JP2002268812A - Information input device, information input/output system, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect input information with high accuracy by eliminating a case in which a prescribed object just approaches without actually performing any indication when the prescribed object detects an indication position. SOLUTION: Only when a detected prescribed object stops at a fixed position in an information input area just for a predefined prescribed time (Y of S12 and N of S14), a position indicated by the prescribed object is outputted as input information (S17). Also, when the prescribed object is moved at a regulation speed even though the detected prescribed object does not stop at a fixed position in the information area as much as for the predefined prescribed time (N of S10 and N of S12), a position indicated by the prescribed object is outputted as input information (S20 and 21). Thus, cases in which the prescribed object just approaches without actually performing any indication can be eliminated at the time of detecting the indication position of the prescribed object, and therefore, input information can be detected with high accuracy without damaging plotting operability.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information input device, an information input / output system, a program, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, handwritten information written on a writing surface such as a whiteboard or a writing sheet by using a writing instrument is read by a dedicated scanner and output to recording paper by a dedicated printer. Blackboard devices are known. On the other hand, in recent years, an information input device has been arranged on a writing surface of an electronic blackboard to enable information written by hand on the writing surface to be input to a computer such as a personal computer in real time. An output system is also provided.

[0003] For example, a soft board manufactured by Microfield Graphics, Inc. (Microfield Graphics, Inc.) is configured by arranging an information input device on a whiteboard, and characters and pictures written on the whiteboard are used. It is a device that enables real-time visual data to be imported into a computer. In an information input / output system configured using this software board, visual data captured by the software board is input to a computer, and a CR is input.
It can be displayed on a T (Cathode Ray Tube), displayed on a large screen using a liquid crystal projector, output to recording paper by a printer, and the like. Also,
It is also possible to project the screen of the computer to which the software board is connected on the software board with a liquid crystal projector and operate the computer on the software board.

In recent years, a display device for displaying characters and images, an information input device in which an information input surface (touch panel surface) is provided on the front surface of the display device, and a display device based on an input from the information input device are described. And a control device for controlling the display of the display device by using the display device and the information input device.

[0005] For example, a Smart 2000 manufactured by SMART Technologies Inc. uses a liquid crystal projector connected to a computer to project characters, pictures, figures, and graphics onto the panel. The information input device (writing surface) disposed on the front side of the projection surface (display surface) of FIG. Then, the handwritten information and the image information are combined in the computer, and can be displayed again in real time via the liquid crystal projector.

In such an information input / output system, an image input using the information input device can be displayed as an overwrite image on an image on the screen displayed by the display device. It is already widely used in educational sites and the like, and its use effect is highly evaluated. The information input / output system is also used as an electronic conferencing system by incorporating a communication function for voice / image and the like and connecting remote locations with a communication line.

[0007]

However, the information input / output system as described above is positioned as a powerful tool for inputting and displaying information with the spread of personal computers and the like. There are many issues that are not perfect, but must be solved for full-scale commercialization.

FIG. 24 shows a state in which the information input area 105 of the information input device 100 is pointed by the finger A, and shows a plasma display panel (PDP) 201 having a flat display surface 202.
1 is provided with an information input device 100. As shown in FIG. 24, since the laser beam light B forming the information input area 105 is scanned at a fixed interval from the display surface (detection surface) 202 of the PDP 201, the finger as the pointing means (predetermined object) When the user designates one point on the display surface 202 with A, the laser beam light B is blocked before the finger A touches the display surface 202. However, as shown in FIG. 24, when a point on the display surface 202 is pointed by the finger A from a direction other than the direction orthogonal to the laser beam light B,
Indeed in the touched points p ₁ and point is detected by the information input apparatus 100 p ₂ Prefecture, so that parallax occurs. That is, by such a parallax may occur, for example, the operator buttons being displayed at the position of the point p ₁ also intends that operating the (object) displayed on the position of the point p ₂ button (object) is operated and A defect that judgment is made occurs.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate a case where a predetermined object is not actually pointed but merely approached when detecting a pointing position of a predetermined object, and to detect input information with high accuracy. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information input device, an information input / output system, a program, and a storage medium that can perform the information input device.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In an information input device that detects a predetermined object pointing to a two-dimensional information input area and outputs the input information, the detected predetermined object stops at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time that is predetermined. Object detection determining means for determining whether or not the detected predetermined object has stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a specified time, the position indicated by the predetermined object is input information. And a first information output means for outputting as a first information.

Therefore, only when the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, the position designated by the predetermined object is output as input information. This makes it possible to eliminate the case where the predetermined object has not actually pointed and just approached when detecting the pointing position of the predetermined object, so that the input information can be detected with high accuracy. become.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to the first aspect, when it is not determined that the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area, the detection is performed. Moving speed determining means for determining whether the predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed, and a position indicated by the predetermined object when the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed. And second information output means for outputting as input information.

Therefore, even if the detected predetermined object is not stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, if the predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed, the predetermined object is not moved. The designated position is output as input information. As a result, it is not necessary to stop the predetermined object at a fixed position for a predetermined time during drawing, so that it is possible to detect input information with high accuracy without impairing the drawing operability.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first or second aspect.
The information input device according to claim 1, further comprising a specified speed setting unit that sets, as the specified speed, a drawing speed at which an operator actually draws the inside of the information input area with the predetermined object.

[0015] Therefore, by setting the drawing speed for each operator as the specified speed, it is determined that the drawing is not being performed even though the drawing is being performed when the drawing speed that varies depending on the person is set to the fixed speed. It is possible to eliminate the determined defect.

The invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the information input device according to any one of the above, the click time from the start of detection of the predetermined object to become undetected when the operator actually indicates a predetermined position in the information input area by the predetermined object, A specified time setting means for setting the specified time is provided.

Therefore, by setting the click time based on the actual click operation for each operator as the specified time, it is possible to set the stop time for the click determination to an optimum time.

The invention described in claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 4
In the information input device according to any one of the above, the information input region is formed by shaping light emitted from a light source into a thin film and projecting the light.

Therefore, a two-dimensional information input area for accepting the insertion of an object can be reliably formed, and an information input device that realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling can be provided.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the information input device according to any one of the above, the information input area is formed by sequentially scanning and projecting light beams emitted from a light source.

Therefore, a two-dimensional information input area for accepting the insertion of an object can be reliably formed, and an information input device that realizes neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling can be provided.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the information input device according to any one of the above, the information input area is an imaging range of an imaging unit.

Therefore, a two-dimensional information input area for accepting the insertion of an object is reliably formed, and it is possible to provide an information input apparatus that realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling.

[0024] The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the information input device according to any one of the above, the information input region is formed by arranging an optical path of a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit provided opposite to the light receiving unit in a matrix.

Therefore, a two-dimensional information input area for accepting the insertion of an object is reliably formed, and it is possible to provide an information input device that realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and a high drawing feeling.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information input / output system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the information input area is arranged on a display device and on a display surface of the display device. An information input device; and a control device that controls display of the display device based on an input from the information input device.

Therefore, an information input / output system which does not have a physical surface such as a coordinate input surface (touch panel surface) and has excellent visibility even when it is mounted on the display surface of a display device is inexpensive. It can be provided by.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information input / output system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the writing board for accepting handwriting is provided, and the information input area is arranged on a writing surface of the writing board so as to match the information input area. An information input device according to one aspect, and a control device that controls information written on the writing board based on an input from the information input device.

Therefore, an information input / output system which does not have a physical surface such as a coordinate input surface (touch panel surface) and has excellent visibility even when used while being mounted on the display surface of a display device is inexpensive. It can be provided by.

The invention according to claim 11 is a program for causing a computer to execute an operation control for detecting a predetermined object pointing to a two-dimensional information input area provided in the information input device and outputting the detected object as input information. An object detection determining function of determining whether the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, and A first information output function of outputting, as input information, the position pointed to by the predetermined object when it is determined that the information input area has stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a specified time.

Therefore, only when the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, the position designated by the predetermined object is output as input information. This makes it possible to eliminate the case where the predetermined object has not actually pointed and just approached when detecting the pointing position of the predetermined object, so that the input information can be detected with high accuracy. become.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the eleventh aspect, if it is not determined that the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area, the detected A moving speed determination function for determining whether or not the predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed; and inputting a position indicated by the predetermined object when the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed. And a second information output function of outputting as information.

Therefore, even if the detected predetermined object is not stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, if the predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed, the predetermined object is not moved. The designated position is output as input information. As a result, it is not necessary to stop the predetermined object at a fixed position for a predetermined time during drawing, so that it is possible to detect input information with high accuracy without impairing the drawing operability.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the program according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein a predetermined speed at which an operator actually draws the information input area with the predetermined object is set as the specified speed. The functions are realized by the computer.

Therefore, by setting the drawing speed for each operator as the specified speed, it is determined that the drawing is not being performed even though the drawing is being performed when the drawing speed that varies depending on the person is fixed. It is possible to eliminate the determined defect.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the program according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the predetermined object in a case where an operator actually designates a predetermined position in the information input area by the predetermined object. The computer realizes a specified time setting function of setting a click time from the start of detection to the undetected state as the specified time.

Therefore, by setting the click time based on the actual click operation of each operator as the specified time, it is possible to set the stop time for the click determination to an optimum time.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer readable storage medium stores the program according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects.

Thus, by installing this storage medium in a computer, the present invention provides a storage medium storing the storage medium.
The same operation as the program according to any one of the above items can be obtained.

[0040]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is an example in which a so-called electronic blackboard system equipped with a large display device is applied as an information input / output system.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing the information input / output system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, an information input / output system 1 includes a panel unit 4 including a plasma display panel (PDP: Plasma Display Panel) 2 as a display device and an information input device 3, a personal computer as a control device, and the like. , A computer 5, a scanner 6 for reading an image of a document, a printer 7 for outputting image data to recording paper, and a device housing 9 for housing a video player 8 (all shown in FIG. 2). .

The PDP 2 and the information input device 3 are connected to the PDP 2
The information input device 3 is integrated such that the information input device 3 is positioned on the display surface 2a side of the PDP 2, and is housed in the panel unit 4 such that the information input region 3a of the information input device 3 is positioned on the display surface 2a of the PDP 2. As described above, the panel unit 4 houses the PDP 2 and the information input device 3 and configures the display surface (the display surface 2a of the PDP 2) and the writing surface (the information input area 3a) of the information input / output system 1. As the PDP 2, a large screen type such as 40 inches or 50 inches that can be used as an electronic blackboard is used. Although not shown, the PDP 2 is provided with a video input terminal and a speaker, and is connected to various information devices and AV devices, such as a video player 8, a laser disk player, a DVD player, and a video camera. However, the configuration is such that the PDP 2 can be used as a large screen monitor.

Next, the electrical connection of each part built in the information input / output system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the information input / output system 1, a PDP 2, a scanner 6, a printer 7, and a video player 8 are respectively connected to a computer 5, and the computer 5 controls the entire system. Further, the computer 5 is connected to a controller 10 for the information input device 3 for calculating the position coordinates in the information input area 3a pointed by a predetermined object such as a fingertip or a pointing means such as a pen. The information input device 3 is also connected to the computer 5 via the controller 10. Computer 5
The information input / output system 1 can be connected to the network 11 via the PC 11. Data created by another computer connected to the network 11 can be displayed on the PDP 2, and data created by the information input / output system 1 can be It is also possible to transfer to a computer.

Next, the computer 5 will be described.
Here, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the computer 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 5 includes a CPU (Cent) for controlling the entire system.
ral Processing Unit) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 storing a startup program and the like, and a CPU 12
(Random Acces) used as a work area for
s Memory) 14, a keyboard 15 for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc., a mouse 16 for moving a cursor, selecting a range, and the like, and a hard disk 17,
A graphics board 18 connected to the PDP 2 and controlling the display of images on the PDP 2; a network card (or a modem) 19 for connecting to the network 11; a controller 10; a scanner 6; (I / F) 20 for connecting the above and the like, and a bus 2 for connecting the above-described units.
1 is provided.

The hard disk 17 has an operating system (OS) 22,
A device driver 23 for operating the information input device 3 on the computer 5 via the controller 10 and various application programs 24 such as drawing software, word processor software, spreadsheet software, presentation software, and calibration software are stored. I have.

The computer 5 has a storage medium 26 storing various program codes (control programs) such as an OS 22, a device driver 23, and various application programs 24, that is, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk ( CD-R
OM, CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD-ROM, DV
D-RAM, etc., a magneto-optical disk (MO), a floppy disk drive device which is a device for reading a program code stored in a memory card, etc., a CD-R
A program reading device 25 such as an OM drive device or an MO drive device is mounted.

The various application programs 24
OS2 that starts up when the power to the computer 5 is turned on
2 is executed by the CPU 12. For example, when the drawing software is activated by a predetermined operation of the keyboard 15 or the mouse 16, a predetermined image based on the drawing software is displayed on the PDP 2 via the graphics board 18. In addition, the device driver 23 is also an OS
It is activated together with 22 and is in a state where data can be input from the information input device 3 via the controller 10. When the user draws a character or graphic in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3 with the instruction means while the drawing software is activated, the coordinate information is input to the computer 5 as image data based on the description of the instruction means. For example, the image is superimposed on the image on the screen displayed on the PDP 2 as an overwrite image. More specifically, the CP of the computer 5
U12 generates drawing information for drawing lines and characters based on the input image data, and adjusts the graphics board 1 according to the position coordinates based on the input coordinate information.
8 is written to a video memory (not shown). Thereafter, the graphics board 18 uses the drawing information written in the video memory as an image signal as the PDP 2
, The same character as the character written by the user is displayed on the PDP 2. That is, since the computer 5 recognizes the information input device 3 as a pointing device such as the mouse 16, the computer 5 performs the same processing as when writing characters using the mouse 16 on drawing software. become.

Next, the information input device 3 will be described in detail. As the information input device 3 applicable to the information input / output system 1 of the present embodiment, various types having different detection methods can be considered. Therefore, in the following, several examples of information input devices having different detection methods will be given as the information input device 3, and the configuration and principle thereof will be described.

A. First Information Input Device First, FIG. 4 to FIG.
It will be described based on. This first information input device 3A includes:
This is a so-called retro-light blocking type information input device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing the configuration of the first information input device 3A. As shown in FIG.
The information input device 3A includes a horizontally long rectangular information input area 3a having a size corresponding to the size of the display surface 2a of the PDP 2. The information input area 3a is an area where characters, figures, and the like can be input by handwriting. Optical units 27 (a left optical unit 27L and a right optical unit 27R) for emitting and receiving light are provided at predetermined mounting angles near corners located at both lower ends of the information input area 3a. These optical units 27 form a plane or almost a plane, for example, L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ,
, L _n (R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ ,..., R _n ), a fan-shaped, thin-film luminous flux film composed of a bundle of light (probe light) is formed in the information input area 3a. Light is projected in parallel along the surface of the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 so as to cover the entire area.

The information input area 3a of the information input device 3
A retroreflective member 28 is provided in a peripheral part except for a lower part of. The retroreflective member 28 is formed by arranging a large number of conical corner cubes, for example, and has a characteristic of reflecting incident light toward a predetermined position regardless of the incident angle. For example, the probe light L _3, which is projected from the left optical unit 27L is reflected by the retroreflection member 28 and will be received by the left optical unit 27L as retroreflected light L _{3 'following} the same optical path again. That is, the information input area 3a is also formed by the retroreflective member 28.

Next, the optical unit 27 will be described. Here, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the structure of the optical unit 27. FIG. 5 mainly shows the xz direction, but the portion indicated by the two-dot chain line is a view of the same component viewed from another direction (xy direction or yz direction). .

As shown in FIG. 5, the optical unit 27
It comprises a light projecting means 29 and a light receiving means 30. The light projecting means 29 is provided with an LD (La
serDiode: semiconductor laser, pinpoint LED (Ligh
A light source 31 such as a t Emitting Diode (light emitting diode) is provided. Light emitted from the light source 31 perpendicularly to the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 is collimated in the x direction by a cylindrical lens 32 capable of changing only the magnification in one direction. The light collimated in the x direction by the cylindrical lens 32 is converted into two cylindrical lenses 3 whose curvature distribution is orthogonal to the cylindrical lens 32.
The light is condensed in the y direction by 3, 34. That is, by the operation of these cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lenses 32, 33, and 34), a region where light from the light source 31 is linearly collected is formed behind the cylindrical lens 34. Here, a slit plate 35 having a slit narrow in the y direction and elongated in the x direction is arranged.
Therefore, the light that has passed through the cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lenses 32, 33, and 34) forms a linear secondary light source 36 at the slit position of the slit plate 35. The light emitted from the secondary light source 36 is
7, a parallel light along the surface of the display surface 2a without spreading in the vertical direction of the display surface 2a of the PDP 2, and a fan-shaped light beam centered on the secondary light source 36 in the direction parallel to the display surface 2a. It travels through the information input area 3a as a film. In other words, the fan-shaped light forms the information input area 3a. These cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lens 3
2, 33, 34) and the slit plate 35 form a condensing optical system.

As described above, the luminous flux film that has formed a fan shape and has traveled through the information input area 3a is recursively reflected by the retroreflective member 28, and follows the same optical path again to return to the half mirror 3.
It will return to 7. Therefore, the retroreflective member 28
The light flux film recursively reflected at the step also forms the information input area 3a.

The retroreflected light reflected by the retroreflective member 28 and returned to the half mirror 37 passes through the half mirror 37 and enters the light receiving means 30. The retroreflected light incident on the light receiving means 30 is linearized through a cylindrical lens 38 which is a condenser lens, and is provided at a distance f (f is the focal length of the cylindrical lens 38) from the cylindrical lens 38. CCD (Charge Coupled)
Device (light receiving element) 39 receives light at different positions for each probe light. The CCD of the present embodiment
The (light receiving element) 39 is a one-dimensional CCD, and its number of pixels is 2,048 pixels.

More specifically, the retroreflected light reflected by the retroreflective member 28 is reflected by the cylindrical lens 3 in the z-axis direction.
8, the light reaches the CCD (light receiving element) 39 while being collimated. The retroreflected light is PDP2
In the direction parallel to the display surface 2a, the cylindrical lens 3
The light propagates so as to be condensed at the center of 8, and consequently forms an image on a CCD (light receiving element) 39 provided on the focal plane of the cylindrical lens 38 under the action of the cylindrical lens 38. As a result, a light intensity distribution is formed on the CCD (light receiving element) 39 in accordance with the presence or absence of retroreflected light. That is, when the retroreflected light is blocked by the indicating means P, the CCD
At a position on the (light receiving element) 39 corresponding to the shielded retroreflected light, a point having a weak light intensity (a peak point described later) is generated. CCD (light receiving element) 39 that has received retroreflected light
Generates an electric signal based on the light intensity distribution of the retroreflected light (probe light), and outputs the electric signal to the controller 10 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the secondary light source 36 and the cylindrical lens 38 are both disposed at a position of a distance d with respect to the half mirror 37 and have a conjugate positional relationship.

Here, FIG. 6 shows a process in which an electric signal based on the light intensity distribution of the retroreflected light is input from the light receiving element 39 and the coordinates of the position where the light traveling in the information input area 3a is blocked are specified. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller 10 that performs the operation. The controller 10 controls the light emission of the light source (LD) 31 of the optical unit 27 (the left optical unit 27L, the right optical unit 27R) and the CC of the optical unit 27 (the left optical unit 27L, the right optical unit 27R).
The calculation of the output from the D (light receiving element) 39 is performed. As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 10 is provided with a CPU 40 for centrally controlling each unit.
The PU 40 has a ROM for storing programs and data.
41, a RAM 42 functioning as a work area by storing various data in a rewritable manner, an interface 43 for connecting to a computer 5, an A / D (Analog / Digita
l) The converter 44 and the LD driver 45 are bus-connected. The CPU 40 has a hard disk 46 for storing various program codes (control programs).
And EEPROM (Electrically
An Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (47) is connected to the bus. Here, a microcomputer is configured by the CPU 40, the ROM 41, and the RAM 42. In such a microcomputer, a storage medium 49 storing various program codes (control programs), that is, a floppy disk, a hard disk, and an optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-R /
W, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, etc.), a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, an MO drive, etc., which is a device for reading a program code stored in a magneto-optical disk (MO), a memory card or the like. A program reader 48 is connected.

As a circuit for calculating the output from the CCD (light receiving element) 39, an analog processing circuit 51 is connected to the output terminal of the CCD (light receiving element) 39 as shown in the figure. C
The reflected light that has entered the CD (light receiving element) 39 is converted into analog image data having a voltage value corresponding to the light intensity in the CCD (light receiving element) 39 and output as an analog signal. This analog signal is processed by an analog processing circuit 51 and then converted by an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter 4.
The signal is converted into a digital signal by 4 and passed to the CPU 40. After that, the CPU 40 calculates the two-dimensional coordinates of the pointing means P.

Various program codes (control programs) stored in the hard disk 46 or the storage medium 49
The various program codes (control programs) stored in the controller 10 are stored in the RA according to the power supply to the controller 10.
M42 is written to execute various program codes (control programs).

Subsequently, based on the control program, the CPU
The functions performed by the function 40 will be described. Here, the coordinate detection processing, which is a characteristic function of the information input device 3 of the present embodiment, will be specifically described below.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3 is pointed by the pointing means P. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ,... Irradiated from the left optical unit 27L.
-, if n th probe light L _n in the fan-shaped light composed of the probe light such L _n is blocked by the pointing means P, it is the probe light L _n reaching the retroreflection member 28 There is no.

At this time, the light intensity distribution on the CCD (light receiving element) 39 is considered. Here, FIG. 8 shows a CCD (light receiving element) 3
9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a detection operation of No. 9; FIG. Indicating means P
Is not inserted in the information input area 3a, the CCD
(Light receiving element) Although the light intensity distribution on 39 is almost constant,
If inserted in the instruction unit P information input area 3a as shown in FIG. 8 is the probe light L _n is blocked by the instruction means P, the probe light L _n is the optical unit 27 CCD
(Light receiving element) 39
CCD optical unit 27 corresponding to the probe light _{L n}
A predetermined position _Xn on (light receiving element) 39 is an area (dark point) where the light intensity is weak. The position _Xn, which is a region (dark point) where the light intensity is weak, appears as a peak point in the waveform of the light intensity output from the CCD (light receiving element) 39. The appearance of a peak point in the waveform is recognized by a change in voltage, and the position _Xn of the dark point that is the peak point of the light intensity waveform is detected.

[0063] When the dark point becomes peak point of the light intensity waveform position X _n is detected, CCD from the dark point position X _n
(Light receiving element) The distance to the center pixel of 39 is, for example, CC
D (light receiving element) 39 is detected based on the pixel number (for example, pixel number m in FIG. 8).

A position X _n which is a region (dark point) where the light intensity is weak
(X _n L on the CCD (light receiving element) 39 of the left optical unit 27L and X _n R on the CCD (light receiving element) 39 of the right optical unit 27R) indicate the emission / incident angle θ _n of the blocked probe light. Yes, θ _n can be known by detecting X _n . That is, from the dark point position _Xn to C
CD and the distance to the center pixel of the (light receiving element) 39 and a, theta _n as a function of ^{_{a, θ n = tan -1 (}} a / f) .................................... (1 ) It can be expressed as. Here, f is the focal length of the cylindrical lens 38. Here, the left optical unit 2
Replace θ _n in 7L with θ _n L and a with X _n L.

Further, in FIG. 7, the pointing means P and the left optical unit 2 are determined by the conversion coefficient g of the geometric relative positional relationship between the left optical unit 27L and the information input area 3a.
The angle θL formed with 7L is a function of X _n L obtained by equation (1), and θL = g (θ _n L)... ...... (2) where θ _n L = Tan ⁻¹ (X _n L / f).

Similarly, for the right optical unit 27R, the symbol L in the above equations (1) and (2) is replaced by the symbol R, and the geometric relative position between the right optical unit 27R and the information input area 3a. by the conversion coefficient h _{relationship, θR = h (θ n R} ) .................................... (3) However, be represented as ^{_{θ n R = tan -1 (X}} n R / f) it can.

Here, the CCD of the left optical unit 27L
(Light receiving element) Center position of 39 and right optical unit 27R
Assuming that the distance from the center position of the CCD (light receiving element) 39 is w shown in FIG. 7, the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) of the point indicated by the indicating means P in the information input area 3a are calculated according to the principle of triangulation. X = w · tanθR / (tanθL + tanθR) (4) y = w · tanθL · tanθR / (tanθL + tanθR) (5)

These (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5)
The formula is stored in the hard disk 4 as a part of the control program.
6 and the storage medium 49. (1) (2)
The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means P are calculated as a function of X _n L, X _n R according to the equations (3), (4), and (5). That is, by detecting the position of the dark spot on the CCD (light receiving element) 39 of the left optical unit 27L and the position of the dark point on the CCD (light receiving element) 39 of the right optical unit 27R, the position coordinates of the pointing means P are detected. (X, y) will be calculated.

The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means P calculated as described above are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

According to the information input device 3A, in the information input area 3a, the difference, the completely transparent,
It is possible to realize a high drawing feeling.

B. Second Information Input Device Next, the second information input device 3B is shown in FIGS.
1 will be described. Note that the first information input device 3A
The same reference numerals are used for the same portions as those described in
Description is also omitted.

The second information input device 3B is a so-called retroreflective reflection type information input device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the indicating means 61 used in the information input device 3B. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3B is indicated by the instruction means 61. As shown in FIG. 9, a retroreflective member 62 is provided near the tip of the pointing means 61 used to point to a point in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3B. The retroreflective member 62 is formed, for example, by arranging a large number of conical corner cubes, and has a characteristic of reflecting incident light toward a predetermined position regardless of the incident angle. For example, the probe light L _n that is projected from the left optical unit 27L, as shown in FIG. 10, is reflected by the retroreflection member 62, the left optical unit 27L as retroreflected light L _{n 'again} follows the same optical path The light will be received. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, in the information input device 3B, it is not necessary to provide the retroreflective member 28 in the information input area 3a unlike the information input device 3A described above. The indicating means 61 has a pen-like shape, and is preferably made of a material such as rubber or plastic rather than a glossy metal.

Therefore, the vicinity of the distal end of the pointing means 61 provided with the retroreflective member 62 is located in the information input device 3B.
At an appropriate position (x, y) in the information input area 3a of
For example if the probe light L _n in the fan-shaped light Tabamaku which is projected from the left optical unit 27L is reflected by the retroreflection member 62 of the instruction means 61, the retroreflected light L
_n 'is a CCD (light receiving element) 3 of the left optical unit 27L.
9 is received. Thus CCD (light receiving element) 39 is retroreflected light L _{n 'when} receiving the retro-reflected light L _n' strong place Dn on CCD (light receiving element) 39 which corresponds to the light intensity Area (bright point). That is, as shown in FIG. 11, on the CCD (light receiving element) 39, a region where the light intensity is high occurs at the position of the position Dn,
(Light receiving element) A peak appears in the shape of the intensity distribution of the light from 39. The position Dn where this peak appears corresponds to the emission / incident angle θn of the reflected probe light, and Dn
Is detected, it is possible to know θn. In other words, in the case of such an information input device 3B of the retroreflective method, as in the case of the information input device 3A of the retroreflective method described above, the pointing means is formed by a triangulation method based on a peak appearing in a waveform of light intensity. The position coordinates (x, y) of 61 are calculated.

The position coordinates (x, y) of the indicating means 61 calculated in this way are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

According to the information input device 3B, in the information input area 3a, the difference, the completely transparent,
It is possible to realize a high drawing feeling.

C. Third Information Input Device Next, a third information input device 3C will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the first information input device 3
The same parts as those described in A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The third information input device 3C is a modified example of the optical unit in the first information input device 3A.
In detail, in the optical unit 27 used in the first information input device 3A, an information input area is formed by projecting a fan-shaped luminous flux film. In the information input device 3C, a rotation scan of a polygon mirror or the like is performed. And an optical unit 70 that radially emits a light beam emitted from a light source by the rotary scanning system to form an information input area.

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the optical unit 70. As shown in FIG. 12, the optical unit 70 includes a drive circuit (not shown), a laser diode (semiconductor laser) 71 that is a light source that emits laser light, a half mirror 72, a polygon mirror 73, and a light source. A light projecting unit 70 a including an optical lens 74 and a light receiving element 75 are provided. The light receiving element 75 is configured by a PD (Photo Diode) provided at a distance f (f is the focal length of the condenser lens 74) from the condenser lens 74. In such an optical unit 70, the laser light emitted from the LD 71 is turned back by the half mirror 72, and then sequentially reflected radially by the polygon mirror 73 rotated and driven at a predetermined angular velocity ωt by a pulse motor (not shown). Therefore, the optical unit 70 repeatedly emits the light beam radially. That is, the information input area 3a is formed by the light beams radially projected from the two optical units 70. On the other hand, the light beam reflected and incident on the optical unit 70 is reflected by the polygon mirror 73 and reaches the half mirror 72. The reflected beam light that has reached the half mirror 72 passes through the half mirror 72 and reaches the light receiving element 75, where it is converted into an electric signal.

Next, such an optical unit 70 will be described first.
An information input device 3C applied in place of the optical unit 27 used in the information input device 3A will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, when the light beam in which the indicating means P is inserted at a certain position in the information input area 3a is blocked, the light beam is not reflected by the retroreflective member 28. Therefore, the light does not reach the light receiving element 75. As described above, when the pointing means P is inserted at a certain position in the information input area 3a and the light beam is blocked, a dip appears in the shape of the intensity distribution of the light from the light receiving element 75.

The electrical connection and the like of each part is well known in the art, so detailed description is omitted. However, as shown in FIG. 14, when the indicating means P is not inserted into the information input area 3a, the light Although the intensity indicates “I = I ₁ ”, if the indicator P is inserted into the information input area 3a and the returning light does not return to the light receiving element 75, the light intensity indicates “I = I ₀ ”. . Thus, the portion where the light intensity is “I = I ₀ ”
It is a dip. In FIG. 14, time t = t ₀ is a reference position for the rotation of the polygon mirror 73, and is a point in time when the light beam to be rotationally scanned reaches a predetermined angle.

[0082] Therefore, if the time the light intensity becomes _"I = I 0" t to be t _1, the emission angle of the light beam which is blocked by the instruction means P inserted into the information input area 3a theta is , Θ = ω (t ₁ −t ₀ ) = ω △ t. That is, in the optical units 70 (70L, 70R) provided on the left and right sides, the emission angles θ (θnL, θnR) of the light beams shielded by the instruction means P inserted into the information input area 3a are calculated, and the emission angles thereof are calculated. Position coordinates (x, y) at which the indicating means P is inserted by a triangulation method based on the angle θ (θnL, θnR)
Is calculated.

The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means P calculated in this way are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

According to the information input device 3C, in the information input area 3a, the difference, the completely transparent,
It is possible to realize a high drawing feeling.

D. Fourth information input device Next, a fourth information input device 3D will be described with reference to FIGS. The second information input device 3
The same reference numerals are used for the same portions as those described in B and the third information input device 3C, and the description is omitted.

The fourth information input device 3D is a modified example of the optical unit in the second information input device 3B.
In detail, in the optical unit 27 used in the second information input device 3B, an information input area is formed by projecting a fan-shaped light flux film, but in the fourth information input device 3D,
An optical unit 70 having a rotary scanning system such as a polygon mirror and forming an information input area by radially projecting a light beam emitted from a light source by the rotary scanning system is used. Note that the description of the optical unit 70 has been described for the third information input device 3C, and will not be repeated here.

An information input device 3D in which such an optical unit 70 is applied in place of the optical unit 27 used in the second information input device 3B will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, when the pointing means 61 is inserted at a certain position in the information input area 3a, a predetermined light beam is retroreflected by the retroreflective member 62 of the pointing means 61, and the light beam is received. Element 75 is reached. Thus, the information input area 3a
When the light beam in which the indicating means 61 is inserted at a certain position in the inside is retroreflected, a peak appears in the shape of the intensity distribution of the light from the light receiving element 75.

The electrical connection and the like of each part is well known in the art, and therefore detailed description is omitted. However, as shown in FIG. 16, when the indicating means 61 is not inserted in the information input area 3a, the light Although the intensity indicates “I = I ₀ ”, when the indicator 61 is inserted into the information input area 3 a and the returning light reaches the light receiving element 75, the light intensity indicates “I = I ₁ ”. . A portion where the light intensity is “I = I ₁ ” is a peak. In FIG. 16, the time t = t ₀ is
This is a reference position for the rotation of the polygon mirror 73, and is a point in time when the light beam to be rotationally scanned reaches a predetermined angle.

Therefore, assuming that the time t when the light intensity becomes “I = I ₁ ” is t ₁ , the emission angle θ of the light beam retroreflected by the indicating means 61 inserted in the information input area 63. Is calculated as θ = ω (t ₁ −t ₀ ) = ω △ t. That is, in the optical units 70 (70L, 70R) provided on the left and right sides, the emission angles θ (θnL, θnR) of the light beams retroreflected by the pointing means 61 inserted into the information input area 3a are calculated. The position coordinates (x, y) at which the indicating means 61 is inserted are calculated by a triangulation method based on the emission angle θ (θnL, θnR).

The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means 61 calculated in this way are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

According to the information input device 3D, in the information input area 3a, the difference, the completely transparent,
It is possible to realize a high drawing feeling.

E. Fifth Information Input Device Next, a fifth information input device 3E will be described with reference to FIGS. This fifth information input device 3E
Is an information input device of a so-called camera image capturing method in which image information in an information input area is captured by an imaging camera, and position coordinates are detected based on a part of the captured image information.

FIG. 17 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the information input device 3E. At both upper ends of the information input area 3a of the information input device 3E, imaging cameras 82 as imaging means are provided at a distance w. The imaging camera 82 is provided with a light receiving element 83 which is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and an imaging optical lens 84 at a distance f. The imaging angle of view of these imaging cameras 82 is about 90 degrees, and they are installed so that the information input area 3a is set as an imaging range. Further, the imaging camera 82 is installed at a predetermined distance from the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 forming the information input surface, and its optical axis is
Are parallel to the display surface 2a.

In addition, a background plate 85 is provided at a peripheral portion excluding the upper portion of the information input area 3a and at a position covering the entire field of view without obstructing the angle of view of the image pickup camera 82. The background plate 85 is provided substantially perpendicular to the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 with its surface facing the center of the information input area 3a. The background plate 85 is, for example, uniform black.

FIG. 18 shows the relationship between the signal of the imaging camera 82 and the instruction means P. As shown in FIG. 18, when the pointing means P is inserted into the information input area 3a, the pointing means P is photographed by the imaging camera 82, and the image of the pointing means P is formed on the light receiving element 83 of the imaging camera 82. You. Information input device 3
As shown in E, the background plate 85 is black and the finger is
In such a case, the indicating means P is used as the background plate 85.
Therefore, the portion corresponding to the pointing means P of the light receiving element 83 is an area (bright spot) where the light intensity is high.

The electrical connection and the like of each part is well known in the art and will not be described in detail. However, as shown in FIG. 18, when the indicating means P is inserted into the information input area 3a, the light receiving A peak appears in the shape of the intensity distribution of the light from the element 83. The position Dn at which this peak appears corresponds to the apparent angle θn of the indicating means P from the principal point of the imaging optical lens 84, and θn is expressed as θn = arctan (Dn / f) as a function of Dn. be able to. That is, also in the case of the information input device 3E of such a camera imaging method, similarly to the above-described information input device 3A and the like, the position coordinates (points) of the pointing means P are determined by a triangulation method based on the peak appearing in the light intensity waveform. x,
y) will be calculated.

The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means P calculated in this way are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

As the indicating means P, a dedicated pen with a light emitting element which emits light by itself can be applied.

According to the information input device 3E, in the information input area 3a, the difference, the completely transparent,
It is possible to realize a high drawing feeling.

F. Sixth information input device Next, a sixth information input device 3F will be described with reference to FIGS. This sixth information input device 3F
Is a so-called LED array type information input device which does not detect coordinates by triangulation but directly detects coordinates of two orthogonal axes.

FIG. 19 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the information input device 3F. As shown in FIG. 19, the information input device 3F includes a light-emitting element array 92 in which Xm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 91, which are light-emitting means, are arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction, and one-to-one.
A light-receiving element array 94 in which Xm phototransistors 93 as light-receiving means corresponding to each other are arranged opposite to each other at regular intervals;
Light emitting element array 95 in which LEDs 91 are arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction, and light receiving element array 9 in which Yn phototransistors 93 corresponding to each other are arranged at regular intervals.
6 is provided. These light emitting element arrays 92
A space surrounded by the light receiving element array 94, the light emitting element array 95, and the light receiving element array 96 is the information input area 3a. That is, in the information input area 3a, m optical paths formed in the horizontal direction and n optical paths formed in the vertical direction can intersect in a matrix. The information input area 3a has a size corresponding to the size of the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 and is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, and is an area in which characters, figures, and the like can be input by handwriting.

When the pointing means P such as a finger is inserted at a certain position in the information input area 3a, the pointing means P
As a result, a predetermined light path is blocked, so that the amount of light received by the phototransistor 93 of the light receiving element row 94 and the phototransistor 93 of the light receiving element row 96 in the blocked light path decreases.

The electrical connection of each section is well known in the art, and therefore detailed description is omitted. However, as shown in FIG. 20, when the indicating means P is not inserted in the information input area 3a, each The light intensity of the phototransistor 93 is “I =
i ₁ ”, the light intensity of the phototransistor 93 in the shielded light path indicates“ I = i ₀ ”when the light path is blocked by the insertion of the indicating means P into the information input area 3a. The portion where the light intensity is “I = i ₀ ” is referred to as “dip.” In FIG. 20, the horizontal axis corresponds to the position of the phototransistor 93, and in fact, the light output of the phototransistor 93 is sequentially reduced. This is the scanning time for reading.

Then, the amount of received light is reduced and the amount of received light is reduced.
The phototransistor 93 of the light receiving element array 94 and the receiving
This corresponds to the position of the phototransistor 93 in the optical element array 96.
The dip position is detected by the instruction means P.
The position coordinates (x, y) are calculated. In practice, the reference position t
= T₀T until the dip position is detected from ₁
And the waveform shown in FIG.
Memory address corresponding to the dip position
Then, the position of the dip is detected.

The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means P calculated in this way are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

According to the information input device 3F, in the information input area 3a, the difference, the completely transparent,
It is possible to realize a high drawing feeling.

As described above, as the information input device 3 applicable to the information input / output system 1 of the present embodiment, the information input device 3A of the retroreflective type and the information input device 3 of the retroreflective type are used.
B, information input device 3C of a retro-reflection type having a rotary scanning system, information input device 3D of a retro-reflection type having a rotary scanning system, information input device 3E of a camera imaging type, and information input device 3F of an LED array type Although the configuration and the principle have been described, these are examples of the information input device 3 applicable to the information input / output system 1 of the present embodiment,
The present invention is not limited to these methods, and it goes without saying that the present invention is applied to optical information input devices in general.

Subsequently, among the processes executed in the information input / output system 1 of the present embodiment, the description of the same processes as those performed by the conventional information input / output system will be omitted, and the information input / output system will be omitted. Processing for realizing the characteristic functions of the output system 1 will be schematically described below. Here, characteristic functions executed by the CPU 40 of the information input device 3 based on the control program will be described.

Here, FIG. 21 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the information input process. As shown in FIG. 21, when this processing is started, the processing mode is set to “idle mode” (step S1), and then the information input area 3 is set.
It waits until coordinate information input (touch) at a is performed (Y in step S2) or until detachment is performed (Y in step S3).

If there is a coordinate information input (touch) (Y in step S2), the flow advances to step S4.
It is determined whether or not the current processing mode is the “idle mode”. Immediately after activation, the processing mode is set to "idle mode" in step S1, so that the current processing mode is determined to be "idle mode" (Y in step S4), and the processing mode is set to "idle mode". After setting the "click determination mode" (step S5), the input coordinates are stored (step S6), and the RAM 42 is stored.
The coordinate stop time of the predetermined counter area is cleared to zero (step S7), and until the coordinate information input (touch) in the information input area 3a is performed (Y in step S2) or until the detachment is performed (Y in step S3). ), Wait again.

Thereafter, if there is a coordinate information input (touch) (Y in step S2), the current processing mode is the "click determination mode" (step S4).
N), and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not the current processing mode is the "button ON mode". Since the current processing mode is the "click determination mode" (N in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9. Advance, the coordinates entered last time (previous coordinates) and the coordinates entered this time (current coordinates)
Is calculated between the coordinates.

Here, the inter-coordinate length L is calculated from the previous coordinates (X1,
Y1) and the current coordinates (X2, Y2), the coordinate length L = √ ｛(X2-X1) ² + (Y2-Y
1) It is calculated by the equation ^{2 ２} .

Then, in the subsequent step S10, it is determined whether or not the inter-coordinate length L calculated in step S9 is much larger than the specified speed "handwriting drawing speed". Here, the function of the moving speed determination means is executed. In addition,
As the “handwriting drawing speed”, an experimental value obtained by actually drawing is used. Such a method of setting the “handwriting drawing speed” is, for example, such that a “handwriting drawing speed setting screen” D1 as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the PDP 2 and the “handwriting drawing speed setting screen” D1 Causes the operator to draw a character, so that the coordinates (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), (X3, Y
3),..., (Xn, Yn), the length L ₁ between each coordinate,
After calculating L ₂ ,..., L _n−1 , the average value of the inter-coordinate lengths is calculated to obtain “handwriting drawing speed”. Here, a prescribed speed setting means is realized.

As described above, the "handwriting drawing speed" can be set for each operator based on the actual character drawing operation. Despite the fact, it is possible to solve the problem that it is determined that drawing is not being performed.

When the coordinate length L calculated in step S9 is much larger than the "handwriting drawing speed" (Y in step S9), it is determined that the input of the coordinate information (touch) in step S2 is not a click operation. After setting the processing mode to the "idle mode" (step S11), until the coordinate information input (touch) in the information input area 3a is performed (Y in step S2) or until the detachment is performed (Y in step S3). Wait again.

When the inter-coordinate length L calculated in step S9 is much larger than the "handwriting drawing speed", it is determined that the click operation is not performed because the pointing means such as a pen moves the information input area 3a. When a plurality of coordinates are detected by accidentally entering the inside of the PDP 2, the moving speed between the coordinates is much higher than the speed when drawing while touching the display surface 2a of the PDP 2. is there.

On the other hand, the inter-coordinate length L calculated in step S9
Is not much higher than the “handwriting drawing speed” (N in step S10), the process proceeds to step S12.
It is determined whether or not the inter-coordinate length L calculated in step S9 is substantially zero.

The coordinate length L calculated in step S9 is substantially zero.
(Y in step S12: object detection determining means), it is determined that the coordinate information input (touch) position does not change, and the coordinate stop time of the predetermined counter area of the RAM 14 is incremented by "1" (step S12). S13).
One count corresponds to the coordinate detection period (for example, 20 m
s).

In the following step S14, it is determined whether or not the "click speed" which is the specified time is longer than the coordinate stop time. The “click speed” uses an experimental value obtained by actually clicking. Such a setting method of the “click speed” is, for example, such that a “click speed setting screen” D2 as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the PDP 2 and the button B provided on the “click speed setting screen” D2 is provided to the operator. By performing touch & detach (click), the interval of the touch & detach is set to "click speed". Here, a prescribed time setting means is realized.

As described above, the “click speed” can be set for each operator based on the actual click operation, so that the stop time for the click determination can be set to an optimum time. I have.

The coordinate stop time is "click speed".
When the coordinate information input (touch) time is longer than the "click speed" (step S1).
4; N: object detection determination means), determines that the input of coordinate information (touch) in step S2 is a click operation, and sets the processing mode to “button ON mode” (for example, inverting a predetermined button). (Step S1)
5) While notifying that a click has been started (for example, a predetermined button has been turned on) (step S1)
6) After notifying the coordinates at which the coordinate information has been input (touched) (step S17: first information output means), until there is coordinate information input (touch) in the information input area 3a (Y in step S2), or It waits again until there is detachment (Y in step S3).

When the coordinate stop time is longer than the "click speed", that is, when the coordinate information input (touch) time is longer than the "click speed", it is determined that the click operation is performed by a pen or the like. This is for excluding the coordinates detected when the instruction means is moving in the information input area 3a to instruct a button or the like.

Therefore, when the coordinate stop time is smaller than the "click speed", that is, when the coordinate information input (touch) time has not reached the "click speed" (Y in step S14), the information input area 3a is not displayed. It waits again until there is coordinate information input (touch) (Y in step S2) or until there is detachment (Y in step S3).

On the other hand, the coordinate length L calculated in step S9
Is not substantially 0 (N in step S12), that is, when the coordinates move at a speed close to the handwriting drawing speed,
After setting the processing mode to “button ON mode” (for example, inverting a predetermined button) without monitoring “click speed” (step S18), a click is started (for example, Is turned on) (step S19), and after notifying the previous coordinates and the present coordinates (steps S20 and S21: second information output means), there is input of coordinate information (touch) in the information input area 3a. Until (Y in step S2) or until there is a detachment (Y in step S3), the process waits again.

The processing mode is "button ON mode".
When there is coordinate information input (touch) in the state of being set to (Y in step S2, Y in step S8), the process proceeds to step S22, where the coordinate information input (touch) is performed.
After the notified coordinates (step S17), the process waits again until there is a coordinate information input (touch) in the information input area 3a (Y in step S2) or until there is a detachment (Y in step S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that the detachment has been made (Y in step S3), the flow advances to step S23 to determine whether or not the processing mode is set to the "button ON mode". Is set to the "button ON mode" (Y in step S23), it is notified that the click is completed (step S24), and after the processing mode is set to "idle mode" (step S25), the information is set. It waits again until there is input of coordinate information (touch) in the input area 3a (Y in step S2) or until there is detachment (Y in step S3). On the other hand, when the processing mode is “button ON”
If it is not set to "mode" (N in step S23), the processing mode is set to "idle mode" (step S25), and then the coordinate information input (touch) in the information input area 3a is performed (Y in step S2). ) Or until there is a detachment (Y in step S3).

Here, only when the detected predetermined object is stopped at a fixed position in the information input area 3a by the "click speed", the position designated by the predetermined object is output as input information. This makes it possible to eliminate the case where the predetermined object has not actually pointed and just approached when detecting the pointing position of the predetermined object, so that the input information can be detected with high accuracy. become.

Further, even if the detected predetermined object is not stopped at a certain position in the information input area 3a by the "click speed", if the predetermined object is moving at the "handwriting drawing speed", the predetermined The position specified by the object is output as input information. This eliminates the need to stop the predetermined object at a fixed position at the "click speed" during drawing, so that input information can be detected with high accuracy without impairing the drawing operability.

In the present embodiment, the controller 10 is provided separately from the computer 5, but the present invention is not limited to this.
And the computer 5 may function as the controller 10.

In the present embodiment, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD) is used as the storage medium 26 or storage medium 49 storing various program codes (control programs).
−R / W, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO), memory card, etc.
The storage medium is not limited to this, and the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information input device 3 is provided in the PDP 2 which is a display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LC
A liquid crystal display (D), a front projection type projector, a rear projection type projector, or the like may be applied as the display device. Further, the present invention is not limited to these display devices, and may be provided on a blackboard, whiteboard, or the like that functions as a writing board, although not particularly shown.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example in which the information input / output system is applied to a so-called electronic blackboard system equipped with a large display device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a PDA (Personal
Digital assistants) can be applied to portable information terminals and the like.

[0134]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in an information input device for detecting a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area and outputting the detected information as input information, the detected predetermined object is the information input device. An object detection determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the area for a predetermined time, and the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time First information output means for outputting, as input information, a position designated by the predetermined object, when the predetermined object is detected is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined period of time. Only when the specified object is output, the position indicated by the predetermined object is output as input information, so that when the specified position of the predetermined object is detected, the predetermined object does not actually indicate but only approaches. It is possible to eliminate over scan, it is possible to detect the input information with high accuracy.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to the first aspect, when it is not determined that the detected predetermined object is stopped at a fixed position in the information input area, Moving speed determining means for determining whether or not the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed; and if the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed, the predetermined object is instructed. Second information output means for outputting the detected position as input information, even if the detected predetermined object is not stopped at a predetermined position of the information input area for a predetermined time specified in advance, the predetermined object is at a specified speed. In the case of moving by a predetermined object, the position designated by the predetermined object is output as input information, so that it is not necessary to stop the predetermined object at a fixed position for a specified time during drawing, so that the drawing operation is performed. The detection of the input information without compromising the sex can be performed with high accuracy.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to the first or second aspect, a drawing speed at which an operator actually draws the inside of the information input area with the predetermined object is set as the specified speed. By setting the drawing speed for each operator as the specified speed, the drawing speed that differs depending on the person is set during the drawing even though the drawing speed occurs when the fixed speed is set. It is possible to eliminate a defect that is determined not to exist.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the first to third aspects, when an operator has actually designated a predetermined position in the information input area by the predetermined object. A specified time setting means for setting a click time from the start of detection of the predetermined object to a non-detection of the predetermined object as the specified time, by setting a click time based on an actual click operation for each operator as the specified time. The stop time for the click determination can be set to an optimal time.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information input area projects light emitted from a light source into a thin film shape. By doing so, it is possible to reliably form a two-dimensional information input area for receiving insertion of an object, and to provide an information input device that realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information input area sequentially scans and emits the light beam emitted from the light source. As a result, a two-dimensional information input area for receiving the insertion of an object can be reliably formed, and an information input device that realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and a high drawing feeling can be provided.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information input area accepts the insertion of an object because the information input area is an imaging range of the imaging means. It is possible to provide an information input device that can reliably form a two-dimensional information input area and realize a neglected difference, complete transparency, and a high drawing feeling.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information input area includes a light receiving means and a light emitting means provided opposite to the light receiving means. Is formed by arranging optical paths in a matrix so that a two-dimensional information input area that accepts the insertion of an object can be reliably formed, and information input that achieves a neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling An apparatus can be provided.

According to the information input / output system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the display device and the information input area are arranged on the display surface of the display device so as to coincide with each other. A physical surface such as a coordinate input surface (touch panel surface) by providing the information input device described above and a control device that controls display of the display device based on an input from the information input device. In addition, an information input / output system with excellent visibility can be provided at low cost even when the information input / output system is used by being attached to the display surface of a display device.

According to the information input / output system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a writing board for receiving writing,
The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information input area is arranged so as to coincide with a writing surface of the writing board, and writing is performed on the writing board based on an input from the information input device. And a control device for controlling the received information, which does not have a physical surface such as a coordinate input surface (touch panel surface) but is used by being mounted on a display surface of a display device. Can also provide an information input / output system with excellent visibility at low cost.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute an operation control for detecting a predetermined object pointing to a two-dimensional information input area provided in an information input device and outputting the detected object as input information. In the computer, an object detection determination function to determine whether the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time specified in advance, and the detected When it is determined that the predetermined object has stopped at a certain position in the information input area for a specified time, a first information output function of outputting the position indicated by the predetermined object as input information, Only when the specified object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, the position indicated by the predetermined object is used as input information. Since output Te, upon detection of the pointing position of a predetermined object, the predetermined object is actually able to eliminate the case of only close not been instructed, the detection of the input information can be performed with high accuracy.

According to the twelfth aspect, according to the first aspect,
In the program according to 1, when the detected predetermined object is not determined to have stopped at a certain position in the information input area, the detected predetermined object moves at a predetermined speed. Moving speed determination function to determine whether or not, and when the detected predetermined object is moving at a specified speed, a second information output function to output the position specified by the predetermined object as input information, Even if the detected predetermined object does not stop at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, even if the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed, the Since the position specified by the object is output as input information, it is not necessary to stop the predetermined object at a fixed position for a specified time during drawing, and the input information can be input without deteriorating the drawing operability. Detecting can be performed with high accuracy.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the first aspect is described.
13. The program according to 1 or 12, wherein the computer realizes a specified speed setting function of setting, as the specified speed, a drawing speed at which the operator actually draws the inside of the information input area by the predetermined object. Can be set as the specified speed, eliminating the problem that it is determined that drawing is not being performed despite drawing that occurs when the drawing speed that causes a difference between people is fixed speed. be able to.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In the program according to any one of 1 to 13,
A specified time setting function for setting a click time from a start of detection of the predetermined object to a non-detection of the predetermined object as the specified time when the operator actually indicates a predetermined position in the information input area by the predetermined object; By realizing the computer, the click time based on the actual click operation of each operator can be set as the specified time, so that the stop time for the click determination can be set to an optimum time.

According to the computer-readable storage medium of the invention described in claim 15, according to claims 11 to 14,
By storing the program according to any one of the above,
If this storage medium is installed in a computer, the same functions and effects as the program according to any one of claims 11 to 14 can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing an information input / output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the information input / output system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the computer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a first information input device.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a structure of an optical unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a controller.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area of the first information input device is pointed by the instruction means;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a detection operation of the CCD.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an instruction unit used in the second information input device.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area of the second information input device is pointed by an instruction means;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a detection operation of the CCD.

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing an optical unit used for a third information input device.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area of the third information input device is pointed by the instruction means.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between light intensity and time.

FIG. 15 is a front view showing an example in which a point in an information input area of a fourth information input device is pointed by an instruction unit;

FIG. 16 is a graph showing a relationship between light intensity and time.

FIG. 17 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of a fifth information input device.

FIG. 18 is a schematic front view for explaining the detection operation.

FIG. 19 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of a sixth information input device.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing a relationship between light intensity and time.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of an information input process.

FIG. 22 is a front view showing a “handwriting drawing speed setting screen” displayed on the PDP.

FIG. 23 is a front view showing a “click speed setting screen” displayed on the PDP.

FIG. 24 is a vertical sectional side view showing a state where an information input area of the information input device is pointed by a finger.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information input / output system 2 Display device 3 Information input device 3a Information input area 5 Control device 26,49 Storage medium 31 Light source 61, P Predetermined object 71 Light source 82 Imaging means 91 Light emitting means 93 Light receiving means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/033 360 G06F 3/033 360E F term (Reference) 2C071 CA02 CA04 DB02 DB04 DC01 DC04 5B068 AA01 AA15 AA22 BB18 BB20 BC02 BC04 BD09 BD17 BE07 BE08 CC06 CC17 CD06 DE03 5B087 AA00 AC02 AE02 CC03 CC12 CC26 CC34 DD03 DD17

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An information input device for detecting a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area and outputting the detected information as input information, wherein the detected predetermined object is defined in a predetermined position in the information input area in advance. Object detection determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined object has stopped for a predetermined time; and when it is determined that the detected predetermined object has stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, the predetermined object is instructed. And a first information output unit that outputs the set position as input information. 2. When it is not determined that the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area, whether the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed. Moving speed judgment means for judging whether the predetermined object is moving at a specified speed, and second information output means for outputting a position designated by the predetermined object as input information. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The information according to claim 1, further comprising a specified speed setting unit configured to set, as the specified speed, a drawing speed at which an operator actually draws the inside of the information input area using the predetermined object. Input device. 4. A rule for setting a click time from a start of detection of the predetermined object to a non-detection of the predetermined object when the operator actually indicates a predetermined position in the information input area by the predetermined object as the predetermined time. The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a time setting unit. 5. The information input area according to claim 1, wherein the information input area is formed by shaping light emitted from the light source into a thin film and projecting the light into a thin film. apparatus. 6. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input area is formed by sequentially scanning and projecting light beams emitted from a light source. . 7. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input area is an imaging range of an imaging unit. 8. The information input area according to claim 1, wherein the information input area is formed by arranging an optical path of a light receiving means and a light emitting means provided opposite to the light receiving means in a matrix. The information input device according to any one of the above. 9. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input region is arranged on the display surface of the display device so that the information input region is coincident with the display device. An information input / output system, comprising: a control device that controls display of the display device based on an input. 10. The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the writing board receives a handwriting, and the information input area is arranged so that the information input area is aligned with a writing surface of the writing board. An information input / output system comprising: a control device that controls information written on the writing board based on an input from the device. 11. A program for causing a computer to execute an operation control for detecting a predetermined object pointing to a two-dimensional information input area provided in an information input device and outputting the detected object as input information. An object detection determining function of determining whether the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area for a predetermined time, and a function of detecting the predetermined object in the information input area. A program for realizing a first information output function of outputting, as input information, a position pointed to by a predetermined object when it is determined that the predetermined object has stopped at a predetermined position for a prescribed time. 12. When it is not determined that the detected predetermined object is stopped at a predetermined position in the information input area, whether the detected predetermined object is moving at a predetermined speed. A moving speed judging function for judging whether the predetermined object is moving at a specified speed, and a second information output function for outputting a position designated by the predetermined object as input information. The program according to claim 11, wherein the program is realized by: 13. The computer according to claim 11, wherein the computer realizes a specified speed setting function for setting a drawing speed at which an operator actually draws the inside of the information input area with the predetermined object as the specified speed. 12. The program according to 12. 14. A rule for setting a click time from a start of detection of the predetermined object to a non-detection of the predetermined object when the operator actually indicates a predetermined position in the information input area by the predetermined object as the predetermined time. 14. The program according to claim 11, wherein the program causes the computer to implement a time setting function. 15. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 11. Description: