JP2009217604A - Electronic input device and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic input device that readily attains multifunctionalization of an input function and change in inputting operation during an operation, by providing one, two or more sensors on a side surface, held by a hand and making contact operations for the sensors different. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic input device includes a holding part constituted of a side surface part being long in one direction; a sensor part disposed in the side surface part; a holding position detecting part for detecting the holding position of a user at the sensor part; a pen information generating part for generating pen information for the detected sensor part; and a pen information transmitting part for outputting the pen information generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic input device, and in particular, a display device having a touch panel, a stick (pen) -shaped electronic input device used in an input device for inputting handwritten characters, figures, and the like, and an input function using the electronic input device The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus to be realized.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, input devices capable of handwriting input of characters, figures, and the like such as display devices and tablets provided with a touch panel have been used.
For example, it has a bar shape similar to pencils and ballpoint pens that are usually used writing tools. When one tip is brought into contact with the touch panel, characters and figures can be entered, and when the other tip is brought into contact with the touch panel, it has already been entered. Input devices that can erase characters and figures are used.
JP-A 63-159919 JP-A-6-102989 JP-A-4-165522 JP-A-6-314154 JP-A-6-76118

  However, with conventional input devices, in order to ensure the same operability as a general writing instrument, it has only the function of inputting characters etc. when the user holds it by hand, or the input function and deletion of characters etc. Most of them have functions, and the functions are fixed in advance, and the functions cannot be changed later to those intended by the user.

  For example, the electronic device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an electrode at a holding position held by an operator's finger, and power is supplied only when the user touches the electrode, and an electronic device that can input coordinates is provided. Although it is disclosed, only the coordinate input is considered, it does not correspond to various functions, and the functions cannot be changed later.

  In addition, the one described in Patent Document 2 is provided with a pen core that can be projected and retracted from the tip of the case, and a changeover switch that switches the resonance frequency of the LC circuit in response to the pen core projecting and projecting. Although a wireless pen that switches between two functions, the point function and the pen function, is disclosed, only two input functions corresponding to the two states of pen core indentation can be executed, and the function is changed later I can't do that either.

Further, in Patent Documents 3, 4 and 5, a sensor such as a pressure sensing converter is provided at both ends of a pen-shaped input pen, a sensor for detecting a weight and its position, or a permanent magnet is provided inside the input pen. By providing, the one that realizes the input function of characters and the like at one tip and the erase function at the other tip is disclosed, but these are also limited to two functions that can be input, The function cannot be changed to what the user intends later.
Further, when two functions are provided at both ends, when one function is executed, it is necessary to change the pen in the opposite direction in order to execute the other function.

  Also, with input devices that use touch panels and input pens, you can select and input the specific position of multiple icons displayed on the touch panel with the input pen, thereby changing the color and changing the thickness of characters. Some functions can be implemented, but before the function is executed, it is necessary to select and input the specific position displayed using the input pen. Sometimes felt troublesome.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a plurality of sensors for detecting contact with a user are provided on the surface of the input device, so that the input function can be made multifunctional and used. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic input device that enables an operator to easily perform an input operation and change an input function.

The present invention relates to a holding portion having a side portion that is long in one direction, a sensor portion provided on the side portion, a holding position detection portion that detects a holding position of a user by the sensor portion, and a detected sensor The present invention provides an electronic input device comprising a pen information generation unit that generates pen information for a unit and a pen information transmission unit that outputs the generated pen information.
According to this, since the holding position of the user is detected by the sensor unit, it is possible to realize a large number of input functions simply by touching the sensor unit, and it is easy to switch the input function even during the input operation. be able to.

Here, the pen information generation unit generates different information for different detection results for one sensor.
In addition, the sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors, and at least one sensor is provided at a position where the user holds the holding unit. According to this, it is possible to easily touch the sensor while holding the device by hand, and the input function can be selected or switched by an easy operation without changing the device.

  In addition, predetermined pen information is output when a user input is detected simultaneously by the plurality of sensors. According to this, since a preset function is not executed unless a plurality of sensors are simultaneously touched, a malfunction can be prevented and an input function intended by the user can be reliably executed.

In addition, the state information specifying the detection result for the sensor unit is not detected from the state where the user input is detected, the change information from the state where the user input is not detected, or the state where the user input is detected Status change information, information indicating that no user input has been detected, information indicating that user input has been detected, information indicating that user input has been detected, within a certain period of time It is characterized by comprising at least one of information indicating that a single click has been performed and information indicating that a double click has been performed within a certain period of time. According to this, the input function can be easily selected or switched only by performing an operation similar to that conventionally performed by an input operation of a computer.
In order to improve the operability for the user, it is preferable that the pen information transmission unit has a wireless communication function for outputting pen information wirelessly.

Further, the present invention relates to the electronic input device, the pen information receiving unit that receives the pen information, the sensor unit to which the pen information is transmitted, and the current state of the sensor unit from the state information included in the received pen information. Identified by a pen information analysis unit that identifies a detection state, a storage unit that stores setting information including a detection state of the sensor unit, and a function content previously associated with the detection state, and the pen information analysis unit A function selection unit that compares a current detection state of the selected sensor unit with the setting information and selects a function content of the matching setting information, and an input function corresponding to the selected function content is executed The present invention provides an information processing apparatus including a function execution unit.
According to this, a desired function can be selected by a user's contact operation on the sensor unit, and a plurality of detection states and function contents are stored in advance in association with each other. Many functions can be switched just by operating.

Here, the sensor unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor, and when the pen information transmission unit transmits state information indicating that the first sensor is contacted, the second sensor is contacted. When the state information indicating that the function is transmitted, the function selecting unit selects a different function as the function content associated with the detection state specified by the state information.
When the state information indicating that the first sensor is touched is transmitted, the function selection unit selects a drawing function as the function content, and the state information indicating that the second sensor is touched When transmitted, an erasing function is selected as the function content. According to this, it is possible to easily select a function by providing two sensors and making the contacting sensors different.
Similarly, when the sensor unit is composed of three or more sensors, a multi-function can be realized by changing the contacting sensors.

  Further, the function content associated with the detection state of the sensor unit is a function of changing the drawing color cyclically, and a plurality of colors that are cyclically switched to the function content of the setting information stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by being set. According to this, it is possible to easily change the drawing color simply by performing a contact operation on the sensor unit.

Further, when a plurality of detection states of the sensor unit are stored in the storage unit, the function content stored in association with each detection state is a different function. According to this, a different function can be easily realized by performing a different operation corresponding to each detection state as a user's contact operation. That is, multiple functions can be realized by an easy operation.
Even if the sensor unit is composed of one sensor, a large number of input functions can be realized with a small number of sensors by storing a plurality of detection states for the one sensor.

In addition, a plurality of detection states of the sensor unit are stored in the storage unit, information for switching a plurality of functions set in advance as function contents corresponding to double click is stored, and a function corresponding to single click Information for calling the execution function of the currently selected operation is stored as content. According to this, two different functions can be executed only by performing an easy operation such as single click or double click, which has been conventionally used in an input operation of a computer.
In addition, the detection state of the sensor unit stored in the storage unit is a single click, a double click, a state in which contact is made for a certain time, and a state in which no contact is made for a certain time It is characterized by including.
By storing such a detection state in association with the function content, a multi-function can be realized with an easy operation.

Further, when the sensor unit is composed of a first sensor and a second sensor, and the second sensor is single-clicked or double-clicked at the same time when the first sensor is kept in contact for a certain period of time. The function selection unit selects the function content stored in the storage unit in advance in association with the contact state of the two sensors.
According to this, since a function is selected only when a predetermined contact operation is simultaneously performed on two sensors, malfunction can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, the sensor unit is provided, and by changing the contact method for the sensor unit, the pen information is transmitted to the input control device so that the input function specified by the contact method is executed. By previously setting a plurality of contact methods for the input, it is possible to easily switch the input function during the input operation by an easy operation of contacting the sensor unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by description of the following examples.
<Configuration of information processing apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus used in the present invention.
The information processing apparatus according to the present invention mainly includes an input pen 100, an input control unit 10, a display unit 21, and a pen input unit 30. Here, the information processing apparatus selects the input selected by the input control unit selecting a function based on the pen information from the input pen and performing a handwriting instruction operation on the pen input unit using the input pen. It corresponds to a device that performs a function.
The input pen 100 corresponds to the electronic input device of the present invention, and is a device for a user to input various information and input handwritten characters and figures.
As will be described later, the input pen 100 mainly includes a sensor unit 101, a contact detection unit 102, a pen information transmission unit 103, a pen information generation unit 104, and a battery 105.

The display unit 21 is a part that displays various information based on an instruction from the input control unit 10, and various display devices such as a CRT, an LCD, and a PDP can be used.
The pen input unit 30 is a plate-like input device through which a user inputs various information, handwritten characters, and the like using the input pen 100, and corresponds to a so-called touch panel or tablet. In the case of a touch panel, a contact sensor is provided to face the screen of the display unit, and coordinate information of a position pressed by the input pen 100 is output from the contact sensor.
The pen input unit 30 is a part that transmits information (coordinate information) on the position pressed by the input pen 100 to the input control unit 10, and as will be described later, mainly the coordinate input unit 31 and the coordinate detection unit. 32 and a coordinate transmission unit 33.

The input control unit 10 corresponds to an input control device that performs the above-described input function, receives information transmitted from the input pen 100 and the pen input unit 30, analyzes the information, and inputs information ( For example, a handwritten character) is displayed on the display unit 21 or a specific input function is executed based on the input information.
The input control unit 10 is realized as a function of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and is a part that controls input / output of information with respect to the input pen 100, the display unit 21, and the pen input unit 30.

  For example, a push button sensor for executing a red line drawing input function is provided on the surface of the input pen 100, and a line drawing is drawn on the pen input unit 30 with the input pen 100 while the push button sensor is in contact with a finger. At this time, the input control unit 10 receives the coordinate information of the drawn line drawing from the pen input unit 30 and causes the display unit 21 to display the line drawing.

<Description of input pen>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the input pen of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the input pen.
As shown in FIG. 2, the input pen 100 is a pen-shaped pen that is elongated in one direction. A hand-held holding portion includes a side portion that is long in one direction and end portions provided on both sides of the side portion. Become. The two ends have sharp edges, and handwritten instructions such as characters and figures can be input.
In FIG. 2, the side surface portion of the input pen 100 includes four surfaces (A, B, C, and D), and the sensor unit 101 (sensor 001) is provided on any one side surface or a plurality of side surfaces of the side surface portion. Provide. As will be described later, the sensor unit 101 includes one or more sensors, and any one of a plurality of input functions is selected by a different contact method for each sensor.

Further, the contact detection unit 102, the pen information transmission unit 103, the pen information generation unit 104, and the battery 105 illustrated in FIG. 1 are accommodated in a pen surrounded by four side surfaces.
The side surface shape is not limited to this, and may be a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal shape having six side surfaces, or another polygonal shape.

For the sensor unit 101, for example, a capacitance detection type sensor capable of detecting a change in capacitance can be used.
As in the sensor 001 in FIG. 2, at least one sensor unit 101 is provided on the side surface of the input pen 100. Alternatively, as will be described later, a plurality of input pens may be provided at predetermined positions on the side surface of the input pen. The position and number of the sensor units 101 are determined in advance according to design specifications.
For example, one sensor is provided in the vicinity of one end portion where the user holds the holding portion.

Further, when the sensor unit is composed of two or more sensors, at least one sensor is used near one end so that the user can easily and quickly operate without holding the input pen. It is preferable to provide in the position where a person holds the said holding | maintenance part.
Further, when two sensors are provided, one first sensor may be provided in the vicinity of one first end, and the other second sensor may be provided in the vicinity of the other second end.

A plurality of sensors may be provided in the vicinity of one end. In this case, in order to prevent malfunction, it is preferable that the preset function is executed only when the plurality of sensors are simultaneously contacted.
For example, if three sensors are provided on the side surface portion that is substantially the same distance from the tip of one end portion, the predetermined function is not executed when only one of these three sensors is touched. The predetermined function is executed only when two sensors are simultaneously touched.

The contact detection unit 102 is a part that detects a change in capacitance when the user touches the sensor with a finger and when the user does not touch the sensor. That is, a change between a state where there is contact with the sensor and a state where there is no contact is detected.
For example, the capacitance C1 of the state 1 where the finger is not touching the sensor 001 is stored in advance, and the capacitance C2 when the finger touches the sensor 001 is smaller than the predetermined threshold value C0. In this case (C2 <C0 <C1), the contact detection unit 102 determines that the user has touched the sensor 001 with the finger 2.

When the state changes from state 1 (no contact) to touching the sensor to state 2 (contact state) that touches the sensor, pen information including state information indicating that the state has changed is generated. Is transmitted to the input control unit 10.
On the other hand, when the contact detection unit 102 detects that the state has been changed from the state 2 in which the sensor has been touched (the state in which contact is made) to the state 1 in which the sensor has not been touched (the state in which there is no contact), the state change also occurs. The pen information including the state information indicating is generated and transmitted to the input control unit 10.

The pen information generation unit 104 is a part that generates pen information indicating the change in the contact state of the input pen and the presence or absence of contact. The contact method performed on the sensor unit can be specified by the state information included in the pen information.
The pen information transmission unit 103 is a part that transmits the generated pen information to the input control unit 10.

The input pen 100 and the input control unit 10 may be connected by a wired cable, and the pen information may be transmitted from the pen information transmission unit 103 to the pen information reception unit 11 via this cable.
However, considering the ease of user input, it is preferable to transmit pen information by wireless communication without providing a wired cable.
In other words, the pen information transmission unit 103 and the pen information reception unit 11 of the input control unit 10 have a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving infrared rays and radio waves, and communicate with a predetermined communication protocol such as Bluetooth. Good.
The battery 105 supplies power to each functional block such as a sensor unit. However, the battery 105 is provided mainly in the case of wireless communication and may not supply power via a wired cable.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of pen information generated in the input pen 100 and transmitted to the input control unit 10. Here, one piece of pen information includes a sensor number and a state.
The sensor number is an identification number that identifies each sensor constituting the sensor unit 101.
The state (hereinafter also referred to as state information) is information indicating a change in the state of the sensor or a current state, and corresponds to information specifying a contact method for the sensor in which contact is detected. For example, six state information as shown in FIG. 4 can be considered.

In FIG. 4, “OFF” means that the user is not in contact with the sensor (no contact state 1), and “ON” is the state in which the user is in contact with the sensor ( It means that the state 2) is in contact.
Here, “state 01” means that the state of the sensor has changed from OFF to ON. For example, this means that the user holds the input pen and touches the sensor with a finger. In this case, the contact method that the user has touched the sensor is specified by “state 01”.
“State 02” means that the state of the sensor has changed from ON to OFF. In this case, the “state 02” specifies a contact method in which the user has released the contact with the sensor.

“State 10” means that the sensor is currently in an OFF state (no contact state), and “State 11” indicates that the sensor is currently in an ON state (contact state). Means that
“State 20” means that the sensor has been single-clicked within a certain period of time, that is, the contact state has changed from “OFF->ON-> OFF”. Further, “state 21” means that the sensor is double-clicked within a certain time. For example, it means that the contact state of the sensor has changed in the order of OFF, ON, OFF, ON, OFF in one second. By detecting the change in the contact state in this way, a contact method of single click or double click is specified.
It is assumed that the different state information as described above is generated each time a different contact method is performed on one sensor provided in the input pen.
However, when the same state continues, the state “10” or “11” is not always transmitted, but in order to reduce the power consumption of the battery, at regular intervals or from the input control unit 10 side. It may be transmitted when requested.

The pen information in FIG. 4 is one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, pen information may be generated and transmitted only when there is a change in state, that is, in states 01 and 02, without transmission when there is no change in state (states 10 and 11).
Alternatively, the input pen side may analyze the presence or absence of contact of a plurality of sensors, and generate and transmit information related to the function specified by the analysis result.
In addition, the pen information may be something like three or more clicks.

<Description of pen input unit>
As the pen input unit 30 itself, a conventionally used touch panel or the like can be used.
For example, the coordinate input unit 31 is a rectangular flat panel, and the coordinate detection unit 32 may be a thin film sensor group stacked in parallel with the flat panel.

In addition, a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light along the surface of the flat panel are installed on the upper side and the left side of the flat panel, and a plurality of light receiving elements that receive the light are installed on the lower side and the right side. You may provide the coordinate detection part 32 which detected the position of the interrupted light with a light receiving element.
There are various other methods for detecting coordinates on the flat panel, such as a resistive film method, an electromagnetic induction method, an infrared method, and a CCD detection method, and any of them may be used.
The coordinate transmission unit 33 is a part that converts the signal detected by the coordinate detection unit 32 into coordinate information (X coordinate, Y coordinate) of the flat panel and transmits it to the coordinate reception unit 13 of the input control unit 10.
Communication between the pen input unit 30 and the input control unit 10 may be data communication via a wired cable, or may be wireless communication using infrared rays or radio waves.

<Description of input control unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the input control unit 10 mainly includes a pen information reception unit 11, a display control unit 12, a coordinate reception unit 13, a pen information analysis unit 14, a function selection unit 15, a function execution unit 16, and a storage unit 40. It consists of.
The input control unit 10 is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O controller, a timer, and the like. The function of each functional block is determined by the CPU based on a control program stored in the storage unit 40 in advance. This is realized by organically operating various hardware.

The pen information receiving unit 11 is a part that receives pen information transmitted from the pen information transmitting unit 103 of the input pen 100, and has a wired or wireless communication function as described above. The received pen information 43 is stored in the storage unit 40.
The display control unit 12 is a part that generates data to be displayed on the display unit 21 and gives the data to the display unit 21. For example, a line drawing or handwritten character drawn on the pen input unit 30 by the input pen is converted into display data and given to the display unit 21.
The coordinate receiving unit 13 is a part that receives coordinate information transmitted from the coordinate transmitting unit 33 of the pen input unit 30. The received coordinate information 44 is stored in the storage unit 40 and used to generate display data.

The pen information analysis unit 14 is a part for confirming the content of the received pen information and recognizing how the user touches which sensor provided in the input pen.
Specifically, this is a part for specifying the sensor unit to which the pen information is transmitted and the current contact state of the sensor unit from the state information included in the received pen information.
When there are a plurality of sensors, the number of each sensor and the current state of each sensor are specified from the received pen information.
If pen information is sent only when there is a change in sensor contact, the change state is monitored for a certain period of time, and the user has made a single click or double click on the sensor. Check if you did.

The function selection unit 15 uses the current contact state of the sensor unit specified by the pen information analysis unit 14 and the setting information stored in advance in the storage unit 40 to determine what function the user uses with the input pen. It is the part that recognizes whether you have selected. Specifically, the function content included in the matched setting information is selected by comparing the current contact state with the setting information.
When there are a plurality of sensors, the function to be executed is selected based on the combination of the function content preset for each sensor and the current contact state of the plurality of sensors.
The function execution unit 16 is a part that executes an input function corresponding to the function content selected by the function selection unit using the coordinate information received by the coordinate reception unit 13 when a handwriting input operation is performed with the input pen. is there.

  The correspondence relationship between the state information indicating the contact state of each sensor and the function content to be executed associated with the contact state is stored in advance in the storage unit 40 as setting information 41. The setting information 41 may be fixedly set in advance at the time of design, or may be stored in a RAM or a hard disk so that the user can change the setting later.

<Description of setting information>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting information.
FIG. 5 shows an example of setting information for one sensor when one sensor is provided in the input pen. The setting information 41 is stored in the storage unit 40 before shipping.
Here, the sensor has a sensor number 001.

Also, two pieces of information are set as the “state” of the pen information, and when “20” is transmitted as the “state” of the sensor 001, this means that the sensor 001 has been “single clicked”. This means that “item switching selection” is instructed by the user as the selection mode.
That is, when the user single-clicks the sensor 001, it is recognized that an input intended for “item switching selection” is made by the user.
Here, “item switching selection” means selection of items (color, thickness, etc.) for the currently selected function content. For example, when “color selection” is selected as the function content, this means a function of changing the drawing color cyclically, and one of preset colors (red, black, etc.) is cyclically selected. Refers to the mode.

FIG. 5 shows color selection information, thickness selection information, and eraser selection information as item switching selection information.
In the color selection information, N colors are set in advance, and the order is set for each color. In FIG. 5, black is the first rank, red is the second rank, and yellow is the Nth rank. When the function content is “color selection”, every time the sensor 001 is single-clicked, the input color of the input pen is cyclically changed according to the setting order. For example, when the input color selected as the color used for drawing at present is black, if the sensor 001 is single-clicked once, the subsequent input color is switched to red. That is, the display color of the line drawing drawn with the input pen thereafter is red.

  Similarly, in the thickness selection information, M types of thicknesses are set in advance, and each time the sensor 001 is single-clicked with “change thickness” selected as the function content, the thickness is changed. Switched according to order.

  Further, in FIG. 5, the eraser selection information has five sizes set in advance, and when the “change eraser” is selected as the function content, single-clicking the sensor 001 erases the input line drawing. The size of the eraser for switching is changed according to the order. The order and number of these pieces of selection information may be fixedly set in advance, but may be set so as to be changeable by the user.

In FIG. 5, when 21 is transmitted as the “state” of the pen information, it means that the sensor 001 is “double-clicked”, and “select function switching” is instructed by the user as the selection mode. Means that
That is, when the user double-clicks the sensor 001, it is recognized that the user has made an input intended to “select function switching”.
Here, “function switching selection” means a mode for selecting any one of a plurality of function contents set in advance. For example, FIG. 5 shows five function contents that can be selected by function switching selection and their selection order.

In FIG. 5, the first rank is the “color selection” function, the second rank is the “erase (eraser)” function, the third rank is the “thickness change” function, and the fourth rank is the “eraser change” function. The fifth ranking is the “handwritten character recognition” function.
For example, when the currently selected function content is “color selection”, when the user double-clicks the sensor 001 once, the current selected function content is switched to the “erase” function.
Thereafter, when an operation is performed to draw a line drawing on the pen input unit 30 using the input pen 100, an eraser is displayed on the display unit, and an already-drawn character or figure erasing operation is executed. . With respect to this function content, the function is cyclically switched every time double-clicking is performed.

When “color selection” is selected as the function content, a line drawing or the like is input with the input pen in the currently selected color.
In this state, when the user double-clicks the sensor 001 once, it is switched to the “erasing” function of the second order, and the erasing operation with the input pen is performed with a predetermined size eraser.
In addition, when “color selection” is selected, if the user double-clicks the sensor 001 twice, the user is switched to the “thickness change” function of the third rank, and the thickness of the line drawn with the input pen is changed. It becomes a mode that can be changed. After this, by repeating the single click of the sensor 001 of the input pen several times, the thickness to be selected is switched according to the order of the thickness selection information, and the desired thickness can be selected.

Regarding the “change eraser” function, similarly to the “thickness change” function, a single-click operation of the sensor 001 is performed several times while the function content is selected, so that an eraser having a desired size can be obtained. You can choose.
In addition, when the user repeats the double-click operation four times in the state where the “color selection” function is selected, the function is switched to the fifth-ranked “handwritten character recognition” function.
If a character is handwritten to the pen input unit 30 with the input pen in a state where the “handwritten character recognition” function is selected, character recognition of the handwritten character is performed.

  For example, when a line drawing called “Kanji” is input by hand using an input pen, and the operation is performed to enclose the character portion entered by handwriting in a circle, the “Kanji” input by handwriting as a line drawing is recognized, Recognized as “Kanji”. Alternatively, when character recognition is difficult, a list of recognition candidates close to the handwritten character may be displayed, and the user may select a correct character.

  Also, using an input pen, enter characters (for example, “Kanji”) by handwriting in “Hiragana” or “Katakana”, and enclose the handwritten input character portion (Kanji) in a circle, meaning “Kana-Kanji conversion” When the input operation is performed, first, “Kanji” that is the handwritten character part is recognized, and a list of kanji conversion candidates for the recognized “Kanji” (kanji, secretary, feeling, kanji,… Etc.) and the user may be allowed to select the kanji that the user wanted to convert from this list.

  As described above, the setting information 41 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and is not limited to this, and other function contents and item selection information are preset according to the design specifications, and the ROM or the like. May be stored in a fixed manner. The setting information 41 may be stored in a rewritable memory such as a RAM or a hard disk so that the contents of the setting information can be changed to user-defined definition contents.

The selected function information 42 in the storage unit 40 is a temporary storage of the current function content selected by the function selection unit 15 and each item information (color, thickness, etc.).
For example, in the case of FIG. 5, in the initial state, as the selection function information 42, “color selection” function, color = “black”, thickness = “middle thickness”, eraser size = “middle” are stored in advance. It may be left.

FIG. 7 shows an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting information 41 when the input pen is provided with two sensors (001, 002).
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an input pen provided with two sensors (001, 002). Here, the first sensor 001 is provided in the vicinity of one end of the input pen, and the second sensor 002 is provided in the vicinity of the other end.
When two sensors are provided, eight types of functional contents as shown in FIG. 7 can be considered depending on the combination of contact methods for the two sensors.
When a plurality of contact states are stored for each sensor, multiple functions can be realized by differentiating the function content stored in association with each contact state.
For each of the two sensors, there are four possible contact states that can be stored: non-contact state (OFF state), contact state (ON state), single click, double click, and pen information corresponding to these states. Are transmitted from the input pen 100 to the pen information receiving unit 11.

Single-click and double-click operations for each sensor may be performed by holding the input pen 100 with a hand, for example, with the index finger of the hand holding the input pen. However, the sensor may be clicked with the finger of the hand not holding the input pen.
In the case of functions 5 to 8 in FIG. 7, for example, with one hand holding the input pen and in contact with one sensor, the other hand can be single-clicked or double-clicked on the other sensor. You may do.

  In FIG. 7, function 1 is a case where the first sensor 001 is single-clicked without touching the second sensor 002 (OFF). At this time, the contents of the current setting function mode (selection function information 42) set in the first sensor 001 are called from the storage unit 40, and the subsequent click operation of the sensor 001 is made valid so that the setting function can be changed. To. That is, in the case of a single click of the first sensor 001, information for enabling execution of the execution function of the currently selected handwriting input operation is called.

Function 2 is a case where the first sensor 001 is double-clicked in a state where the second sensor 002 is not touched (OFF).
At this time, by repeating the double click, the function content set in advance is cyclically switched according to the order set in advance.
That is, information for switching a plurality of preset functions is stored as the function content corresponding to the double click.

In this function 2, several handwritten input colors and kanji conversion functions are switched by double-clicking the first sensor 001.
For example, if the color information of the called current function content is “black”, the input color is switched to “orange” by double-clicking the first sensor 001 once.
Further, if the current color information is “purple”, the handwriting input function (drawing function) in purple is switched to the “kanji conversion” function by double-clicking once.
Thereafter, the conversion function from handwritten Kana characters to Kanji as described above can be executed.
In addition, when the “Kanji conversion” function is selected, the handwriting input function (drawing function) in black is switched by double-clicking once.

Function 3 is the same function as function 1 except that the first sensor 001 is in a non-contact state and the single-clicking sensor is replaced with the sensor of sensor number 002.
The function 4 executes the same function as the function 2 only by the operation of the two sensors being reversed. However, the function contents selected cyclically are different. In FIG. 7, by repeating double-clicking, the “red”, “yellow”, “blue” handwriting input function (drawing function), eraser (erase) function, Are selected cyclically.
Here, the functions 1 and 3 are described as being the same function, and the functions 2 and 4 are described as being the same function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different functions may be used. For example, in the first click of the first sensor of the function 1, the black drawing function is fixedly selected, and in the single click of the second sensor of the function 3, the eraser function (erase function) is fixedly selected. Also good.

Functions 5 and 6 are functions for changing the thickness of a line drawn with the input pen.
In function 5, one of the first sensors 001 is kept in contact with one hand, and at the same time, the other second sensor 002 is single-clicked. That is, this is a case where the second sensor is simultaneously single-clicked while the state in which the first sensor is in contact is continued.
By performing such an operation, the thickness of the drawing line is changed to a thickness thinner by one level than the current thickness. Thereafter, handwriting is input by a line having a thickness reduced by one level.
In the function 6, one of the first sensors 001 is kept in contact, and at the same time, the other second sensor 002 is double-clicked. By this operation, the thickness of the drawing line is increased by one level.

Functions 7 and 8 are functions for converting the thickness of the line drawn with the input pen or the size of the eraser when the erase function is selected.
In function 7, one sensor 002 is kept in contact, and at the same time, the other sensor 001 is single-clicked. As a result, the thickness of the drawing line is reduced by one level, or the size of the eraser is reduced by one level.
In function 8, one sensor 002 is kept in contact, and at the same time, the other sensor 001 is double-clicked. As a result, the thickness of the drawing line is increased by one level, or the size of the eraser is increased by one level.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the input pen includes two sensors, the contact detection unit 102 detects the states of the two sensors (001, 002), and the pen information generation unit 104 enters the detection state. Generate corresponding pen information for each sensor. Then, the pen information transmission unit 103 transmits the pen information of the two sensors to the input control unit 10 by wireless communication.
When the pen information receiving unit 11 of the input control unit 10 receives the pen information of the two sensors, the pen information analyzing unit 14 analyzes the contents of the pen information.

By this analysis, for example, it is specified whether the first sensor 001 is single-clicked, double-clicked, or in a non-contact state or a contact state. The same applies to the second sensor 002.
After that, the function selection unit 15 compares the analysis result of the pen information as described above of the pen information analysis unit 14 with the setting information 41 as shown in FIG. The function selected by the sensor touch operation is specified.

  And the function execution part 16 performs the process corresponding to the identified function. For example, if the states of the two sensors specified by the pen information analysis unit 14 are the sensor 001: ON (contact) state and the sensor 002: single click, the function selection unit 15 displays the setting information in FIG. Function 5 is selected from among them, and the setting of the drawing line currently set is changed so as to be thinned by one level.

  Thereafter, when a line drawing is manually input to the pen input unit 30 with the input pen 100, the function execution unit 16 converts the line drawing manually input based on the coordinate information received by the coordinate receiving unit 13. The display control unit 12 is controlled and given to the display unit 21 so that the corresponding display data is a line segment that is one level thinner than before.

  As described above, in the present invention, only one fixed function is not set for one sensor provided in the input pen, and a specific operation is performed on one sensor. Any one of a plurality of preset functions can be executed. That is, a plurality of functions can be assigned to one sensor, and the number of sensors provided in the input pen can be reduced in order to realize a large number of functions.

In addition, if the operation for the sensor is limited to the same mouse operation as a normal computer such as single click or double click, it is easy operation without burdening the user and can be used for handwriting input. Function selection and function change can be made.
Further, by storing the setting information 41 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 in a rewritable memory such as a hard disk, it is possible for the user to easily change the function content to what he intended at any time. Become.

  The setting information 41 in the case where one or two sensors are provided in the input pen has been described. In general, when N (N ≧ 3) sensors are provided in the input pen, similarly, for each of the N sensors. It is only necessary to combine the obtained state information and create setting information in which different function contents are assigned in advance for each combination.

However, increasing the number of sensors and the number of assigned functions makes it possible to achieve multiple functions with a single input pen. It is not preferable to increase the number of.
In addition, when there are many functions that can be executed regardless of the number of sensors, the user can easily understand what functions can be realized by what contact operation. Therefore, it is preferable to display the correspondence list display of operations and function contents on the display unit at all times or as a so-called help function.
In addition, when a plurality of sensors are provided on the input pen, in order to make it easy to visually check which sensor the user has touched, for example, the input pen emits light of a color associated with each sensor. It is preferable to provide an LED to be used.

<Example of Input Pen Operation and Function Selection Processing>
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the function selection process when two sensors are provided in one input pen.
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, two sensors (001, 002) are provided on the input pen, and “black” color selection is performed by touching one of the first sensors 001 once, A case where “red” color selection is performed by touching the second sensor 002 will be described.
However, the colors themselves are not limited to these two colors, and it is preferable that they can be changed to other colors by setting.

  In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 8, the contact detection unit 102 checks whether or not the user has touched (touched) one of the sensors of the input pen. When the touch is detected, it is checked in step S12 which of the two sensors is touched. The determination of the presence or absence of contact can be confirmed, for example, by checking the change in capacitance for each sensor.

In step S12, for example, when it is detected that the first sensor 001 is touched, pen information indicating that is generated, and the pen information transmitting unit 103 transmits the pen information to the input control unit 10.
In the input control unit 10, the content of the pen information is analyzed by the pen information analysis unit 14, and the setting information associated with the first sensor 001 touched by the function selection unit 15 is called up.
In this case, the process proceeds to step S13, and the “black drawing function” corresponding to the contact of the sensor 001 is called from the setting information and selected. Thereafter, when a line drawing is input by the input pen, a black line drawing is displayed on the display unit.

Alternatively, if it is confirmed in step S12 that the sensor 002 of the input pen has been touched, the process proceeds to step S14, and the “drawing function in red” corresponding to the touch of the sensor 002 is called from the setting information. Selected.
Thereafter, when a line drawing is input with the input pen, a red line drawing is displayed on the display unit.
Next, it progresses to step S15 and the function content selected by step S13 or S14 is memorize | stored as the selection function information 42 which is present setting information. That is, the selection function information 42 is updated.

In step S16, it is checked whether contact with the sensor has been released.
If the user stops contact with the sensor, the process proceeds to step S17, and thereafter, it is monitored for a certain time that there is no contact with the sensor. If the predetermined time has passed without touching the sensor, the process proceeds to step S18 and shifts to the standby mode. By setting the standby mode, it is possible to reduce battery consumption of the input pen and reduce power consumption.

  In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 8, only one different function is assigned in advance to one sensor, but the user simply performs an operation of touching the sensor and executes it according to the user's intention. The input function can be easily switched.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of another function selection process when two sensors are provided in one input pen.
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, two sensors (001, 002) are provided. However, the line drawing input function is selected by touching one of the first sensors 001 once, and the other second sensor is selected. A case where the erasing (eraser) function is selected by touching the sensor 002 once will be described.
Further, only the presence or absence of contact is judged, and the contact method is not limited. The touch on the sensor is simply a contact, and may be a single click or a double click.
Furthermore, the line color in the handwriting input of the line drawing does not matter.

In step S21 in FIG. 9, it is checked whether any of the sensors (001, 002) of the input pen is touched. This is the same processing as step S11.
In step S22, it is checked which sensor is touched. This is the same processing as step S12.

If one of the first sensors 001 is touched, the process proceeds to step S23, and setting information for a line drawing function using the input pen is called. Thereafter, when a line drawing operation is performed on the pen input unit 30 with the input pen, the locus of the line drawing is displayed on the display unit 21.
If the other second sensor 002 is touched, the process proceeds to step S24, and the setting information of the erasing (eraser) function using the input pen is called. Thereafter, when a drawing operation is performed on the pen input unit 30 with the input pen, instead of drawing a line, a process of erasing the already drawn line drawing is performed along its trajectory, and the display of the portion of the line drawing is displayed on the display unit. 21 is erased.

In step S25, the currently selected selection function information 42 is updated to the information called in step S23 or step S24.
Steps S26, S27 and S28 are the same as steps S16, S17 and S18 of FIG. 8, respectively.

In the case of FIG. 9, by providing two sensors, different functions assigned to the respective sensors can be executed.
Further, since the function can be switched by simply performing a simple operation of touching the sensor, it is possible to easily switch to the function intended by the user without imposing a burden on the user.

FIGS. 10 to 14 are flowcharts showing an example of function selection processing including simultaneous touch processing when two sensors are provided in one input pen.
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the input pen is provided with two sensors (001, 002). However, by detecting a change in the contact state of the user with each sensor, it is possible to select three or more functions. A possible embodiment will be described.

In addition, it is possible to select three functions for one sensor, such as single-click and double-click, which keeps touching for a certain period of time, and at the same time touches another sensor once or twice. The operation is as follows.
For example, when only the first sensor 001 is touched, there are two state changes, single click and double click, and a preset function content is selected for each state change.
Similarly, when only the second sensor 002 is touched, there are two state changes of single click and double click, and preset function contents are selected.

In the case of a single click, it is assumed that the currently selected function information (selected function information 42 stored in the storage unit) is called when the sensor is touched.
On the other hand, in the case of double-clicking, it is assumed that the function currently selected for the sensor is changed to another function (function selection changing process).

Further, it is assumed that two touch operations are set in advance as the simultaneous touch processing.
One touch operation is an operation of touching the second sensor 002 once or twice at the same time while maintaining the state of touching the first sensor 001.
When this touch operation is performed, the function items are switched. Here, as one example, a case will be described in which the line thickness is changed when the pen input drawing function is executed.
In addition, another touch operation is an operation of touching the first sensor 001 once or twice at the same time while maintaining the state of touching the second sensor 002. This touch operation also changes the line thickness, which is one of the function items.

First, in FIG. 10, it is checked in step S31 whether the pen information receiving unit 11 has received pen information indicating that the input pen has been touched.
This can be done by checking whether pen information indicating that there is contact from at least one of the sensors is received.
If received, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, step S31 is repeated.

In steps S32 to S35, the pen information analysis unit 14 analyzes the received pen information and confirms the touch state of the two sensors.
In step S32, it is checked whether or not the sensor touched by the user is only the first sensor 001. If it is determined that only the first sensor 001 has been touched, the process proceeds to step S36, and a touch process of the sensor 001, that is, a function selection change process preset in the sensor 001 is performed. This process will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S32, when the touched sensor is not only the sensor 001, the process proceeds to step S33, and it is checked whether or not the sensor touched by the user is only the second sensor 002.
When it is determined that only the second sensor 002 has been touched, the process proceeds to step S37, and the touch process of the sensor 002, that is, the function selection change process preset in the sensor 002 is performed. This process will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S33, when the touched sensor is not only the sensor 002, the process proceeds to step S34, and it is checked whether or not the user's operation is an operation that touches the second sensor 002 while being in contact with the first sensor 001. .
If it is such operation, it will progress to step S38 and the simultaneous touch process 1 will be performed. Here, a function item selection process (for example, a thickness change process) of the sensor 001 is performed, and details will be described with reference to FIG.
On the other hand, if it is not the said operation by step S34, it will progress to step S35.

In step S35, it is checked whether or not the user's operation is an operation of touching the first sensor 001 while being in contact with the second sensor 002. If it is such an operation, the simultaneous touch processing 2 is executed as will be described later with reference to FIG.
If it is not the said operation by step S35, it will return to step S31. Alternatively, if there is another preset operation, a function associated with the operation is executed.

Next, since the currently selected function may be changed after each of the four selection processes (S36 to 39), the current selected function information 42 is updated in step S40.
Further, in step S41, the presence / absence of touch release is checked. In step S42, the presence / absence of a certain period of time is checked. In step S43, processing for shifting to the standby mode is executed. These processes (S41 to S43) are the same as steps S16 to S18 shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of touch processing of the sensor 001 shown in step S36 of FIG.
Here, it is determined whether the contact method of the first sensor 001 is a single click or a double click, and the current selection function of the first sensor 001 is changed.

In step S51, it is checked whether the user has single-clicked or double-clicked using the received state information of the first sensor 001.
In the case of a single click, the process proceeds to step S52, the current selected function information of the sensor 001 is called, and the function execution unit 16 makes this function executable.
For example, if the called function is a green drawing function, when a line drawing is input with the input pen, the green line drawing is displayed on the display unit with the thickness stored in the called information.

On the other hand, in the case of double clicking, the process proceeds to step S53, and similarly, after calling the currently selected function information of the sensor 001, the function selection is changed in step S54.
When four functions are stored as setting information in advance as functions of the first sensor 001, the next function is selected according to the setting order.

For example, if the black drawing, orange drawing, green drawing and kanji conversion functions are stored as setting information in this order, the currently selected function called in step S53 is changed to the next function. If the currently selected function is “black drawing”, it is changed to “orange drawing”. If the “kanji conversion function” is currently selected, the process returns to the first setting function and changes to the “black drawing function”.
As described above, any one of the four functions can be selected by repeating the double-click operation of the first sensor 001 several times.

In addition, a plurality of functions can be assigned to one sensor by performing a specific operation such as a double click. In addition, when performing handwriting input with an input pen, it is possible to easily switch to a function desired by a user simply by performing an operation similar to a conventional mouse operation on the input pen side.
Therefore, instead of setting one function fixedly for the sensor provided in the input pen, the function can be easily and quickly switched by a specific operation on the sensor when the input pen is used. The operability of the handwriting input function can be improved.
The above is one example of the function selection change process in step S36. However, the contact operation to the sensor, the function contents, and the number of functions are not limited to this.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of touch processing of the sensor 002 shown in step S37 of FIG.
Here, it is determined whether the contact method of the second sensor 002 is single click or double click, and the current selection function of the second sensor 002 is changed.
Steps S61 to S64 in FIG. 12 correspond to steps S51 to S54 in FIG. 11 and replace the first sensor 001 in FIG. 11 with the second sensor 002.

The processing contents of each step are the same as those in FIG. 11, but the contents of the selection function in step S64 are different.
In step S64, the selection of the function is changed. It is assumed that a function different from that of the first sensor 001 is set in advance as the function of the second sensor 002.
For example, as functions of the second sensor 002, red drawing, yellow drawing, blue drawing and an eraser function are stored as setting information in this order.

In this case, the currently selected function called in step S63 is cyclically changed to the next function.
For example, if the currently selected function is “yellow drawing”, the function is changed to “blue drawing”.
If the “eraser function” is currently selected, the process returns to the first setting function and changes to the “red drawing function”.
As described above, by repeating the double click operation of the second sensor 002 several times, one of the preset functions can be selected.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the simultaneous touch process 1 shown in step S38 of FIG. Here, processing for changing the selection of the function item of one function content assigned to the first sensor 001 will be described.
13 is executed when the second sensor 002 is touched at the same time while being in contact with the first sensor 001 as described above.

As an example of the function item, a case where the thickness of the input pen line is changed will be described. As the thickness of the line of the input pen, for example, the thickness selection information shown in FIG. 5 is set in advance, and the thickness is increased or decreased depending on the number of times the second sensor 002 is contacted within a certain time. Shall be judged.
In FIG. 13, when the number of times of contact is 1, that is, when a single click is performed, the thickness is increased by one level.
Further, when the number of times of contact is two times within a predetermined time, that is, when double-clicking, the thickness is reduced by one level.

In step S71 of FIG. 13, the number of touches of the second sensor 002 within a predetermined time is determined. If the number of touches within a certain time is 1, the process proceeds to step S72. If the number of touches is 2, the process proceeds to step S75.
Although FIG. 13 shows only the case where the number of touches is once or twice, a process to be executed may be set even when the number of touches is three or more.
In step S72, the current pen thickness information of the first sensor 001 is called out from the current selection function information 42.

In step S73, it is checked whether the called current thickness information has already reached the maximum value. For example, it is checked whether the thickness selection information in FIG. 5 is “extremely thick”.
If it is at the maximum value, the thickness of the line cannot be increased any more, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the maximum value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S74, and the current pen thickness information is changed to one thicker by one level. For example, when the current thickness is “middle thickness” in FIG. 5, it is changed to “very thick”.
Step S75 is the same process as step S72 for calling the current pen thickness information.
In step S76, it is checked whether the current pen thickness information has already reached the minimum value. For example, it is checked whether or not “minimum” in FIG. If it is at the minimum value, the thickness of the line can no longer be reduced anymore, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the minimum value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S77, and the current pen thickness information is changed to a thin one level.
The above is the simultaneous touch process 1 of FIG. According to this, it is possible to easily change an item for a predetermined function only by an operation on the input pen side by a specific touch operation performed simultaneously on two sensors.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the simultaneous touch process 2 shown in step S39 of FIG. Here, a process of changing the selection of the function item of one function content assigned to the second sensor 002 will be described.
As described above, the process of FIG. 14 is executed when the first sensor 001 is touched at the same time while being in contact with the second sensor 002. In the process of FIG. The processing content of each step is the same only by replacing it with the sensor 002 and replacing the second sensor 002 with the first sensor 001. Steps S81 to S87 correspond to steps S71 to S77 in FIG.
The above is the simultaneous touch processing 2, and the function items can be easily changed by simply touching the sensor on the input pen side.

As described above, according to the present invention, by using a plurality of sensors provided in the input pen, it is possible to realize a large number of functions when performing handwriting input by an operation on the input pen side.
Further, by setting a plurality of types of contact methods with respect to the sensor provided in the input pen and repeating a specific contact operation on the input pen side, it is possible to switch a function that can be currently executed.
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the operability for the user and preventing erroneous operation, various types of sensors and mounting positions are conceivable.
Hereinafter, examples of sensor arrangement will be described.

<Example of sensor arrangement>
First, the input pen already shown in FIG. 6 is Example 1 in which two sensors (001, 002) are provided, but one of the four side surfaces of the input pen (for example, the A surface in FIG. 2). ) Has two sensors.
In addition, the two sensors may be provided in the vicinity of different ends of the input pen, respectively, at a position where they can be touched with, for example, the index finger when the input pen is held by hand.
In this case, in addition to the above-described operation method, black drawing is performed if handwritten input is performed while holding the sensor 001 with the index finger, and red drawing function or line drawing is performed when handwriting input is performed while holding the sensor 002 with the index finger. An erasing (eraser) function may be executed.

Next, FIG. 15 shows the input pen of the second embodiment. Here, six sensors are shown on the same side.
By assigning different functions to each of the six sensors in advance and changing the sensor to be touched with the index finger, the function for handwriting input can be switched.
The number of sensors is not limited to six. For example, if the length of the input pen is increased, more sensors can be provided.
In this case, if a function associated with the sensor is executed by performing a handwriting input operation while being in contact with any one of the sensors, multiple functions corresponding to the number of sensors can be realized.
Alternatively, handwriting input may be performed without touching the sensor after single-clicking or double-clicking the sensor, instead of handwriting input while touching the sensor.

FIG. 16 shows the input pen of the third embodiment. Here, of the four side surfaces, sensors are arranged on opposite side surfaces (B surface and D surface).
Although not shown, a sensor assigned the same function as the sensor 001 is also provided at the position of the D surface facing the sensor 001 provided on the B surface. Similarly, a sensor assigned the same function as the sensor 002 is provided at the position of the D surface facing the sensor 002 on the B surface.
In this case, the function associated with the sensor is executed only when two sensors provided at positions facing the B surface and the D surface are simultaneously contacted.

For example, if the handwriting input is performed while the two sensors of the B surface and the D surface arranged as the sensor 002 are simultaneously in contact, the red drawing function is executed, and only the B surface sensor arranged as the sensor 002 is contacted. In the state where the sensor on the D surface is not touched, the red drawing function is not executed even if handwritten input is performed.
According to this, since a predetermined function cannot be executed unless the two sensors are simultaneously in contact, malfunction can be prevented.

FIG. 17 shows the input pen of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 16 shows an example in which sensors are provided on two opposite side surfaces of the input pen, but here, an example in which sensors are provided on all side surfaces of the input pen is shown.
For example, in the case of an input pen having four side surfaces (A, B, C, D), a sensor to which the same function is assigned is provided on each side surface at a position approximately the same distance from one end. Also in this case, in order to prevent malfunction, the function is executed only when the sensors on the respective sides to which the same function is assigned are touched simultaneously.

  However, as a modification, the sensor may not be provided on the four side surfaces, but may be provided on any three side surfaces (for example, A, B, and D surfaces). In general, when the number of side surfaces is N, A sensor may be arranged on any one of at least two or more side surfaces, and a predetermined function may be executed only in a state where all of the arranged sensors are in contact.

FIG. 18 shows an input pen according to the fifth embodiment. Here, two sets of sensors are provided on the two side surfaces. One sensor group is composed of three sensors.
For example, in one sensor group, one sensor (1-01) is arranged on the A surface of the side surface, and two sensors (1-02, 1-03) are arranged on the adjacent B surface in the vicinity of this sensor. To do.
In another sensor group, three sensors (2-01, 2-02, 2-03) having the same configuration are arranged near the other end of the input pen.

By simultaneously contacting two sensors belonging to one sensor group, a previously associated function is executed. For example, the black drawing function is selected by single-clicking one sensor (1-02) on the B surface with the index finger while the sensor (1-01) arranged on the A surface is in contact with the thumb.
In addition, the red drawing function is selected by single-clicking the other sensor (1-03) on the B surface with the index finger while the sensor (1-01) is in contact with the thumb.
In addition, when the sensor (1-02) is double-clicked while being in contact with the sensor (1-01), a function such as increasing the thickness of the black line by one level can be assigned.

In the other sensor group, the eraser function is selected by single-clicking one sensor (2-01) on the B surface while the sensor (2-01) is in contact with the thumb, and the sensor (2-01) The Kanji conversion function may be selected by single-clicking the other sensor (2-03) on the B surface while touching.
Also in this case, the function is not executed only by the contact of one sensor, and malfunction can be prevented if the function is not selected unless the two sensors are touched simultaneously.

  The arrangement of the three sensors constituting one sensor group is not limited to this, and other arrangements may be made in consideration of, for example, right-handed or left-handed. In addition, the number of sensors constituting one sensor group is not limited to three, but may be four or more. In addition, when a large number of sensors are provided, in order to improve the user operability. The user may be able to set the sensor that is effective at the time of simultaneous contact. Moreover, it is good also as three or more sensors which contact simultaneously.

FIG. 19 shows an input pen according to the sixth embodiment. Here, the example which devised the side shape of an input pen is shown regardless of sensor arrangement.
In FIG. 19, only a part of the side surface provided with the sensor has a planar shape, and the other side surface has a circular shape. By adopting such a shape, the sensor can be easily held by hand and can be easily brought into contact with the sensor. In other words, the operability of the user can be improved by devising the shape of the arrangement portion of the sensor that is touched by the finger.

FIG. 20 shows the input pen of the seventh embodiment.
Here, an input pen with a built-in LED is shown. The LED is provided to inform the user which sensor has been contacted among the plurality of sensors provided on the side surface.
For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when three sensors are provided, if the display color of the LED is different for each touched sensor, it is easy to use which of the three sensors is in contact. The user can be informed and erroneous operation can be prevented.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of an input pen and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of one Example of the input pen of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of one Example at the time of carrying the input pen of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of one Example of the pen information of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of one Example of the setting information of this invention. In this invention, it is a perspective view of one Example of the input pen provided with two sensors. It is explanatory drawing of one Example of the pen information contained in the setting information of this invention, and a function content. It is a flowchart of one Example of the function selection process of an input pen with two sensors of this invention. It is a flowchart of one Example of the function selection process of an input pen with two sensors of this invention. It is a flowchart of one Example of the function selection process including the simultaneous touch process with respect to two sensors of this invention. 11 is a flowchart of an example of touch processing of the sensor 001 shown in FIG. 10. 11 is a flowchart of an example of touch processing of the sensor 002 shown in FIG. 10. It is a flowchart of one Example of the simultaneous touch process 1 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of one Example of the simultaneous touch process 2 shown in FIG. It is the perspective view of Example 2 which showed the position which provides the sensor of the input pen of this invention. It is the perspective view of Example 3 which showed the position which provides the sensor of the input pen of this invention. It is the perspective view of Example 4 which showed the position which provides the sensor of the input pen of this invention. It is the perspective view of Example 5 which showed the position which provides the sensor of the input pen of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of Example 6 which showed the side shape of the input pen of this invention. It is a perspective view of Example 7 of the input pen provided with LED of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Input control part 11 Pen information receiving part 12 Display control part 13 Coordinate receiving part 14 Pen information analysis part 15 Function selection part 16 Function execution part 21 Display part 30 Pen input part 31 Coordinate input part 32 Coordinate detection part 33 Coordinate transmission part 40 Storage unit 41 Setting information 42 Selection function information 43 Reception pen information 44 Coordinate information 100 Input pen 101 Sensor unit 102 Contact detection unit 103 Pen information transmission unit 104 Pen information generation unit 105 Battery

Claims (8)

A holding part consisting of a side part which is long in one direction;
A sensor part provided on the side part;
A holding position detecting unit for detecting a holding position of the user by the sensor unit;
A pen information generation unit for generating pen information for the detected sensor unit;
An electronic input device, comprising: a pen information transmission unit that outputs the generated pen information.   The electronic input device according to claim 1, wherein the pen information generation unit generates different information for each different detection result for one sensor.   The electronic input device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors, and at least one sensor is provided at a position where a user holds the holding unit.   The electronic input device according to claim 3, wherein predetermined pen information is output when a user input is simultaneously detected by the plurality of sensors. The state information specifying the detection result for the sensor unit is
Change information from the state where user input is not detected to the detected state,
Change information from the state where user input is detected to the state where it is not detected,
Information indicating that no user input has been detected,
Information indicating that the user ’s input is still being detected,
Information indicating a single click within a certain amount of time,
5. The electronic input device according to claim 1, comprising at least one piece of information indicating that a double-click is performed within a predetermined time.   The electronic input device according to claim 1, wherein the pen information transmission unit has a wireless communication function for outputting pen information wirelessly. The electronic input device of claim 1;
A pen information receiving unit for receiving the pen information;
A pen information analysis unit that identifies the sensor unit from which the pen information is transmitted and the current detection state of the sensor unit from the state information included in the received pen information;
A storage unit that stores setting information including a detection state of the sensor unit and a function content associated in advance with the detection state;
A function selection unit that compares the current detection state of the sensor unit identified by the pen information analysis unit with the setting information and selects the function content of the matching setting information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a function execution unit configured to execute an input function corresponding to the selected function content. A plurality of detection states of the sensor unit are stored in the storage unit,
Information for switching a plurality of functions set in advance as function contents corresponding to double click is stored,
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein information for calling an execution function of the currently selected operation is stored as a function content corresponding to a single click.

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