FR2570849A1 - Device for the detection, the acquisition and the transmission of X, Y coordinates defining the positioning of a point on a graphics screen and the automatic selection of specific functions. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the detection, the automatic acquisition and the transmission of the X, Y coordinates defining the positioning of the point or of a plurality of succeeding points defining a plot on a graphics screen 35 and the automatic selection of specific functions. The device is constituted by a coding matrix 31 which is very flat and equipped with individual contacts which transmit, in digital form and unambiguously, the information necessary for their processing to the computer 33 by simple pressure of the finger. Application to the production of a graphics tool for computer aided drawing.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the detection, automatic entry and transmission of coordinates X, r defining the positioning of a point or a plurality of points
Finishing a plot on a graphic screen and automatic selection of specific functions from the device.

The invention has numerous applications1 in particular in computer-aided design and manufacturing; the device of the invention allowing the realization of extremely simple gripping systems, easily manageable, will receive numerous ap
new applications both in terms of direct data entry and in the field of family microcomputing.

The invention aims firstly to allow the positioning and movement of a point on the display monitor connected to a computer without the use of a table, a graphic tablet or a so-called "joystick".

We know devices which make it possible to locate material: int the positioning of a point, for example on a drawing, by application of a dry or tracing point and the point thus identified materially is identified by its coordinates X and ï in the surface two-dimensional formed by the console, the drawing table 7 or the shelf.

Devices of this kind are known and use various methods.

In a mechanical process, the tip is mechanically followed in its movement by a set of levers and the movements of the lever positions are identified by electronic devices, converting the data transmitted by the levers into computer signals and corresponding to the successive positions. of location. These devices only benefit from a limited lifespan linked to the phenomenon of wear by friction and they have the disadvantage of a certain inertia in their handling.

Induction devices have also been used, not without difficulty due to the noise generated by scattering fields and other interference.

Other corollary system methods were used to obtain X and Y coordinates. All presented resolution and uniformity problems leading to incorrect information,
More recent methods consist of one-piece application tables internally equipped with matrix arrays of conductors
X and Y, the movement of a stylus on the table allowing its coordinates to be read. This method is crusty because it requires a whole fixed and cumbersome movable realization comprising numerous electronic devices necessary for the interpretation of the coordinates of the position of the stylus.

The use of sonic transducer coordinating devices requires the use of an acoustic transmission plate in contact with a vibrating stylus. Since the stylus must remain in direct contact with the acoustic transmission agent at all times (generally a glass plate), the operation of such a process is handicapped by the fact that a simple sheet of paper cannot be inserted . Furthermore, the need for tuned piezoelectric sensors, acoustically coupled by the glass plate, leads to a very complicated implementation.

There are also known optical devices which proceed pro
Connection of a matrix array of light beams respectively in vertical columns and horizontal rows, each beam being received at the opposite end of the table or console by an optoelectronic receiver, positioning of a locating tip on the console or the screen interrupting a vertical beam and a horizontal beam and thus making it possible to determine the positioning of said point; such devices are described for example in French patent application no. 80 26567.

It will be understood that the optical devices are only mutually useful in the context of locating and analyzing the coordinates of a reference point. and positioned relative to a cathode ray screen; the pro csdé would indeed be difficult to use for example in the context 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 not compatible with the work of the designer whose hand is resting on the console supporting the document being executed.

There are also known so-called "joystick" control devices, composed of a joystick whose movements cause variations in electrical quantities characteristic of the position thereof (patents 6008, 16886 and 41281).

Patents 2903663, 3984628, 2847661, 3541541, 3659284 also relate to devices intended to locate a point on a display screen by the operation of the central lever.

Patent 2544225 describes a pantograph for the reproduction of a drawing drawn manually by a transformation into electrical quantities of said drawing controlling the motors which actuate a tracer.

Patent 3436476 relates to a graphic recorder controlled by radio and capable of locating a point on a plane using two orientable arms associated with a common marker and each with a potentiometer. The devices using the calculation of the variations of electrical quantities of potentiometers are particularly imprecise and still empirical, whatever the precision of the potentiometers. The inevitable addition of electronic circuits makes them very expensive and inefficient devices.

These patents therefore describe mechanical devices intended for locating points and in which the "joystick" is either active in the sense that it is actuated manually and gives orders to a device receiving electrical pulses, or passive in the sense that 'it receives orders in the form of electrical quantities and from an external organ.

All these devices are necessarily mechanically limited, and can only control the directions North, South, East and West, and incidentally the intermediate directions North-East, North-Ouesi
South-East, South-West.

It is obvious that if the lever is pushed in the direction
North, it cannot, at the same time, be positioned in the South.

The use of these devices is therefore limited to 8 directions.

to the maximum.

Finally, all the systems described are bulky, relatively thick and the least expensive devices are only suitable for reading coordinates in a plane.

An interesting development of the invention which will be explained in this specification, taking into account its technological characteristics combining thinness, robustness for a very low cost, makes it possible to naturally introduce additional functions which will receive multiple, even original, applications.
thus the composition of a telephone number from a coding matrix pasted on a desk and memorize it, or even the switching on and off of several light points from a coding matrix pasted against a Wall.

To this end, the invention relates to a method for detecting, automatically entering and transmitting the X, Y coordinates defining the positioning of a point or of a plurality of successive points defining a plot on a display screen and of selecting specific execution functions from the device according to the invention; the device is characterized in that a coding matrix equipped with individual contacts transmits in digital form and without ambiguity the information necessary for their processing by computer.

Preferably within the framework of the above method the coding matrix consists of a single homogeneous network without any electronic component, which makes it so thin (0.6 to 1 mm.) And so light that it can be made in the dimensions of a credit card, and the device is characterized in that it comprises a matrix device capable of analyzing to transmit multiple functions - directional: North, South, East, West, North-East, North -Where is,
South-East, South-West.

- functionalities using channels which could not be developed
loped by a mechanical device of the "Joystick" type.

It is understood that the device of the invention is thus able, using very simple means - on the one hand to define and transmit directional signals
indspenJants of each other.

- on the other hand to transmit usable "orders" of function
in the most diverse fields.

Thus, and according to a first application, the device is provided for positioning itermination, that is to say the definition of the coordinates of a plurality of points in a plane materialized by a graphic screen and the device comprises a coding matrix connected to a calculator.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention is connected to the computer by a limited number of output conductors for digital formatting. Thus a device with 16 keys which should logically have 17 output wires, has only 6 of them.

According to a particular embodiment, the coding matrix is terminated by a flexible external tab which can be plugged into a male connector.

According to a variant of the device, the selectable functions can be graphic and call subroutines, for example drawing a point, a circle, an ellipse, filling a closed surface with color, erasing, etc.
Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible to select functions other than graphics in the most diverse fields and the orders sent thus make it possible to select files, position a cursor in precise places on the screen, create musical notes. , and more generally call all preprogrammed orders.

For this purpose, the coded functions can be coupled to a whole range of materials and machines used for numerous industrial applications, management machines, entertainment equipment, control of household appliances, aerospace, aviation.

The invention also relates to a touch-sensitive matrix coding device which is sensitive only to pressure. In its basic form, the coding acts as interconnection contacts deposited between two layers of plastic film / polycarbonate or polyester / which are printed with a conductive ink to form separate circuits. The films on which the circuits are deposited are separated by a third layer which acts as spacers
Any pressure exerted on a delimited surface varies the ohmic resistance existing between the two reinforcements themselves conductive contained in this surface. The variation of this resistance is very important since it goes from several megohms to a few tens of ohms only.

Preferably, and according to a more particular form of the invention, the contacts and the interconnections of the coding matrix are made with a conductive ink based on silver. But silver, gold, tin-lead or a combination thereof is also suitable.

According to a variant of the device of the invention, the coding matrix comprises silver contacts and interconnections deposited in a single circuit on a polyester sheet folded in two.

A spacer sheet with openings for contacting is inserted and sealed between the two halves of the circuit.

According to another device of the invention, a graphic faceplate can be attached to the upper face of the coding matrix by choosing a coating offering excellent resistance to all kinds of chemicals, including diluted acids, petroleum oils and alcohols (polyester, polycarbonate for example). This graphic front plate also allows you to obtain special graphic effects.

Preferably in the above framework the coding matrix comprises a rigid sealed rear panel, providing an encapsulated assembly, therefore protected against the environment.

Advantageously and according to the device of the invention, the coding matrix thus designed is manipulated by simple pressure of a finger requiring only an operating force of 60 to 240 grams for a stroke of 0.12 to 0.2 mm, the shock hit being precisely 50 grams at the point of impact along each axis. During the maneuver, the distance between the contacts of the membrane part decreases
Until the two silver contacts touch to close the circuit.

Advantageously also the coding matrix, due to its low energy dissipation and its switching at the logic level allows many industrial applications in particular microprocessor systems, telecommunications, automotive electronics, and is particularly suitable for the input of given to most logic families, including ECLs, all TTL variants, complementary MOS, MOS, etc.

According to a variant of the device of the invention, the contacts and the interconnections can even more simply consist of extremely thin particles, deposited by electrolysis on a polyester sheet.
Another aspect according to the device of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the contacts and interconnections previously mentioned, and this method consists in coating the circuit with a photosensitive resin; exposing the photosensitive resin to a light distribution which corresponds to a grid pattern chosen in advance; developing the photosensitive resin and removing the parts of the photosensitive resin that have not been exposed.

Advantageously, the coding matrices corresponding to the invention can make it possible to produce a passive surface, sensitive in certain places to a low pressure exerted by a finger, a pencil or a dry point, this surface revealing a display device through it. . These coding dies can be integrated with existing display devices.

According to a variant of the device of the invention more particularly capable of materializing the information collected, it can be displayed on a substrate placed below the coding matrix. We can then create a link between the contact details of the contact and the information displayed, which establishes a dialog communication between the operator and the equipment to which the coding matrix is connected.

Likewise, and according to another variant of the device of the invention, glow diodes can be mounted on the rear part.

Likewise, a coating and a circuit on the upper membrane can be combined with a rigid printed circuit board, which also makes it possible to incorporate light-emitting diodes.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows and which is given in relation to the embodiments presented by way of nonlimiting example.

FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of the various functions used within the framework of the device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an external presentation of the device according to the invention.

FIG. 3 represents an example of arrangement of the different layers making up a folding coding matrix, according to the method and the device of the invention.

Figure 4 shows by way of example a plan view of a drawing of the contacts and interconnections, foldable.

Figure 5 shows the detail of the layer which acts as a spacer between the folded faces of the above example.

By considering figure 1 we can analyze the principle
of the device as a system connected on the periphery of a computer.

In the case of FIG. 1, the coding matrix 31 connected by a wiring 32 to a computer 33 to the "joystick" socket 34 has been represented schematically, the computer 33 being connected itself to a display screen 35 of on the one hand, and in sector 36 on the other.

FIG. 2 shows by way of example the external presentation of the coding matrix which is in the form of a card (20) on which appear symbols which control tactile contacts. I1 therefore suffices to press with the finger, with a pencil or a dry point inside the surface delimiting one of these contacts to establish a transmission contact.

These contacts are of two different orders
- directional: 1 = north, 2 = south, 4 = east, 8 = west
: 5 = northeast, 9 = northwest,
6 = southwest, 10 = southwest.

- of function: 11 = point, 3 = line, 15 = line
14 = circle, 7 = box
12 = rubber, 13 = index
Directional orders 1, 2, 4, 8, 5, 9, 6, 10 are, as their name indicates, execution factors for orders moving a screen cursor, pixel by pixel on the display screen ( fig. 1, 35) of the computer (fig. 1, 33).

The function orders, also linked to the computer display screen are execution order factors which are presented here for graphic functions and which could just as well be order factors of all kinds: writing a text, music, control the switching off or lighting of lamps etc
The touch contact 16 corresponds to the push button, a function order factor which can be combined with both directional orders and function orders.

The arrival 16 is a mass arrival, essential to operate each of the contacts individually.

FIG. 3 represents an example of the arrangement of the different stages constituting the coding matrix (fig. 1, 31)
The essential floor, located at the heart of the complex, consists of a plastic, polycarbonate or polyester film 42 comprising contacts 43 connected by interconnections 44.
43 and interconnections 44 represent a printed circuit produced with a conductive ink preferably based on silver or gold. The circuit thus printed is then folded back on itself at the fold 46 to form two parts 709 71 overlapping.

Of course it is possible to replace the printed circuit by two independent circuits 70, 71 positioned face against face pox ensuring in the same way and according to the same principle the contacts 43 connected by the interconnections 44
Whatever choice is made, the circuit (s) are terminated by an output tab 47 comprising a limited number of conductors 48 for digital formatting. These conductors 48, printed on the flexible tongue 47 as an extension of the printed circuit, can be plugged into male connector 50 to be connected directly by the cable (fig. 1, 32) to the "Joystick" socket (fig. 1, 34 ) of the computer (fig. 1, 33).

A non-conductive polyester spacer sheet 60 with openings 61 for the contacts 43 is interposed between the superimposed parts 70, 71, and sealed between the two halves of the circuit 70, 71.

A graphic faceplate 62 for coating is sealed on the upper face of the printed circuit of the coding die 70 allowing visual identification of the contact surfaces.

A rigid rear panel 63 also sealed on the underside of the printed circuit of the coding matrix 71 brings rigidity to the assembly and above all encapsulates the assembly and protects it against the environment.

FIG. 4 shows by way of example a plan view of a polyester film 42 comprising the contacts 43, FIG. 2 and connections 44, fig. 2 intended for a graphic design matrix.

Contacts 1, 2, 4, 8 create displacements respectively
North, South, East, West
Contacts 5, 9, 6, 10 create displacements respectively
North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West
Contact 11 displays a point Contact 3 displays a line
15 execute a plot "14 execute a circle 7 7 draw a rectangle" 12 eraser
"13 displays an index
Contact 16 is a ground contact and can be combined with all other functions.

FIG. 5 shows by way of example a plan view of the spacer layer 60 made of non-conductive polyester with openings 61 for bringing into contact 43 which is inserted and sealed between the two halves of the circuit 70 and 71.

The invention allows many developments outside of its preferred application which will be computer-aided design (drawing, music, electronics, etc.).

In particular on the commercial level, the invention makes it possible to directly make available to users libraries of symbols allowing them to project, to simulate all forms of combinations of elements, in particular modular.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to produce a micro-computer unit making it possible to examine, move, enlarge, postpone and view the simulations that can be carried out using file elements.

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

The invention also makes it possible to develop peripheral computer instruments using the functions for other purposes, for example a calculator, an instrument for reporting and positioning accounting calculations or texts to be integrated into sets.

In the educational field, easily create
sins, store them, repeat them, color them, enlarge them,
modify, move them 9 should make the invention a device
appreciated by teachers and users,
children

Claims (10)

 DREAM. > DICATIONS 1 - Device for the detection, automatic capture and transmission of X, Y coordinates defining the positioning of a point or a plurality of successive points defining a plot on a graphic screen and the automatic selection of specific functions to starting from the device characterized in that a coding matrix 31 equipped with individual contacts 43 transmits in digital form and without ambiguity the information necessary for their processing on computer 33. 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the absence of electronic components makes the coding matrix 31 so thin and light that it can be made in the dimensions of a credit card and only one network homogeneous of contacts 41 and interconnections 42 is sufficient to transmit to a computer multiple functions of a kind either directional (1,2,4,5,6, S, 9,10) / or functional (3,7,11, 12, 13, 14,15) by simple pressure of a finger, a pencil or a dry point on the contacts independent of each other. 3 - Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the circuit of the coding matrix 31 is terminated by a flexible external tongue 47 using only a limited number of output conductors 48, directly pluggable on a male connector 50 for connection to the computer 33. 4 - Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the selectable functions (1 to 16) on the coding matrix 31 are directly transmitted to the computer 33, independently of each other, in digital form. 5 - Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that in its basic form the coding of the matrix 31 acts as contacts 43 of multiple interconnections 44 deposited between two layers of plastic film / polycarbonate or polyester / which are printed with conductive ink based on silver, gold, tin-lead or a combination thereof, to form separate circuits (70,71) test in that the films on which the circuits are deposited are separated by a non-conductive polyester spacer sheet 60 with openings for contacting, which acts as a spacer and which is sealed between the two circuits so that any pressure exerted on a delimited surface (1 to 16) makes vary the ohmic resistance existing between the two conductive armatures contained in this surface. 6 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the contact matrix 31 is composed of contacts 43 and interconnections 44 in silver deposited in a single circuit 42 on a polyester sheet folded in two 70, 71. 7 - Device according to claims 1, 5, 6, characterized in that one can seal on the one hand a printed faceplate as 62 on the upper face of the coding matrix 42, on the other hand a rear panel 63 also sealed , thereby providing an encapsulated package of environmental protection. 8 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the contacts 43 and the interconnections 44 may consist of extremely thin particles deposited by electrolysis on a polyester sheet. 9 -A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the contacts 43 and the interconnections 44 are coated with a photosensitive resin which, exposed to a light distribution corresponding to a grid pattern chosen in advance, then developed and cleaned of the parts of photosensitive resin which have not been exposed, makes it possible to produce a surface which is not sensitive, sensitive in certain places to a low pressure exerted by a finger, a pencil or a dry point, this surface allowing a display device to be seen. through her. 10 - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the coding matrix 31 can be integrated with existing display devices, or displayed on a substrate placed below it, which then makes it possible to create a connection between the co-ordinates a contact and the information displayed and thus establish a dialog communication between the operator and the equipment to which the coding matrix is connected; or alternatively dispose of glow diodes which can be mounted on the rear part or on a membrane circuit at the top, or else combined with a printed circuit board incorporating glow diodes.