FR2559288A1 - Device for detection, determination and automatic acquisition and transmission of the coordinates of a point or of a plurality of points positioned on a flat surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for detection, determination and automatic acquisition of data such as the angular coordinates of one or of a plurality of points defining a locus in an inscription surface 2, and a writing instrument 7 sliding on a rotating axis which pivots around itself over 360 DEG 5 is positioned by a bracket 3 in a head module 4 above the centre of the inscription surface physically represented by a flat surface 1, and two apparatuses for taking angular measurements 17, 18 convert the signals received into binary conversion useable by all computers 15. Application to the production of a graphics tool for computer aided designs.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for implementing this method with a view to detection, determination and automatic capture - data such as the angular coordinates of one or a plurality of points defining a traced in an inscription surface.

The invention has many applications, including computer-aided design, drawing and manufacturing. @e process and device of the invention, allowing the realization of input system and extremely simple calculations, therefore of a limited cost, easily manageable, will receive many new applications both graphically and on the Ae direct data entry plan.

The invention aims firstly to allow the location of a point in a plane, materialized for example Dar a console of the drawing board type, a light table u a cathode-ray screen allowing the projection of images.

Devices are known which make it possible to physically locate the positioning of a point, for example on a projected image or on a plane, by application of a dry or tracing point, and the point thus identified materially is identified by its X coordinates and
Y in the two-dimensional surface formed by the console.

 These devices are known and use various methods.

The patent n 2544255 describes a pantograph for the reproduction on a copper matrix, of a drawing drawn manually by this, with the transformation into electrical quantities of said drawing controlling motors which, by an electromechanical process, actuate the tracer on copper .

This device only benefits from a limited lifespan linked to the phenomenon of wear by friction and moreover has the disadvantage of a certain inertia in its handling. On the other hand, the assembly described does not allow the measurement data to be introduced into a computer capable of storing them.

The patent 1715781 describes a device in which a central lever is associated with two 90 V electrical transducers. In this application, the central joystick is "passive" and actuated according to the electric currents received and the writing or curve drawing still empirical.

Patent 3436476 relates to a graphic recorder controlled by radio and capable of locating a point on a plane: using two adjustable arms associated with a common marker and each with a potentiometer. This very complicated and expensive process does not seem to meet the practical conditions of use imposed for quickly entering the measurement data into a computer.

Other corollary system methods were used to obtain X and Y coordinates. All of them presented resolution and uniformity problems leading to incorrect information.

More recent methods consist of monoblock application tables internally equipped with networks
matrix of X and Y conductors, the movement of a stylus
on the table allowing the reading of the coordinates of the one
ci.Ce process is expensive because it requires a whole
fixed and bulky furniture design comprising
many electronic devices required for inter
preparation of the coordinates of the position of the stylus.

The use of transducer coordinate devices
sonor requires the use of a transmission plate
acoustic in contact with a vibrating stylus Because
the stylus must remain in direct contact with
the acoustic transmission agent (usually a pla
than glass) the operation of such a process is han
dictated by the fact that a single sheet of paper cannot
intercalate. Furthermore, the need for sensors
tuned piezoelectric, acoustically coupled by the
glass plate, leads to a very complicated realization.

Same observation for patent n ° 2054633 which describes
process for processing information by measuring waves
shock emitted by a stylus and received by two microphones.

There are also known optical devices which
tooth by projection of a matrix array of beams
bright respectively in vertical columns and
horizontal rows, each beam being received.

the opposite end of the table or console by a
optoelectronic receiver, the positioning of a locating tip on the console or the oreo interrupting ~ a
vertical beam and a horizontal beam and allowing
thus determining the positioning of said point; of
such devices are described for example in the application
French Patent No. 80,26567.

It is understood that the optical devices are hardly usable except in the context of locating and analyzing the coordinates of a point identified and posit! <r compared to a CRT screen; the process would be @ effect difficult to use for example in the framework of locating a drawing during tracing on a console since the four sides of the plan or drawing must be cleared in order to allow the free passage of the light beams, which is incompatible with the work of the designer whose hand is resting on the console supporting the document being executed.

The invention relates to a method for acquiring the angular coordinates defining the positioning of a point in an inscription surface, and the method is characterized in that a writing instrument mounted on a rotary axis and pivoting around it - even on 360n is posi b, tion in a head module above the center of the writing surface materialized on a flat surface.
Preferably, in the above frame, a bracket is used as a support at a right angle which allows simple and easy fixing of the head module.

Preferably, the bracket is hollow in order to allow the internal conductors of the link necessary to operate, without detracting from the aesthetic appearance.

The invention also relates to a method for the acquisition of the angular data defining a sluralito of points in an area of recording and the Process (10 is characterized in that the rotary and leveling axis positioning the writing instrument is directly connected to two measuring instruments in X, Y coordinates, positioned at 90 relative to each other.

Preferably, in the above frame, two potentiometers are used which measure in voltage the current value.

According to a variant of the device of the invention more particularly able to determine the successive coordinates of a plurality of Doints defining a path, the device comprises at least two electronic sensors capable of measuring the variations in movement in X, Y, by example of photodiods, optocouplers or other, electrical or mechanical.

The invention also relates to a sliding or telescopic device which allows the writing instrument mounted directly on the rotary and pivoting axis of the head module to remain permanently in contact with the writing area.

This device, easy to build and inexpensive. consists in introducing a thin and rigid tube between the ink reservoir and the body of a "bic point" for example which slides easily along the tube by giving it the necessary and sufficient extensions for its permanent contact with the surface of registration. The double guidance thus created provides the unit with excellent directional stability.

According to a variant of the invention more particularly capable of providing the essential extensions for the permanent contact of the writing instrument with the writing surface, any telescopic instrument is adaptable.

According to a more particular form, all kinds of writing instruments: pen, felt tip, drypoint are also easily adaptable by means of a fixing ring for example, whose offset arm is
connectable directly to the rotary axis, without modification.

The invention also relates to an electronic adjustment method directly incorporated in the head module.
which allows you to modify resistance values
in order to make the system compatible with most
computers, with a simple switch.

Advantageously the device of the invention can 8trg neck
to the adjustment setting with an interface card which
converts the received signal into comprehensive binary conversion
ble of all computers, whether analog / digital,
angular / dynamic, or any other form of convection.

The invention finally relates to a device which allows
the user to initialize all kinds of functions
graphics (line, circle, plot etc) or utilities
(save, load, color, stop etc) by a lo
simple software directly "read" on the tablet by
the writing instrument.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention res
still emerge from the description which follows and which is don
born in connection with the embodiments presented
title of nonlimiting examples.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the different
functions used in the process and di = nosi-
tif according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a sliding device of the ins
writing trument.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a writing instrument with ring fixing.

FIG. 4 represents the example of an analog / digital interface card with the drawing of the tracks (FIG. 4 ') and the example of connection of a potentiometer (figupe 4 ").

Figure 5 shows an example of a graphics tablet.

By considering FIG. 1, the principle of the method and the device of the invention can be analyzed as a system for locating material by a writing instrument, its angular positioning, taking measurements in the form of X, Y and of their direct transmission to the computer.

In the case of FIG. 1, a flat diagram 1 is shown schematically on which the registration plane is located 2. A bracket 3 supports a head module 4 placed perpendicularly above the tablet 1 and at above the center of the registration area 2.

The head module 4 consists of a ball joint 5 whose central axis @ is rotatable and pivots on 360. This axis is connected, on the one hand directly to a writing instrument 7 by a tube 8 of which l sliding effect fulfills a telescopic role, on the other hand to two measuring devices 9, 10 (potentiometers for example) which, positioned at 90 relative to each other raise in angular position the coordinates X and Y via two adjustment resistors 17 and 18.

The different power supplies 11, 12, 13, 14 pass inside the bracket 3 and directly connect the instrumentation of the tette module to the computer 15 and to the inverter of the control 16.

In the example of FIG. 2, it can be seen that a thin tube 8, connected directly to the ball joint 5 of the module 4, introduced between the ink tank 20 and the external body of a "bic" type tip 21, slides perfectly the 10 @ of the tube, providing it with the extension essential for its permanent contact on the tablet 1 in the writing surface 2, whatever its inclination nar relative to the ball 5 of the head module 4.

FIG. 3 shows a writing instrument: pen, felt, dry point for example 30 placed inside a fixing ring 31 directly designed or adaptable to the writing instrument. In some cases, the ring can be offset 32 to facilitate the passage of the writing instrument.

The figure chooses the example of an electronic analog / digital interface card which converts the received signals into binary conversion understandable by any computer.
This card has two arrivals, one of more than 5 volts 40, the other for ground 41.

Two inputs for X 42 and Y 43 are connected directly to the head module 4 by two adjustment resistors 17, 18.

The outputs 45, 40, 47, 48 are connected directly to the computer 15. The drawing of the tracks and the standard connection of a potentiometer are given by way of reference successively in FIG. 4 'and 4 ".

Figure 5 illustrates the top of a tablet 1 organi
graph table showing the graph functions
ques 50 and utilities 51 "piloted" directly by
the writing instrument.

The tip of the writing instrument can be a dry point and can be applied to documents without writing. The device can then work directly on systems such as cathode ray tubes, plasma displays, images from films (in projection), documents to be stored.

This point can also be that of a ks-siner instrument, which makes it possible to follow a drawing, to cross a drawing which is visualized on screen as and when the drawing is carried out. Some parts can be "erased", modified before transferring them to the computer memory.

Other pressure switches can be connected to the system, for example to initialize a point, to put it in memory, to color closed surfaces.

The invention allows many developments outside of its preferred application which will be computer-aided design (drawing, architecture, electronics, design, etc.) and computer-aided manufacturing.
In particular on the commercial level, the invention makes it possible to directly make available to consumers, that is to say users, a tool allowing them to project, and to simulate all forms of combinations, of elements, in particular modular, within the framework of the architectural design of a housing or its interior decoration, in particular by the installation of sanitary elements or furnishings.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to produce a microinformatics unit making it possible to examine, create and view all the simulations that can be carried out using file elements, in particular in the furniture field, elements belonging for example to a collection.

It is a common phenomenon that the user, the private individual, who is offered a collection of elements, for example assemblable furniture elements for the decoration and interior design of an apartment is often overwhelmed and overwhelmed by the large number of combinations and the mind is quickly put off by the multiplicity of choices and the intellectual effort required, as does the time that must be devoted to this successive examination.

The invention thus makes it possible to produce a device of simple design, making it possible to immediately project the plane or the elevation inside which the assemblies must integrate and then also carry out ps projection, for example on a cathode screen, the different combinations which will be selected according to predetermined criteria and chosen after visualization by projection of the different types of combinations.

It appears that the user can thus very quickly represent himself and select until a final choice the different elements of a combination such as a furniture element.

It is indeed very easy, from the device of the invention, to call up a graphic representation symbolizing the frame inside which the assembled element will have to fit.

Beforehand, the device of the invention makes it possible to quickly store the coordinates, and consequently the corresponding images, of all the modular elements.

All this data corresponding to the characteristics of the modular elements can thus be quickly stored in the machine.

Then, at the time of use, the future customer can register and determine the imperative data (dimensions, dimensions, needs, situations etc ...) which will have to be respected, which then allows the computer to select the corresponding elements. with pre-established definitions which can be viewed in their different combinations; this allows the client to imagine the effect and aesthetics in a situation. that the atmosphere created by the proposed combination and these simulations allow it to orient its choice and guide it towards an appropriate selection.

Once the choice has been made from the projection of the different possibilities of combinations, the computer which has in memory the characteristics of the elements chosen, can then operate in conventional sound to carry out all the administrative work corresponding to the recorded order 9 notably the name and the customer's address, the specific quote, the reference dimensions, the unit prices of the elements, the total as well as the
VAT, delivery times, payment or credit conditions, etc.

So that the device of the invention allows small and medium-sized enterprises to dLspossr with a particularly attractive promotion tick, while considerably reducing the administrative and management work.

Claims (9)

REYENDICATIONS  1 - Device for acquiring angular coordinates  res defining the positioning of a point in a  writing surface 2, characterized in that an instrument  writing 7 mounted on a rotary and pivoting axis 5  around itself on 360 is positioned in a modu  the head 4 above the center of the writing surface  tion 2.  2- Device according to claim 1, characterized 'a ce  that we use as support a bracket at right angles 3  which is hollow- and allows sliding inside 1-9  link conductors  3- Dispositlf according to claim 1) characterized in c  that it compost a rotary and pivoting axis 5 directly connected to two measurement taking instruments 17,, 18 positioned at  90 relative to each other, allowing a reading of the coor  data X, Y, as the axis moves. 4- Devices according to one of claims 1 or 3, characterized in that two potentiometers 17, 18 are used which measure the angular value in tension. 5 - Device according to claim 4 characterized in that it comprises a device capable of determining the coordinates  successive one the plurality of points defining a path  for measuring values.  Successive variations of the movements in X, Y, by  example of photodiodes, optocouplers, electrical  or mechanical.  6 - Device according to claim 3 characterized in that  that it has a sliding device mounted directly  on the rotary axis 5 allowing the writing instrument to  stay in constant contact with the surface  tion 2. 7- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that  that a thin and rigid tube 8 sliding between the tank  ink 20 and the body of the writing instrument 21 per  puts, very simply, to provide the writing instrument  the necessary extensions for its permanent contact with  the writing area 2.  8 - Device according to claim'-6 characterized in that  that it includes a telescopic instrument allowing a  adaptation directly on the rotary and pivoting axis 5.  a - device according to claim 6 characterized in that  that it includes a fixing ring 31 secured to an arm  offset 32 directly connected to the rotary axis, without modification  tion of the device, allowing attachment of all kinds  of writing instruments 30: pen, felt-tip pen, drypoint  for example.  10 S Device according to one of claims 3, 4 or 5  characterized in that an incorporated electronic adjustment  directly in the head module allows to modify  resistance values directly to make the  system compatible with most computers by  simple switch.  it - Dispositi according to claim 10 characterized in that the device can be coupled to the adjustment setting with an interface card which converts the received signal into binary conversion understandable by all computers, whether analog / digital, angular / dynamic. 12 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises graphic and utility functions directly "read" on the graphics tablet by writing instrument allowing the user to create software independent of the keyboard of the computer to which it is connected