JP2008129683A - Electronic writing tool - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To switch operation modes between when only writing characters and when reading handwriting data without causing a user inconvenience. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic writing tool 1 includes a pen-shaped housing 10 having a pen point 11 for writing; a detection member 15 being disposed at a part of the housing 10 and detecting a motion in a prescribed direction (e.g., right turn) of the housing 10; and a generation means 20 generating handwriting data 32 of the character written by the tool 1 when the operation mode of the tool 1 is determined to be a mode generating the handwriting data 32 of the character, based on the detection by the member 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic writing instrument.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic pen that generates handwriting data while writing with a pen. This electronic pen detects a pressure acting on the pen tip at the time of writing with a sensor, and activates an image processor and a light source used for generating handwriting data.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic pen that detects pen movement with an acceleration sensor and generates handwriting data based thereon. A switch is disposed in the grip portion of the electronic pen, and the electronic pen generates handwriting data based on the movement of the electronic pen while the switch is being pressed. This electronic pen does not have a writing function with a pen.

JP-T-2004-535010 JP-A-8-328738

  Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is an electronic writing instrument that generates writing handwriting data.

  However, in the electronic pen of Patent Document 1, when writing, the pressure of the pen tip is surely detected by the sensor, and handwriting data is generated. Therefore, when a user of an electronic pen wants to write only, he / she must use a writing instrument such as a normal fountain pen or ballpoint pen instead of the electronic pen disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, even if the user carries the electronic pen and the writing instrument of Patent Document 1 in pairs or writes on one sheet of paper, the user changes the electronic pen and the writing instrument of Patent Document 1 and uses them. Have to do. It is troublesome for the user to use the electronic pen disclosed in Patent Document 1 as compared to the case of using only the writing instrument.

  Therefore, the structure of the electronic pen disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied, and a switch is provided in the grip portion of the electronic pen disclosed in Patent Document 1, so that handwriting data based on the movement of the electronic pen while the switch is pressed is generated. It is possible. This makes it possible to use one electronic pen by switching the operation mode between writing only and writing handwriting data.

  However, even if the structure of the electronic pen is changed to a configuration in which the electronic pen of Patent Document 1 and the electronic pen of Patent Document 2 are combined in this way, the user does not push the switch when only writing is desired. If you want to generate handwriting data, you have to hold down the switch. The user has to pick up the electronic pen. In addition, when handwriting data is to be generated, the user must hold the switch so that the handwriting data is continuously pressed. Such an electronic pen is not an excellent writing instrument for writing.

  The present invention does not force the user to hold a special way at the time of writing, or does not cause the user to pick up the electronic pen between only writing and when reading handwriting data, that is, inconvenience to the user. An object of the present invention is to obtain an electronic writing instrument that can switch the operation mode between writing only and reading handwriting data without making it feel.

  An electronic writing instrument according to the present invention includes a pen-shaped housing having a pen tip for writing, a detection member that is provided in a part of the housing, detects movement of the housing in a predetermined direction, and detects the detection member. And generating means for generating writing handwriting data by the electronic writing instrument when the operation mode of the electronic writing instrument is set to a mode for generating writing handwriting data.

  Another electronic writing instrument according to the present invention includes a pen-shaped housing having a nib for writing, an operation mode of the electronic writing instrument, at least a first mode for generating writing handwriting data, and writing handwriting. A mode flag that stores information for distinguishing the second mode that does not generate data, an acceleration sensor that is provided in a part of the housing and detects acceleration of movement of the housing in a predetermined direction, and an acceleration sensor When movement in a predetermined direction is determined based on the detected acceleration, update means for updating information stored in the mode flag and handwriting data in which the operation mode of the electronic writing instrument is written by the update means are generated. And a generation means for generating handwriting data for writing by the electronic writing instrument in the mode.

  Another electronic writing instrument according to the present invention further includes determination means for determining a movement of the housing rotating around the pen shaft as a movement of the housing in a predetermined direction in addition to the above-described components of the invention. Then, the update unit updates the information stored in the mode flag when the movement is determined by the determination unit.

  In another electronic writing instrument according to the present invention, in addition to the components of the above-described invention, as a movement of the housing in a predetermined direction, a determination of determining a movement of the housing rotating in a predetermined one direction around the pen shaft. Have means. The update means updates the information stored in the mode flag in a predetermined order among the plurality of operation modes of the electronic writing instrument when the movement is determined by the determination means.

  Another electronic writing instrument according to the present invention further includes at least whether or not the operation mode set for the electronic writing instrument based on the determination by the determination unit is a mode for generating handwriting data, in addition to the above-described components of the invention. It has a display member to display.

  In the present invention, it is not inconvenienced to the user without forcing the user to hold a special way at the time of writing, or causing the user to pick up the electronic pen between writing only and reading the handwriting data. Without making it feel, the operation mode can be switched between writing only and reading handwriting data.

  Hereinafter, an electronic writing instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The electronic writing instrument will be described using the electronic pen 1 as an example.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic pen 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic pen 1 includes a pen-shaped housing 10 that is slightly thicker than a sign pen or a ballpoint pen, and a ballpoint pen shaft 11. The ballpoint pen shaft 11 is a writing pen shaft capable of writing on paper, and is disposed so as to protrude from one end of the housing 10. The electronic pen 1 can write with the pen tip by the tip of the ball-point pen shaft 11. A pressure sensor 12 is in contact with the rear end of the ballpoint pen shaft 11 in the housing 10.

  In addition, an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) 13, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) camera 14 as an imaging member, an acceleration sensor 15 that detects rotation for mode switching, and the like are disposed in the housing 10. .

  The infrared LED 13 and the CMOS camera 14 are disposed on the pen tip side in the housing 10. The infrared LED 13 irradiates infrared rays around the pen tip. The CMOS camera 14 receives infrared rays and periodically outputs captured image data that is an image based on the intensity distribution of the received infrared rays.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of the electronic pen 1 of FIG. The electronic pen 1 is used with a finger in the same manner as a general writing instrument such as a sign pen. In FIG. 2, a map sheet 2 to be described later is shown. The user can write a character, a figure, or the like on the map sheet 2 by placing the tip of the electronic pen 1, that is, the tip of the ballpoint pen shaft 11 on the map sheet 2. In this state of use, the infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 13 around the pen tip are reflected by the map sheet 2 and received by the CMOS camera 14. The CMOS camera 14 receives the infrared rays reflected by the map sheet 2 to take an image of a coordinate pattern 41, which will be described later, and periodically outputs the picked-up image data.

  The acceleration sensor 15 as a detection member that detects the movement of the housing 10 in a predetermined direction detects the angular acceleration of the rotation of the electronic pen 1 and outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer IC 20 described later. Specifically, the acceleration sensor 15 detects angular acceleration of rotation around the pen axis of the electronic pen 1. In this example, the acceleration sensor 15 is disposed on the other end side in the housing 10.

  In this way, by disposing the acceleration sensor 15 on the other end side opposite to the pen tip side, the ball-point pen shaft 11, the infrared LED 13 and the CMOS camera 14 may be provided on the pen tip side. It is not necessary to provide the acceleration sensor 15 or the switch on the pen tip side. Therefore, the number of components built in the pen tip side does not increase, and the thickness of the housing 10 can be prevented from becoming too thick. The electronic pen 1 can be made thick enough to be held with a finger like a general sign pen or fountain pen. Even if the acceleration sensor 15 is disposed at the center of the housing 10, the same effect can be expected.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a coordinate reading LED 16 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 10. The coordinate reading LED 16 is a display member for displaying the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 to the user, and characters “Coordinate reading OK” are printed on the left side thereof. The coordinate reading LED 16 is controlled to be turned on and off according to the operation mode of the electronic pen 1. The coordinate reading LED 16 may be an LED that outputs visible light such as red.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic circuit built in the electronic pen 1 of FIG. In addition to the pressure sensor 12, the infrared LED 13, the CMOS camera 14, the acceleration sensor 15, and the coordinate reading LED 16, the electronic pen 1 includes an imaging control circuit 17, a timer 18, a USB I / F (Universal Serial Bus Interface) 19, Electronic parts such as the microcomputer IC 20 are incorporated. Further, electric power is supplied to these electronic components from a battery 21 built in the central portion of the housing 10. The battery 21 may be detachable from the electronic pen 1.

  As described above, the rear end of the ballpoint pen shaft 11 contacts the pressure sensor 12. The pressure sensor 12 detects the pressure by the ballpoint pen shaft 11 and outputs it to the microcomputer IC 20. The timer 18 measures time and time and outputs it to the microcomputer IC 20. The USB I / F 19 is connected to another USB I / F of another device (for example, a car navigation device) by a USB cable (not shown). The USB I / F 19 transmits / receives data to / from the other USB I / F.

  The electronic pen 1 may have a wireless communication I / F using, for example, Bluetooth instead of the USB I / F 19. In the case of this modification, the wireless communication I / F recognizes another wireless communication I / F of another device and wirelessly transmits and receives data.

  The imaging control circuit 17 controls the imaging operation of the electronic pen 1. That is, the imaging control circuit 17 controls the emission and emission stop of the infrared LED 13 according to the control signal from the microcomputer IC 20, and also controls the generation output of the captured image data by the CMOS camera 14 and the stop thereof.

  The microcomputer IC 20 includes an I / O (Input / Output) port, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like which are not shown. The CMOS camera 14, the imaging control circuit 17, the pressure sensor 12, the timer 18, the acceleration sensor 15, the coordinate reading LED 16, the USB I / F 19 and the like are connected to the I / O port. The CPU reads a control program (not shown) from the memory and executes it. As a result, the microcomputer IC 20 includes a coordinate generation unit 26, a mode determination unit 27, a data memory 28, a memory management unit 29, a handwriting data transmission unit 30, and the like.

  The control program executed by the CPU of the microcomputer IC 20 may be stored in the memory before the electronic pen 1 is shipped, or may be stored in the memory after the electronic pen 1 is shipped. . A part of the control program may be stored in the memory after the electronic pen 1 is shipped. Even if the control program stored in the memory after shipment of the electronic pen 1 is installed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, the control program is transmitted via a transmission medium such as the Internet. The downloaded version may be installed.

  The coordinate generation unit 26 for realizing the generation means for generating the writing handwriting data 32 in the electronic pen 1 acquires captured image data that the CMOS camera 14 periodically generates and outputs. The coordinate generation unit 26 analyzes each captured image data, specifies one coordinate pattern 41 in the captured image, and generates a coordinate value corresponding to the specified coordinate pattern 41. Note that the coordinate generation unit 26 uses a coordinate conversion database in which a plurality of coordinate patterns 41 printed on paper and a plurality of coordinate values are associated in advance in order to obtain coordinate values corresponding to the specified coordinate pattern 41. You may do it. This coordinate conversion database may be stored in a memory (not shown) of the microcomputer IC20, for example.

  The data memory 28 is realized in a memory (not shown) of the microcomputer IC 20, for example. The data memory 28 stores, for example, a mode flag 31 and handwriting data 32.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the handwriting data 32 in FIG. The handwriting data 32 written by the electronic pen 1 has a plurality of records. In FIG. 4, each row is one record. Each record has read coordinate information 33, pressure information 34, and read time information 35. The handwriting data 32 in FIG. 4 is an example relating to two handwriting (round handwriting and triangular handwriting). Each handwriting is stored as a plurality of records in the handwriting data 32.

  The mode flag 31 stores information indicating the current operation mode set for the electronic pen 1. The operation mode of the electronic pen 1 includes a pen reading mode as a first mode and a pen mode as a second mode. In the pen reading mode, the electronic pen 1 generates handwriting data 32 for writing. In the pen mode, the electronic pen 1 does not generate handwriting data 32 for writing.

  A memory management unit 29 as update means for updating the mode flag 31 and the like manages the data memory 28. The memory management unit 29 updates the mode flag 31 and the handwriting data 32.

  A mode determination unit 27 that determines a movement in a predetermined direction based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 15 determines an operation mode of the electronic pen 1. The mode determination unit 27 outputs a control signal corresponding to the determined operation mode to the imaging control circuit 17 and notifies the memory management unit 29 of the determined operation mode.

  The handwriting data transmission unit 30 controls data communication by the USB I / F 19. That is, the handwriting data transmission unit 30 executes control for transmitting handwriting data 32 stored in the data memory 28 to another device when another USB I / F of another device is connected to the USB I / F 19.

  Next, the operation of the electronic pen 1 having the above configuration will be described. In the following description, the operation of the electronic pen 1 when writing is performed on the map sheet 2 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 5 is a map sheet 2 on which a plurality of coordinate patterns 41 that can be read by the electronic pen 1 are printed. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of one coordinate pattern 41 printed on a part of the map sheet 2 of FIG.

  The coordinate pattern 41 in the example of FIG. 6 has a basic configuration of a dot pattern in which 6 × 6 dots 42 are arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix. Actually, as shown in FIG. 6, each dot 42 is in any direction (up, down, left and right) with respect to the positions of intersections of a plurality of vertical reference lines and a plurality of horizontal reference lines at predetermined intervals. That is, the image is printed at a position slightly shifted in one of the four directions.

  The plurality of coordinate patterns 41 printed on the map sheet 2 in FIG. 5 are different in the combination of the displacement directions of the 36 dots 42 from each other, and are at least the only combinations of displacement directions in the map sheet 2. . Therefore, if the coordinate pattern 41 is specified, the position in the map sheet 2 can be specified. When the interval between the dots 42 is 0.3 mm, the position in the paper surface of about 60 million square kilometers is distinguished with an accuracy of 0.3 mm by the combination of the deviation directions of the 36 dots 42. It is possible.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the mode determination unit 27 in FIG.

  The mode determination unit 27 of the electronic pen 1 first sets the electronic pen 1 to the pen mode (step ST1). Specifically, the mode determination unit 27 notifies the memory management unit 29 of the pen mode as an operation mode, and outputs a control signal for instructing the imaging control circuit 17 to stop imaging. When imaging stop is instructed, the imaging control circuit 17 stops emission of the infrared LED 13 and stops generation and output of captured image data by the CMOS camera 14. If the captured image data is not supplied from the CMOS camera 14, the coordinate generation unit 20 does not generate a coordinate value. The memory management unit 29 does not update the handwriting data 32 stored in the data memory 28. That is, the electronic pen 1 is in a state of not reading.

  When the pen mode is notified as the operation mode, the memory management unit 29 updates the mode flag 31 stored in the data memory 28 to the pen mode. The memory management unit 29 turns off the coordinate reading LED 16. The user of the electronic pen 1 can know that the electronic pen 1 is in a pen mode in which reading is not performed based on the extinction state of the coordinate reading LED 16.

  After setting the electronic pen 1 to the pen mode, the mode determination unit 27 waits for an input of a mode switching operation (step ST2). For example, when the electronic pen 1 rotates right around the axis, the mode determination unit 27 determines that a mode switching operation has been performed. Specifically, when the acceleration sensor 15 outputs a detection signal indicating that the electronic pen 1 is rotated to the right, the mode determination unit 27 determines that a mode switching operation has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user can hold the electronic pen 1 between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand and write on the map sheet 2 in the same manner as a general writing instrument. In this gripping state, when the user pushes the thumb forward (in the direction of the index finger), the electronic pen 1 rotates clockwise. Therefore, when the mode determining unit 27 determines that the mode switching operation has been performed by rotating the electronic pen 1 to the right, the right-handed person can switch the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 without changing the pen. it can.

  If it is determined that the first mode switching operation has been performed, the mode determination unit 27 next determines the current operation mode (step ST3). Specifically, for example, the mode determination unit 27 instructs the memory management unit 29 to read the mode flag 31, and based on the value of the mode flag 31 received as a response, whether or not the current operation mode is the pen mode. Determine whether.

  When the current operation mode is the pen mode (Yes in step ST3), the mode determination unit 27 executes a process of switching the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 to the pen reading mode. The mode determination unit 27 notifies the memory management unit 29 of the pen reading mode as an operation mode (step ST4), and outputs a control signal for instructing the imaging control circuit 17 to perform imaging (step ST5).

  When the pen reading mode is notified as the operation mode, the memory management unit 29 updates the mode flag 31 stored in the data memory 28 to the pen reading mode. Further, the memory management unit 29 turns on the coordinate reading LED 16. The user of the electronic pen 1 can know that the electronic pen 1 is in a pen reading mode for reading based on the lighting state of the coordinate reading LED 16.

  When imaging is instructed, the imaging control circuit 17 causes the infrared LED 13 to emit light and starts generating and outputting captured image data by the CMOS camera 14. As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the pen tip of the electronic pen 1 is touching the map sheet 2, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 13 is reflected by the map sheet 2 and received by the CMOS camera 14. A plurality of dots 42 are printed on the map sheet 2 with ink that absorbs infrared rays. The CMOS camera 14 periodically outputs captured image data of an image having a dot pattern image reflected by the map sheet 2.

  The captured image data generated by the CMOS camera 14 is acquired by the coordinate generation unit 26. The coordinate generation unit 26 analyzes each captured image data, specifies one coordinate pattern 41 in the image, and generates a coordinate value corresponding to the specified coordinate pattern 41. As a result, the coordinate generation unit 26 generates a read coordinate value indicating the position of the part of the map sheet 2 that has been written by the pen tip. The read coordinate value is a two-dimensional coordinate value having, for example, a predetermined position (for example, the upper left end) of the map sheet 2 as an origin.

  When the coordinate generation unit 26 generates the read coordinate value from the captured image data generated by the CMOS camera 14, the coordinate generation unit 26 supplies the generated read coordinate value to the memory management unit 29. When the read coordinate value is supplied, the memory management unit 29 reads the detected pressure value of the pressure sensor 12 and the measurement time of the timer 18. The memory management unit 29 adds the reading coordinate value, the detected pressure value, and the measurement time to the handwriting data 32. As a result, a record having read coordinate information 33, pressure information 34, and read time information 35 is added to the handwriting data 32 stored in the data memory 28.

  The CMOS camera 14 periodically generates and outputs captured image data. The coordinate generation unit 26 generates a read coordinate value every time captured image data is acquired, and supplies the read coordinate value to the memory management unit 29. The memory management unit 29 adds a record having the read coordinate information 33, the pressure information 34, and the read time information 35 to the handwriting data 32 every time the read coordinate value is supplied. As a result, handwriting data 32 including a plurality of records is generated in the data memory 28 of the electronic pen 1 as illustrated in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. When the mode determination unit 27 finishes executing the process of switching the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 to the pen reading mode (step ST5), the mode determination unit 27 again waits for input of a mode switching operation (step ST2). Then, for example, when the electronic pen 1 is rotated right again, the mode determination unit 27 determines that the second mode switching operation has been performed, and further determines whether or not the current operation mode is the pen mode. (Step ST3).

  By the first mode switching operation, the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 is switched to the pen reading mode. The mode flag 31 stores the pen reading mode as the current operation mode. Therefore, in the second mode switching operation, the mode determination unit 27 determines that the current operation mode is not the pen mode.

  If it is determined that the current operation mode is not the pen mode (No in step ST3), the mode determination unit 27 executes a process of switching the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 to the pen mode. The mode determination unit 27 notifies the memory management unit 29 of the pen mode as an operation mode (step ST6), and outputs a control signal for stopping imaging to the imaging control circuit 17 (step ST7).

  When the pen mode is notified as the operation mode, the memory management unit 29 updates the mode flag 31 stored in the data memory 28 to the pen mode. The memory management unit 29 turns off the coordinate reading LED 16. The user of the electronic pen 1 can know that the electronic pen 1 is in a pen mode in which reading is not performed based on the extinction state of the coordinate reading LED 16.

  When the imaging stop is instructed, the imaging control circuit 17 turns off the infrared LED 13 and stops the generation output of the captured image data by the CMOS camera 14. As a result, the electronic pen 1 does not read the written handwriting. The memory management unit 29 does not update the handwriting data 32 in the data memory 28.

  When the mode determination unit 27 executes a process of switching the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 to the pen mode (step ST7), the mode determination unit 27 again enters a mode switching operation waiting state (step ST2). When the electronic pen 1 is rotated to the right again and the third and subsequent mode switching operations are performed, the mode determination unit 27 executes processing for switching the operation mode from the pen mode to the pen reading mode. The detailed process flow after the third time is the same as the process in the first and second mode switching operations described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the electronic pen 1. In this operation procedure, first, the electronic pen 1 is rotated to the right to set the pen reading mode (step ST11), and the first writing on the map sheet 2 is written (step ST12). Next, the electronic pen 1 is again rotated to the right to set the pen mode (step ST13), and the second writing of the map sheet 2 is written for the second time (step ST14). Further, the electronic pen 1 is rotated clockwise again to set the pen reading mode (step ST15), and the third writing of the map sheet 2 is written for the third time (step ST16).

  The CMOS camera 14 of the electronic pen 1 generates captured image data during a period in which the pen reading mode is set. In addition, when the captured image data is supplied from the CMOS camera 14, the coordinate generation unit 26 generates a read coordinate value and supplies it to the memory management unit 29. When the reading coordinate value is supplied, the memory management unit 29 adds a new record having the reading coordinate value to the handwriting data 32.

  When the operation of FIG. 8 is performed, the CMOS camera 14 of the electronic pen 1 captures a captured image in a period from step ST11 to step ST12 in the pen reading mode and a period from step ST15 to step ST16. Generate data. Accordingly, the handwriting data 32 stored in the data memory 28 includes, as shown in FIG. 4, the round handwriting data 32 at the time of the first writing in step ST12 and the third writing at the step ST16. The triangular handwriting data 32 is stored. In the handwriting data 32, the crossed handwriting data 32 at the time of the second writing in step ST14 is not stored.

  As described above, in the electronic pen 1 of this embodiment, when the acceleration sensor 15 detects the right rotation of the electronic pen 1, the operation mode is switched between the pen mode and the pen reading mode, and the mode flag 31 is stored. The operation mode is also changed accordingly.

  In the pen reading mode, the infrared LED 13 irradiates the map sheet 2 with infrared rays, and the CMOS camera 14 generates captured image data of an image corresponding to the coordinate pattern 41 of the map sheet 2, and the coordinate generation unit 26. Generates a coordinate value corresponding to the coordinate pattern 41. This coordinate value is added to the handwriting data 32. In the pen mode, these reading operations are stopped.

  Therefore, the user of the electronic pen 1 simply rotates the electronic pen 1 held by a finger to the right as shown in FIG. 2 to change the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 to the mode for generating the handwriting data 32 for writing, It is possible to switch between modes for reading the handwriting data 32. The user can switch the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 without removing the electronic pen 1 from between the fingers, that is, without taking the electronic pen 1 again.

  Further, since a switch for mode switching or the like is not provided on the side surface of the electronic pen 1, the user can hold an arbitrary part of the electronic pen 1 and perform writing. The electronic pen 1 does not force the user to hold a special way when writing. The user can write using the electronic pen 1 with the same usage as other writing instruments such as a fountain pen and a ballpoint pen, and with the way the individual is familiar.

  In the electronic pen 1 according to this embodiment, the coordinate reading LED 16 is turned on in the pen reading mode and is turned off in the pen mode. That is, the coordinate reading LED 16 displays whether or not the electronic pen 1 is in a mode for generating writing handwriting data 32. The user can easily confirm the operation mode set in the electronic pen 1 by the lighting state of the coordinate reading LED 16.

  The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. is there.

  The mode determination unit 27 of the above embodiment determines that the mode switching operation has been performed by rotating the electronic pen 1 to the right around the axis. The electronic pen 1 rotates to the right simply by holding it in the right hand and pushing the thumb forward (in the direction of the index finger). Therefore, a right-handed person can switch the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 without changing the pen. In addition to this, for example, the mode determination unit 27 determines that the switching operation of the mode is performed by rotating the electronic pen 1 around the axis, or the electronic pen 1 performs a predetermined setting around the axis. It may be determined that a mode switching operation has been performed by rotating in the direction. In this case, the left-handed person can switch the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 without changing the pen. Further, the mode determination unit 27 may determine that the mode switching operation has been performed by rotating the electronic pen 1 around the center of gravity or the like in an arbitrary direction.

  In addition to this, for example, the mode determination unit may associate the pen mode and the pen reading mode one-to-one with the right rotation and the left rotation of the electronic pen 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by the mode determination unit of the electronic pen according to the modification.

  The mode determining unit of the electronic pen according to the modified example first sets the electronic pen to the pen mode or the pen reading mode (step ST21). Thereafter, the mode determination unit waits for input of a mode switching operation (steps ST22 and ST23).

  When the electronic pen 1 rotates to the right around the axis, the mode determination unit determines that the pen reading mode switching operation has been performed (Yes in step ST22). The mode determination unit further determines whether or not the current operation mode is the pen mode based on the mode flag 31 (step ST24). If the mode determination unit is the pen mode, the mode flag 31 is updated to the pen reading mode ( In step ST25), an instruction to start imaging is given (step ST26). Thereafter, the mode determination unit waits for input of a mode switching operation (steps ST22 and ST23). If the mode determination unit determines in step ST24 that the current operation mode is not the pen mode in step ST24, the mode determination unit waits for an input of the mode switching operation without performing the update process in steps ST25 and ST26. (Steps ST22 and ST23).

  When the electronic pen 1 rotates counterclockwise around the axis, the mode determination unit determines that the pen mode switching operation has been performed (Yes in step ST23). The mode determination unit determines whether or not the current operation mode is the pen reading mode based on the mode flag 31 (step ST27), and updates the mode flag 31 to the pen mode if it is the pen reading mode (step ST27). ST28), an instruction to stop imaging is given (step ST29). Thereafter, the mode determination unit waits for input of a mode switching operation (steps ST22 and ST23). When the mode determination unit determines in step ST27 that the current operation mode is not the pen reading mode, the mode determination unit waits for an input of a mode switching operation without performing the update process in steps ST28 and ST29. A state is reached (steps ST22 and ST23).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a surface on the other end side of the housing 10 of the electronic pen 1 according to the modification described above (a surface opposite to the pen tip). As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic pen 1 according to the modified example is set to a pen reading mode that generates writing handwriting data 32 when rotated to the right, and is set to a pen mode that does not generate writing handwriting data 32 when rotated to the left. Is done. The user can set the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 by rotating the electronic pen 1 in one desired direction. In addition, in the case of this modification, the rotation direction and the operation mode correspond one-to-one, so that the user does not check the operation mode set for the electronic pen 1 by the coordinate reading LED 16 before use. The electronic pen 1 can be used in a desired operation mode by confirming rotation in a predetermined direction.

  In the above embodiment, the acceleration sensor 15 detects the rotation operation of the electronic pen 1, and the mode determination unit 27 switches the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 based on this detection. In addition, for example, the electronic pen 1 may be provided with an acceleration sensor 15 that detects a swing operation in the axial direction, and the mode determination unit 27 may switch the operation mode when a predetermined swing width is detected. Even in this case, the user of the electronic pen 1 can switch the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 by simply shaking the electronic pen 1 in the axial direction without holding the pen again.

  The electronic pen 1 of the above embodiment notifies the user of the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 by the coordinate reading LED 16. In addition to this, for example, the electronic pen 1 may notify the user of the operation mode of the electronic pen 1 by a sound of a predetermined pitch output from a speaker, a vibration of a predetermined pattern of a vibrator, or the like.

  The electronic pen 1 of the above embodiment is used for writing on the map sheet 2. The written handwriting data 32 obtained by writing on the map sheet 2 can be used in another device connected to the USB I / F 19 of the electronic pen 1, such as a navigation device. The handwriting data transmission unit 30 of the electronic pen 1 transmits the handwriting data 32 to another device connected to the USB I / F 19. The handwriting data 32 can be converted into, for example, latitude / longitude data of a written point in the navigation device. The navigation device can use the latitude / longitude data specified by the handwriting data 32 for destination setting and the like.

  In addition to this, the electronic pen 1 can be used, for example, for reading a coordinate pattern 41 printed on an advertising flyer, a flyer with a coupon, a score, a manual of an electronic device, or the like. The handwriting data 32 for writing on such printed matter can be used in, for example, a personal computer, a POS terminal, a portable terminal, an AV device, a home appliance, and the like. These devices identify advertising products, coupons, symbols such as musical notes, and setting information of electronic devices based on handwriting data received from the electronic pen 1. be able to.

  The present invention can be suitably used for an electronic pen for writing on a printed matter on which a predetermined pattern is printed.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of the electronic pen of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic circuit built in the electronic pen of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of handwriting data in FIG. FIG. 5 is a map sheet on which a plurality of coordinate patterns that can be read by the electronic pen are printed. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of one coordinate pattern printed on a part of the map sheet of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the mode determination unit in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the electronic pen. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the mode determination unit of the electronic pen according to the modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a surface on the other end side of the housing of the electronic pen according to the modification (a surface opposite to the pen tip).

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic pen (electronic writing instrument)
10 Housing 15 Acceleration sensor (detection member)
16 Coordinate reading LED (display member)
26 Coordinate generator (generator)
27 Mode determination unit (determination means)
29 Memory management unit (update means)
31 Mode flag 32 Handwriting data

Claims (5)

A pen-shaped housing having a nib for writing;
A detection member provided in a part of the housing for detecting movement of the housing in a predetermined direction;
When the operation mode of the electronic writing instrument is a mode for generating writing handwriting data based on the detection of the detection member, generating means for generating writing handwriting data by the electronic writing instrument,
An electronic writing instrument comprising: A pen-shaped housing having a nib for writing;
As an operation mode of the electronic writing instrument, at least a mode flag for storing information for distinguishing between a first mode for generating writing handwriting data and a second mode for not generating writing handwriting data,
An acceleration sensor provided in a part of the housing for detecting acceleration of movement of the housing in a predetermined direction;
Updating means for updating information stored in the mode flag when a movement in the predetermined direction is determined based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor;
When the operation mode of the electronic writing instrument is a mode for generating writing handwriting data by the updating means, generating means for generating writing handwriting data by the electronic writing instrument;
An electronic writing instrument comprising: A determination means for determining a movement of the housing rotating around a pen shaft as the movement of the housing in a predetermined direction;
The electronic writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein the update unit updates information stored in the mode flag when the movement is determined by the determination unit. A determination means for determining a movement of the housing in a predetermined direction as a movement of the housing in a predetermined direction around the pen shaft;
The update means updates information stored in the mode flag in a predetermined order among a plurality of operation modes of the electronic writing instrument when the movement is determined by the determination means. The electronic writing instrument according to claim 2.   5. The electronic device according to claim 3, further comprising a display member configured to display at least whether or not an operation mode set for the electronic writing instrument by the determination by the determination unit is a mode for generating the handwriting data. Writing instrument.

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