JP2004045548A - Safety mechanism for equipment with laser pointer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control irradiation with a laser beam based on the state of a function other than a laser pointer function. <P>SOLUTION: When a key for starting a laser inhibition mode is depressed, "0" is stored in the laser state flag 9 of a RAM 8. When a key for coming out from the laser inhibition mode is depressed, "1" is stored in the flag 9. When other keys are depressed, "1" is stored in the flag 9 if it is possible to depress a laser irradiation key 5, and "0" is stored in the flag 9 if it is impossible to depress the key 5. When the key 5 is depressed and "1" is stored in the flag 9, the irradiation with the laser beam is performed. Thus, the laser irradiation action is controlled based on the operation state of the function other than the laser pointer function. Therefore, even when a user erroneously depresses the key 5 in the case of performing operation which does not require the irradiation with the laser beam, the irradiation with the laser beam is prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a safety mechanism for preventing erroneous laser irradiation in a device with a laser pointer having both a laser pointer function and another function such as a timer function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a device having a laser pointer function of instructing display data by a laser beam. In a device having such a laser pointer function, a laser output circuit is driven in a circuit directly from a key. The following safety mechanisms are provided for devices having such a laser pointer function.
[0003]
In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-40976, a shutter provided at a laser output port and a laser irradiation key are linked, and both the operation of opening the shutter and the pressing of the laser irradiation key cause the opening of the shutter from the opened shutter. Laser light is applied. That is, laser light is not emitted unless both the operation of opening the shutter and the operation of pressing the laser irradiation key are performed.
[0004]
Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-362779, when the laser light emitting device continuously emits laser light for a predetermined time or more, a warning is issued by blinking the laser light.
[0005]
On the other hand, there is a device having both a laser emission function and a timer function. In Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3039492, a laser irradiation function and a timer function are provided, and when the set time of the timer elapses, the time is notified by a vibration function.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional safety device for a device having a laser pointer function has the following problems.
[0007]
That is, in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-40976, the laser irradiation key is devised to prevent the laser from being erroneously irradiated by an erroneous operation of the operator. Further, in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-362779, an abnormal state is notified when the laser emits continuously for a predetermined time or more. Both of these are safety mechanisms using only the laser irradiation function alone, and cannot prevent erroneous irradiation of the laser in relation to other functions that are combined.
[0008]
Further, in the above-mentioned Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3039492, although the laser emission function and the timer function are both provided, erroneous laser irradiation cannot be prevented in relation to the timer function as in the case described above.
[0009]
For example, as described in Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3039492, for a device having both a laser pointer function used during a lecture and a timer function for notifying the elapsed time of the lecture, a laser irradiation key is set while the timer is being set. Is pressed, it is highly likely that the user has accidentally pressed the laser irradiation key during the timer setting operation.
[0010]
It is also conceivable that the laser irradiation key is erroneously pressed by a meaningless operation such as a child's mischief.
[0011]
Since laser light is dangerous when it enters human eyes, it is necessary not to irradiate the laser when the laser irradiation key is accidentally pressed. However, in a device having both the conventional laser pointer function and the timer function, it is not possible to determine whether the laser pointer function should be operated from the operation state of other functions such as the timer function, and control the laser irradiation. Can not. Further, it is not possible to determine whether or not the laser pointer function should be operated based on the meaningless operation or not, and to control the laser irradiation.
[0012]
The above-described malfunction prevention is achieved by electrically controlling the laser irradiation function control means and the other function control means even when the laser irradiation function control means and the other function control means are provided independently. It is necessary to function even when provided completely independently.
[0013]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a safety mechanism of a device with a laser pointer function that can control a laser emission operation based on an operation state of a function other than the laser pointer function or a meaningless operation. Also provides a safety mechanism for devices with a laser pointer function that can function even when the laser irradiation function control means and other function control means are provided independently or electrically completely independently. Is to do.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to the present invention is configured such that when an operation for performing a function other than the laser pointer function and which does not require laser irradiation is performed, laser irradiation is performed. The control means prevents the laser irradiation means from operating even when the laser irradiation key is operated. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary for the operator to irradiate the laser while the timer is being set, but even if the operator erroneously presses the laser irradiation key while the timer setting key is being operated, the laser irradiation is performed. The irradiating means does not operate and the laser light is not irradiated.
[0015]
In the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to the present invention, the control signal monitors the instruction signal from the laser irradiation key and the state information stored in the storage device. When an instruction signal is output from the laser irradiation key and the state information indicates a state in which laser irradiation is permitted, the laser irradiation unit is controlled to perform laser irradiation.
[0016]
Further, in the safety mechanism of the device with the laser pointer according to the present invention, the state information stored in the storage means is monitored by the control means. If the status information indicates that laser irradiation is permitted, a laser irradiation permission signal is output. Then, when the laser irradiation permission signal is output from the control unit and the instruction signal is output from the laser irradiation key by the laser irradiation control unit, the laser irradiation unit is controlled to perform laser irradiation.
[0017]
Thus, erroneous irradiation of laser light is also prevented in a device with a laser pointer in which the control of the other functions by the control means and the control of the laser irradiation means by the laser irradiation control means are performed independently of each other.
[0018]
Further, in the safety mechanism of the device with the laser pointer according to the present invention, the state information stored in the storage means is monitored by the control means. If the state information indicates that the laser irradiation is permitted, an open signal is output to the electric shutter, and the electric shutter is opened. Therefore, at this time, when the laser irradiation key is operated, the laser light irradiated from the laser irradiation means based on the instruction signal from the laser irradiation key is emitted through the open electric shutter. On the other hand, if the state information indicates that the laser irradiation is not permitted, a close signal is output to the electric shutter, and the electric shutter is closed. Therefore, at this time, even if the laser irradiation key is operated and laser light is emitted from the laser irradiation means, the laser light is not emitted because it is blocked by the closed electric shutter.
[0019]
In this way, erroneous emission of laser light is prevented even in a device with a laser pointer in which the circuit constituting the storage means and the control means and the circuit constituting the laser irradiation means are electrically independent circuits.
[0020]
Therefore, in the safety mechanism of each device with a laser pointer having storage means for storing the state information, if a function that does not perform laser irradiation is executed next, a state in which laser irradiation is not permitted is performed. While the state information indicating that the laser irradiation is performed is stored in the storage unit, the state information indicating that the laser irradiation is permitted is performed when the function of performing the laser irradiation is performed next time. The laser light is emitted even if the operator accidentally presses the laser irradiation key when the timer setting function that the laser irradiation is not performed next is executed by the control means by storing in the storage means. It will not be done.
[0021]
Further, in the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to one embodiment, when an operation key for executing a function included in the other functions and requiring no laser irradiation is operated, the control unit stores the control unit. The means is configured to store state information indicating that laser irradiation is not permitted. Therefore, even if the operator erroneously presses the laser irradiation key during execution of the function that does not require laser irradiation, laser light is not emitted.
[0022]
In the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to one embodiment, the function that does not require the laser irradiation is a timer function, and the operation keys are keys for setting a timer. Therefore, even if the operator accidentally presses the laser irradiation key when the timer setting key is operated and the timer is set, laser light is not emitted.
[0023]
In the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to one embodiment, when the control unit enters a mode in which the other function currently being executed does not emit laser light, the storage unit does not permit laser irradiation. State information indicating a state is stored. Therefore, when the other functions are in the mode of not irradiating the laser light, the laser light is not emitted even if the operator erroneously presses the laser irradiation key.
[0024]
In the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to one embodiment, the other functions are timer functions, and the mode in which laser light is not emitted is a timer setting mode. Therefore, even if the operator erroneously presses the laser irradiation key while the timer setting mode of the timer function is being executed, laser light is not emitted.
[0025]
In the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to one embodiment, when the control unit is performing the above-mentioned other functions, if a meaningless operation key having no relation at all is operated a predetermined number of times, The storage means stores state information indicating that laser irradiation is not permitted. Therefore, even if the laser irradiation key is pressed while a child or the like is tinkering with the operation keys, laser light is not emitted.
[0026]
In the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to one embodiment, the storage means is configured to store the predetermined number of times, and the predetermined number of times stored in the storage means can be arbitrarily set. . Therefore, the safety is further improved by appropriately changing the predetermined number of times according to the usage environment.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
[0028]
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1 as an example of a device with a laser pointer equipped with a safety mechanism according to the present embodiment. The electronic device 1 has a display 2, a keyboard 3, and a laser output circuit 4. The display 2 includes, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) and its driving circuit, and an LED (light emitting diode) and its driving circuit, and is used for various status displays. The keyboard 3 has keys used for operating other functions such as a laser irradiation key 5, a power on / off key, a timer setting key, a timer execution key, and the like, and these keys are operated by a user. The laser irradiation key 5 is a key for irradiating a laser beam, and when pressed, the laser beam is irradiated. The laser output circuit 4 outputs a laser when receiving a laser irradiation command signal from a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 6.
[0029]
The CPU 6 performs a control for executing functions of the electronic device 1 such as a process of reading an operated key, a process of controlling the laser output circuit 4, a process of controlling the display 2, and a process of setting and executing a timer.
[0030]
Reference numeral 7 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) which stores a program for the CPU 6 to execute the above-described control, CG (computer graphics) data for display, and the like.
[0031]
Reference numeral 8 denotes a RAM (random access memory) which stores a flag, a work area, and the like that are referred to when the CPU 6 executes the above-described control. In the following, only the items necessary for the description of the present embodiment will be described. As for the laser state flag 9, when "1" is written, laser irradiation is permitted, while when "0" is written, laser irradiation is not permitted. Therefore, even if the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed, no laser is output. The laser control counter 10 counts the number of meaningless key operations and holds the count value. The counter initial value work 11 stores a value for initializing the laser control counter 10 when the power is turned on.
[0032]
In the electronic device 1 having both the laser pointer function and other functions such as a timer function for notifying the elapsed time of the lecture, the user may erroneously press the laser irradiation key 5 during the timer setting operation. Further, the laser irradiation key 5 may be erroneously pressed by a meaningless operation such as a child's mischief. Therefore, in the present embodiment, laser irradiation due to a completely unexpected malfunction as described above is immediately stopped as follows. The details will be sequentially described below.
[0033]
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the laser irradiation processing operation executed by the CPU 6. In this laser irradiation processing operation, the operation is started by pressing the laser irradiation key 5, and the laser irradiation is controlled according to the contents of the laser state flag 9.
[0034]
In step S1, the contents of the laser state flag 9 in the RAM 8 are read. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the read value is "1". As a result, if "1", laser irradiation is permitted, and the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if “0”, the laser irradiation is not permitted, and the laser irradiation processing operation ends. In step S3, a laser irradiation command signal is output to the laser output circuit 4, and laser irradiation is performed. After that, the laser irradiation operation ends.
[0035]
As described above, in the present embodiment, laser irradiation is performed only when the content of the laser state flag 9 in the RAM 8 is “1”. Therefore, when it is not necessary to irradiate the laser, if "0" is automatically written in the laser state flag 9, even if the user accidentally presses the laser irradiation key 5 during the timer setting operation, Even if the child presses the laser irradiation key 5, erroneous laser irradiation can be prevented.
[0036]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, under the control of the CPU 6, the contents of the laser state flag 9 are automatically set according to the state of a function other than the laser pointer function. Hereinafter, a laser state flag setting processing operation for automatically setting the content of the laser state flag 9 will be described.
[0037]
First, when a key other than the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed, an operation corresponding to the pressed key is performed, and it is determined whether there is a possibility that the laser irradiation key 5 may be pressed next. The first laser state flag setting function for setting the contents of the state flag 9 will be described.
[0038]
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the first laser state flag setting processing operation. When a key other than the laser irradiation key 5 on the keyboard 3 is pressed, a first laser state flag setting processing operation is started.
[0039]
In step S11, a process corresponding to the pressed key is executed. Note that the details of the processing executed in this step are not directly related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S12, it is determined whether the laser irradiation key 5 can be pressed next to the pressed key. As a result, if possible, the process proceeds to step S13, and if not, the process proceeds to step S14.
[0040]
For example, if the operator sets a lecture timer, it is impossible to irradiate a laser during preparation before the lecture. Therefore, if the pressed key is a "key for setting a timer", it is determined that the laser irradiation key 5 cannot be pressed next, and the process proceeds to step S14. In addition, when the lecture timer is in operation, the laser may be emitted because the lecture is being performed. Therefore, when the pressed key is a “key pressed during the timer operation”, it is determined that the laser irradiation key 5 may be pressed next, and the process proceeds to step S13.
[0041]
In step S13, "1" is stored in the laser state flag 9 because it is necessary to permit laser irradiation. After that, the first laser state flag setting processing operation ends. In step S14, "0" is stored in the laser state flag 9 so as not to permit laser irradiation. After that, the first laser state flag setting processing operation ends.
[0042]
As described above, in the present embodiment, after performing a process corresponding to a key other than the pressed laser irradiation key 5, if there is a possibility that the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed next to the key in question. , "1" is stored in the laser state flag 9 to permit laser irradiation. Therefore, when the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed next time, laser irradiation is performed immediately. On the other hand, when the laser irradiation key 5 cannot be pressed next to the key, "0" is stored in the laser state flag 9 so that laser irradiation is not permitted. Therefore, even when the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed by mistake next time, the laser is not irradiated.
[0043]
That is, by executing the laser state flag setting process shown in FIG. 3 every time all keys other than the laser irradiation key 5 on the keyboard 3 are pressed, the user erroneously performs laser irradiation during the timer setting operation. Even when the key 5 is pressed, the laser irradiation can be reliably stopped.
[0044]
Next, a second laser state flag setting function for automatically setting the contents of the laser state flag 9 when a key for entering a laser prohibition mode for prohibiting laser output is pressed will be described.
[0045]
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the second laser state flag setting processing operation. When the key to enter the laser inhibition mode is pressed, the second laser state flag setting processing operation is started. For example, in the case of the timer setting mode, it is in preparation for the lecture, and it is impossible to irradiate the laser. Therefore, the "key to enter the timer setting mode (for example, the" timer setting key ")" is the key to enter the laser inhibition mode.
[0046]
In step S21, a process corresponding to the pressed key is executed. Note that the details of the processing executed in this step are not directly related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S22, "0" is stored in the laser state flag 9 so as not to permit laser irradiation until the laser exits from the laser inhibition mode (timer setting mode). After that, the second laser state flag setting processing operation ends.
[0047]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when a key to enter the laser prohibition mode is pressed, a process corresponding to the pressed key is executed, and then “0” is stored in the laser state flag 9 to store the laser. Irradiation is not allowed. Therefore, when the laser irradiation key 5 is erroneously pressed during the laser prohibition mode, the laser is not irradiated.
[0048]
Therefore, by executing the laser state flag setting process shown in FIG. 4 every time a key to enter all the laser prohibition modes is pressed, the user erroneously presses the laser irradiation key 5 during the timer setting operation. Even in such a case, the laser irradiation can be reliably stopped.
[0049]
Next, a description will be given of a third laser state flag setting function for automatically setting the contents of the laser state flag 9 when a key for exiting the laser inhibition mode for inhibiting laser output is pressed.
[0050]
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the third laser state flag setting processing operation. When the key for exiting the laser prohibition mode is pressed, a third laser state flag setting processing operation is started. For example, laser irradiation may be performed after the timer setting mode ends. Therefore, a "key to exit the timer setting mode (for example, a" timer execution key "or the like)" is a key to exit the laser inhibition mode.
[0051]
In step S31, a process corresponding to the pressed key is executed. Note that the details of the processing executed in this step are not directly related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S32, "1" is stored in the laser state flag 9 in order to permit laser irradiation since the laser exits from the laser inhibition mode (timer setting mode). After that, the third laser state flag setting operation ends.
[0052]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when a key that exits the laser prohibition mode is pressed, a process corresponding to the pressed key is performed, and then “1” is stored in the laser state flag 9 and the laser state is stored. Irradiation is allowed. Therefore, when the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed next time, the laser can be irradiated immediately.
[0053]
That is, in the present embodiment, when any key other than the laser irradiation key 5 mounted on the keyboard 3 and which enters the laser inhibition mode (timer setting mode) is pressed, the second laser state flag is set. Execute the setting processing operation. When the key that exits the laser prohibition mode (timer setting mode) is pressed, a third laser state flag setting processing operation is performed. If any other key is pressed, the laser state flag setting processing operation is not performed.
[0054]
Next, a fourth laser state flag for automatically setting the contents of the laser state flag 9 when a meaningless key other than the laser irradiation key 5 that does not involve an operation is pressed. The setting function will be described.
[0055]
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the fourth laser state flag setting processing operation. When the meaningless key is pressed, a fourth laser state flag setting processing operation is started. For example, if the timer setting key is pressed while the timer is operating, or if the timer execution key is pressed while the timer is being set, nothing normally operates (that is, the timer operation or the timer setting). Etc. are maintained.) Therefore, when the meaningless key without any operation as described above is pressed a predetermined number of times, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the key is mischief of a child or the like, and the fourth laser state flag setting processing operation is performed. Do it.
[0056]
In step S41, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a meaningless key that does not involve the above operation. As a result, if the key is tasteless, the process proceeds to step S43; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, a process corresponding to the pressed key is executed. Note that the details of the processing executed in this step are not directly related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. After that, the fourth laser state flag setting operation ends.
[0057]
In step S43, the value held by the laser control counter 10 in the RAM 8 is decremented by "1". In step S44, it is determined whether or not the value of the laser control counter 10 is "0". As a result, if it is “0”, the meaningless key press is repeated a predetermined number of times, so it is determined that there is a high possibility of mischief, and the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if it is not “0”, the fourth laser state flag setting processing operation ends. In step S45, "0" is stored in the laser state flag 9 so as not to permit laser irradiation until the power is turned off. After that, the fourth laser state flag setting processing operation ends.
[0058]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when a meaningless key not accompanied by the above operation is pressed a predetermined number of times in the laser control counter 10, the laser irradiation is not permitted until the power is turned off. For this purpose, “0” is stored in the laser state flag 9. Therefore, even if the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed next time, it is possible to prevent the laser from being irradiated.
[0059]
Therefore, when the child is playing with the keys of the keyboard 3 by mischief, the laser irradiation key 5 is prevented from being accidentally pressed to perform laser irradiation.
[0060]
Next, a power-on processing operation for automatically setting initial values to the contents of the laser state flag 9 and the laser control counter 10 when the power-on key is pressed will be described.
[0061]
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the power-on processing operation. When a power-on key (not shown) mounted on the keyboard 3 is pressed, the power-on processing operation starts.
[0062]
In step S51, power-on processing is performed according to the pressed power-on key. Note that the details of the processing executed in this step are not directly related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S52, "1" is stored in the laser state flag 9 in order to return to a state in which laser irradiation can be performed again even when laser irradiation is not permitted until the power is turned off. In step S53, the value stored in the counter initial value work 11 is written and initialized in the laser control counter 10 in order to count the number of times the meaningless key is pressed. After that, the power-on processing operation ends.
[0063]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power-on key is pressed, after the power-on process is performed, “1” is stored in the laser state flag 9 and the laser control counter 10 is initialized. Is done. Therefore, if the laser irradiation is not permitted before the power is turned off in step S45 of the fourth laser state flag setting processing operation shown in FIG. 6, the non-permitted state is released.
[0064]
Next, a reset processing operation for automatically setting initial values to the contents of the counter initialization work 11 and the laser control counter 10 when the reset key is pressed will be described.
[0065]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the reset processing operation. When a reset key (not shown) mounted on the keyboard 3 is pressed, a reset processing operation starts.
[0066]
In step S61, a reset process is performed according to the pressed reset key. Note that the details of the processing executed in this step are not directly related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S62, an initial value of the number of times a meaningless key is pressed is set in the counter initialization work 11 of the RAM 8. In step S63, an initial value of the number of times the same meaningless key is pressed is also set in the laser control counter 10. After that, the reset processing operation ends.
[0067]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reset key is pressed, after the reset processing is performed, the laser control counter 10 and the counter initialization work 11 indicate the number of times the same meaningless key is pressed. A preset initial value is set. Thus, the initialization at the time of reset is performed correctly.
[0068]
Next, a description will be given of a counter initial value setting mode shift processing operation for automatically shifting to the counter initial value setting mode for automatically setting the value of the counter initialization work 11 when the counter initial value setting mode key is pressed.
[0069]
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the counter initial value setting mode transition processing operation. When a counter initial value setting mode key (not shown) mounted on the keyboard 3 is pressed, a counter initial value setting mode transition processing operation starts.
[0070]
In step S71, the value stored in the counter initialization work 11 in the RAM 8 is sent to the display 2 and displayed. In step S72, a symbol or the like is displayed on the display 2 to notify that the apparatus has entered the counter initial value setting mode. After that, the operation of shifting to the counter initial value setting mode is ended.
[0071]
Thus, when entering the counter initial value setting mode, the stored value of the counter initialization work 11 displayed on the display 2 can be changed. That is, the operator checks the value displayed on the display 2. Then, when the stored value of the counter initialization work 11 (that is, the initial value of the number of insignificant key presses) is changed, the value currently displayed is changed using the numerical value input function.
[0072]
Next, a description will be given of a counter initial value setting processing operation for setting a specified value by the operator in the counter initializing work 11 when the counter initial value setting key is pressed.
[0073]
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the counter initial value setting processing operation. When a counter initial value setting key (not shown) mounted on the keyboard 3 is pressed, a counter initial value setting processing operation starts.
[0074]
In step S81, the display value displayed on the display 2 is stored in the counter initialization work 11. Therefore, when the display value has been changed by the operator, the value specified by the operator is stored in the counter initialization work 11. In step S82, the contents of the laser control counter 10 are initialized with the values stored in the counter initialization work 11. In this way, the initial value of the number of meaningless key presses is set by the operator. In step S83, the symbols and the like displayed on the display 2 for notifying that the counter initial value setting mode has been entered are cleared. After that, the counter initial value setting processing operation ends.
[0075]
Thus, the contents of the laser control counter 10 are arbitrarily set by the operator.
[0076]
As described above, in this embodiment, when any one of the keys is pressed, if the laser irradiation key 5 can be pressed next to the pressed key, the laser state flag 9 is set to “1”. Is stored, and if this is not possible, “0” is stored in the laser state flag 9.
[0077]
As another method, when a key other than the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed, or when a key to enter the laser prohibition mode (timer setting mode) is pressed, “0” is stored in the laser state flag 9. Do not allow laser irradiation. When the key that exits from the laser prohibition mode (timer setting mode) is pressed, “1” is stored in the laser state flag 9 to permit laser irradiation.
[0078]
When the laser irradiation key 5 is depressed, the CPU 6 outputs a laser irradiation command signal to the laser output circuit 4 only when "1" is stored in the laser state flag 9, and the laser irradiation is started. Is being done.
[0079]
Therefore, the laser irradiation operation can be controlled based on the operation state of a function other than the laser irradiation function (laser pointer function). As a result, the laser will not be irradiated even if the user accidentally presses the laser irradiation key 5 during an operation that does not require laser irradiation.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, a laser control counter 10 is provided in the RAM 8. Then, for example, when a meaningless key with no operation is pressed the number of times stored in the laser control counter 10, such as pressing a timer setting key during a timer operation or pressing a timer execution key during a timer setting. Is determined to have a high possibility of mischief, and “0” is stored in the laser state flag 9.
[0081]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent laser irradiation when the laser irradiation key 5 is accidentally pressed during mischief of a child or the like.
[0082]
At this time, the stored value of the laser control counter 10 can be changed by the operator. Therefore, it is possible to set an initial value of the number of key presses that are meaningless according to the use environment, and it is possible to further enhance security.
[0083]
In the above embodiment, the laser irradiation processing operation shown in FIG. 2, the laser state flag setting processing operation shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the power-on processing operation shown in FIG. 7, the reset processing operation shown in FIG. The value setting mode shift processing operation and the counter initial value setting processing operation according to FIG. 10 are individually described. However, in practice, when a key of the keyboard 3 is pressed, a step of determining which key is pressed is provided, and the process branches to a flowchart of a corresponding processing operation according to the determination result. Needless to say.
[0084]
<Second embodiment>
The present embodiment relates to a device with a laser pointer in which laser irradiation function control means and other function control means are provided independently.
[0085]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an electronic device 21 as an example of the device with a laser pointer. The display 22, the laser output circuit 24, the ROM 28, the RAM 29, the laser state flag 30, the laser control counter 31, and the counter initial value work 32 in FIG. These are the same as the ROM 7, RAM 8, laser state flag 9, laser control counter 10, and counter initial value work 11, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0086]
The laser irradiation key 25 in the present embodiment is provided independently of the keyboard 23, and is connected to a CPU 27 and a laser output circuit 24 via an AND circuit 26. Thus, by providing the laser irradiation key 25 independently of the keyboard 23, the laser output circuit 24 is controlled without the intervention of the CPU 27.
[0087]
The CPU 27 controls the reading of the operated keys, the control of the display 22, the timer setting / execution, and the like, but does not perform the control of the laser output circuit 24. That is, the CPU 6 in FIG. 1 performs laser irradiation on the laser output circuit 4 when the laser irradiation key 5 is pressed and the content of the laser state flag 9 is “1” by the laser irradiation processing operation shown in FIG. Outputs a command signal and irradiates the laser. On the other hand, the CPU 27 does not perform the laser irradiation processing operation corresponding to FIG. Then, the contents of the laser state flag 30 are monitored, and when it becomes "1", a laser irradiation permission signal for permitting laser irradiation is outputted to the AND circuit 26, and when it becomes "0", the output of the laser irradiation permission signal is stopped. is there.
[0088]
Then, when the laser irradiation permission signal is output from the CPU 27 and the press signal is output from the laser irradiation key 25, the AND circuit 26 outputs a laser irradiation command signal to the laser output circuit 24. To irradiate the laser.
[0089]
However, the CPU 27 performs a laser state flag setting operation corresponding to FIGS. 3 to 6, a power-on operation corresponding to FIG. 7, a reset operation corresponding to FIG. 8, and a counter initial value setting mode corresponding to FIG. The shift processing operation and the counter initial value setting processing operation corresponding to FIG. 10 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0090]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the laser irradiation key 25 is provided independently of the keyboard 23, and is connected to the CPU 27 and the laser output circuit 24 via the AND circuit 26. Then, when the content of the laser state flag 30 becomes “1”, the CPU 27 outputs a laser irradiation permission signal for permitting laser irradiation to the AND circuit 26, and the AND circuit 26 outputs the laser irradiation permission signal from the CPU 27, In addition, when a press signal is output from the laser irradiation key 25, a laser irradiation command signal is output to the laser output circuit 24.
[0091]
Therefore, even in the case of a device with a laser pointer in which the laser irradiation function control means and the other function control means are independently provided, the laser irradiation operation is performed based on the operation state of functions other than the laser irradiation function (laser pointer function). Can be controlled. As a result, the laser will not be emitted even if the user accidentally presses the laser irradiation key 25 while performing an operation that does not require laser irradiation.
[0092]
When a meaningless key having no action is pressed the number of times stored in the laser control counter 31, it is determined that there is a high possibility of mischief, and “0” is set to the laser state flag 30. It is stored. Therefore, it is possible to prevent laser irradiation when the laser irradiation key 25 is accidentally pressed during mischief of a child or the like.
[0093]
<Third embodiment>
The present embodiment relates to a device with a laser pointer in which laser irradiation function control means and other function control means are provided completely independently electrically.
[0094]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device 41 as an example of the device with a laser pointer. The display 42, the laser output circuit 44, the ROM 48, the RAM 49, the laser status flag 50, the laser control counter 51, and the counter initial value work 52 in FIG. These are the same as the ROM 7, RAM 8, laser state flag 9, laser control counter 10, and counter initial value work 11, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0095]
The laser irradiation key 45 in the present embodiment is provided independently of the keyboard 43 and is connected to a laser output circuit 44. Further, an electric shutter 46 is provided in front of the laser emission port in the laser output circuit 44. The electric shutter 46 includes a shutter that blocks laser light, an electric motor for opening and closing the shutter, and a motor drive circuit. Thus, by providing the laser irradiation key 45 and the laser output circuit 44 completely electrically independent of the CPU 47, the laser output circuit 44 is controlled without the CPU 47.
[0096]
The CPU 47 controls reading of the operated key, control of the display 42, control of timer setting and execution, and the like, but does not perform control of the laser output circuit 44. That is, the CPU 47 does not perform the laser irradiation processing operation corresponding to FIG. 2 as in the case of the second embodiment. Then, the content of the laser state flag 50 is monitored, and when it becomes "1", a shutter open signal is output to the motor drive circuit of the electric shutter 46 to open the shutter, and when it becomes "0", a shutter close signal is output. Then, the shutter is closed.
[0097]
As a result, when the electric shutter 46 is opened with the content of the laser state flag 50 being “1” and the pressing signal is output from the laser irradiation key 45, the laser light is emitted from the electric shutter 46. is there.
[0098]
The CPU 47 performs a laser state flag setting operation corresponding to FIGS. 3 to 6, a power-on operation corresponding to FIG. 7, a reset operation corresponding to FIG. 8, and a counter initial value setting mode corresponding to FIG. The shift processing operation and the counter initial value setting processing operation corresponding to FIG. 10 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0099]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the laser irradiation key 45 and the laser output circuit 44 are provided electrically completely independently of the keyboard 43 and the CPU 47, and the electric shutter 46 whose opening and closing are controlled by the CPU 47. Is provided in front of the laser emission port. Then, the CPU 47 opens the electric shutter 46 when the content of the laser state flag 50 becomes “1”. That is, laser light is emitted only when the electric shutter 46 is opened by the CPU 47 and a pressing signal is output from the laser irradiation key 45.
[0100]
Therefore, even in the case of a device with a laser pointer, in which the laser irradiation function control means and the other function control means are provided completely independently electrically, based on the operation state of functions other than the laser irradiation function (laser pointer function). Thus, the laser irradiation operation can be controlled. As a result, the laser is not emitted even if the user accidentally presses the laser irradiation key 45 while performing an operation that does not require laser irradiation.
[0101]
When a meaningless key having no operation is pressed the number of times stored in the laser control counter 51, it is determined that there is a high possibility of mischief, and “0” is set to the laser state flag 50. It is stored. Therefore, it is possible to prevent laser emission when the laser irradiation key 45 is accidentally pressed during mischief of a child or the like.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to the present invention is capable of controlling the laser irradiation when an operation for performing a function other than the laser pointer function and requiring no laser irradiation is performed. Since the operation of the laser irradiation means is stopped by the means, even if the operator presses the laser irradiation key by mistake, for example, after operating the timer setting key to execute a timer setting function that does not require laser irradiation, It is possible to prevent the laser irradiation means from operating and being irradiated with laser light.
[0103]
Further, the safety mechanism of the device with a laser pointer according to the present invention stores state information indicating whether or not the state in which laser light irradiation is permitted in the storage means, and stores the state information in the storage means in a state in which laser irradiation is permitted. In the case where state information indicating that there is is stored, since the laser light is emitted from the laser irradiation means when the laser irradiation key is pressed, the storage means,
Operation keys for performing functions that do not require laser irradiation, such as timer settings,
When operated
・ The mode that the currently executing function does not irradiate laser light such as timer setting mode
If you enter
-A meaningless operation key that has nothing to do with the function currently being executed is operated a predetermined number of times.
If
If state information indicating that laser irradiation is not permitted is stored in the memory, a function that does not require laser irradiation is executed, a mode in which laser light is not irradiated is entered, When the operation key is operated a predetermined number of times, it is possible to prevent the laser light from being emitted by pressing the laser irradiation key.
[0104]
Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the operator from erroneously operating the laser irradiation key during execution of the timer setting, and from emitting laser light due to the operation of the laser irradiation key caused by mischief such as a child.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device as an example of a device with a laser pointer equipped with a safety mechanism of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a laser irradiation processing operation executed by a CPU in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a first laser state flag setting processing operation;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a second laser state flag setting processing operation;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a third laser state flag setting processing operation.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a fourth laser state flag setting processing operation.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a power-on processing operation.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a reset processing operation.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for a counter initial value setting mode transition processing operation.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a counter initial value setting processing operation.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an electronic device different from FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device different from FIGS. 1 and 11;
[Explanation of symbols]
1,21,41 ... electronic equipment,
2, 22, 42 ... display,
3, 23, 43 ... keyboard,
4, 24, 44 ... laser output circuit,
5, 25, 45 ... laser irradiation key,
6, 27, 47 ... CPU,
7, 28, 48 ... ROM,
8, 29, 49 ... RAM,
9, 30, 50 ... laser state flag,
10, 31, 51 ... laser control counter,
11, 32, 52 ... counter initial value work,
26 ... AND circuit,
46 ... Electric shutter.

Claims (10)

It is a safety mechanism of a device with a laser pointer that has both a laser pointer function and other functions,
Laser irradiation means for irradiating laser light,
A laser irradiation key operated by the user to issue a laser irradiation instruction, and when an operation for executing a function included in the other functions and requiring no laser irradiation is performed, the laser irradiation key is operated. A safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer, comprising: a laser irradiation control means for preventing the laser irradiation means from operating even when operated. It is a safety mechanism of a device with a laser pointer that has both a laser pointer function and other functions,
Laser irradiation means for irradiating laser light,
Storage means for storing state information indicating whether or not the laser light irradiation is permitted;
A laser irradiation key that is operated by a user to issue a laser irradiation instruction, and controls the other functions and also monitors an instruction signal from the laser irradiation key and status information stored in the storage unit, When an instruction signal is output from an irradiation key and the state information indicates a state in which laser light irradiation is permitted, control means for controlling the laser irradiation means to perform laser irradiation is provided. Safety mechanism for equipment with laser pointer. It is a safety mechanism of a device with a laser pointer that has both a laser pointer function and other functions,
Laser irradiation means for irradiating laser light,
A laser irradiation key operated by a user to issue a laser irradiation instruction, and storage means for storing state information indicating whether or not a state in which laser light irradiation is permitted,
Control means for controlling the other functions, monitoring state information stored in the storage means, and outputting a laser irradiation permission signal when the state information is a state in which laser irradiation is permitted,
When a laser irradiation permission signal is output from the control means and an instruction signal is output from the laser irradiation key, a laser irradiation control means for controlling the laser irradiation means and performing laser irradiation is provided.
A safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer, wherein control of the other functions by the control means and control of the laser irradiation means by the laser irradiation control means are performed independently of each other. It is a safety mechanism of a device with a laser pointer that has both a laser pointer function and other functions,
A laser irradiation key that is operated by a user to output a laser irradiation instruction signal,
Laser irradiation means for irradiating a laser in response to an instruction signal from the laser irradiation key,
An electric shutter that opens and closes based on the input opening and closing signal, and cuts off laser light emitted from the laser irradiation unit,
Storage means for storing state information indicating whether or not the laser light irradiation is permitted;
In addition to controlling the other functions, the state information stored in the storage unit is monitored, and when the state information indicates that the laser irradiation is permitted, an open signal is output to the electric shutter. A control unit that outputs a close signal to the electric shutter when the state information is a state in which laser irradiation is not permitted,
A safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer, wherein a circuit constituting the storage means and the control means and a circuit constituting the laser irradiation means are electrically independent circuits. The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An operation key operated by a user and operated to execute a function included in the other functions and not requiring laser irradiation,
The controller is characterized in that, when the operation key is operated, the storage unit stores state information indicating that the laser irradiation is not permitted in the storage unit. Safety mechanism. The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer according to claim 5,
The function that does not require laser irradiation is the timer function,
The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer, wherein the operation key is a key for setting a timer for setting a timer. The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The control unit, when the other function currently being executed enters a mode in which laser light is not irradiated, causes the storage unit to store state information indicating that laser irradiation is not permitted. A safety mechanism for equipment with a laser pointer. The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer according to claim 7,
The other functions above are timer functions,
A safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer, wherein the mode in which the laser light is not irradiated is a timer setting mode. The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An operation key operated by a user to perform the above-mentioned other functions,
The control unit, when executing the other functions, permits laser irradiation to the storage unit when a meaningless operation key that is completely unrelated to the function currently being executed is operated a predetermined number of times. A safety mechanism for a device provided with a laser pointer, wherein state information indicating that the apparatus is not in operation is stored. The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer according to claim 9,
The storage means also stores the predetermined number of times,
The safety mechanism for a device with a laser pointer, wherein the predetermined number stored in the storage means can be arbitrarily set.

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