JP2009288948A - Position input device, position input method, and position input program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily discriminate to which side a contact point belongs, even if contact points are present on both sides of a lightguide plate which allows simultaneous input at multiple points. <P>SOLUTION: Light from light-emitting elements 3A or 3B is made incident from a predetermined direction for determining one coordinate. When scattered light is received with a light-receiving element 4 for determining the other coordinate, a control part 5e identifies an input position with a contact object on a front surface touch area 2a and/or rear surface touch area 2b, based on the coordinates of the light-emitting element 3A or 3B in illuminated scanning and the coordinates of the light-receiving element 4 in receiving the scattered light. Then the light from the light-emitting element 3A or 3B is made incident in the lightguide plate 2. Whether the contact object contacts the front surface touch area 2a or on the rear surface touch area 2b is discriminated according to the reception of scattered light under contact position of contact point recognizable regions a1-a9 or b1-b9 formed on the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a position input device, a position input method, and a position input program for inputting position data indicating coordinate positions.

  Known as a position input device is a touch panel that can operate a personal computer, ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), game machine, etc. by touching the screen with a finger or a dedicated pen. It has been. This touch panel detects the position touched by a finger or a dedicated pen, identifies the position on the panel surface (vertical coordinate position and horizontal coordinate position), and uses the identified position as an input signal (position data) This is given to the various devices described above. In addition, the detection of contact with the panel surface includes a pressure-sensitive type that detects a change in pressure, an electrostatic type that detects an electric signal due to static electricity, and an optical type that combines a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

  Here, as an optical method, in Patent Document 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of light emitting elements 31 and 32 and a plurality of light receiving elements 33 and 34 are opposed to each side of the display surface 30. When the input position to the display surface 30 is recognized by detecting the blocking state of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 31 and 32 that sequentially emit light and incident on the light receiving elements 33 and 34 facing each other, they are adjacent to each other. The light-emitting elements 31 and 32 have proposed a touch panel that does not emit light continuously.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-20985

  In the optical touch panel disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when the light receiving elements 33 and 34 receive light emitted from the facing light emitting elements 31 and 32, the light emitting elements adjacent to the light emitting elements 31 and 32. Because it does not receive the light emitted from 31 and 32, touch input is reliably detected without malfunction even if the touch panel is used in a place where there is a lot of optical noise or the operator does not touch input correctly. It can be done.

  By the way, in such a touch panel, when there are a plurality of contact objects on the same line connecting the light-emitting elements 31 and 32 and the light-receiving elements 33 and 34 that are opposed to each other, or a part of each contact object on the same line. When there is an overlap, there is a problem in that multipoint simultaneous input by a plurality of contact objects may not be performed.

  That is, in FIG. 18, for example, points A and D, and points B and C, contact points such as fingers or the like at two locations that are not on the same line connecting the light emitting elements 31, 32 and the light receiving elements 33, 34, respectively. If there is, the light from the light emitting elements 31 and 32 reaches the two contact objects, respectively, so that the input position of each contact object can be specified.

  However, there are contact objects such as fingers at two points on the same line connecting the light emitting elements 31 and 32 and the light receiving elements 33 and 34, such as points A and B, points A and C, and points B and D. In some cases, the coordinates determined by blocking the light to the light receiving elements 33 and 34 are each one coordinate (for example, X coordinate) and other coordinates (for example, Y coordinate), and each input position is specified. Will not be able to.

  Moreover, for example, when there is a contact object such as a finger at three locations such as point A, point B, and point D, light does not reach either point from the light emitting elements 31 and 32. The input position of the contact object at the point cannot be specified.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of light emitting elements 41 are arranged in parallel in, for example, the X-coordinate direction of the light guide plate 40, and these light emitting elements 41 are subjected to, for example, lighting scanning (partial scanning). Light is incident on the light guide plate 40, and the scattered light generated under the contact position of the fingertip 50 or the like to the touch area 40a is received by a plurality of light receptions provided along the Y coordinate direction of the light guide plate 40, for example. It can be considered that light is received by the element 42.

  In this way, for example, even when the fingertip 50 or the like is simultaneously in contact with the point A and the point B or the point C and the point D at the same Y coordinate position, according to the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) of the light emitting elements 41, When the light receiving element 41a is turned on and when the light receiving element 41b is turned on, light reception is sequentially performed by the light receiving element 42, so that the input positions (points A and B, or points C and D) are the respective contact points. Point) is considered to be specified.

  For example, even when the fingertip 50 or the like is simultaneously in contact with the point A and the point C or the point B and the point D at the same X coordinate position, the light receiving element 42 according to the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) of the light emitting elements 41. It is considered that the input positions (points A and C, or points B and D), which are the respective contact points, are specified by sequentially receiving the light.

  Naturally, even when the fingertip 50 or the like is simultaneously in contact with the points A to D, the light receiving elements 42 sequentially receive light according to the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) of the light emitting elements 41, so that the respective contact points. It is considered that a certain input position (point A to point D) is specified.

  By the way, in such a method using the light guide plate 40, when it is not necessary to overlap the surface opposite to the touch area 40a on the display surface that displays the content according to the input position to the touch area 40a, the touch area Even if there is a contact point due to the contact of the fingertip 50 or the like on the surface opposite to 40a, multipoint simultaneous input can be performed as described above.

  However, in such a method using the light guide plate 40, a plurality of light emitting elements 41 are arranged in parallel in the X coordinate direction of the light guide plate 40, for example, so that contact points due to contact of the fingertips 50 and the like are formed on both surfaces of the light guide plate 40. In some cases, it is impossible to identify which surface is the contact point.

  For this reason, when the light guide plate 40 that allows simultaneous multipoint input is used, even if there are contact points due to contact of the fingertip 50 etc. on both surfaces of the light guide plate 40, contact on either surface It has been desired to develop an apparatus that can easily identify whether a point is a point.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is a case where a light guide plate capable of simultaneous multi-point input is used, and even if there are contact points on both sides of the light guide plate, It is an object of the present invention to provide a position input device, a position input method, and a position input program that can easily identify whether a contact point on a surface.

  The position input device of the present invention is a position input device for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object, wherein one surface side is a first touch area and the other surface side is a second touch area. A light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact with the first and / or second touch area, and a light guide plate provided in one coordinate direction to discriminate one coordinate, The first light-emitting means that is incident from a predetermined direction and the first light-emitting means are provided in correspondence with the first light-emitting means in order to determine one coordinate, and light is incident on the light-emitting plate in the first light-emitting means. A second light emitting means that is incident in a line-symmetrical direction, a light receiving means that is provided along one side of the light guide plate to determine other coordinates, and that receives the scattered light. Partially turn on the first and second light emitting means. Control means for performing a lighting scan or a non-lighting scan for partial non-lighting, and the control means includes coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means, and the lighting scan when the light receiving means receives light. Alternatively, the input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the non-lighting scanning is performed, and the first or second touch area is further specified. The contact point recognizable region formed in the first and second touch areas by light from the second light emitting means entering the light guide plate and going straight through the light guide plate while repeating total reflection. It is characterized in that it is identified whether the contact by the contact object is the first touch area or the second touch area according to reception of scattered light under the contact position.

  The position input device of the present invention is a position input device that inputs position data indicating an input position by a contact object, has a touch area on one side, and generates scattered light in response to the touch to the touch area. A first light guide plate that has a touch area on one surface side, the other surface side is superimposed on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and generates a scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. A first light-emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate for entering light from a predetermined direction in order to determine one coordinate; In order to discriminate one coordinate, the second light-emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate and injecting light from the predetermined direction into the second light guide plate, and another coordinate are discriminated. Therefore, the first and second light guide plates on one side of the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate. And a light receiving means for receiving the scattered light, and a lighting scanning for partially lighting or a non-lighting for partly non-lighting with respect to the first and second light emitting means. Control means for performing lighting scanning, wherein the control means is the coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means, and the first time when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. An input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. Identifying whether the contact by the contact object is a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate from either the first light emitting means or the second light emitting means. Characterize

  The position input device of the present invention is a position input device that inputs position data indicating an input position by a contact object, has a touch area on one side, and generates scattered light in response to the touch to the touch area. A first light guide plate that has a touch area on one surface side, the other surface side is superimposed on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and generates a scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. The light guide plate and the second light guide plate between the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate so as to correspond to the entire touch area of each of the first and second light guide plates in order to determine one coordinate. And a light emitting means for entering the light into the first and second light guide plates, and provided along one side of the first light guide plate to discriminate other coordinates, and receiving the scattered light In order to distinguish the first light receiving means and other coordinates, the second guide A second light receiving means provided along one side of the plate for receiving the scattered light; and a control means for performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scan for partially not lighting the light emitting means. The control means includes coordinates when the scattered light is received by the first and / or second light receiving means, and the lighting scan or the light receiving light when the first and / or second light receiving means are received. The input position to the touch area of the first and / or the second light guide plate by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the light emitting means when non-lighting scanning is performed, and the first or second light receiving means According to the received light, the contact by the contact object is identified as a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate.

  The control means may perform the lighting scanning or the non-lighting scanning in a time division manner.

  The position input method of the present invention is a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object, and in order to discriminate one coordinate, one surface side is a first touch area and the other surface side is a first touch area. The first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate to the light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact with the first and / or second touch area. In order to discriminate one coordinate and the step of entering the light from a predetermined direction, the first light emitting means is provided in correspondence with the first light emitting means to cause the light to enter the light guide plate. A step of entering from a direction that is line-symmetric with the direction of incidence in the light emitting means, and a step of receiving the scattered light by a light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates And the first and second control means. A step of performing a lighting scan that partially illuminates or a non-illuminating scan that partially illuminates the second light emitting means, and when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means And the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed at the time of light reception by the light receiving means, the first and / or second touch area by the contact object. The light input from the first or second light-emitting means is incident on the light guide plate and travels straight through the light guide plate while repeating total reflection. Whether the contact by the contact object is the first touch area or the second touch area in response to reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable area formed in the touch area To be identified The features.

  The position input method of the present invention is a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object. The position input method has a touch area on one side in order to discriminate one coordinate. A step in which light is incident on a first light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact by a first light emitting unit provided in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate from a predetermined direction; In order to discriminate the second light guide, the second light guide has a touch area on one surface, the other surface is superimposed on the other surface of the first light guide plate, and generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. A step of causing light to enter the light plate from a predetermined direction by a second light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate, and the first light guide plate to determine other coordinates Overlap of these first and second light guide plates on one side of the second light guide plate A step of receiving the scattered light by the light receiving means provided along the alignment portion, and a lighting scan for partially lighting the first and second light emitting means by the control means or a partial non-lighting. And a step of performing non-lighting scanning, wherein the control means performs coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means, and when the light scanning means performs lighted scanning or non-lighting scanning. An input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting is performed when the light receiving means receives light. Whether the contact by the contact object is a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate is identified from either the first or second light emitting means when scanned. Ru And wherein the door.

  The position input method of the present invention is a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object. The position input method has a touch area on one side in order to discriminate one coordinate. A first light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact and a touch area on one surface side, the other surface side is overlaid on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and in response to contact with the touch area The light emitting means provided between the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate so as to correspond to the entire area of each touch area with the second light guide plate that generates scattered light. The scattered light is received by a first light receiving means provided along one side of the first light guide plate in order to discriminate other coordinates from the step of entering light into the first and second light guide plates. And the second light guide for distinguishing other coordinates A step of receiving the scattered light by a second light receiving means provided along one side of the light source, and a lighting scan for partially lighting the light emitting means by the control means or a non-lighting for partially not lighting A step of performing scanning, and by the control means, the coordinates when the scattered light is received by the first and / or second light receiving means, and the first and / or second light receiving means The input position to the touch area of the first and / or second light guide plate by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the light emitting means when the lighting scanning or the non-lighting scanning is performed at the time of light reception. Alternatively, the contact by the contact object is identified as a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate according to light reception of the second light receiving means.

  A position input program according to the present invention is a position input program for causing a computer to execute a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object. The other surface side is a second touch area, and the light guide plate generates scattered light in response to contact with the first and / or second touch area. In order to discriminate one coordinate and the step of making light incident from a predetermined direction by the first light emitting means provided in the second light emitting means, the second light emitting means provided corresponding to the first light emitting means, Into the light guide plate, light is provided along one side of the light guide plate in order to determine the step of entering light from a direction that is axisymmetric with respect to the direction of incidence in the first light emitting means. By means Receiving the scattered light, and performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the first and second light emitting means by the control means, The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means, and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. The input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and further, light from the first or second light emitting means is incident on the light guide plate and totally reflected. The contact by the contact object in response to the reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable region formed in the first and second touch areas by repeating straight in the light guide plate while repeating. 1 touch touch Whether it is the second touch area or is A is characterized in that it is identified.

  The position input program of the present invention is a position input program for causing a computer to execute a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object, and touching one side to determine one coordinate. A first light emitting plate provided in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate on a first light guide plate that has an area and generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. In order to discriminate one coordinate from the step of entering from the direction of the direction, a touch area is provided on one side, the other side is overlaid on the other side of the first light guide plate, and in response to contact with the touch area The second light-emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate that generates scattered light and determining the other coordinates and the step of entering light from a predetermined direction For this purpose, the first light guide plate and the A step of receiving the scattered light by a light receiving means provided along an overlapping portion of the first and second light guide plates on one side of the two light guide plates; A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scan for partially unlighting the two light emitting means, and when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means. From the coordinates and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light, to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object The first light guide plate is contacted by the contact from either the first light emitting means or the second light emitting means when the light receiving means receives light and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed. Touch area Is the above touch area of the second light guide plate there, characterized in that it is identified.

  The position input program of the present invention is a position input program for causing a computer to execute a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object, and touching one side to determine one coordinate. A first light guide plate having an area and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area; a touch area on one surface side; and the other surface side overlapping the other surface side of the first light guide plate And between the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate so as to correspond to the entire area of each touch area with the second light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. In order to discriminate between the step of entering light into the first and second light guide plates by the light emitting means provided in the first light guide plate and other coordinates, the first light guide plate is provided along one side of the first light guide plate. The scattered light by the light receiving means The step of receiving light, the step of receiving the scattered light by a second light receiving means provided along one side of the second light guide plate, and the light emitting means by a control means to discriminate other coordinates. A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scan for partially unlighting, and the control means receives the scattered light by the first and / or second light receiving means. The first and / or the first and / or the second light-receiving means at the time of receiving light by the first and / or second light-receiving means and the coordinates of the light-emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed. An input position to the touch area of the second light guide plate is specified, and whether the contact by the contact object is the touch area of the first light guide plate according to the light reception of the first or second light receiving means. 2 is the touch area of the light guide plate Characterized in that it is identified.

  In the position input device, the position input method, and the position input program of the present invention, in order to determine one coordinate, one surface side is a first touch area and the other surface side is a second touch area. Alternatively, the first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate on the light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to the contact with the second touch area allows the light to be transmitted in a predetermined manner by, for example, lighting scanning by the control means. In order to enter one direction and discriminate one coordinate, the second light emitting means provided corresponding to the first light emitting means causes the light to be emitted into the light guide plate by, for example, lighting scanning by the control means. When the scattered light is received by the light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates, the light receiving means is received by the control means. Therefore, the first and / or the second touch by the contact object from the coordinates when the scattered light is received and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when, for example, the lighting scanning is performed at the time of receiving the light receiving means. The input position to the area is specified, and light from the first or second light-emitting means is incident on the light guide plate and travels straight through the light guide plate while repeating total reflection, so that the first and second touch areas Whether the contact by the contact object is the first touch area or the second touch area is identified in response to reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable region formed on

  According to the position input device, the position input method, and the position input program of the present invention, the control means receives the coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means, and the first time when the light receiving means is lit and scanned when receiving the light. The input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means, and the light from the first or second light emitting means is further entered into the light guide plate. Contact with a contact object according to reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable area formed in the first and second touch areas by going straight through the light guide plate while repeating total reflection after being incident Is the first touch area or the second touch area, it is a case where a light guide plate capable of simultaneous multi-point input is used, on both sides of the light guide plate Even if there is a contact point The identification of whether a contact point on either side can be easily performed.

  In the present embodiment, in order to discriminate one coordinate, one surface side is a first touch area and the other surface side is a second touch area, and according to contact with the first and / or second touch area. In order to discriminate one coordinate, light is incident on a light guide plate that generates scattered light by a first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate from a predetermined direction by, for example, lighting scanning by a control means. In addition, the second light emitting means provided in correspondence with the first light emitting means causes the light to enter the light guide plate by, for example, lighting scanning by the control means, and is in a line symmetry with respect to the incident direction of the first light emitting means. When the scattered light is received by the light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate to discriminate other coordinates, the control means receives the coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means. , The light reception And a coordinate of the first or second light emitting means when the time receiving stage for example is turned scan, the input position to the first and / or second touch area due to the contact product was to be identified.

  In this case, the light from the first or second light-emitting means is incident on the light guide plate by the control means, and is formed in the first and second touch areas by going straight through the light guide plate while repeating total reflection. Since the contact by the contact object is the first touch area or the second touch area in accordance with the reception of the scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable region, In the case of using a light guide plate that enables input, even if there are contact points on both surfaces of the light guide plate, it is easy to identify which surface is the contact point.

  Further, in order to determine one coordinate, the first light guide plate having a touch area on one surface side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area is arranged in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate. In order to make light incident from a predetermined direction and discriminate one coordinate, the first light emitting means provided on the first light emitting means has a touch area on one surface side and the other surface side on the other surface side of the first light guide plate. The second light-emitting plate provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate is overlapped with the second light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. In order to determine other coordinates, light receiving means provided on one side of the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate along the overlapping portion of these first and second light guide plates When scattered light is received, the control means causes the scattered light to be scattered by the light receiving means. The first and / or second touch area by the contact object from the coordinates when the light is received and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the light scanning is performed or the light is not scanned when the light receiving means is received. The input position is specified, and the contact by the contact object from either the first light emitting means or the second light emitting means when the light receiving means receives the light or the non-lighting scan is the touch area of the first light guide plate. It is identified whether it is a touch area of the second light guide plate.

  In addition, in order to determine one coordinate, the first light guide plate has a touch area on one surface side and generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area; the touch area on one surface side; The surface side is overlapped with the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and the second light guide plate that generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area corresponds to the entire area of each touch area. One side of the first light guide plate in order to make light incident on the first and second light guide plates and distinguish other coordinates by the light emitting means provided between the one light guide plate and the second light guide plate In order to receive the scattered light by the first light receiving means provided along the side and to determine other coordinates, the second light receiving means provided along one side of the second light guide plate In the case of receiving light, the control means causes the first and / or second light receiving means to From the coordinates when the scattered light is received and the coordinates of the light emitting means when the first and / or second light receiving means are lit scanning or non-lighting scanned at the time of receiving light, The input position to the touch area of the second light guide plate is specified, and whether the contact by the contact object is the touch area of the first light guide plate according to the light reception of the first or second light receiving means is second. The light guide plate touch area is identified.

  Details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of the position input device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the arrangement of light emitting elements and light receiving elements in the light guide plate of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of the position input device of FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the position input device 1 includes a light guide plate 2, a plurality of light emitting elements 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B, a plurality of light receiving elements 4, and an input position detection unit 5. Here, the light emitting element 3A is a first light emitting means, the light emitting element 3B is a second light emitting means, and the plurality of light receiving elements 4 are light receiving means.

  The light guide plate 2 guides light from the plurality of light emitting elements 3A and 3B. As shown in FIG. 2, the front surface and the back surface of the light guide plate 2 are a front touch area 2a and a second touch area. As shown in FIG.

  Further, the position input device 1 is placed vertically so that the users 10A and 10B can face each other as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and as shown in FIG. 4, for example, each user 10A and 10B has the front touch area 2a and When the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. are brought into contact with the back surface touch area 2b, the light traveling under the respective contact positions is scattered.

  Here, the scattering that occurs when the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. come into contact with the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b occurs at the boundary surface at the contact point of the fingertip 10, etc., in the respective front surface touch area 2a and back surface touch area 2b This occurs when the refractive index changes. The scattered light due to the scattering is received by any one of the plurality of light receiving elements 4, and details thereof will be described later.

  Further, taper portions 2c and 2d that taper as shown in FIG. 2 are provided at the side end portion on one side of the light guide plate 2 (the side end portion on the lower side in FIG. 1). The tapered portions 2c and 2d are provided with a plurality of light emitting elements 3A and 3B for determining, for example, an X coordinate position which is a coordinate position in one coordinate direction. The plurality of light emitting elements 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B are juxtaposed with the tapered portions 2 c and 2 d of the light guide plate 2 so that light can enter the light guide plate 2.

  Here, the light emitting element 3A is for discriminating the X coordinate position of the contact point by the contact of the fingertip 10a or the like in the front surface touch area 2a, and the light from each light emitting element 3A is transmitted from the tapered portion 2c to the light guide plate. 2, the light travels in the light guide plate 2 along the incident direction while repeating reflection between the front surface touch area 2a and the back surface touch area 2b on the opposite side, It scatters under the contact position of the fingertip 10a etc. of the front surface touch area 2a.

  The light emitting element 3B is for determining the X coordinate position of the contact point by the contact of the fingertip 10b or the like in the back surface touch area 2b, and light from each light emitting element 3B is transmitted from the tapered portion 2d to the light guide plate 2. The light enters the light guide plate 2 along the incident direction while repeating reflection between the back surface touch area 2b and the front surface touch area 2a on the opposite side. Scattering occurs under the contact position of the fingertip 10b or the like in the touch area 2b.

  In addition, although these light emitting elements 3A and 3B are light-emitted by the below-mentioned control part 5e, the detail is mentioned later.

  The plurality of light receiving elements 4 are provided to determine, for example, a Y coordinate position, which is a coordinate position in another coordinate direction. The plurality of light receiving elements 4 are arranged side by side on the side end surface on the other side of the light guide plate 2 (the side end surface on the right side in FIG. 1) so as to receive light (scattered light) from within the light guide plate 2. ing.

  Here, the other side where the plurality of light receiving elements 4 are arranged side by side is a side that does not face the one side where the plurality of light emitting elements 3A and 3B are provided. Thereby, each light receiving element 4 is in the traveling direction of the light from the light emitting elements 3A and 3B among the scattered light generated under the contact position of the fingertips 10a and 10b in the front surface touch area 2a and the back surface touch area 2b. On the other hand, scattered light traveling in a direction substantially orthogonal to the light is received.

  As the above-described light emitting elements 3A and 3B, for example, infrared LEDs having an infrared wavelength (peak emission wavelength) of 870 nm and a half-value angle of ± 5 ° can be used. As the light receiving element 4, for example, a phototransistor having an infrared peak sensitivity wavelength of 870 nm and a half-value angle of ± 15 ° can be used. As the light guide plate 2, for example, an acrylic plate (refractive index: about 1.49; total reflection angle (critical angle): 42.2 °) can be used.

  In this case, an incident angle θ described later of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B can be set to a value close to the critical angle 42.2 °. Moreover, the thickness of an acrylic board can be set to 2 mm as an example from which a favorable input position sensitivity is obtained.

  The light emitting element driving unit 5a sequentially lights (lights and scans) the light emitting elements 3A and 3B, for example, under the control of the control unit 5e as control means. Here, when the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), the light emitting elements 3A and 3B at the right end in FIG. 1 can be sequentially performed, or the light emitting elements 3A and 3B at the left end in FIG. In FIG. 1, the light-emitting element 3B is hidden and cannot be seen, but, like the light-emitting element 3A, it is juxtaposed below the light-emitting element 3A).

  Further, when the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), for example, the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially emitted. That is, for example, if the light emitting elements 3A and 3B at the right end in FIG. 1 are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), the light emitting element 3A at the right end emits light, and all the light receiving elements 4 receive scattered light (contact points). And the rightmost light emitting element 3A is extinguished, and then the light emitting element 3B located below the rightmost light emitting element 3A emits light, and all the light receiving elements 4 receive scattered light (contact points). The light emitting elements 3A and 3B are alternately turned on and off.

  In addition, when the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), the light emitting elements 3A and 3B may be lighted at random. The timing for sequentially lighting (lighting and scanning) the light emitting elements 3A and 3B is, for example, when all the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are turned on and light is received by any one of the light receiving elements 4. Can do.

  Here, for example, when the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), all the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are once turned off, and then the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning). Accordingly, if any light receiving element 4 receives light when any one of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B is turned on, the X coordinate position by the light emitting elements 3A and 3B and the Y coordinate position by the light receiving element 4 are discriminated. The

  In this case, if the light receiving element 4 receives light when the light emitting element 3A is turned on, a single input position (point A or point B) that is a single contact point in the surface touch area 2a is specified. Become. If the light receiving element 4 receives light when the light emitting element 3B is turned on, a single input position (point A or point B) that is a single contact point in the back surface touch area 2b is specified. .

  Further, if light is received by the plurality of light receiving elements 4 by sequentially turning on the light emitting elements 3A (lighting scanning), a plurality of X coordinate positions in the surface touch area 2a and a plurality of Y coordinate positions by the respective light receiving elements 4 are obtained. A plurality of input positions (points A and B), which are a plurality of contact points in the surface touch area 2a, are identified.

  Similarly, if light is received by a plurality of light receiving elements 4 by sequentially lighting (lighting scanning) the light emitting elements 3B, a plurality of X coordinate positions in the back surface touch area 2b and a plurality of Y coordinate positions by the respective light receiving elements 4 Are identified, and a plurality of input positions (points A and B) which are a plurality of contact points in the back surface touch area 2b are specified.

  This is because the light receiving elements 4 sequentially receive light according to the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B, thereby specifying the input position of each contact point.

  Even when the fingertip 10a or the like is simultaneously in contact with the point B and the point C at the same Y coordinate position in the front surface touch area 2a, the light receiving element 4 receives light in response to the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) of the light emitting element 3A. By performing sequentially, each input position (B point and C point) will be specified.

  Similarly, even when the fingertip 10b is simultaneously in contact with the point B and the point C at the same Y coordinate position in the back surface touch area 2b, the light receiving element 4 receives light by the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) of the light emitting element 3B. By performing sequentially, each input position (B point and C point) will be specified.

  Even when the fingertip 10a or the like is simultaneously in contact with the point A and the point C at the same X coordinate position in the surface touch area 2a, scattered light is generated under each contact position, so that each input position (point A And C point) are specified.

  Similarly, even when the fingertip 10b or the like is simultaneously in contact with the point A and the point C at the same X coordinate position in the back surface touch area 2b, scattered light is generated under each contact position, so that each input position (A Point and point C) are specified.

  For this reason, even if there are a plurality of contact points in any position of the front touch area 2a and the back touch area 2b, scattered light is generated under each contact position, so the front touch area 2a and the back touch area 2b Multi-point simultaneous input is possible.

  Note that the scanning of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B is not limited to sequential lighting (lighting scanning), but the light emitting elements 3A and 3B at the right end in the drawing are sequentially turned off, or the light emitting elements 3A and 3B at the left end in the drawing are turned off sequentially. In the same manner as described above, a single input position (A) in the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b is determined by discriminating the single or plural X coordinate positions and the single or plural Y coordinate positions. Point, point B or point C) or a plurality of input positions (point A, point B and point C).

  That is, in such sequential turn-off (light-off scanning), in the case of the surface touch area 2a, all the light-emitting elements 3A are once turned on, so that any of the light-emitting elements 3A receives the above-described scattered light. If any of the light emitting elements 3A is extinguished, if the amount of light received by any one of the light receiving elements 4 receiving the scattered light decreases, the light emitting element when the amount of received light decreases. This is because the single or plural X coordinate positions and the single or plural Y coordinate positions can be discriminated from 3A and the light receiving element 4.

  Similarly, in the case of the back surface touch area 2b, since all the light emitting elements 3B are once turned on, if any one of the light emitting elements 3B receives the scattered light described above, If the amount of light received by any one of the light receiving elements 4 receiving the scattered light is reduced when the light emitting element 3B is turned off, the light emitting element 3B and the light receiving element 4 at the time when the amount of received light is reduced Alternatively, a plurality of X coordinate positions and a single or a plurality of Y coordinate positions can be discriminated.

  The light receiving element driving unit 5b causes the light receiving elements 4 to perform light receiving operations under the control of the control unit 5e. The received light amount measuring unit 5c measures the received light amount in the light receiving element 4 that has received the above-described scattered light under the control of the control unit 5e. When measuring the amount of received light, for example, by setting a predetermined threshold value and measuring the amount of light when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded, the measurement of the received light amount can be performed more reliably. It can be carried out.

  The input position data output unit 5d includes a single or a plurality of X coordinate positions and a single or a plurality of Y coordinate positions that are discriminated by sequentially turning on (lighting scanning) or sequentially turning off (lighting off scanning) under the control of the control unit 5e. The data indicating the input position in the front surface touch area 2a and / or the back surface touch area 2b specified based on is output. In addition, when there are a plurality of input positions in the front surface touch area 2a and / or the back surface touch area 2b, data indicating each input position is output.

  The control unit 5e drives the above-described light emitting element driving unit 5a, light receiving element driving unit 5b, and received light amount measuring unit 5c in order to perform specific determination of the input position in the front surface touch area 2a and / or the back surface touch area 2b. At the same time, the input position data output unit 5d outputs data indicating single or plural input positions in the identified and determined front touch area 2a and / or back touch area 2b.

  Note that each of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B and the light receiving element 4 described above preferably has directivity from the necessity of determining the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position. Further, the numbers of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B and the light receiving elements 4 may be appropriately determined according to the use of the position input device 1. By increasing the number of each, the front touch area 2a and the back touch It is possible to increase the resolution when determining the input position in the area 2b.

  The plurality of light emitting elements 3A and 3B may be configured such that one light source can be scanned by a shutter mechanism or the like. Further, the plurality of light receiving elements 4 may be replaced with one line sensor or an image sensor so that the identification of the Y coordinate position can be determined from the analysis result of the light receiving state.

  Next, the basic principle of the light guide plate 2 of the position input device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, assuming that the light emitting element 3A (or 3B) is disposed with the side end 2e of the light guide plate 2 as the incident surface, for example, infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element 3A (or 3B) Light (shown in the case of the incident angle θ) enters the light guide plate 2 and travels straight through the light guide plate 2 while repeating total reflection.

  The light guide plate 2 has a thickness sufficiently larger than the wavelength of incident infrared light, and when the fingertip 10a or the like is not in contact with the surface touch area 2a as shown in FIG. The incident infrared light travels linearly without being scattered in the width direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the fingertip 10a or the like comes into contact with the surface touch area 2a of the light guide plate 2, the relative refractive index of the light guide plate 2 below the contact point changes and is incident. Infrared light scatters under the contact point. Then, the scattered light traveling in the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the infrared light incident on the light guide plate 2 (see FIG. 1) is received by the light receiving element 4.

  This is the same even when, for example, the fingertip 10b mentioned above contacts the back surface touch area 2b of the light guide plate 2.

  Here, in order to increase the sensitivity when specifying the input position in the front surface touch area 2a or the back surface touch area 2b, it is necessary to ensure that scattered light is generated by the contact of the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. It is better that the total number of total reflections is repeated. For that purpose, it is preferable to make the light guide plate 2 thin to some extent (about 2 to 5 mm).

  Further, for example, in order to allow infrared light from the light emitting element 3A (or 3B) to enter the light guide plate 2 from the side end 2e of the light guide plate 2, the snell determined by the refractive index of the light guide plate 2, the surrounding refractive index, or the like. In accordance with this law, it is necessary to make light incident at an incident angle θ. The same applies to the light emitting element 3B described above. Therefore, in order to make infrared light enter the light guide plate 2 without loss, as shown in FIG. 5C, the light emitting direction is inclined by the incident angle θ with respect to the end face of the side end portion 2e. It is preferable to arrange (or 3B).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5D, if the side end portion 2e of the light guide plate 2 is an inclined surface corresponding to the incident angle θ, the light emitting direction and side of the light emitting element 3A (or 3B) are provided. Not only can the alignment with the end 2e be easily performed, but also infrared light can be incident on the light guide plate 2 without loss.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), when the infrared light from the plurality of light emitting elements 3A and 3B having different angles in the light emitting direction is incident on the light guide plate 2, the light emitting elements 3A and 3B, respectively. Can travel straight between the front surface touch area 2a and the back surface touch area 2b while repeating total reflection.

  Next, an operation example of sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by the light emitting elements 3A and 3B of the position input device of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, the light emitting elements 3A provided on the front surface touch area 2a side are designated L101 to L112 in order from the left side in the figure, and the light emitting elements 3B provided on the back surface touch area 2b side are similarly L201. To L212, and the light receiving element 4 is assumed to be P1 to P9 in order from the top in the figure.

  Here, if the lighting (lighting scanning) is sequentially performed from L101 to L112 provided on the front surface touch area 2a side, L101 is first sequentially lighted (lighting scanning), and measurements at P1 to P9 are performed. After that, L101 is turned off. Next, L102 is sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), and after the measurement at P1 to P9 is performed, L102 is turned off. Thereafter, in the same manner, sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by L103 to L112 → measurement at P1 to P9 → lighting off is repeated.

  Next, L201 provided on the back surface touch area 2b side is sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), and after measurement in P1 to P9 is performed, L201 is turned off. Next, L202 is sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), and after the measurement at P1 to P9 is performed, L202 is turned off. Thereafter, in the same manner, sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by L203 to L212 → measurement at P1 to P9 → lighting off is repeated.

  Here, the lighting (lighting scanning) is sequentially performed from L101 to L112 provided on the front surface touch area 2a side, but sequentially from L201 to L212 provided on the back surface touch area 2b side. Lighting (lighting scanning) may be performed.

  In addition, L101 to L112 provided on the surface touch area 2a side are sequentially lit (lighting scanning) sequentially from L101 to L112, but random sequential lighting (lighting scanning) is performed from L101 to L112. You may be made to be.

  In addition, L201 to L212 provided on the back touch area 2b side are sequentially lit (lighting scanning) in order from L201 to L212, but random sequential lighting (lighting scanning) is performed from L201 to L212. You may be made to be.

  Further, any one of L101 to L112 provided on the front surface touch area 2a side and any one of L201 to L212 provided on the rear surface touch area 2b side are alternately lit (lighting scanning) sequentially. Also good.

  Here, by sequentially lighting (lighting scanning) L101 to L112 provided on the front surface touch area 2a side, contact points can be recognized on the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b as shown in FIG. Regions a1 to a9 are formed. Further, L201 to L212 provided on the back touch area 2b side are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), so that the contact point recognizable regions b1 to b9 are similarly formed in the front touch area 2a and the back touch area 2b. It is formed.

  As described above, the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are juxtaposed with the tapered portions 2c and 2d that taper the side end portion on one side of the light guide plate 2 (the side end portion on the lower side in FIG. 1). This is because the light incident from the respective tapered portions 2c and 2d travels while being repeatedly reflected between the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b.

  At this time, the contact point recognizable regions a1 to a9 are set such that the direction of incidence of infrared light from the plurality of light emitting elements 3A and the direction of incidence of infrared light from the plurality of light emitting elements 3B are axisymmetric. And contact point recognizable regions b1 to b9 can be alternately formed at equal intervals.

  In this case, for example, the positions of the contact point recognizable regions a1 to a9 and the contact point recognizable regions b1 to b9 change according to the inclination angles of the tapered portions 2c and 2d, so that the respective contact points can be recognized. The positions of the areas a1 to a9 and the contact point recognizable areas b1 to b9 may be set so as to correspond to P1 to P9 of the light receiving element 4.

  In this case, the positions of P1 to P9 of the light receiving element 4 may be determined according to the positions of the contact point recognizable areas a1 to a9 and the contact point recognizable areas b1 to b9.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the fingertips 10a and 10b are in contact with the contact point recognizable areas a2 and b2, L101 to L112 of the light emitting element 3A are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning). Thus, only the contact point on the contact point recognizable region a2 side is detected, and it is recognized that the contact point is the surface touch area 2a. In this case, the contact point on the contact point recognizable region b2 side is not detected.

  Further, for example, when the fingertips 10a and 10b are in contact with the contact point recognizable areas a2 and b2, L201 to L212 of the light-emitting element 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), thereby the contact point recognizable area b2 side. Only the contact point is detected, and it is recognized that the contact point is the back surface touch area 2b. In this case, the contact point on the contact point recognizable region a2 side is not detected.

  For example, when the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. are in contact with the contact point recognizable areas a7, b7, L101 to L112 of the light emitting element 3A are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), thereby the contact point recognizable area a7 side. Only the contact point is detected, and it is recognized that the contact point is the back surface touch area 2b. In this case, the contact point on the contact point recognizable region b7 side is not detected.

  For example, when the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. are in contact with the contact point recognizable areas a7, b7, L201 to L212 of the light emitting element 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), thereby the contact point recognizable area b7 side. Only the contact point is detected, and it is recognized that the contact point is the surface touch area 2a. In this case, the contact point on the contact point recognizable region a7 side is not detected.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the specification of the input position and the discrimination of the touch area in the front surface touch area 2a and / or the rear surface touch area 2b will be described. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the contact points recognizable areas a2, b2, and a, b7 of the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b are touched by the fingertips 10a, 10b and the like.

  Further, in the case of sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by the light emitting elements 3A and 3B, after sequential lighting (lighting scanning) is performed sequentially from L101 to L112 which are the light emitting elements 3A provided on the surface touch area 2a side. In addition, lighting (lighting scanning) is sequentially performed in order from L201 to L212 which are the light emitting elements 3B provided on the back surface touch area 2b side.

  First, when L101 of the light emitting element 3A is turned on (lighted) (step S1), scattered light received by all the light receiving elements 4 P1 to P9 is measured (step S2) and turned on. L101 of the light emitting element 3A is turned off (extinguished) (step S3).

  Here, it is determined whether or not the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) process has been performed by all the light emitting elements 3A (step S4). Here, the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) process by all the light emitting elements 3A is performed. Since it is not performed (step S4: NO), L102 next to L101 of the light emitting element 3A is turned on (lighted) (step S5), returns to step S2, and is received by all the light receiving elements 4 P1 to P9. The scattered light to be measured is measured, and L102 of the light emitting element 3A that is turned on is turned off (extinguished) (step S3).

  When the above-described procedure is performed for all of the light emitting elements 3A, L101 to L112, L201 of the light emitting element 3B is subsequently turned on (step S5), and all of the light receiving elements 4 are P1 to P1. The scattered light received by P9 is measured (step S2), and L201 of the light emitting element 3B that is turned on is turned off (turned off) (step S3).

  Here, it is determined whether or not the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) process has been performed by all the light emitting elements 3B (step S4). Here, the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) process by all the light emitting elements 3B is performed. Since it is not performed (step S4: NO), L202 next to L201 of the light emitting element 3B is turned on (lighted) (step S5), and the process returns to step S2 to receive light by all the light receiving elements 4 P1 to P9. The scattered light to be measured is measured, and L202 of the light emitting element 3B that is turned on is turned off (extinguished) (step S3).

  When it is determined that the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) process of all of the light emitting elements 3B L201 to L212 has been performed (step S4: YES), each of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B that are sequentially lighted (lighting scanning). The received light data is analyzed (step S6), and the input position based on the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position in the front surface touch area 2a and the back surface touch area 2b is specified (step S7).

  In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 8 described above, for example, when the fingertips 10a and 10b are in contact with the contact point recognizable regions a2 and b2, L101 to L112 of the light emitting element 3A are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning). Thus, only the contact point on the contact point recognizable area a2 side is detected, and it is recognized that the contact point is the surface touch area 2a.

  At this time, the coordinates of any of P1 to P9 that are the light receiving elements 4 that have received the scattered light from the contact point on the contact point recognizable region a2 side, and the light emitting element 3A that is turned on when the light receiving element 4 receives light. The input position based on the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position in the surface touch area 2a is specified from any of the coordinates L101 to L112.

  Further, in this case, L201 to L212 of the light emitting element 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), so that only the contact point on the contact point recognizable region b2 side is detected, and the contact point is the back surface touch area. 2b is recognized.

  At this time, any coordinates of P1 to P9 that are the light receiving elements 4 that have received the scattered light from the contact point on the contact point recognizable region b2 side, and the light emitting element 3B that is turned on when the light receiving element 4 receives light. The input position based on the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position in the back surface touch area 2b is specified from any of the coordinates L201 to L212.

  Similarly, for example, when the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. are in contact with the contact point recognizable areas a7, b7, L101 to L112 of the light emitting element 3A are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), thereby enabling the contact point recognizable area. Only the contact point on the a7 side is detected, and it is recognized that the contact point is the back surface touch area 2b.

  At this time, the coordinates of any one of P1 to P9 that are the light receiving elements 4 that have received the scattered light from the contact point on the contact point recognizable region a7 side, and the light emitting element 3A that is turned on when the light receiving element 4 receives light. The input position based on the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position in the back surface touch area 2b is specified from any of the coordinates L101 to L112.

  Further, in this case, L201 to L212 of the light emitting element 3B are sequentially turned on (lighting scanning), so that only the contact point on the contact point recognizable region b7 side is detected. 2a is recognized.

  At this time, the coordinates of any one of P1 to P9 that are the light receiving elements 4 that have received the scattered light from the contact point on the contact point recognizable region b7 side, and the light emitting element 3B that is turned on when the light receiving element 4 receives light. The input position based on the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position in the front surface touch area 2a is specified from any of the coordinates L201 to L212.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in order to determine one coordinate, the one surface side is the front touch area 2a as the first touch area, and the other surface side is the back touch area 2b as the second touch area. A light emitting element 3A as a first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate 2 on the light guide plate 2 that generates scattered light in response to contact with the front surface touch area 2a and / or the back surface touch area 2b. Thus, the light emitting element as the second light emitting means provided corresponding to the light emitting element 3A in order to make the light incident from a predetermined direction by, for example, lighting scanning by the control unit 5e as the control means and to determine one coordinate 3B allows light to enter the light guide plate 2 from a direction that is axisymmetric to the direction of incidence on the light emitting element 3A by, for example, lighting scanning by the control unit 5e, and determine other coordinates. Therefore, when the scattered light is received by the light receiving element 4 as the light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate 2, the control unit 5e receives the coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving element 4. The input position to the front surface touch area 2a and / or the rear surface touch area 2b by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the light emitting element 3A or 3B when the light receiving element 4 receives light, for example, when the light scanning is performed.

  In this case, the light from the light emitting element 3A or 3B is incident on the light guide plate 2 by the control unit 5e and travels straight through the light guide plate 2 while repeating total reflection, thereby forming the front touch area 2a and the back touch area 2b. The contact by the contact object is the front surface touch area 2a or the back surface touch area 2b depending on the received scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable regions a1 to a9 or the contact point recognizable regions b1 to b9. Therefore, even if there is a contact point on both sides of the light guide plate 2, it is a contact point on either side. Can be easily identified.

  In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the position input device 1 has been described as being placed vertically so that the users 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B can face each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a configuration that can be picked with one hand is also possible.

  In this case, the light guide plate 2 of the position input device 1 is given a certain thickness and is of a size that can be picked with one hand. Further, the light emitting elements 3A and 3B described above are disposed on the side surface 2f side of the light guide plate 2, and the light receiving element 4 described above are disposed on the side surface 2g side of the light guide plate 2. .

  In this way, light from the light emitting elements 3A and 3B incident from the side surface 2f by the above-described sequential lighting (lighting scanning) is scattered, for example, under the contact position of the index finger 10c, middle finger 10d, and thumb 10e, and the scattered light is scattered. Light is received by the light receiving element 4 arranged on the side surface 2f. At this time, for the reason described above, as shown in FIG. 11A, the contact point by the index finger 10c and the middle finger 10d is recognized as the back surface touch area 2b, and the contact point by the thumb 10e is recognized as the front surface touch area 2a. Is done.

  Such a position input device 1 is configured so that it can be picked with one hand, and for example, as shown in FIG. 11B, it is applied to operations such as picking up mahjong pies 20 and 21 simultaneously in a mahjong game or the like. can do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the light emitting elements 3 </ b> A provided on the surface touch area 2 a side in the sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by the light emitting elements 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B. The lighting (lighting scanning) is sequentially performed from L101 to L112, and then the lighting (lighting scanning) is sequentially performed from L201 to L212 which are the light emitting elements 3B provided on the back surface touch area 2b side. Not limited to this example, any one of L101 to L112, which is the light emitting element 3A, and any one of L201 to L212, which is the light emitting element 3B, may be alternately lit in time division (lighting scanning).

  As described above, when each of the light emitting elements 3A and 3B is sequentially turned on (timed scanning) in a time-sharing manner, the contact point recognizable area a1 is formed in the front surface touch area 2a and the rear surface touch area 2b of the light guide plate 2. ~ A9 and contact point recognizable regions b1 to b9 are alternately formed, so that the light emitting element 3A side is sequentially turned on (lighting scanning) and then the light emitting element 3B side is sequentially turned on (lighting scanning). Thus, detection of a contact point by a contact object and recognition of whether the contact point is the front surface touch area 2a or the back surface touch area 2b can be performed earlier.

  Further, when such light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (timed scanning) in a time division manner, the light guide plate 2 (the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate) as shown in FIGS. In the case where it is necessary to superimpose and use the optical plates), the light receiving elements 4 are arranged so that scattered light from both the light guide plates 2 can be received. The number of the light receiving elements 4 can be reduced.

  In this case, if a predetermined gap is formed in the overlapping portion of the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) and the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate), the light from the light emitting element 3A is emitted. The light travels straight in the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) while repeating total reflection, and the light from the light emitting element 3B travels straight in the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate) while repeating total reflection.

  At this time, when the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially turned on (timed scanning) in time division, the coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving element 4 and the light sequentially turned on (lighted scanning) when the light receiving element 4 receives light. The surface touch area 2a of the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) or the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate) due to the contact of the fingertips 10a, 10b and the like from the coordinates of the light emitting element 3A or 3B when the light is emitted. And the fingertips 10a, 10b, etc. are determined by determining that the time-division sequential lighting (lighting scanning) is either the light-emitting element 3A or 3B. Is contacted with the surface touch area 2a of the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) or the surface touch area 2a of the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate).

  As described above, when the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) and the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate) are overlapped with each other so as to form a predetermined gap, each light emitting element 3A, 3B Light travels straight in the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) and in the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate), and the light emitting elements 3A and 3B are sequentially lit in time division (lighting scanning). Even if the light receiving element 4 is also used for each light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate and second light guide plate), the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) or the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate). The input position to the surface touch area 2a of the light plate and the contact of the fingertips 10a, 10b or the like is the surface touch area 2a of the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) or the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate) ) Can be reliably identified as to whether the surface touch area 2a.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a surface light emitting member 3C such as an organic EL or a transparent EL may be disposed. In this case, an image can be displayed by the surface emitting member 3C, and the users 10A and 10B can perform an input operation while confirming the contents of the image.

  In addition, when the surface light emitting member 3C allows infrared light to be incident on the light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate) and the light guide plate 2 (second light guide plate) in a time-sharing manner, the respective light guide plates. 2 (first light guide plate and second light guide plate) is scattered by contact with the surface touch area 2a in each light guide plate 2 (first light guide plate and second light guide plate) surface emitting member 3C. Therefore, the light emitting elements 3A and 3B described above are unnecessary.

  In this case, the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means (not shown) are provided on any side of the light guide plate 2 of each light guide plate 2 so that the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means are not shown. The light receiving means receives the scattered light corresponding to the respective light guide plates 2, so that any one of the light guides depending on the light receiving situation of the scattered light by the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means. It is possible to identify whether the touch is on the surface touch area 2a of the optical plate 2.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the flying object such as the ball 11 is successively applied to the back side of the light guide plate 2, and the points are scored when touching the place where the flying object such as the ball 11 hits. It can also be applied to input operations in which are added. In this case, as described above, since the light guide plate 2 can be an acrylic plate, for example, it can be used without any problem in terms of durability and safety.

  In addition, although the present Example demonstrated the case where the light from light emitting element 3A, 3B was infrared light, not only this example but ultraviolet light may be sufficient. Further, for example, when it is not necessary to provide the surface light emitting member 3C capable of displaying an image shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, light from the light emitting elements 3A and 3B may be visible light.

  The present invention is applicable to input devices such as game machines, PDAs, mobile phones, ATMs, ticket vending machines, information processing devices such as PCs (personal computers), map display devices such as car navigation systems, and the like.

It is a figure which shows one Example of the position input device of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the arrangement | positioning state of the light emitting element and light receiving element, etc. in the light guide plate of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage example of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage example of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the basic principle of the light-guide plate of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by the light emitting element of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by the light emitting element of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of sequential lighting (lighting scanning) by the light emitting element of the position input device of FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining identification of an input position and determination of a touch area in a front surface touch area and / or a rear surface touch area in the position input device of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the other Example at the time of changing the structure of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage example of the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the other Example in the case of using two light-guide plates of the position input device of FIG. It is a side view which shows the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the other Example at the time of superimposing two light-guide plates of the position input device of FIG. 1, and arrange | positioning a surface emitting member between these light-guide plates. It is a side view which shows the position input device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the other usage example of the position input device of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the position input device of FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the conventional optical touch panel. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of elimination of the malfunction of the touchscreen of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Position input device 2 Light guide plate 2a Front surface touch area 2b Back surface touch area 2c, 2d Tapered part 2e Side edge part 2f, 2g Side surface 3A, 3B Light emitting element 3C Surface light emitting member 4 Light receiving element 5 Input position detection part 5a Light emitting element drive part 5b Light receiving element driving unit 5c Light reception amount measuring unit 5d Input position data output unit 5e Control units a1 to a9, b1 to b9 Contact point recognizable region

Claims (10)

A position input device for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
A light guide plate that has one side as a first touch area and the other side as a second touch area, and generates scattered light in response to contact with the first and / or second touch area;
In order to determine one coordinate, a first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate and injecting light from the predetermined direction into the light guide plate;
In order to discriminate one coordinate, a second light is provided corresponding to the first light-emitting means, and the light enters the light guide plate from a direction that is line-symmetric with respect to the direction of incidence on the first light-emitting means. A light emitting means,
In order to determine other coordinates, a light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate for receiving the scattered light;
Control means for performing a lighting scan that partially illuminates or a non-lighting scan that partially illuminates the first and second light emitting means,
The control means includes coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means, and coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. The input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and light from the first or second light emitting means is incident on the light guide plate to cause total reflection. The contact by the contact object in response to the reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable region formed in the first and second touch areas by repeating straight in the light guide plate while repeating. A position input device that identifies whether the touch area is a first touch area or the second touch area. A position input device for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
A first light guide plate having a touch area on one side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area;
A second light guide plate having a touch area on one side, the other side being superimposed on the other side of the first light guide plate, and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area;
In order to determine one coordinate, a first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate and injecting light from the predetermined direction into the first light guide plate;
A second light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate for determining one coordinate, and injecting light from the predetermined direction into the second light guide plate;
In order to discriminate other coordinates, provided on one side of the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate along the overlapping portion of the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate, and receives the scattered light. A light receiving means for
Control means for performing a lighting scan that partially illuminates or a non-lighting scan that partially illuminates the first and second light emitting means,
The control means includes coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means, and coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. From the above, the input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and the lighting scan or the non-lighting scan is performed when the light receiving unit receives light. The position input device characterized by identifying whether the contact by the contact object is a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate from any one of the light emitting means. A position input device for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
A first light guide plate having a touch area on one side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area;
A second light guide plate having a touch area on one side, the other side being superimposed on the other side of the first light guide plate, and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area;
In order to discriminate one coordinate, provided between the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate so as to correspond to the entire touch area of each of the first and second light guide plates, A light emitting means for entering light into the first and second light guide plates;
In order to discriminate other coordinates, a first light receiving means provided along one side of the first light guide plate for receiving the scattered light;
A second light receiving means provided along one side of the second light guide plate for receiving the scattered light in order to determine other coordinates;
Control means for performing a lighting scan that partially illuminates or a non-lighting scan that partially illuminates the light emitting means,
The control means includes coordinates when the scattered light is received by the first and / or second light receiving means, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning at the time of light reception by the first and / or second light receiving means. The input position to the touch area of the first and / or second light guide plate by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the light emitting means when the light is emitted, and the first or second light receiving means receives light. Accordingly, it is possible to identify whether the contact by the contact object is a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate.   The position input device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the lighting scanning or the non-lighting scanning in a time-sharing manner. A position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
In order to discriminate one coordinate, one surface side is a first touch area and the other surface side is a second touch area, and scattered light is generated in response to contact with the first and / or second touch area. A step of causing light to enter the light guide plate from a predetermined direction by first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate;
In order to discriminate one coordinate, the second light emitting means provided corresponding to the first light emitting means causes light to be symmetric with respect to the direction of incidence in the first light emitting means by the second light emitting means. Incident from the direction of
A step of receiving the scattered light by a light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates;
A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the first and second light emitting means by the control means;
The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means, and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. The input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and further, light from the first or second light emitting means is incident on the light guide plate and totally reflected. The contact by the contact object in response to the reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable region formed in the first and second touch areas by repeating straight in the light guide plate while repeating. It is identified whether it is 1 touch area or said 2nd touch area. The position input method characterized by the above-mentioned. A position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
In order to determine one coordinate, a first light guide plate having a touch area on one surface side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area is provided in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate. A step of making light incident from a predetermined direction by the first light emitting means,
In order to discriminate one coordinate, the second surface has a touch area on one surface side, the other surface side is superimposed on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. A light is incident on the light guide plate from a predetermined direction by a second light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate;
In order to discriminate other coordinates, the light receiving means provided on one side of the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate along the overlapping portion of the first and second light guide plates, Receiving the scattered light; and
A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the first and second light emitting means by the control means;
The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means, and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. From the above, the input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving unit receives light. The position input method, wherein the contact by the contact object is identified from any one of the light emitting means as a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate. A position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
In order to discriminate one coordinate, a first light guide plate having a touch area on one surface side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area; a touch area on one surface side; The first light guide plate is overlaid on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and the second light guide plate generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. A step of causing light to enter the first and second light guide plates by light emitting means provided between the one light guide plate and the second light guide plate;
A step of receiving the scattered light by a first light receiving means provided along one side of the first light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates;
Receiving the scattered light by a second light receiving means provided along one side of the second light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates;
A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the light emitting means by the control means,
The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the first and / or second light receiving means by the control means, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning at the time of light reception by the first and / or second light receiving means. The input position to the touch area of the first and / or second light guide plate by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the light emitting means when the light is received, and the first or second light receiving means receives light. Accordingly, the position input method is characterized in that the contact by the contact object is identified as a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate. A position input program for causing a computer to execute a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
In order to discriminate one coordinate, one surface side is a first touch area and the other surface side is a second touch area, and scattered light is generated in response to contact with the first and / or second touch area. A step of causing light to enter the light guide plate from a predetermined direction by first light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the light guide plate;
In order to discriminate one coordinate, the second light emitting means provided corresponding to the first light emitting means causes light to be symmetric with respect to the direction of incidence in the first light emitting means by the second light emitting means. Incident from the direction of
A step of receiving the scattered light by a light receiving means provided along one side of the light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates;
A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the first and second light emitting means by the control means;
The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means, and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. The input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and further, light from the first or second light emitting means is incident on the light guide plate and totally reflected. The contact by the contact object in response to the reception of scattered light under the contact position of the contact point recognizable region formed in the first and second touch areas by repeating straight in the light guide plate while repeating. It is identified whether it is 1 touch area or said 2nd touch area. The position input program characterized by the above-mentioned. A position input program for causing a computer to execute a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
In order to determine one coordinate, a first light guide plate having a touch area on one surface side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area is provided in one coordinate direction of the first light guide plate. A step of making light incident from a predetermined direction by the first light emitting means,
In order to discriminate one coordinate, the second surface has a touch area on one surface side, the other surface side is superimposed on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. A light is incident on the light guide plate from a predetermined direction by a second light emitting means provided in one coordinate direction of the second light guide plate;
In order to discriminate other coordinates, the light receiving means provided on one side of the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate along the overlapping portion of the first and second light guide plates, Receiving the scattered light; and
A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the first and second light emitting means by the control means;
The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the light receiving means by the control means, and the coordinates of the first or second light emitting means when the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving means receives light. From the above, the input position to the first and / or second touch area by the contact object is specified, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning is performed when the light receiving unit receives light. The position input program characterized in that a contact by the contact object is identified from any one of the light emitting means as a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate. A position input program for causing a computer to execute a position input method for inputting position data indicating an input position by a contact object,
In order to discriminate one coordinate, a first light guide plate having a touch area on one surface side and generating scattered light in response to contact with the touch area; a touch area on one surface side; The first light guide plate is overlaid on the other surface side of the first light guide plate, and the second light guide plate generates scattered light in response to contact with the touch area. A step of causing light to enter the first and second light guide plates by light emitting means provided between the one light guide plate and the second light guide plate;
A step of receiving the scattered light by a first light receiving means provided along one side of the first light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates;
Receiving the scattered light by a second light receiving means provided along one side of the second light guide plate in order to determine other coordinates;
A step of performing a lighting scan for partially lighting or a non-lighting scanning for partially unlighting the light emitting means by the control means,
The coordinates when the scattered light is received by the first and / or second light receiving means by the control means, and the lighting scanning or non-lighting scanning at the time of light reception by the first and / or second light receiving means. The input position to the touch area of the first and / or second light guide plate by the contact object is specified from the coordinates of the light emitting means when the light is received, and the first or second light receiving means receives light. The position input program is characterized in that the contact by the contact object is identified as a touch area of the first light guide plate or a touch area of the second light guide plate.

Images