Crystals for Flexible Displays " the 17th chapter of A.Khan). This example apparatus has dual function, and one as the electronically addressing display for providing digital picture and another is as book Tablet computer is write, such as described drawing surfaces with substrate 611 in other places in the disclosure wherein can be used 615 pressure-sensitivity and drawing image over the display.The image write also is digitized device for storage and into one The use of step.This is by figure 13 illustrates, and in Figure 13, dual function display 670 is used as the stylus 622 by having tip The pressure pressure-sensitive writing tablet computer that is addressed and the driving circuit 674 by being attached to electrode interconnection 673 addressed Digital display.One in two electrodes 671 and 672 or only these electrodes will be patterned, wherein pressure-sensitive cholesteryl liquid crystal Dispersion 613 is arranged on therebetween.In the case where passively addressing display, electrode 671 is electric by the form patterning with such as row Pole 672 patterned in the form of orthogonally oriented column (such as in the United States Patent (USP) 5,889,566 and 5 being incorporated herein by reference, Described in 644,330).With bi-polar waveform (as described in United States Patent (USP) 5,644,330) or monopole wave, (such as the U.S. is special Benefit 5,889,566 described in) driving voltage be placed on electrode 671 and 672.In addition, driving circuit 674 can be used to wipe The image created except the pressure by stylus 622.In fully-integrated equipment 655, dual function display 670 and touch screen 660 combine for capturing the image write in equipment by stylus 622.Optional complanation layer 642 occupies display Space between touch screen.In order to provide the contrast with the image on display 670, in display 670 and following touching Touch between screen assembly that there are opaque layer or semitransparent layers 630.Next component when using inductance type touch sensor is Optional planarization layer 642.It, can be as preceding however, other types of touch sensor can be used in alternative embodiment Text is for as described in similar component.

Alternatively, electrode 671, which can be, is not patterned, and electrode 672 can be (or vice versa being patterned ) and handled in the form of active matrix (such as in the United States Patent (USP) 6,819,310 being incorporated herein by reference It is described).In this case, voltage waveform (such as 6,819,310 patents described in) is provided and is arrived by driving circuit 674 Electrode interconnection 673.Dual function electronic console and pressure-sensitive writing display with have wiregrating 662, electrode 666, partition sheet material 642 and the touch screen 660 of light absorbing layer 630 be integrated, as described above.

In the presence of many advantages of the integrated dual imaging device with data capture 655.The display can be used in User can electronically be addressed thereon with the template of hand-written image.The template can be a kind of form, and user is being captured with it Form and result the hand-written answer of blank space.It can be the diagram of football pitch or basketball court, and wherein user (coach) is in mould It competes on plate for sportsman's Freehandhand-drawing.Alternatively, which can be simple thing (such as parallel lines) to help to use Text writing (such as lined tablet computer) is come at family.The image of the template can save together with the hand-written image captured In final composograph.Another potential application of dual function equipment can be interactive reader, accordingly student Electronically download text or figure and student underlines or add figure to the key concept in text.Hand-written variation is right After can be captured by student and be reserved for further studying.Many other applications can come from the dual function Equipment.

Tablet computer with individual electronic console

In relevant embodiment, the digital picture being stored in memory or the digital picture from other sources can To be shown by external display or the display integrated with tablet computer, allow image by by drawing/writing Surface shows, for example.Figure 14 is shown by writing tablet computer 710, substrate 711, pressure-sensitive gallbladder with writing surface 715 The equipment 755 that steroid type dispersed liquid crystal 713 and the electrode 712 integrated with the digital display 780 electronically addressed form.Display 780 preferably reflective display, preferred technologies are that electrophoretic display device (EPD) is (such as special in the U.S. being incorporated herein by reference Described in benefit 5,930,026) or cholesteric display (such as in the Ed.G.Crawford (John being incorporated herein by reference Wiley&Sons 2005) book " Cholesteric Liquid Crystals for Flexible Displays " described in ).Other reflective display technologies as known in the art can also be used, luminous or backlit display such as can be used. Digital display 780 is electronically driven with the driving circuit 782 for the electrode for being coupled to the display with interconnection 781.It is aobvious Showing device 780 below is the touch screen 760 and electrode 766 with wiregrating 762, all as described above, and preferred technology is electricity Sense formula touch screen or resistive touch screen.Cholesteric is write tablet computer 710 and is addressed with the pressure of the stylus 722 with tip And by with use by the planar structure driving to burnt wimble structure waveform erasing circuit 783 (with interconnection 714) electronically It is wiped (such as United States Patent (USP) 5,889,566 or 5,644,330 described in).Write tablet computer 710 and electronic display Show the interface 784 between device 780 be their interface match the refractive index of two equipment material or it can be half Transparent optical filter (such as is being incorporated by reference into this to enhance the contrast for the image write on the tablet computer Described in the U.S. Patent application for the Application Serial No. 13/477,638 of text submitted on May 22nd, 2012).At this In embodiment, advantage is similar to the embodiment of front, wherein image quilt of the display for the wherein writing on tablet computer The tablet computer of capture may be used as template.The image write can be saved to file or is saved as by itself The composograph that the image write is combined with the template.The image or previous image from memory can by It is replayed on tablet computer.

Note that being similar to above-mentioned (for not having the plate of electronical display ability for any example in these examples Computer design) those components component in any component can be used it is similar to component those of described in upper part or Identical design.The image electronically drawn over the display can be obtained from the image of following item：By tablet computer institute The image of internal (or being stored in outside) is previously captured and be stored in, or is provided in other ways for showing The image of (such as passing through external equipment), for example, or the image in the system of networking for supporting multiple tablet computers, Such as be described below.

Example apparatus application

Fig. 7 shows the example plots equipment plate with capture ability that computer 600 is connected to via USB interface 510 Computer 500.User is drawn on the outer writing surface 15 of tablet computer 500 using the stylus 22 of specialization, may Just use inductive touch capture ability.There are two interface buttons, erasing button 501 for the example plots tablet computer 500 tool With capture/wake-up button 502.Indicator 503 lets the user know that the two：When the equipment, which is active, (such as passes through stabilization Shine), and when the equipment is capturing image (such as by flashing, for example).In order to save electric energy, the equipment With sleep pattern, wherein it will close touch screen and capture electronic device, to reduce power consumption.User can be caught by pressing Button 502 is obtained/waken up to wake up the equipment.In addition, user can push away when user wants to capture the present image in the equipment The acquisition procedure is triggered into capture/wake-up button 502.Locking switch can also be set, the figure on drawing surface will be locked Picture, prevent it is from being wiped free of until locking switch is released.Certainly, individual button can be used for capturing and waking up function Can, if necessary.Note that variable line width is illustrated on 515 the two of tablet computer 500 and virtual monitor, They are configured in a manner of as herein above discussed in detail.

On computer 600, application can be set, allow user's (or near real-time in real time on virtual screen 15' Ground, so that delay time is unconspicuous or negligible) see the identical image just drawn on plotting equipment 500 As long as (image is drawn by the stylus 22 of specialization is used), as shown in the graphical representation 515 by equipment 500.Pass through Virtual push button is activated using cursor of mouse, for example, virtual erasure button 501 ' and virtual wake-up/catching press-button 502 ' can It is operated in a manner of identical with the corresponding physical button in equipment 500 by being made into.Therefore, what is run on computer 600 answers With the function of can control practical plotting equipment 500, it is such as ordered while virtual screen 15' is wiped free of to wipe drafting chart Face 15.Visual indicators 503' can be in a manner of being similar to indicator 503 to the instruction of user's equipment operation.

Alternatively, drawing image, tablet computer 500 can only exist instead in real time not instead of on computer 600 Catching press-button 502 is pushed into capture the image and so that computer 600 is drawn the image later.Such function can be made into use Family is selectable on tablet computer 500 or computer 600.

The additional feature that can be arranged on computer interface include allow adjust virtual unit 515 view and its (such as by using pop-up window) is arranged in it.Computer interface can also be used to configure plotting equipment 500.For example, can set Clock used in file system in the device is set, when so that new image file can have the creation being associated Between stab.In addition, plotting equipment 500 may be configured to preferred format (such as PDF, WMF, TIFF, BMP, SVG, cgm, PNG or JPG) directly save image.Another interfaces windows can be used for user to choose whether locally saving virtual screen On the image, or whether using e-mail applications send the image with Email, or whether hold using the image Certain other function of row.Such other functions may include the image is uploaded to social network sites (such as Facebook or Twitter).It can also include the image being uploaded to the service of such as Evernote (it can be in you all computers Equipment (such as smart phone, personal computer, tablet computer) automatically synchronizes your notes) or imported into it Microsoft OneNote (similar function is supplied to Evernote by it).It is stored in the flash memory of tablet computer equipment 500 Image file in memory can be accessed to be used to (the text such as on any removable disk such as replicate, open, delete Part is such).

The application run on computer (can such as be provided for installation plotting equipment 500, or for carrying out down Carry) system tray can be provided with the various functions for the easily accessed equipment (including for showing the rechargeable of equipment 500 The battery capacity indicator and appliance icon of the active volume of battery).Display can also be arranged, and when the equipment is not connected The indicator connect.

It is further noted that the color drawing feature described in cited application can be also used for data capture Drawing tablet computer.In addition, also the selective erasing of each section of the described drawing can be also used in this application Tablet computer with data capture feature.

Therefore the tablet computer equipment is made into useful (as the plotting equipment on PC), because when looking at pressure-sensitive display It is drawn when device with stylus and is easier than drawing in tablet computer equipment when looking at PC monitor upwards.Therefore, it is drawing The image that localization is provided on surface provides the apparent advantage more than the equipment that cannot so do.

In addition, the connection may be adapted to using stylus to be used for general mouse function, such as drag and fall rather than It draws, in this case, it is possible to it would not be desirable that, it is seen that the such movement drawn on drawing pad.Therefore, the equipment It can have more than one operation mode.In the first mode of operation, it is such as drawn with the stylus of specialization on drawing surface The image of system is shown on a surface.In another operation mode, in order to prevent such movement from drawing on drawing pad, The drawing surface can be wiped free of first and then selective erasing function (being described in more detail below) will be by open It is kept with state.The switch in equipment or the operation mode by entering on menucommand can be used to activate such function Energy.Under such operation mode, each thing drawn by stylus will match background color and be therefore sightless (i.e. it is continuously wiped when being drawn).According to the operation mode, when enabling selective erasing function, in drawing pad Electrode both ends may need voltage.Alternatively, higher voltage waveform can be successively applied to drawing pad electrode, will Entire drawing surface is erased into burnt cone (dark color) state, or holding can be used with the liquid on the entire drawing surface of plumbness Brilliant another higher voltage waveform.

Therefore the tablet computer equipment can have double duty.It can play input equipment be configured for even (in this case, for showing on drawing surface, image may or may not be required) draws when being connected to computer System or control cursor or the tablet computer may work as note taking/plotting equipment when being not linked to computer, will Image is stored in onboard storage device.The equipment of this and the single purposes of such as figure input tablet computer is contrasted, only It plays the input equipment of computer or record takes down notes but the electronic pen based on pen and paper not useful to computer input device Remember the effect of record system.

In addition, the low-cost equipment for being always bound to PC can be omitted battery and sudden strain of a muscle for additional example embodiment It deposits.

Selective erasing ability

The U.S. for the Application Serial No. 12/787,843 submitted and be incorporated herein by reference on May 26th, 2010 Patent application discloses a kind of for allowing the selective erasing of drawn image without wiping as discussed above Except the design of the broken colour double mode drawing pad 10 of whole image.In this design, " Mode A " is provided, wherein using band point The pressure of the stylus in portion is drawn on the pad and is schemed against with the BACKGROUNDLiquid crystal of flat state via with the liquid crystal of burnt planar state Picture, and " Mode B " is provided, wherein pressure is used, via with the opposite background liquid with burnt planar state of the liquid crystal of flat state It is brilliant and draw color image on the pad.Mode B is considered the negative-appearing image of Mode A.Above-mentioned without selective erasing In embodiment, principal mode is Mode B.

By using only two kinds of colors (foreground and background colour) with the drawing image on drawing pad and erasing both image, The multi-mode mode can be used in another example embodiment of the instant equipment.In such devices, can pass through The operation mode is changed into another mode and then writes background colour in the drawing and is drawn to wipe using one mode Each section of the drawing shown on drawing pad of system, to substantially erase drawn image, such as United States Patent (USP) 8, As being described in more detail in 139,039.

Thus, for example, can be operated using the equipment of dual-mode operation with the normal drawing for B in mode, make With do not needed during the mapping operation of pressure (such as via the pressure of the tip of stylus) drawing pad both ends (i.e.：Via Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 writing tablet computer 10 electrode 12 at liquid crystal both ends) voltage.Because it reduce the function during drawing course Consumption, so it is usually preferred operation mode.

However, if the user desired that a part of the shown image of erasing, the drawing pad can be switched to Mode A with For selective erasing, wherein voltage is applied to the electrode 12 for writing tablet computer 10 during erase process.This can lead to Following item is crossed to complete：The push-on switch or other actuators being arranged in equipment by activation, or by activating the plate Certain menu item or actuator on computer remote equipment connected to it, or by certain variation of sensing stylus, or by swashing Switch on stylus living, any mode in these modes can cause the variation detected in the resonance circuit of the stylus, Its operation mode slave pattern B is changed into Mode A so as to cause the tablet computer.

Then, user can be by applying pressure to the part of the image (such as by using the eraser point of stylus Portion, or the finger of even user, for example) wipe the desired part of shown image.Substantially, user is using Background colour rewrites the part of the image drawn, to erase the part of the image.The tablet computer then can be with It is set to return to Mode B for further drawing.This can be for example by using manual actuator or by sensing the touching Pen has been returned to drawing tip orientation to complete.

Such equipment will still have the erasing ability for being used to wipe whole image, as described above.Generally, not in liquid Brilliant both ends provide voltage with for the drawing during Mode B, however, voltage must be applied in when A draws in mode The both ends of liquid crystal, and therefore, for most of mapping operation, by utilizing Mode B, power can be saved, completely Power is not consumed (compared to Mode A, consumes power really during writing or erase process.However, once A book in mode Image is write or wiped, does not need the voltage to the electrode 12 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to show resulting image.Be placed in liquid crystal both ends with Voltage for selective erasing is substantially below the voltage (for example,~5V right~20V) for being used to fully wipe the image.

Fig. 8 shows the example embodiment for realizing the tablet computer 520 of the aforementioned capabilities.In image 101, normal mode B is provided for drawing on tablet computer 100 using the stylus for being placed in such orientation 121：The drawing point of stylus Portion and tablet computer drafting chart face contact.Image 102, which is shown, is switched to Mode A for using the stylus in orientation 122 Erasing end wipe the tablet computer of the part of the image, and image 103 is returned to using the touching back to orientation 121 The normal Graphics Mode of the drawing tip of pen.

As an alternative, drawing can be completed and wipe be completed by use pattern B by use pattern A. Fig. 9 shows such alternate embodiment for tablet computer 540.In image 151, normal mode A is provided for making It is drawn on tablet computer 150 with the stylus for being placed in such orientation 161：The drawing tip of stylus and tablet computer Drawing surface is in contact.Image 152 shows that tablet computer is switched to Mode B for using the stylus in orientation 162 End is wiped to wipe the part of the image, and image 153 returns to the drawing tip using the stylus back to orientation 161 Normal Graphics Mode.

Such selective erasing can be carried out electronics capture in a similar way.It is wiped once tablet computer knows that it is in Except mode, then on tablet computer by the touchscreen senses below drawing pad to the image drawn have several modes Lai Electronics captures the erasing.For example, can be used to rewrite with background colour with the part wiped of " newly " image of background colour Original image, to erase the desired part of the original image.If image is used polar plot to be stored, this is It is particularly useful.Alternatively, if the original image is stored as bitmap, the bitmap of new rewriting can be used or should Original bitmap can be modified to show the erasing.

Concept above can be modified, so that multilayer liquid crystal can be used to show colored image, such as in tablet computer It is discussed in 12/787,843 application.In such embodiments, any layer in each layer can independently in mode A or Mode B is operated, if causing dry model to be arranged to allow for color drawing and wiping the extremely complex setting of ability.

Input equipment application：

The alternate embodiment of tablet computer equipment described herein can be utilized, so that tablet computer equipment operation is Input equipment is to support various products and service.

For an example, drawing tablet computer equipment be used as input equipment with for be connected to computer for It is used in various computer applications.For example, cursor operations can be that mouse, digital quantizer or trace ball connect by the equipment Mouthful, allow the plotting equipment to be used to select various computer functions, such as selection menu and activator button, for example. Further, which can combine with mapping software, so that not being using trace ball or mouse, which (such as uses Cursor, for example) drawing application can be used to draw.The user can select current color in the application, and then Carry out drawing image using the cursor to utilize the drawing function for being mounted mapping software on computers.

The drawing tablet computer equipment even may be adapted to the drawing lines for allowing rugosity different.For example, by more exerting oneself Ground is pressed on drawing surface, stylus closer to tablet computer plotting equipment inductance type touch pads, and, should be closer to Position information related with the pressure for being applied to drawing surface can be detected as by electrode grid, and, therefore, be converted into compared with Thick lines.Another alternative solution is included in stylus using variable L C circuit, so that the moveable tip on stylus In propulsion change the resonance of lc circuit and (such as pass through and change variable condenser, setting on variometer or variable resistance Set, for example), it can also be interpreted information related from the pressure for being applied to drawing surface and therefore different lines Width.Such variable L C can also be used to modify the function on computer, such as in the propulsion that operation is when mouse is clicked And lighter propulsion when with different function, for example.Alternatively, with multiple touchings of different resonance frequencies Pen can be used for different functions, such as activating particular color, line roughness, filling shape, etc..

Alternatively, or in addition, which can be construed to the speed that stylus passes through drawing surface to indicate expected line Rugosity is illustrated so that faster plotting speed causes thinner lines, and slower plotting speed to lead to thicker lines For.

The line roughness recorded can be tuned to match based on one or more of pressure, speed or temperature The rugosity for the lines drawn over the display, it is such as discussed in detail above.For example, Fig. 7 is shown in institute in tablet computer 500 The thicker lines 521 and thinner lines 522 drawn.In this example embodiment, the difference of line roughness is further also reflected in far On journey screen 600, although this is all the situation without need for whole embodiments.Similar rugosity difference is also shown in Figure 10 Out, wherein three lines of different rugosity are displayed in 555 the two of tablet computer 550 and external screen.

As another alternative solution, drawing tablet computer equipment may be used as input equipment in computer screen Curtain, projecting apparatus screen, tablet computer, electronic whiteboard etc. are upper to provide demonstration, so that lecturer or other spokesman can be used this and set It is standby can be made to be configured for writing mathematical formulae by teacher like blank or blackboard for real-time or near real-time communication, For example.It is similarly to shown in Fig. 7 and application recited above, only tablet computer need not write tablet computer Virtual version, but will be used to write big display to be used to be watched by spectators, as shown in Figure 10, wherein tablet computer 550 be shown as wirelessly connecting 559 to projector 552 on screen 555 projected image so that display is drawn In the image on tablet computer 550 (by user directly on screen 555).Such system can be used in tablet computer Bluetooth wireless connection 559 between 550 and the computer of (internal or external to be linked to) projector 552 is realized, wherein is calculated Machine generates the image shown on screen 555 by projector 552 using the data from the equipment.

In such embodiments, it is desirable to which the image drawn on tablet computer 550 is in real time or near real-time It is displayed on screen 555, so that there are the delays of very little when showing image on screen 555.It is such real-time in order to adapt to Or the display of near real-time, it is expected that, directly by the draw data crossfire from tablet computer 550 to projector 552, As any intermediate steps, image is stored in the memory such as first on tablet computer, may interfere with image on screen 555 Real-time rendering.Note that variable line width is illustrated on 555 the two of tablet computer 550 and screen, they are all by with such as Such mode herein above discussed in detail is configured.

Therefore, memory store function can be completely eliminated in this embodiment or before memory storage or parallel Ground can be completed draw data crossfire to projector 552, so that obvious delay does not occur in the crossfire of data.

In the alternate embodiment shown in Figure 11, tablet computer 560 has an operation mode, and wherein image is not drawn It is such as discussed in detail above on tablet computer.In this example embodiment, tablet computer 560 is not shown by stylus just in plate electricity The image drawn with brain sheet is drawn although the image is displayed on screen 555.The mode can be caused by user Move the switch on tablet computer 560 to activate, for example.

Figure 12 display example application, plurality of tablet computer equipment 565a, 565b and 565c can be used to shield simultaneously Drawing image on curtain 555, wherein a part of the shown composograph on the home screen of each tablet computer contribution.This allows Cooperation between many different users.Wherein user can be used tablet computer equipment as one of conferencing technology ability Point come be remotely located application can similarly be supported, wherein each user can have show the composograph they from Oneself external screen.Certainly, tablet computer has answering for integrated electronic display (as described in chapters and sections above) wherein In, the image drawn by other users can also be displayed on each of platform of networking, or alternatively, The composograph is shown on basic display unit (or remote user seen other displays).

Such demonstration format using above example or its alternative solution may include electronic whiteboard, television set or Such image is shown on other type of display.It is possible to further utilize the projection of the computer of networking or long range positioning Instrument, allows the view result in the local monitor or screen for such as supporting video conference of the people at remote site, lifts For example.For spokesman, it is with the advantage of local screen, when image is being drawn, spokesman can be See the image on input equipment (tablet computer), and therefore, it is easier to they interrupt (many existing products lack Point) in the case where continue.In video conference, if more than one user is equipped with drawing tablet computer equipment, they can To be drawn on blank with themselves ink color with each user collaboration, for example.Such tablet computer Modification can be, and the ratio of width to height of tablet computer is changed to the ratio of width to height for more matching display screen, or allow to change based on display screen Become the orientation of tablet computer.

Exemplary prototype with supplementary features：

Working prototype is write or drawing tablet computer equipment is configured with the wireless connection as shown in the block diagram of Fig. 3, With for short haul connection to such as smart phone, tablet computer, personal computer (laptop/desktop computer) net book Or the blue tooth interface 207 of the external processing apparatus of electronic reader.External processing apparatus may include being coupled to storage capture to answer The processor of non-transitory, computer-readable medium.The capture application be configured to receive image data, image file, Represent the electronic information etc. of the movement of stylus；It is configured to handle, present or analysis data, file or from writing/drawing plate Information received by computer；And transmission data, file or information are other long-range to separating with writing/drawing tablet computer Or local device and external processing apparatus.It includes drawing surface 10, the electronic information for representing drawn image The inductive touch 60 and associated electronic circuit 200 of electronic data capture.Include the work of pressure-sensitive writing/drawing surface Prototype is by the Boogie Board of the Improv Electronics commercially available from^TMRip writes tablet computer adjustment to include ASIC Processor and pressure-sensitive digital quantizer layer are tuned to the battery that do not buy from Hanwang Technology Co., Ltd Dedicated stylus frequency.Working prototype includes the various features of following discussion.

The prototype electronically can (wire or wirelessly) be connected to other each external equipments for inputting, storing, again New acquisition and shared drawing function are into the external equipment.By the external equipment, prototype tablet computer can such as via The image drawn is sent other remote equipments by internet.In addition, prototype tablet computer can incite somebody to action by the external equipment Image is sent to internet or service based on cloud to enable the further shared and/or synchronous of the image across multiple equipment.

The prototype with pressure-sensitive data-dapture layer is observed to receive from the interaction of the stylus of specialization and pressure sensitive surface Collect the position the xy position of image (for example, on tablet computer), pressure (for example, being applied to display in drawing image The related information of pressure) and additional data (for example, drawing speed), to make the line of the image on prototype written tablet computer Width matches with the image on the external equipment display being connect.It can be existed based on pressure data and/or speed data Line thickness is matched or replicated on external display.According on the other hand, data-dapture layer, which can not be sensed directly, to be applied Pressure.For example, not measuring and being applied in the example of the data-dapture layer based on touch screen (inductance type, resistance-type, etc.) To the amount of the pressure of touch screen.However, it is possible to measure the intensity of contact or the amplitude of contact based on the particular technique of touch screen (i.e.：There is multi-purpose power pressing touch screen).For example, capacitive load can be detected and be used as inductive touch The amplitude information of the intensity of contact is indicated, because capacitive load can increase as pressure applied increases.

The prototype can be transmitted to write and be produced on tablet computer comprising opening writing both a tablet computer and external equipment The software (for example, firmware) of raw all images.The transmission is wirelessly connected in writing tablet computer and external equipment Shi Fasheng.For example, once establishing the communication (for example, Bluetooth communication) with external equipment, the figure that prototype tablet computer will be stored As file is automatically downloaded to the external equipment.That is, the tablet computer downloads stored image file without receiving Corresponding transmission order from tablet computer/external equipment user.In addition, the image file stored can indicate The multiple individual images drawn on the tablet computer and captured by the tablet computer.One or more image files can To be transferred to multiple external equipments from prototype tablet computer, single external equipment is transferred to from multiple tablet computers, or from more A tablet computer is transferred to multiple external equipments.

It has been transmitted from prototype written tablet computer in image (for example, image file or raw image data in real time) To after external equipment, user then can upload to cloud/internet for image as file.Each user can be via prevalence Telecommunications and social media technology (including Email, Twitter, Evernote and Facebook) share the information.

Prototype written tablet computer can by write on a writing surface with the stylus of specialization anything is automatic It is transferred to external equipment.Once both prototype written tablet computer and the external equipment are opened, then they may be coupled to that It this (such as via bluetooth (piconet topology)) and writes tablet computer and can be transferred to the image data and connected External equipment.The external equipment transfers that image data can be automatically forwarded to remote equipment (such as remote web server).It should Image data can also be automatically forwarded to the designated place predetermined in the external equipment (for example, specified by external equipment File) or arrive another external equipment (such as tablet computer or laptop).In the exemplary embodiment, plate electricity Brain creation record is transferred to the file of the image data of the external equipment.Format about this document can be document files lattice Formula, can be by available softward interview to be used for access images (for example, Adobe pdf document).User is writing tablet computer When upper completion image, they can save image and be sent to external equipment.In another example embodiment, prototype Writing tablet computer creation sends the electronic information to indicating the electronic information of the image and real-time or near real-time outer Portion's equipment, the electronic information include x, y (location information) and pressure data (amplitude information of the degree of instruction contact) and can Selection of land includes writing speed data.Location information and amplitude information can be collected based on the stroke of stylus.For example, position is believed Breath and amplitude information can be formatted as the digital ink file using ink markings language or other formats appropriate.With Image is created on writing tablet computer by user, and the software on external equipment is (i.e.：Capture application) in real time to graphically The image is presented.

Self-propagating image can be flat to be presented on writing with it between prototype written tablet computer and external equipment The identical light lines (or with line color and background color of other configurations) in dark-background on plate computer are presented On external equipment.For example, image can be presented on external equipment, as the dark strokes in white background, (simulation is dark Appearance of the ink on blank sheet of paper).

User the software on external equipment can be used change the appearance of presented image (such as line color, Background color, template) and these change will occur and be presented in the image on external equipment in real time.

The software may include for user come the template for the image being added on external equipment.Figure 15 provides these softwares The example of template comprising for format known to user, such as lined paper 812, squared paper 813 and Tic-tac-toe lattice 814.Signal The diagram of the prototype written tablet computer 830 used of Tic-tac-toe template, which is displayed on, is connected to prototype written via bluetooth On the monitor of the PC840 of tablet computer.

The software on external equipment can provide the user interface of customization, set with connected outside is appeared in The unique expression and function of standby upper menu selector.The menu selector may include the image to be shared with expression Word the various symbols with the word of menu item for indicating to be selected justified and be disposed in around the circle.These symbols Number provide to graphically instruction can be used for sharing the image different sharing options icon annular array.These icons It is substantially equidistant with the word of the thumbnail of the image or the image at the center for the annular array for indicating to be located at these icons. Menu selector provides " dragging and shared " application.Figure 16 provides the diagram of user interface and its function.Figure 16 a is shown as used The appearance of its application will be seen on their external equipment 822 (especially smart phone) connected in family.Icon 823 Circle or ring indicate the selectable sharing option for user (for by the Image Sharing/be transferred to another remotely Point).Envelope icon expression for example sends image as attachment via the selected E-mail service of user.For other Icon, camera will watch the selected camera of the image transmitting to user or share, and elephant head will be the image transmitting To the selected Evernote account of user, should " f by the selected Facebook account of the image transmitting to user simultaneously And the bird will be the selected Twitter account of the image transmitting to user.Indicate appointing for different file transmission options The different icons of what quantity can be configured with the annular array of icon.Figure 16 b shows user by " dragging " gesture of execution： It is contacted by being placed in finger 821 with the center circle at the center of the ring of sharing option, user continuously connects with screen maintenance It touches and mobile or (show from position of the center diameter in " dragging " to the desired icon on the ring of sharing option at this In example, envelope 823).The software will be then via function represented by the icon (in the present example, via selected by user E-mail service) transmit or " shared " image.Stylus can be used in the user or finger drags to the image One in icon, the image is caused to be sent out via the telecommunications functions of the icon (for example, Facebook, Twitter etc.) It send.Then the external equipment will transmit the image, and the image by network (for example, internet) according to the input of user Remote equipment appropriate (for example, remote web server) will be sent to for storage, watched by other users etc..It should The Image Sharing can be file by user, be not maintained on prototype written tablet computer and be then saved and (make By original image and/or as the image (multiple) of enhancing) on the external equipment connected.

Figure 17 shows the transmission of the image to remote system 1730, can be for example with it is selected via above-mentioned interface Sharing option is associated based on cloud or based on the service of internet.One example of remote system 1730 is web server.Such as Shown in Figure 17, the transmission of the image from tablet computer equipment 1710 can occur via external equipment 1720.To long-range system The transmission of system 1730 can be first related to via tablet computer interface 1722 from the received image data of tablet computer equipment 1710 Storage and/or conversion.Tablet computer equipment interface 1722 can be wired or wireless communication interface as described above.The storage And/or conversion can be by being stored on memory 1727 and performed by processor 1728 software 1726 is implemented. After storage and/or conversion, external equipment 1720 can (it can be wired or wireless net via remote system interface 1724 Network interface, cellular interface etc.) send image data to remote system 1730.It is understood that software 1726 can open Storage and/or conversion are not intervened with the image to the transmission of remote system 1730.For example, software 1726 can be enabled by plate Crossfire of the image data that computer equipment 1710 is transmitted to remote system 1730.

It is understood that the image data created on prototype written tablet computer can be by for example in a manner of three kinds One of or combination to be shared from external equipment：The image can be saved and be stored in prototype written plate electricity It is accessed in brain internal storage and by external equipment (without being stored in external device memory), which can be with Be saved and be stored on external equipment (without being stored in the internal storage of prototype written tablet computer) with And the image can be shared via " dragging and shared " application without being saved to prototype written plate immediately in the completed Inside (non-volatile) memory of computer is saved on external equipment.The image can by from these three modes appoint Where formula accesses via " dragging and shared " application, and user can send this via " dragging and shared " application Image to be used for transmission by the icon on menu selector represented by Internet service (for example, Facebook, Twitter Deng).

It will also be appreciated that the image data (including at least position and pressure data) can be created in real time with user It builds the image and is sent to connected external equipment from prototype written tablet computer.Data transmission can be " unidirectional ", Only from prototype written tablet computer to the external equipment connected.Prototype written tablet computer can also be continuously generated expression and exist With the digital ink file of the drawing stroke of stylus input and to be used to independently of application software, hardware on drawing surface The document files of the format (for example, PDF) of document is indicated with the mode of operating system.In the exemplary embodiment, digital ink File is with ink markings language (INK) format and document files is with PDF format.Once the data structure of the image is by reality When or be transferred to external equipment as completion and storage file, then external equipment can convert this data to outside and set This document, can be transferred to another place (for example, internet) and can be by the data by the file in standby memory Be converted to different file formats (for example, PNG).

As discussed above, the image created on prototype written tablet computer, which can be saved to, is writing plate electricity File on brain and the file on external equipment is saved to be used for transmission by the icon institute table on menu selector The Internet service (for example, Facebook, Twitter etc.) shown.Drawing tablet computer equipment sends image data to outside Equipment.The image data can be in the form of home position, pressure and/or speed data or the image data can be In the form of capturing the image file of individual drawing or the more structuring of pen stroke on drawing surface.For example, writing Processor in tablet computer can be programmed to create from the electronic information for indicating data-dapture layer institute captured image The digital ink file (such as ink markings language file) of image.The digital ink file is image file, is recorded in pressure Each drawing stroke (stylus or pen stroke such as over time) on quick drawing surface.Therefore, the digital ink hydrology Part folder is different from the file of record whole image, lacks stylus for example over time or pen stroke.The data Capture device, which is electronically captured and/or calculated, is applied to drawing with when capture is in the image drawn on the pressure-sensitive sketch surface The related position of the pressure on surface and information and processor are based on the position and pressure information (and optionally, speed letter Breath) create digital ink file (for example, ink markings language file).For formation speed information, processor can be based on From data capture device received location information calculate the speed of stylus or pen stroke (for example, stylus pressure-sensitive is drawn at this The speed moved on chart face).Digital ink file can be the ink mark of proprietary or professional standard (for example, W3C standard) Remember language.Ink markings language file or other digital ink files can be transmitted directly to external equipment or it can be with It is embedded in another file and is transferred to the external equipment.For example, digital ink file can be embedded in the figure For being shared with other equipment in the document files (such as Portable Document format (PDF) file) of picture.Write plate electricity The image capture drawn is (x/y/p) data (position and pressure information) and is stored as the data to write plate electricity by brain Two individual files (be stored as pdf document and be stored as digital ink file) in brain.When this document saves event (example Such as, file save button is pressed) when occurring, the pdf document and the digital ink file are combined into the tail portion PDF group can be by with such as The single file that under type saves：1) it is saved on the storage inside memory for writing tablet computer；2) simultaneously and/or subsequent It is detached from and writes tablet computer and be transferred to connected external equipment for carrying out storage in the external equipment or for conversion For for other formats (for example, PNG) shared on the internet.

Although digital ink file format can be it is proprietary, prototype written tablet computer use open standard ink Water markup language.Proprietary ink format, the ink reference format (ISF) of such as Microsoft can be used in another embodiment.

What is transmitted from prototype written tablet computer can with the ink markings language file or other digital ink files of PDF With accessed as individual file by the open pdf document.Ink markings language file or other digital ink files Individual file can be saved as on external equipment.

In certain embodiments, the prototype written tablet computer that lines drawing is captured using ChLCD can will be on web It draws via the external equipment crossfire connected to remote equipment.External equipment will have be used to be connected to the tablet computer with from The tablet computer receives the first interface of image data and the second interface for being connected to network (such as internet).For example, First interface in external equipment can receive ink markings language file from the tablet computer, and the in external equipment The ink markings language file can be forwarded to remote web server via network (such as internet) by two interfaces.

Tablet computer is write for instructing the tablet computer to execute with the equipment (for example, ON/OFF) and set at this Multiple inputs of the relevant function of both images created on standby and external equipment (for example, for wiping and saving or capture) are set It is standby to be characterized.Each input equipment, which can be referred to as, to be switched, although they are without the need for the switch contact mechanically moved.Example Such as, writing tablet computer may include soft-touch control, promotes button or the other types of switch as input equipment.In Figure 18 In, which has erasing switch 834, saves switch 835 and ON/OFF switch 836.

There are prototype written tablet computer two methods to save and wipe image：(1) method-user of USB is utilized Image can not be stored on prototype written tablet computer-image may only be saved on connected external equipment；(2) Using method-user of bluetooth achromatic map can be saved on prototype written tablet computer and on the external equipment connected Picture, user can save：Monochrome image, as it is appeared on prototype written tablet computer；The color image of enhancing, with it It appears on external equipment and by the enterprising edlin of external equipment；Or the image of the enhancing using software template. The file that prototype written tablet computer creates two catalogues to store saved file and wiped.When erasing switch is swashed When living, movement below may occur：(1) electric pulse, which is through ChLC display and sends, to reset display (allows it to return to Space state)；(2) prototype written sends image file to " deletion " catalogue in the memory on prototype written tablet computer Without the file in automatic synchronization omission excepted portion equipment.External equipment may include software pattern, and user is allowed to watch quilt It is stored in " erasing " file write in " deletion " catalogue on tablet computer.In addition, when erasing switch is activated, outside Software in portion's equipment can send or show that the notice that this document has been wiped free of and external equipment can wipe outside this The enhancing version (for example, colored lines background) of this document in equipment.

" preservation " switch 835 allows user to store the image drawn on the surface of tablet computer to the tablet computer Internal storage." erasing switch 834 triggers the transmission of the electric pulse across the surface of the display, completely to remove The image drawn on the surface leaves the surface emptied for user to create new image.Write the switch on tablet computer Can independently and combination (for example, as " combination key ") operation, to execute additional function.For example, by by crimping It is logical/to turn off switch 836 to open the tablet computer and activate preservation switch 835 or erasing switch 834 that this can be caused flat simultaneously Plate computer enters connection setup mode (for example, Bluetooth pairing mode) to establish and another equipment (such as the external equipment) Communication.Under connection setup mode (for example, Bluetooth pairing mode), which can allow and itself can send out the external equipment The existing and external equipment can establish the wireless connection (for example, after receiving key) of the tablet computer.It is flat to open this Plate computer and simultaneously activate save switch 835 or erasing switch 834 can cause the tablet computer enter communicate disabling mode (example Such as, Bluetooth function is disabled).This can permit the tablet computer in the region (for example, airport, hospital etc.) of request bluetooth disabling It is operated.Bluetooth can be triggered by activating erasing to switch and save switch or other switches (if present) simultaneously Pairing mode, bluetooth disabling mode or other modes.

The tablet computer equipment can have fixed internal storage (for example, flash memories) and may be operative to Flash drive for the external equipment.Therefore, which can be matched It is set to and shows as removable memory driver to the external processing apparatus.That is, the tablet computer equipment can be via The flash memories are externally exposed equipment as installable storage equipment by the communication interface.The flash memories can be deposited Storage can be substantially unrelated with image file from the external equipment received data and such data.For example, the flash memory Memory can store from the received document of external equipment institute, electrical form, audio file etc..

Mouse function can be provided with the writing tablet computer that the stylus of specialization combines to allow the tablet computer It is worked relative to the external equipment with digital quantizer mode.The stylus can be designed specifically to so that pressure-sensitive number conversion Device can obtain position and pressure data (x/y/p data) on the writing tablet computer carry out storage or transmission to this External equipment.Preferably, the data capture feature of the writing tablet computer is only in the stylus using specialization (for example, stylus frequency Rate matching write tablet computer frequency) in the case where work.Any other drawing tool (for example, finger) will cause figure As appearing on the ChLCD of the drawing tablet computer, but because it can not be identified by pressure-sensitive digital quantizer, pass through The image that another drawing tool is created can not be stored or be transferred to connected external equipment.

As drawn in Figure 19, stylus 832, which is housed inside in prototype written tablet computer 830, is used as base used specially 831 " hole " specially designed or socket in.Such design can provide thin outer when watching from side to the tablet computer Shape, while user being helped to avoid stylus that is misplaced or losing specialization design.

Many other example embodiments of the invention can be provided by the various combinations of features described above.Although above Specific example and embodiment is used to describe the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that can be used each It plants alternative solution and equivalent can replace element as described herein and/or step, and not necessarily deviate expection of the invention Range.Modification may be necessary so that the present invention is suitable for specific situation or suitable for specific demand without departing from of the invention Desired extent.It is intended that the present invention is not limited to specific implementation as described herein and embodiments, but claim is presented it Widest reasonable dismissal to cover disclosed accordingly or unlapped all novel and non-apparent embodiment, text Or equivalent.

Claims

1. a kind of system, including：

Drawing tablet computer equipment；And

External processing apparatus is configured to receive image data, the drawing plate electricity from the drawing tablet computer equipment Brain equipment includes：

Bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display is display configured to by applying on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display Plus-pressure and the image drawn on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display, and it is configured to continue display described image Electric energy is consumed without the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display to show described image；

Erasing switch is used to selecting the erasing function of providing by the drawing tablet computer equipment come from the bistable cholesteric Cholesteric liquid crystal display wipes described image；

Electronic data capture device comprising data-dapture layer, the data-dapture layer are configured to stylus in the bistable It is captured as indicating the electronic information of the movement of the stylus to mobile electron on state cholesteric liquid crystal display；And

Interface is configured to connect to the external processing apparatus, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment is configured to base In the movement for indicating the stylus the electronic information by described image data transmission to the external processing apparatus, and Wherein, described image data include at least the location information of the position about the stylus described when drawing described image and draw with working as The pressure related information of the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display is applied to when described image processed,

The external processing apparatus includes：

Other interface is configured to connect to the drawing tablet computer equipment and receives described image data；And

Other display, based on pressure that the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display is applied to when drawing described image Power related information is replicated in the described image drawn on the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display, including is replicated in described The line thickness in described image drawn on bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display,

Wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment will be stored in institute when establishing the communication with the external processing apparatus automatically State multiple individual images that the expression on the memory of drawing tablet computer equipment is captured by the electronic data capture device Multiple images file be transmitted to the external processing apparatus, and

Wherein the external processing apparatus is configured to described multiple images file being automatically forwarded to the external processing apparatus In predefined specified position and one or both of another external processing apparatus.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein include by the received described image data of the external processing apparatus institute The digital ink file being embedded in document files, the document files are included in the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display The described image of upper drafting.

3. system according to claim 1, wherein the external processing apparatus is configured to described multiple images file It is automatically forwarded to remote web server.

4. system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment includes being used to open described draw to put down The power switch of plate computer equipment, and wherein, activation causes described draw while the power switch and the erasing switch Figure tablet computer equipment, which enters to establish, to be connect with the connection setup mode of the communication of the external processing apparatus and disabling by described One in the communication disabling mode of the communication of mouth.

5. system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment further includes：

Power switch is used to open the drawing tablet computer equipment；And

Switch is saved, is used to select the preservation function of being provided by the drawing tablet computer equipment to protect described image data It deposits in the memory,

Wherein, to the multiple switch in the drawing tablet computer equipment activation causes the drawing tablet computer equipment while Into the communication partner mode established with the communication of the external processing apparatus.

6. system according to claim 5, wherein activation causes the drawing while to other multiple switches The communication that tablet computer equipment enters communication of the disabling by the interface disables mode.

7. system according to claim 1, wherein at the interface of the drawing tablet computer equipment and the outside The other interface of reason equipment is wirelessly attached, and wherein, received by the external processing apparatus Described image data include the ink markings language file being embedded in Portable Document format (PDF) file.

8. system according to claim 2, wherein the digital ink file is ink markings language file.

9. system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment will be stored in the drawing automatically Described multiple images file in tablet computer equipment is transmitted to the external processing apparatus, corresponding without receiving from user Send order.

10. system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment further includes flash memories, described Flash memories are for storing via the interface from the received data of the external processing apparatus, wherein the flash memory storage Device is configured to show as the external processing apparatus removable memory driver.

11. system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment is converted to the electronic information Document files.

12. system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing tablet computer equipment is converted to the electronic information Digital ink file.

13. system according to claim 1, wherein the interface is wireless communication interface.

14. system according to claim 11, wherein the document files is Portable Document format (PDF) file.

15. a kind of system, including：

Drawing tablet computer equipment；And

The external processing apparatus includes：

Wherein, described image data further include the velocity information about plotting speed, and on the other display again The line thickness of system is by handling and being applied to the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display when drawing described image The related information of pressure and both velocity informations be determined and replicate.

16. a kind of system, including：

Drawing tablet computer equipment；And

Capture application, is configured to execute on external equipment, and the external equipment is answered with the storage capture is coupled to The processor and display of non-transitory, computer-readable medium, the capture application are configured to from the drawing Tablet computer equipment obtains image data,

The drawing tablet computer equipment includes：

Bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display, with drawing surface, the drawing surface is configured to display by drawing described The image for applying pressure on chart face and drawing on the drawing surface, the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display maintain institute It states image and is displayed without consumption electric energy on the drawing surface；

Data capture device is configured to generate the electronic information for corresponding to movement of the stylus on the drawing surface, institute It states data capture device and is separately and independently of the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display and operated；And

Communication interface, the data capture device generate the electronic information when in real time or near real-time will be based on institute The image data for stating electronic information is transmitted to the capture application executed on the external equipment,

Wherein, the capture application is configured to for image being presented to the display of the external equipment, and described image is The copy of the image shown on the drawing surface by the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display and based on from described The received described image data of drawing tablet computer equipment,

Wherein, the described image data as transmitted by the drawing tablet computer equipment include with the stylus in the drafting chart Contact related multiple pairs of location informations and amplitude information on face,

The capture application, which is further configured to be converted to the pairs of location information and amplitude information, to be used in the outside It stored in equipment, carry out showing on the external equipment or carry out shared format via internet, and

Wherein, the capture application is further configured to analyze the pairs of location information and amplitude information to identify in the electricity Person's handwriting in sub-information.

17. system according to claim 16, wherein the capture application is further configured to via the external equipment Input equipment is received user's input and is inputted based on the user to update the described image presented on the display.

18. system according to claim 16, wherein the capture application is presented on the drawing surface shown The copy of described image, and the line thickness matching of the copy is shown by the bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display Described image.

19. system according to claim 18, wherein the electronic information is sent simultaneously by the drawing tablet computer equipment And including location information and amplitude information, and

The capture application makes line thickness based on the location information and the amplitude information and by the bistable state cholesteric The described image that type liquid crystal display is shown matches.