JP2002342015A - Information input device and information input/output system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information input device whose reliability can be improved by eliminating the influence of diffused external light (the illumination light of a display device and a room or the like) present in an environment to which the information input device is exposed at the time of coordinate detection. SOLUTION: In the information input device 3 detecting the two-dimensional position coordinates of a prescribed object indicating a two-dimensional information input area 3a formed of light from a light emission means on the basis of light intensity distribution in a light reception means and outputting them as input information, the light emission means emits the light of a prescribed wavelength and the light reception means is provided with the maximum detection sensitivity for the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emission means. Thus, since the influence of the diffused external light (the illumination light of the display device 2 and the room or the like) present in the environment to which the information input device 3 is exposed at the time of the coordinate detection is eliminated, the reliability of the device is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input device for optically detecting a position coordinate pointed by pointing means such as a pen or a predetermined object such as a fingertip for inputting or selecting information, and an information input device for the information input device. The present invention relates to an information input / output system mainly composed of devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of information input device,
Some devices detect an electrical change by electrostatic or electromagnetic induction when the information input surface is pressed with a pen or when the pen approaches the information input surface.

[0003] Another method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-23 / 1986.
There is an ultrasonic touch panel information input device as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 9322 or the like. In brief, the surface acoustic waves transmitted onto the panel are attenuated by touching the panel, and the position is detected.

However, the method of detecting a coordinate position by electrostatic or electromagnetic induction requires an electric switch function on the coordinate input surface, so that the manufacturing cost is high, and a cable for connecting the pen to the main body is required. Therefore, there is a problem in operability.

[0005] In addition, since the ultrasonic method is based on the premise of finger input, when a pen input is performed with a material that absorbs on the panel (a material that is soft and elastic) and a straight line is drawn, At this point, stable attenuation is obtained, but when the pen is moved, sufficient contact is not obtained, and the straight line is broken. But to get enough contact,
If the pen is pressed with excessive force, the pen will move and cause stress due to the elasticity of the pen, causing distortion,
Force to return during movement works. For this reason, once an attempt is made to draw a curve at the time of pen input, the force for holding down the pen is weakened and the force for restoring the distortion is excellent, so that it is not possible to obtain stable attenuation and it is determined that the input has been interrupted. For this reason, there is a problem that reliability cannot be ensured as pen input.

However, such problems of the prior art have been solved by an optical information input device represented by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 5-173699 and 9-319501. Resolved,
With a relatively simple configuration, a touch panel type information input device can be realized.

[0007]

In recent years, such an optical information input device has been positioned as a powerful tool for inputting and selecting information with the spread of personal computers and the like. However, there are still many issues that are not yet complete and must be solved for full-scale practical use.

For example, when these optical information input devices are used outdoors, since the detection method is light, unlike the ultrasonic method or the like, the detection light and the disturbance light are mixed, and the detection S There is a problem that the / N ratio is significantly reduced. In addition, these optical information input devices are often used in combination with a display device or a projection device, and even in such a case, the detection S / N ratio is reduced by image light from the display device or the like, A malfunction may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to minimize the influence of disturbance light (such as a display device or room illumination light) existing in an environment to which an information input device is exposed when detecting coordinates. An object is to provide an information input device and an information input / output system capable of improving reliability.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An information input device for detecting two-dimensional position coordinates of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from a light emitting unit based on a light intensity distribution in a light receiving unit, and outputting the detected information as input information. The means emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and the light receiving means has a maximum detection sensitivity at the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting means.

Therefore, the influence of disturbance light (display device, room illumination light, etc.) existing in the environment to which the information input device is exposed at the time of coordinate detection can be eliminated as much as possible. Performance can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information input device of the first aspect, the wavelength of the light from the light emitting means is a wavelength in an infrared region, and the light receiving means has a maximum wavelength in the infrared region. Has detection sensitivity.

Therefore, since visible light is used as the illumination light for the display device and the room, the separation between the disturbance light due to the illumination light for the display device and the room and the light emitted by the light emitting means can be easily performed by filtering or the like. It is possible to do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional position coordinate of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from the light emitting means is detected based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means, and the input is detected. In the information input device that outputs as information, a wavelength selection unit that can select only light of a predetermined wavelength from the light from the light emitting unit, and only the light of the predetermined wavelength selected by the wavelength selection unit to the light receiving unit. Light selecting means for receiving light.

Therefore, the influence of disturbance light (display device, room illumination light, etc.) existing in the environment to which the information input device is exposed at the time of coordinate detection can be eliminated as much as possible. Performance can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to the third aspect, the wavelength selecting means can select only light having a wavelength in an infrared region, and the light selecting means can select light having a wavelength in an infrared region. Only the light is received by the light receiving means.

[0017] Therefore, since visible light is used for display device and room illumination light, separation of disturbance light due to display device and room illumination light from light emitted by the light emitting means can be easily performed by filtering or the like. It is possible to do.

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 area is formed by shaping light emitted from the light emitting means 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 the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit.

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, an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit is defined as the information input region.

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.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional position coordinate of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from the light emitting means is detected based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means, and the input is detected. In the information input device that outputs information, the information input area is an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the predetermined object for indicating the information input area includes the light emitting unit. A light reflecting member formed of a member which selectively absorbs the wavelength of light from the light reflecting member and fluoresces, and the light receiving means has a maximum detection sensitivity to the fluorescent wavelength from the light reflecting member.

Therefore, even if the light emitted from the light emitting means is irregularly reflected by various members, the light is not detected by the light receiving means, and a member or hand other than the predetermined object may not be detected. Even if you enter the input area,
It is possible to accurately trace only a predetermined object,
It is possible to improve the reliability of the device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional position coordinate of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from the light emitting means is detected based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means, and the input is detected. In the information input device that outputs information, the information input area is an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the predetermined object for indicating the information input area includes the light emitting unit. A light reflecting member formed of a member that selectively absorbs the wavelength of the light from the light reflecting member and fluoresces, and includes a fluorescent light selecting unit that causes the light receiving unit to receive only the fluorescent light from the light reflecting member.

Therefore, even if the light emitted from the light emitting means is irregularly reflected by various members, the light is not detected by the light receiving means, and a member or hand other than the predetermined object is not detected. Even if you enter the input area,
It is possible to accurately trace only a predetermined object,
It is possible to improve the reliability of the device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, light absorbing means for suppressing light reflection by absorbing light is provided on a periphery of the information input area. And provided at a position that covers the entire field of view without hindering the angle of view of the imaging means.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent reflected light (scattered light) caused by light from the light emitting means from being incident on each imaging means.

[0030] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the background plate provided with a fixed pattern is provided at the periphery of the information input area and the image pickup means. At a position that covers the entire field of view without hindering the angle of view of the image.

Therefore, it is possible to easily specify the predetermined object inserted in the information input area, and the detection S /
It is possible to improve the N ratio.

The information input / output system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the information input / output system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the information input area is arranged on a display device so as to coincide with the 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.

Accordingly, an information input 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. Can be provided.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information input / output system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein a writing board for accepting writing is provided, and the information input area is arranged on a writing surface of the writing board so as to coincide with the writing 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 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 a writing surface of a writing board at low cost. Can be provided.

[0036]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
20 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing the information input / output system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, an information input / output system 1 includes a plasma display panel (PDP: Plasma Disp.
a panel unit 4 including a play panel 2 and an information input device 3, a computer such as a personal computer as a control device 5, a scanner 6 for reading an image of a document, a printer 7 for outputting image data to a recording paper, It mainly comprises a device storage section 9 for storing a video player 8 (see 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 position coordinates in the information input area 3a pointed by pointing means such as a pen or a predetermined object such as a fingertip. 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 recording medium 26 on which various program codes (control programs) such as the OS 22, the device driver 23 and the various application programs 24 are recorded, 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 recorded on 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 a figure with a predetermined object in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3 with the drawing software activated in this way, the coordinate information is input to the computer 5 as image data based on the description of the predetermined object. 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 the information input device 3 having different detection methods will be described as the information input device 3, and the basic 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 emitting means 31 is provided as a light source such as a light emitting diode (t Emitting Diode). From the light emitting means 31 to the PDP
The light emitted perpendicularly to the second display surface 2a 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 collected in the y direction by two cylindrical lenses 33 and 34 whose curvature distribution is orthogonal to that of the cylindrical lens 32. That is, by the action of these cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lenses 32, 33, 34),
A region where the light from the light emitting means 31 is condensed linearly 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, 34)
A linear secondary light source 36 is formed. The light emitted from the secondary light source 36 is turned back by the half mirror 37 and is 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 is parallel to the display surface 2a. Secondary light source 3
The information input area 3 is a fan-shaped light flux film centered at 6
Proceed through a. In other words, the fan-shaped light forms the information input area 3a. These cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lenses 32, 33, 34) and the slit plate 3
5 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) and the light receiving element 3 functioning as a light receiving means
At 9, the light is received at a different position for each probe light.
Note that the light receiving element 39 of the present embodiment is a one-dimensional CCD, and the 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 receiving element 39 remains collimated.
To reach. The retroreflected light is reflected on the display surface 2 of the PDP 2.
In the direction parallel to a, the light propagates so as to be condensed at the center of the cylindrical lens 38, and as a result, forms an image on the light receiving element 39 provided on the focal plane of the cylindrical lens 38 under the action of the cylindrical lens 38. Thus, a light intensity distribution is formed on the light receiving element 39 in accordance with the presence or absence of the retroreflected light. That is, when the retroreflected light is blocked by the indicating means P, a point where the light intensity is weak at a position corresponding to the blocked retroreflected light on the light receiving element 39 (a peak point described later).
Will occur. Light receiving element 3 that has received retroreflected light
9 generates an electric signal based on the light intensity distribution of the retroreflected light (probe light) and outputs it 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 emitting means (LD) 31 of the optical unit 27 (the left optical unit 27L and the right optical unit 27R),
(Left optical unit 27L, right optical unit 27R)
The calculation of the output from the 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.
0 is a ROM 41 for recording programs and data;
A RAM 42 that functions 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 / Digital) converter 44, and an LD driver 45 are connected by a bus. The CPU 40 has a hard disk 46 for storing various program codes (control programs) and an EEPROM (Electrically Era) which is a non-volatile memory.
A sable programmable read only memory (47) is connected to the bus. Here, CPU 40, ROM 41 and R
A microcomputer is constituted by AM42. Such a microcomputer has a recording medium 4 on which various program codes (control programs) are recorded.
9, ie floppy disk, hard disk,
Optical discs (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-R / W,
DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, etc.), program reading from a floppy disk drive, CD-ROM drive, MO drive, etc., which is a device for reading program codes recorded on a magneto-optical disk (MO), a memory card, etc. Device 48 is connected.

As a circuit for calculating the output from the light receiving element 39, an analog processing circuit 5 is connected to the output terminal of the light receiving element 39.
1 are connected as shown. The reflected light incident on the light receiving element 39 is converted into analog image data having a voltage value according to the light intensity in the light receiving element 39, and is output as an analog signal. This analog signal is processed by an analog processing circuit 51, then converted into a digital signal by an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter 44, and
Passed to 0. Thereafter, the instruction means P is issued by the CPU 40.
Is calculated.

Various program codes (control programs) stored in the hard disk 46 or a recording medium 49
Various kinds of program codes (control programs) recorded in the
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 instruction 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 light receiving element 39 is considered. Here, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the detection operation of the light receiving element 39. If the indicating means P is not inserted in the information input area 3a, the light intensity distribution on the light receiving element 39 is almost constant, but as shown in FIG. 8, the indicating means P is inserted in the information input area 3a. when the probe light L _n is blocked by the pointing means P, since the probe light L _n is not to be received by the light receiving element 39 of the optical unit 27, an optical unit 27 corresponding to the probe light L _n
A predetermined position _Xn on the light receiving element 39 is a region (dark spot) where the light intensity is weak. Since 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 light receiving element 39, the CPU 40
Recognizes the appearance of a peak point in such a waveform of light intensity based on a change in voltage, and detects the position _Xn of a dark point that has become the peak point of this waveform of light intensity. The detection of the position _Xn is performed when the light intensity becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

When the dark spot position _{Xn, which} is the peak point of the light intensity waveform, is detected, the distance from the dark spot position _Xn to the center pixel of the light receiving element 39 is, for example, the pixel number of the light receiving element 39. (For example, in FIG. 8, the pixel number is m).

A position X _n which is a region (dark spot) where the light intensity is weak
(X on the light receiving element 39 of the left optical unit 27L
_n L, X on the light receiving element 39 of the right optical unit 27R.
_n R) corresponds to the emission / incidence angle θ _n of the blocked probe light, and θ _n can be known by detecting X _n . That is, when the distance from the dark spot position _{X n} 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) 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 with 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, assuming that the distance between the center position of the light receiving element 39 of the left optical unit 27L and the center position of the light receiving element 39 of the right optical unit 27R is w shown in FIG. 7, the instruction means P in the information input area 3a is provided. The two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) of the point specified by are calculated by the principle of triangulation as follows: x = w · tan θR / (tan θL + tan θR) (4) (5) can be calculated.

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 recording 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, the light receiving element 39 of the left optical unit 27L
Upper dark spot position and light receiving element 3 of right optical unit 27R
The position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing means P are calculated by detecting the position of the dark point on the position 9.

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 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 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 indicating means 61, which is a predetermined object used to indicate one 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 left optical unit 27
The probe light L _n that is projected from the L, as shown in FIG. 10, is reflected by the retroreflection member 62, the left optical unit as retroreflected light L _{n 'that} follows the same optical path again 27
L receives light. 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 received by the light receiving element 39 of the left optical unit 27L. Thus the light receiving element 39 is retro-reflected light L _{n 'when} receiving the retro-reflected light L _n' strong area of a given position Dn is the light intensity on the light receiving element 39 corresponding to the (bright point) Become. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, a region where the light intensity is high occurs at the position Dn on the light receiving element 39, and a peak appears in the shape of the light intensity distribution of the light from the light receiving element 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 addition,
The detection of the position Dn is performed when the light intensity exceeds a predetermined value. 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 the peak appearing in the waveform of the 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 light emitting unit 71 that is a laser diode (LD) that emits laser light with a driving circuit (not shown), a half mirror 72, a polygon mirror 73, A light projecting unit 70a constituted by a condenser lens 74 and a light receiving element 75 functioning as a light receiving unit are provided.
The light receiving element 75 is a PD (Phot) provided at a distance f (f is the focal length of the condenser lens 74) from the condenser lens 74.
o Diode). In such an optical unit 70, after the laser light emitted from the light emitting means 71 is turned back by the half mirror 72, the laser light is sequentially reflected radially by the polygon mirror 73 rotated and driven at a predetermined angular velocity ωt by a pulse motor (not shown). I do. 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 optical unit 7
The light beam incident on 0 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.

Therefore, assuming that the time t when the light intensity becomes “I = I ₀ ” is t ₁ , the emission angle θ of the light beam blocked by the indicating means P inserted in the information input area 3 a becomes , 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 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 indicating means 61 calculated in this way are output to the computer 5 via the controller 10 and used for predetermined processing.

According to such an 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 L. The imaging camera 82 is provided with a light receiving element 83, which is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and functions as a light receiving unit, and an imaging optical lens 84 separated by a distance t (see FIG. 19). In addition, a light source is provided near each imaging camera 82,
Illumination devices 90 each functioning as a light emitting unit that emits light in parallel to the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 are provided. That is, the information input area 3a is formed by light uniformly emitted from the lighting device 90. Each imaging camera 82 has an imaging angle of view of about 90 degrees.
The information input areas 3a are respectively set so as to be set as photographing ranges. That is, the imaging camera 82 is installed at a predetermined distance from the display surface 2a of the PDP 2 forming the coordinate input surface, and its optical axis is parallel to the display surface 2a of the PDP 2. The number of the lighting devices 90 is not limited to two, and may be one or two or more.

In addition, 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 hindering the angle of view of the imaging camera 82, light reflection is suppressed by absorbing light. Absorbing member 8 functioning as light absorbing means
5 are provided. The light absorbing member 85 faces the center of the information input area 3a, and the display surface 2a of the PDP 2
Are provided substantially perpendicularly to The light absorbing member 85 prevents the reflected light (scattered light) due to the light from the illumination device 90 from being incident on each imaging camera 82.

Here, FIG. 18 is a front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3E is pointed by the pointing means A, and FIG. 19 is a front view showing a part thereof in an enlarged manner. As shown in FIG. 18, the indicating means A which is a predetermined object
Is inserted into the information input area 3a, the inserted indicating means A is illuminated by the illumination device 90, and the illuminated portion becomes a subject image, and the light receiving element 83 of each imaging camera 82
Imaged on top. Since the information input device 3E is provided with the light absorbing member 85 functioning as light absorbing means for suppressing light reflection, for example, when a finger is used as the indicating means A, the indicating means A Since the member 85 has a higher reflectance than that of the member 85, a portion corresponding to the pointing means A of the light receiving element 83 is a region (bright spot) where light intensity is high.

Here, FIG. 20 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the distance h from the center 83a of the light receiving element 83 of the subject image incident on the light receiving element 83 and the amount of received light. Light receiving element 8
The amount of received light of the subject image incident on 3 appears as a waveform as shown in FIG. Here, assuming that the threshold level position of the received light amount of the subject image is h1, h2,
The size Δh of the subject image is determined as Δh = h2−h1 (6). Further, the image center h (the distance h from the center 83a of the light receiving element 83 to the image forming point), which is the image forming position of the subject image, is given by the following equation (6): h = h1 + (△ h / 2) ……………… (7)

Then, as shown in FIG.
The distance h from the center 83a of 3 to the imaging point is
3 and a line connecting the pointing means A and the image forming point h, and the angle θ is θ = tan ⁻¹ (h / t)... ... (8)

Further, as shown in FIG.
The angle β between 2 and the indicating means A is obtained as β = α−θ (9) by using the mounting angle α of the imaging camera 82. Thereby, the left imaging camera 82
Β1 between the camera and the instruction means A, and the right camera 82
And the angle β2 between the instruction means A and the instruction means A are calculated.

As described above, the position coordinates (x, y) of the pen A
Is calculated by the principle of triangulation as follows: x = Ltanβ2 / (tanβ1 + tanβ2) (10) y = xtanβ1 (11)

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

As the indicating means A, 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.

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, the information input device 3C of the retro-reflection type having the rotary scanning system, the information input device 3D of the retro-reflection type having the rotary scanning system, and the information input device 3E of the camera imaging type,
Although the basic configuration and 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, and the present invention is not limited to these methods. It goes without saying that the present invention is applied to optical information input devices in general.

Next, the points of the information input / output system 1 of the present embodiment different from the conventional information input / output system will be described. Schematically, the information input / output system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an information input device 3 (an information input device 3A of a retroreflective type, an information input device 3B of a retroreflective type, and a retroreflective type having a rotary scanning system). Information input device 3C, a retroreflective information input device 3D having a rotary scanning system,
In the information input device 3E) of the camera imaging system, the wavelength of the light emitted by the light emitting means is made to coincide with the wavelength of the light receiving maximum sensitivity region of the light receiving means.

More specifically, in the information input device 3A of the retro-reflection type and the information input device 3B of the retro-reflection type, the wavelength of the light emitted by the light emitting means 31 is detected by the light receiving element 39 serving as the light receiving means. By making the wavelength coincide with the wavelength in the maximum sensitivity region, the information input / output system 1 can be used for coordinate detection.
It is possible to minimize the influence of disturbance light (such as the display device PDP2 or room illumination light) existing in an environment where the camera is exposed, thereby improving the reliability of the system. I have.

In the information input device 3C of the retro-reflection type having the rotary scanning system and the information input device 3D of the retro-reflection type having the rotary scanning system, the wavelength of the light emitted by the light emitting means 71 is detected by the light receiving means. By matching the wavelength of the light receiving element 75 with the wavelength of the maximum light receiving area of the light receiving element 75, the disturbance light existing in the environment where the information input / output system 1 is exposed at the time of the coordinate detection (the PDP 2 which is the display device or the illumination light of the room) Etc.) as much as possible,
It has become possible to improve the reliability of the system.

Further, the information input device 3 of the camera imaging system
In E, the wavelength of the light emitted by the illumination device 90 functioning as the light emitting means is converted to the light receiving element
In the coordinate detection, the influence of disturbance light (such as PDP 2 as a display device or room illumination light) existing in the environment to which the information input / output system 1 is exposed at the time of coordinate detection. Since it is possible to eliminate as much as possible, it is possible to improve the reliability of the system.

In particular, by setting the wavelength of light emitted by the light emitting means to a wavelength in an infrared region, the display device P
Since the DP2 and the room illumination light use visible light, it is possible to easily separate the disturbance light due to the display device PDP2 and the room illumination light from the light emitted by the light emitting means by filtering or the like. it can.

In the present embodiment, the wavelength of light emitted by the light emitting means is made to coincide with the wavelength of the light receiving maximum sensitivity region of the light receiving means, so that the influence of disturbance light upon coordinate detection is eliminated as much as possible. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical filter (not shown), which is a wavelength selecting means having wavelength selectivity, may be provided in the light emitting means 31, 71 or the illuminating device 90, or the light receiving elements 39, 75, 83 may have predetermined wavelengths. An optical filter (not shown), which is a light selecting means for receiving only light, may be provided. Further, a configuration in which an optical filter (not shown) is disposed near the entrance / exit opening of the optical units 27 and 70 (where the incident / exit light overlaps) is also conceivable.

The information input device 3E of the camera imaging system
The light absorbing means for suppressing light reflection by absorbing light at a peripheral portion excluding the upper part of the information input area 3a and covering the entire field of view without hindering the angle of view of the imaging camera 82. Although the light absorbing member 85 functioning as is provided, it is not limited to this. For example, the light absorbing member 8
Instead of 5, a background plate provided with a fixed pattern may be provided. By arranging the background plate provided with such a fixed pattern, it becomes possible to easily specify the indicating means A inserted in the information input area 3a, and to improve the detection S / N ratio. Becomes possible.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The present embodiment relates to an information input device 3E of a camera imaging method, which is one of the information input devices 3 described in the first embodiment, and includes an instruction unit A used for the information input device 3E. It has features.

Here, FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the indicating means A used for the information input device 3E of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 21, a light reflecting member 100 is provided near the tip of a pen-shaped indicating means A used to indicate one point in the information input area 3a of the information input device 3E. The light reflecting member 100 is formed of a member that selectively absorbs the wavelength of light emitted by the lighting device 90 functioning as a light emitting unit and fluoresces.

When the indicating means A provided with such a light reflecting member 100 is used, the illuminating device 90 of the information input device 3E may be a light in a wavelength range in which the fluorescent member forming the light reflecting member 100 is fluorescent. The light receiving element 83 which is the light receiving means of the information input device 3E is selected to have sensitivity to the fluorescent light wavelength.

The illumination device 90 may be provided with an optical filter (not shown), which is a wavelength selecting means having wavelength selectivity, or a fluorescent light selecting means for causing the light receiving element 83 to receive only light of a fluorescent wavelength. An optical filter (not shown) may be provided.

Thus, even if the light emitted by the illumination device 90 is irregularly reflected by various members, it is not detected by the light receiving element 83, and a member other than the indicating means A Even when a hand or the like enters the information input area 3a, only the pointing means A can be traced accurately, and the reliability of the system can be improved.

When a plurality of indicating means A having different patterns of the fluorescent member forming the light reflecting member 100 are prepared, the indicating means A is determined by judging a pattern detected by the light receiving element 83. Becomes possible. Thus, for example, when the writing color is switched, erased, or the like is detected, or when the thickness is detected, the writing color can be easily switched only by changing the instruction unit A. .

In each of the embodiments, the information input device 3 is provided in the PDP 2 as a display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display), 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.

In each of the embodiments, 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
al Assistants) can also be applied to portable information terminals and the like.

[0114]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the two-dimensional position coordinates of a predetermined object indicating the two-dimensional information input area formed by the light from the light emitting means are determined based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means. In an information input device for detecting and outputting as input information, the light emitting means emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and the light receiving means has a maximum detection sensitivity at a wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting means, thereby detecting coordinates. In this case, the influence of disturbance light (such as a display device or room illumination light) existing in an environment to which the information input device is exposed can be eliminated as much as possible, so that the reliability of the device can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to the first aspect, the wavelength of the light from the light emitting means is a wavelength in an infrared region, and the light receiving means is a wavelength in an infrared region. Since it has the maximum detection sensitivity, the visible light is used for the display device and room illumination light, etc., so that the disturbance light due to the display device and room illumination light is separated from the light emitted by the light emitting means. It can be easily performed by filtering or the like.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the two-dimensional position coordinates of the predetermined object which points to the two-dimensional information input area formed by the light from the light emitting means are detected based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means. An information input device for outputting as input information, a wavelength selecting means capable of selecting only light having a predetermined wavelength from the light from the light emitting means, and receiving only light having a predetermined wavelength selected by the wavelength selecting means. And light selecting means for receiving the light by the means to minimize the influence of disturbance light (display device, room illumination light, etc.) existing in the environment to which the information input device is exposed at the time of coordinate detection. Therefore, the reliability of the device can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to the third aspect, the wavelength selecting means can select only light having a wavelength in the infrared region, and the light selecting means can select light in the infrared region. By causing the light receiving means to receive only light having a wavelength, the display device or the room illumination light or the like utilizes visible light, and thus the display device or the room is emitted by the disturbance light and the light emitting unit due to the illumination light of the room. Separation from light can be easily performed by filtering or the like.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the light emitted from the light emitting means is formed into a thin film and projected. By forming the information input area, a two-dimensional information input area for accepting the insertion of an object can be reliably formed, and an information input apparatus that achieves neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling can be provided.

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 light is emitted by sequentially scanning the light beam emitted from the light emitting means and projecting the light beam. By forming the input area,
It is possible to provide an information input device that reliably forms a two-dimensional information input area for receiving insertion of an object, and realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling.

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 imaging range of the imaging means for imaging the light emitted from the light emitting means is set in the information input area. By reliably forming a two-dimensional information input area to receive the insertion of the object,
It is possible to provide an information input device that realizes a neglected difference, complete transparency, and high drawing feeling.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the two-dimensional position coordinates of the predetermined object indicating the two-dimensional information input area formed by the light from the light emitting means are detected based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means. In an information input device that outputs as input information, the information input region is an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the predetermined object for pointing to the information input region includes the information input region. A light reflecting member formed of a member that selectively absorbs and fluoresces the wavelength of light from the light emitting unit is provided, and the light receiving unit has a maximum detection sensitivity to the fluorescent wavelength from the light reflecting member, thereby emitting light. Even if the light emitted from the means is irregularly reflected by various members, it is not detected by the light receiving means, and a member or hand other than the predetermined object is in the information input area. Even if this happens, it is possible to trace the predetermined object accurately, thereby improving the reliability of the device.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the two-dimensional position coordinates of the predetermined object indicating the two-dimensional information input area formed by the light from the light emitting means are detected based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means. In an information input device that outputs as input information, the information input region is an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the predetermined object for pointing to the information input region includes the information input region. A light reflecting member formed of a member that selectively absorbs the wavelength of light from the light emitting means and fluoresces is provided, and by including fluorescence selecting means for causing the light receiving means to receive only the fluorescence from the light reflecting member. However, even if the light emitted from the light emitting means is irregularly reflected by various members, it is not detected by the light receiving means, and information such as a member or hand different from the predetermined object. Even when entering the input area, it is possible to trace the predetermined object accurately, thereby improving the reliability of the device.

According to the tenth aspect, the seventh aspect is provided.
10. The information input device according to any one of claims 9 to 9, further comprising: a light absorbing unit that suppresses light reflection by absorbing light, at a peripheral portion of the information input area and without hindering an imaging angle of view of the imaging unit. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the reflected light (scattered light) caused by the light from the light emitting unit from being incident on each image pickup unit by providing the light receiving unit at a position covering the entire imaging visual field.

According to the eleventh aspect, the seventh aspect is provided.
10. The information input device according to any one of claims 9 to 9, wherein the background plate provided with the fixed pattern is positioned at a peripheral portion of the information input area and covering the entire imaging field of view without obstructing the imaging angle of view of the imaging unit. , The identification of the predetermined object inserted into the information input area can be facilitated, so that the detected S / N ratio can be improved.

According to the information input / output system according to the twelfth 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 match each other.
Physical information such as a coordinate input surface (touch panel surface) by including the information input device according to any one of the above items 1 and a control device that controls display of the display device based on an input from the information input device. It is possible to provide an information input system having excellent visibility even at the time of being used by being attached to the display surface of a display device, without having a complicated surface.

According to the information input / output system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a writing board for accepting handwriting,
The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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 obtained information, without having a physical surface such as a coordinate input surface (touch panel surface),
An information input system with excellent visibility can be provided at low cost even when used while being mounted on the writing surface of a writing board.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing an information input / output system according to a first 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 an information input area of the first information input device is pointed by an instruction unit;

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 the instruction means;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a detection operation of a 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 front view showing an example in which one point in the information input area is pointed by the instruction means.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged front view showing a part thereof.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the distance of the subject image from the center of the light receiving element and the amount of received light.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an instruction unit used in the information input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 information input / output system 2 display device 2a display surface 3 information input device 3a information input area 5 control device 31, 71, 90 light emitting means 39, 75, 83 light receiving means 61, A, P predetermined object 82 imaging means 85 light absorbing means 100 light reflection member

Claims (13)

[Claims] An information input for detecting two-dimensional position coordinates of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from a light emitting means based on a light intensity distribution in a light receiving means and outputting as input information. In the information input device, the light emitting unit emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and the light receiving unit has a maximum detection sensitivity at a wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting unit. 2. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein a wavelength of the light from said light emitting means is a wavelength in an infrared region, and said light receiving means has a maximum detection sensitivity at a wavelength in an infrared region. apparatus. 3. An information input for detecting two-dimensional position coordinates of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from the light emitting means based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means and outputting the information as input information. In the apparatus, a wavelength selection unit capable of selecting only light having a predetermined wavelength from the light from the light emitting unit, and a light selection unit configured to cause the light receiving unit to receive only light having a predetermined wavelength selected by the wavelength selection unit An information input device comprising: 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said wavelength selection means is capable of selecting only light having a wavelength in the infrared region, and said light selection means is for allowing said light receiving means to receive only light having a wavelength in the infrared region. 3. The information input device according to 3. 5. The information input area according to claim 1, wherein the information input area is formed by shaping the light emitted from the light emitting means 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 the light beams emitted from the light emitting means. . 7. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein an image capturing range of an image capturing unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit is set as the information input area. 8. An information input for detecting two-dimensional position coordinates of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from the light emitting means based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means, and outputting the information as input information. In the apparatus, the information input region is an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the predetermined object for indicating the information input region includes a wavelength of light from the light emitting unit. An information input device, comprising: a light reflecting member formed of a member that selectively absorbs and fluorescently emits light; and wherein the light receiving unit has a maximum detection sensitivity at a fluorescence wavelength from the light reflecting member. 9. An information input for detecting two-dimensional position coordinates of a predetermined object indicating a two-dimensional information input area formed by light from the light emitting means based on the light intensity distribution in the light receiving means and outputting the information as input information. In the apparatus, the information input region is an imaging range of an imaging unit that captures light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the predetermined object for indicating the information input region includes a wavelength of light from the light emitting unit. An information input device, comprising: a light reflecting member formed of a member that selectively absorbs and emits fluorescence; and a fluorescence selecting unit that causes the light receiving unit to receive only the fluorescence from the light reflecting member. 10. A light absorbing means for suppressing light reflection by absorbing light at a position on the periphery of the information input area and covering the entire imaging field of view without obstructing the angle of view of the imaging means. The information input device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the information input device is provided. 11. A background plate provided with a fixed pattern,
The information input device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the information input device is provided at a peripheral edge of the information input area and at a position that covers an entire field of view without obstructing an angle of view of the imaging unit. 12. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input region is arranged on the display surface of the display device so as to coincide with the information input region. An information input / output system, comprising: a control device that controls display of the display device based on an input. 13. A writing board for receiving writing, an information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said information input area is disposed so as to match a writing surface of said 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.