JP2002091681A - Coordinate input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coordinate input device which can prevent misoperations caused since a projected picture is hidden by the shadow of a person having a stylus. SOLUTION: An ultrasonic wave coordinate input device is provided with a stylus having an ultrasonic wave transmission means, a plurality of ultrasonic wave reception means for receiving ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmission means and generating timing signals, and a position calculating unit for deciding the position of the stylus according to the timing signals. The stylus can take at least two or more shapes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coordinate input device for a computer system or an electronic blackboard having a handwriting input function, and more particularly to a method for detecting a designated position of a stylus using ultrasonic waves, and relates to a configuration and a shape of the stylus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a use form of a conventional coordinate input device.

Conventionally, as a coordinate input method in a computer system or an electronic blackboard having a handwriting input function, (1) an infrared method, (2) a pressure-sensitive method, (3) an electrostatic coupling method, (4) Electromagnetic method, (5) Ultrasonic method, and the like are known.

However, in the coordinate input methods (1) to (4) described above, when a large coordinate input device of the size of an electronic blackboard is constructed, expensive parts or large-sized constituent parts are required. In any case, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is high.

[0005] For this reason, today, the stylus is equipped with ultrasonic transmitting means, the ultrasonic receiving means is installed at a predetermined position in the input area of the stylus, and the ultrasonic propagation time during this time is measured, so that the stylus can be used. An ultrasonic coordinate input device that calculates two-dimensional or three-dimensional position coordinates has been realized. In this method, since the ultrasonic propagation time is measured in the air, a large-sized component is not required, and a large coordinate input device can be configured at low cost.

[0006] With this, if a marker is inserted into a stylus equipped with an ultrasonic transmitting means and used, it is possible to directly write on the whiteboard and trace the position of the stylus. Can be used for importing into a computer system in real time.

Further, if a computer screen is projected on a screen using a projector, a mouse function can be realized using a stylus. Therefore, the computer can be controlled by designating the projected screen, or the contents added by the stylus and the computer can be added. It is also possible to generate a composite image of the contents of the screen.

[0008]

However, in the stylus used in the ultrasonic coordinate input device, when controlling a computer or generating a composite image through a projection screen of a front projection type projector, the stylus is in the vicinity of the designated position of the stylus. Is invisible due to the shadow of the person who owns it, and thus incorrectly indicates an unintended position,
There was a problem that accurate operations such as clicking could not be performed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9A, when a character is rewritten using a stylus 6 having a length of about a marker, the angle α between the stylus 6 and the writing surface is 90 °.
Since it is used in the vicinity, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus 6 can be received by the receiving sensor 4 because it is indicated by a dotted arrow in the figure. However, as shown in FIG. When the stylus 6 is used as an indicator rod, the angle β between the stylus 6 and the writing surface is used in the vicinity of 0 °, so that the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus 6 cannot be received by the receiving sensor 4. . Therefore, when the stylus 6 is lengthened and used as an indicator rod, there is a problem that accurate coordinate detection cannot be performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stylus for an ultrasonic coordinate input device having excellent operability capable of performing a pointing operation accurately with solving the above-mentioned conventional problems.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a coordinate input device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a stylus having ultrasonic transmitting means, and a stylus having ultrasonic transmitting means. A plurality of ultrasonic wave receiving means for receiving a sound wave and generating a timing signal, and a position calculating unit for determining a position of the stylus based on the timing signal, wherein the stylus can have at least two or more shapes. It is characterized by. This has the effect that the length of the stylus can be changed according to the purpose of use and application.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coordinate input apparatus comprising: a stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting means; and a plurality of ultrasonic waves receiving an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means and generating a timing signal. There is provided a receiving means, and a position calculating unit for determining a position of the stylus based on the timing signal, wherein the stylus can change an angle between the ultrasonic wave transmitting means and a grip part held by a person. This has the effect that the stylus angle can be changed according to the purpose of use and application.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coordinate input device comprising: a stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting means; and a plurality of ultrasonic waves for receiving an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means and generating a timing signal. The apparatus includes a receiving unit and a position calculation unit that determines a position of the stylus based on the timing signal, and the stylus includes a member that reflects an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitting unit. Thereby, there is an effect that the sending direction of the ultrasonic wave sent from the stylus can be changed according to the purpose of use and use.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a coordinate input device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and a system configuration diagram using the same. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Of the stylus in the coordinate input device according to FIG. 5, FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a use form of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a coordinate input device 1 includes a stylus 6 having an ultrasonic wave transmitting element 7 for transmitting an ultrasonic wave, and a receiving sensor 4A for receiving an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus 6 and generating a timing signal. And 4B, and a position calculation unit 5 for determining the position of the stylus based on the timing signal.

FIG. 2 is a view showing that the stylus 6 is configured to be telescopically extendable and contractible. The stylus 6 includes an ultrasonic transmitting element 7, a marker 8, a first member 9, a first member 9, , A second member 11, and a second flange 12.

With the above configuration, when a character or figure is added to the whiteboard using the stylus 6, the first
By sliding the member 9 and inserting it into the second member 11, the stylus 6 can be shortened.

On the other hand, when the stylus 6 is used together with the computer 3 and the projector 2, the first member 9
To make the stylus 6 longer.

FIG. 3 is a view showing that the stylus 6 has a hinge-foldable structure including a hinge, and the stylus 6 includes an ultrasonic transmitting element 7, a marker 8, and a first member 1.
3, a hinge 15, and a second member 14.

With the above configuration, when a character or figure is added to the whiteboard using the stylus 6, the second
The member 14 can be rotated about the hinge 15 as shown by the arrow in the figure, so that the stylus 6 can be shortened as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the stylus 6 is used together with the computer 3 and the projector 2, the second member 1
4 can be rotated about the hinge 15 as shown by the arrow in the figure, so that the stylus 6 can be lengthened as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view showing that the stylus 6 can be connected to the extension member 17. The stylus 6 is composed of the ultrasonic wave transmitting element 7, the marker 8, the main body 16 and the extension member 17.

With the above configuration, when characters or graphics are added to the whiteboard using the stylus 6, the stylus 6 can be shortened by removing the extension member 17 from the main body 16.

On the other hand, when the stylus 6 is used together with the computer 3 and the projector 2, the extension member 17 is used.
Is connected to the main body 16, the stylus 6 can be lengthened.

The use form of the coordinate input device 1 including the stylus 6 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

When the coordinate input device 1 is used alone as shown in FIG. 5A, the marker 8 in the stylus 6 is used.
In addition, since the position of the stylus 6 can be traced by ultrasonic propagation time measurement at the same time as directly writing on the whiteboard, the contents written on the whiteboard can be used in real time in a computer system (not shown). . In that case, stylus 6
Is easier to use if it is shorter.

Next, if the coordinate input device 1 is used together with a computer (not shown) and the projector 2 as shown in FIG. 5B, the mouse function can be realized by using the stylus 6 by measuring the ultrasonic propagation time. It is possible to control the computer by giving an instruction to the projection screen with the stylus 6 or to generate a composite image of the contents edited by the stylus 6 and the screen contents of the computer. In that case, if the stylus 6 is lengthened, the projection screen can be instructed at a position that does not interrupt the projector projection screen.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the shape of the stylus 6 can be changed according to the purpose of use and application, so that when used in combination with a projector, the projected screen It is possible to provide an ultrasonic coordinate input device that can eliminate a phenomenon that a person himself / herself becomes invisible due to a shadow of the person and that an unintended position is pointed and clicked by mistake.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a stylus in a coordinate input device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a use form of the coordinate input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing that the stylus 6 can change the angle between the ultrasonic transmitting element 7 and the grip portion 18 held by a person. The stylus 6 includes the ultrasonic transmitting element 7, the marker 8, Hinge 19,
And a grip portion 18. A usage pattern of the coordinate input device 1 including the stylus 6 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the coordinate input device 1
When using alone, the position of the stylus 6 can be traced by measuring the ultrasonic propagation time at the same time as directly writing on the whiteboard with the marker 8 in the stylus 6. Can be used for importing to a computer system (not shown). In that case, stylus 6
7A, it is easier to use the positional relationship between the ultrasonic wave transmitting element 7 and the grip portion 18 if they are arranged on a straight line as shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the coordinate input device 1 is connected to a computer 3 (not shown) and a projector 2.
(Not shown), the mouse function can be realized by using the stylus 6 by measuring the ultrasonic propagation time, so that the computer can be controlled by instructing the stylus 6 on the projection screen, or rewriting by the stylus 6 For example, it is possible to generate a composite image of the contents thus obtained and the contents of the computer screen.

At this time, the stylus 6 rotates the grip 18 around the hinge 19 as shown in FIG. 7B to change the positional relationship between the ultrasonic wave transmitting element 7 and the grip 18.
Make an angle so that they do not line up on a straight line. Accordingly, even when the stylus 6 is used from the side of the projection screen that does not block the projector projection screen, that is, even when the angle between the grip portion 18 of the stylus 6 and the writing surface is used near 0 °, the ultrasonic wave of the stylus is used. Since the angle between the transmitting element 7 and the writing surface is close to 90 °, the transmitted ultrasonic waves can be received by the receiving sensors 4A and 4B.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the angle between the ultrasonic wave transmitting element 7 of the stylus 6 and the grip portion 18 held by a person can be changed, so that it can be used in combination with a projector. Even if the angle between the grip portion 18 of the stylus 6 and the writing surface is close to 0 °, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus can be received by the receiving sensor.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a stylus in a coordinate input device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the stylus of FIG. 2 described in Embodiment 1 except that the stylus 6 includes a reflecting member 20 that reflects a part of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting element 7. The description is omitted by giving the same numbers.

A mode of use of the stylus 6 having the above structure including the reflecting member 20 will be described. When adding a character or a figure to a whiteboard using the stylus 6, the stylus 6 can be shortened by sliding the first member 9 and inserting the first member 9 into the second member 11. When rewriting this character or figure, the angle between the stylus 6 and the writing surface is close to 90 °, so that the ultrasonic wave of the path indicated by the dotted arrow A among the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting element 7 is It is directly received by a receiving sensor (not shown).

On the other hand, when the stylus 6 is used together with the computer 3 (not shown) and the projector 2 (not shown), the stylus 6 can be elongated by sliding the first member 9. When the long stylus 6 is used, since the main purpose is to provide instructions and simple marking, the angle between the stylus 6 and the writing surface is close to 0 °. Among the sound waves, the ultrasonic wave in the path indicated by the dotted arrow A is not received by the receiving sensor (not shown). However, the ultrasonic wave reflected by the reflecting member 20 and traveling along the path indicated by the dotted arrow B can be received by a receiving sensor (not shown).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stylus 6 is shortened, and even when rewriting characters, the stylus 6 is lengthened when used in combination with a projector, and Also in the case of using the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus 6 can provide an ultrasonic coordinate input device that can be received by the receiving sensor.

[0039]

As described above, according to the coordinate input device according to the first, second, third, and fourth aspects of the present invention, the stylus having the ultrasonic transmitting means and the stylus transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means are provided. The ultrasonic coordinate input device including a plurality of ultrasonic receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic wave and generating a timing signal, and a position calculating unit for determining a position of the stylus based on the timing signal, wherein the stylus has at least two styluses. Since the above shapes can be used, when used in combination with a projector, using a longer stylus can prevent the projected screen from becoming invisible due to the shadow of the person who owns it. Therefore, an effect can be obtained that a comfortable operation can be performed because the instruction can be accurately made and clicked.

According to the coordinate input device of the fifth aspect,
A stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting unit, a plurality of ultrasonic receiving units that receive an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting unit and generate a timing signal, and a position calculation that determines a position of the stylus based on the timing signal In the ultrasonic coordinate input device provided with the unit, the stylus can change the angle between the ultrasonic transmission means and the grip part held by a person, so even when the stylus is straightened and a character is rewritten, Even when the stylus is used as a pointing stick at an angle when used in combination with a projector, an effect is obtained that an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus can be received by the receiving sensor, so that accurate coordinate detection can be performed.

According to the coordinate input device of the sixth aspect,
A stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting unit, a plurality of ultrasonic receiving units that receive an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting unit and generate a timing signal, and a position calculation that determines a position of the stylus based on the timing signal In the ultrasonic coordinate input device provided with the unit, since the stylus can reflect the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means, even when the stylus is shortened and the character is rewritten, it is combined with the projector. Even when the stylus is extended and used as an indicator rod, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the stylus can be received by the receiving sensor, so that an effect that accurate coordinate detection can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a coordinate input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a system configuration diagram using the same.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a stylus in the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a stylus in the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a stylus in the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a use form of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a stylus in a coordinate input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a use form of the coordinate input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a stylus in a coordinate input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a usage form of a conventional coordinate input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic coordinate input device 2 Projector 3 Computer 4A, 4B reception sensor 5 Coordinate calculation unit 6 Stylus 7 Ultrasonic transmission element 8 Marker 9 First member 10 First flange 11 Second member 12 Second flange 13th 1 member 14 hinge 15 second member 16 main body 17 extension member 18 grip portion 19 hinge

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting means, a plurality of ultrasonic receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means and generating a timing signal, and a stylus based on the timing signal. In an ultrasonic coordinate input device comprising a position calculation unit for determining a position,
The stylus may have at least two or more shapes. 2. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the stylus can be telescopically extended and contracted. 3. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the stylus includes a hinge and is foldable. 4. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the stylus is connectable to the extension member. 5. A stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting means, a plurality of ultrasonic receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means and generating a timing signal, and a stylus based on the timing signal. In an ultrasonic coordinate input device comprising a position calculation unit for determining a position,
The coordinate input device, wherein the stylus can change an angle between the ultrasonic wave transmitting means and a grip part held by a person. 6. A stylus having an ultrasonic transmitting means, a plurality of ultrasonic receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitting means and generating a timing signal, and a stylus based on the timing signal. In an ultrasonic coordinate input device comprising a position calculation unit for determining a position,
The stylus includes a member that reflects ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission unit.