JP2010111073A - Display panel built-in type electronic blackboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique to stably read diagrammatic drawing drawn on a display panel by a scanner in a display panel built-in type electronic blackboard. <P>SOLUTION: In the electronic blackboard including the display panel, a translucent writing sheet installed on the front face of the display panel and the scanner traveled on the writing sheet for scanning, a signal responding to a signal related to start of reading by the scanner and making the display panel emit light of predetermined color or/and luminance is output. Depending on the embodiment, a cover for hiding a read face by the scanner from the light of the display panel is provided between the display panel and the writing sheet. When the scanner is traveled, to continuously hide the read face by the scanner from the light of the display panel, the cover is also moved in cooperation with the traveling of the scanner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic blackboard with a built-in display panel, and more particularly to a technique for reading a diagram drawn on a display panel with a writing instrument and an electronic blackboard using the same.

  When giving a presentation or meeting in an office, it is convenient to display a digitized document, write a comment on the display, and attach a memo, a note, or a meeting item. In recent years, flat panel displays have become larger, prices have fallen, and large displays have become familiar. Such a display has a clearer and brighter image quality than a projection type display, and can be used without turning off the lighting in the room.

  As an electronic blackboard having a function of reading a line drawing drawn with a writing instrument or the like on a display with a scanner, there is one described in Patent Document 1. The first embodiment of this document describes that a scanner scans a diagram on a display, reads a diagram drawn with a writing instrument together with the display on the display, and stores the data. (Particularly paragraphs 0016 and 0019).

  However, in reality, since the light source such as the backlight of the display panel is located in the background of the diagram, it is not possible to read the diagram drawn on the display with a writing instrument etc. Have difficulty. It is also difficult to read the display itself. Patent Document 1 does not describe a specific configuration for enabling reading in spite of these technical difficulties.

  Patent Document 2 describes an electronic blackboard having a scanner that scans an applied image drawn on a sheet and an image projected on the sheet from the opposite side of the projector with the sheet interposed therebetween. A specific configuration of such an electronic blackboard is described as a second embodiment from 17th line on the lower right of page 2 to 18th line on the upper right of page 3 of the same document. An overall perspective view and an enlarged sectional view of the scanner portion are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the same document, respectively.

  In Patent Document 2, the color of the image on the sheet is not mentioned, and there is no description about colorizing the scanner output. In addition, when a part of the sheet is opaque, transmitted light cannot be used, and thus an image on the opaque sheet cannot be read. Further, the transmission type scanner is not common, and increases the manufacturing cost of an electronic blackboard or other equipment as an applicable product.

  In Patent Document 3, a character color mask is created from a character color portion and a character background color mask is created from the background color on the assumption that the color of the character portion and the background portion is registered in a register. There is described a pseudo gradation printing apparatus that creates and logically separates these to separate a character portion from a background and perform clear binary recording. However, this document has no description about reading a diagram drawn on a display panel.

  Patent Document 4 describes an electronic device that uses a color ink reflection density difference to color-code markings by a plurality of writing tools. This document is also not a document that gives any suggestion about reading a diagram drawn on the display panel.

Patent Document 5 discloses a technique of reading a line drawing drawn with color ink on a so-called whiteboard with a reflective scanner. However, this document also does not describe anything about reading a diagram drawn on a display panel.
JP 2000-229498 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-056599 JP 2003-163812 A JP 11-334277 A JP 2002-218165 A

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for stably reading a diagram drawn on a display panel by a scanner for the display panel built-in type electronic blackboard.

  One of the novel configurations disclosed in the present specification, which can solve the above-described problem, is to display a display panel facing a scanner in a predetermined color or / and / or when scanning a diagram drawn on an electronic blackboard. The control is to emit light with brightness.

  In some embodiments, this control is utilized to recognize the reflected light from the diagram separately from the light from the display panel. That is, a reflective scanner emits reading light and performs reading by detecting light reflected by a reading target. Conventionally, even if an attempt is made to read a diagram drawn on a display panel, The light emitted from the display panel hinders the light from the display panel and the reflected light of the reading light cannot be distinguished. However, by emitting light from the display panel with predetermined light, the two lights can be distinguished.

  In some embodiments, the predetermined light is green. That is, preferably, the entire display panel emits light in green. The inventor of the present application has found that the scanner can recognize the diagram drawn on the display panel by controlling in this way. There is a possibility that the diagram is drawn in various colors, but according to the finding of the inventor of the present application, green was the color with the widest correspondence.

  Depending on the embodiment, the display panel may be configured to emit light in various colors depending on the color of the diagram. Or you may comprise so that the brightness | luminance of several colors of a display panel may be reduced according to the color of a diagram. With this configuration, the color of the diagram exceeds the sensitivity threshold of the scanner, so that the diagram can be read stably.

  However, in the above embodiment, it is possible to obtain the lightness information of the diagram, but it has been difficult to specify the color of the diagram due to the influence of the light of the display panel. In order to cope with this problem, a novel configuration is disclosed in which a plate-like member that faces the scanner and is provided between a writing board for drawing a diagram and a display panel is disclosed.

  The plate-like member functions as a reflecting plate that reflects the reading light of the scanner, and also functions as a cover that blocks the light of the display panel from the reading surface of the scanner. By providing this plate-like member, the influence of the light on the display panel is reduced, so that the reading unit of the scanner can easily determine the reflected light of the reading light emitted from the scanner, and the color of the diagram Can be specified.

  However, there are also points to be improved in this configuration. This is because the reflection of the reading light emitted from the scanner occurs at at least two places on the surface of the diagram and the surface of the reflecting plate, so that the reflected light is incident on a plurality of positions of the reading unit, and the reading result It may cause bleeding. In other words, the shading of the diagram formed on the reflecting plate with respect to the reading light may blur the reading result.

  In order to cope with this problem, a new configuration is disclosed in which the reflector is a member that transmits part of the light emitted from the display panel (semi-transparent), and the reflector is lit to some extent by the transmitted light, thereby thinning the shadow. Is done. By reducing the shadow, bleeding in the reading result can be reduced.

  The inventor of the present application has found that a color suitable for thinning the shadow formed on the reflector is white. Therefore, when using the above configuration, it is preferable to control the display panel to emit white light when the scanner scans.

  Whether the display panel emits white light or emits green light as described above, it is preferable that the light emission color of the display panel is changed in accordance with a signal related to a reading operation by the scanner. For example, the video signal generating circuit of the electronic blackboard can be configured to change the display on the display panel in response to receiving a signal generated by pressing a reading button provided on the electronic blackboard. Such response processing may be configured to be performed by hardware, but may be configured to be performed by software processing by a CPU and a program.

  It is preferable that the reflector is connected to a drive unit for running the scanner via a connector. With this configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to move the reflecting plate in a surely interlocked manner with the scanner and it is not necessary to separately provide an actuator for moving the reflecting plate.

  This connector (stroke difference mitigation mechanism) includes a first member connected to a drive unit for running the scanner, a second member connected to the reflector, and the first and second members. An elastic member to be connected may be provided including an elastic member attached so as to transmit the force in the scanner traveling direction transmitted to the first member to the second member. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the elastic member has an elastic force stronger than a force for moving the reflecting plate when the reflecting plate is not fixed. Further, it is preferable that the elastic force is weaker than the driving force of the drive unit of the scanner so that the scanner can be moved even when the reflector cannot move. According to such a configuration, even when the movable range of the reflector is inevitably smaller than the movable range of the scanner due to mounting problems, the scanner can be moved beyond the movable range of the reflector. In the range where the reflector can move, the propulsive force of the scanner driving unit is transmitted to the reflector by the elastic member, and the reflector can be moved in conjunction with the scanner. In other words, the above-described connection structure forms a mechanism for reducing the difference in the stroke between the scanner and the reflector.

  Depending on the embodiment, a plurality of colors of the display panel may be selected in advance corresponding to the color of the ink of the writing instrument, and the reduction ratio of these luminances may be determined. One ink color and a plurality of colors, and the ratio of the decrease in luminance are set as one set. A plurality of sets are determined in advance, and scanning of one diagram is performed for the plurality of sets. As a result, the color information of the diagram can be acquired, and the diagram can be displayed in color.

  In order to specify color information in full color, a total of three sets are required when one ink color and a plurality of colors to be selected and the rate of decrease in luminance are set as one set. For example, the ink colors are roughly classified into the three primary colors of paint, blue-green, magenta (red purple), and yellow, and the brightness of two of these colors is reduced and the remaining one color is made to correspond to a total of three sets. select. Alternatively, three sets corresponding to the three primary colors of light, red, green, and bluish purple are selected.

  The scanning of one diagram for a plurality of groups may be performed by moving the scanner one reciprocal half (for three surfaces) on one surface of the electronic blackboard corresponding to the diagram.

  Embodiments of the present invention include an electronic blackboard including one or more of these features, parts for the electronic blackboard, a method for controlling the electronic blackboard, a program for controlling the electronic blackboard, and a computer-readable computer storing the program Storage medium.

  Some examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the appended claims. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments shown in the claims, and all novel and useful configurations and combinations thereof explicitly and implicitly disclosed in this specification and the drawings are included. Is included.

  As an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display panel, a transparent member disposed at least on the front surface of the display panel, a scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member, and the display panel An electronic blackboard having a video signal generation unit for transmitting a signal, wherein the video signal generation unit displays the display panel in a predetermined color and / or luminance in response to receiving a signal related to a reading operation by the scanner. There is an electronic blackboard that is configured to output a signal for emitting light.

  As another example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display panel, a transparent member disposed at least on the front surface of the display panel, a scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member, and the display An electronic blackboard having a reflector provided between a panel and the transparent member, and a video signal generator for sending a signal to the display panel, when the scanner is run, from the light of the display panel The reflection plate is configured to move in cooperation with the traveling of the scanner so that the reading surface of the scanner continues to be hidden, and when the scanner travels, the signal from the video signal generator is received, There are electronic blackboards in which a display panel is configured to emit light with a predetermined color and / or brightness.

  In some embodiments, the predetermined color may be a green or white color that the display panel can emit.

  In some embodiments, the reflector may be configured to receive a force from a driving unit for running the scanner via a connector.

  In some embodiments, the connector includes a first member connected to a driving unit for running the scanner, a second member connected to the reflector, the first member, and the first member. An elastic member connected to the second member, and the elastic member is arranged to transmit a force in the traveling direction of the scanner transmitted to the first member to the second member, and the elastic member The elastic force is stronger than the driving force of the driving unit that moves the reflecting plate when the reflecting plate travels, and the driving unit that moves the reflecting plate when the reflecting plate stops traveling It can be configured to be weaker than the driving force.

  As still another example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display panel, a transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel, a scanner that scans a diagram drawn on the transparent member, and a control A signal for causing the display panel to emit light with a predetermined color and / or luminance in response to receiving a signal related to the start of reading by the scanner. There is a program that operates to output. An electronic blackboard provided with a computer-readable storage medium for storing the program and a control unit operated by the program is also an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  As still another example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display panel, a transparent member disposed at least on the front surface of the display panel, and a scanner that scans a diagram drawn on the transparent member are provided. An electronic blackboard control method, comprising: outputting a signal for causing the display panel to emit light with a predetermined color or / and brightness in response to receiving a signal related to reading start by the scanner There is a control method.

  In some embodiments, a cover for hiding the reading surface of the scanner from the light of the display panel is provided between the display panel and the transparent member, and when the scanner is run, The cover may be moved in cooperation with the traveling of the scanner so that the reading surface of the scanner continues to be hidden.

  As still another example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display panel, a transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel, a scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member, A cover provided between the display panel and the transparent member, the cover for concealing the reading surface of the scanner from the light of the display panel, when the scanner is run, from the light of the display panel There is an electronic blackboard configured to move the cover in cooperation with the traveling of the scanner so that the reading surface of the scanner continues to be hidden.

  Hereinafter, more specific examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that these descriptions are not made for the purpose of limiting the embodiments of the present invention, but only for the purpose of helping understanding of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an electronic blackboard introduced as a first embodiment.

  The main body 1 of the electronic blackboard is a display panel 2 (for example, a liquid crystal display) that inputs and displays image information from the outside via the interface 10, and a transparent member 3 that is fixed to the display panel 2 and constitutes a part of the main body 1. And a movable scanner 4 for reading a diagram drawn on the transparent member 3, a display color generating unit 5 for coloring the display panel 2 when the scanner 4 is operated, and the scanner 4. The diagram data is stored in the memory 9, the image information displayed on the display panel 2 is reduced and combined with the diagram data, the data and information are output to the outside via the interface 10, the printer 8 for instructing the start of the operation of the control unit 6 for controlling the printing operation by the printer 8 and the scanner 4, and displaying the displayed image information, the read diagram data, and the combined result thereof by the printer 8 or 8 And an operation section 7 which instructs to output to the outside.

  A user of the electronic blackboard can draw a diagram such as a character, a picture, and an instruction line directly on the transparent member 3 using a writing instrument (ink pen for white board). The scanner 4 is a normal reflection type scanner, which irradiates a line to be read from a built-in light source with light of one or more colors, and inputs the reflected light to one line sensor or CCD. The predetermined range of the transparent member 3 on which the diagram is drawn is moved left and right.

  The display color generation unit 5 may function by software or may function by an electronic circuit. The display panel 2 is connected to an external personal computer or other electronic device via the interface 10 and has a display monitor function independent of the electronic blackboard 1.

  In the above configuration, image information input from a computer or video equipment via the interface 10 is displayed in the display area of the display panel 2. The image information may be stored in the memory 9 under the control of the control unit 6. For the image information displayed in the display area, the user draws characters or figures on the transparent member 3 with an ink pen or the like. Thereafter, when the user instructs from the operation unit 7 the color of the ink pen used, the reading of a diagram by the scanner (single color mode), etc., the control unit 6 is connected to the scanner under the environment where the display color generation unit 5 functions. Scan. At this time, the display color of the display panel 2 is a predetermined color and luminance.

  That is, in accordance with the color of the designated ink pen, the control unit 6 makes the signal value of the diagram read by the scanner sufficiently exceed the threshold value of the sensitivity of the scanner, and the display panel 2 read by the scanner. The display color generation unit 5 is controlled so that the signal value of the display color does not exceed the sensitivity threshold of the scanner. Alternatively, the display color generation unit 5 may have a color setting value for the display panel 2 in advance, and may display the display panel 2 in response to a signal from the control unit 6 in synchronization with the scanning of the scanner.

  In response to the instruction from the control unit 6, the display color generation unit 5 causes the display panel 2 to develop a color with a predetermined color and luminance. Then, color information corresponding to the color of the used ink pen is attached to the data of the diagram read by the scanner 4.

  After the user draws characters and the like in multiple colors with a plurality of ink pens on the transparent member 3, when the user instructs to read color information from the operation unit 7, the control unit 6 displays one surface of the electronic blackboard corresponding to the diagram. The scanner 4 is driven so as to move one and a half times (for three surfaces) (full color mode).

  Along with this, the display color generator 5 causes the display panel 2 to develop a color and brightness while the scanner 4 scans one surface. The display panel 2 performs three sets (three sides) of color for one diagram in synchronization with one reciprocal half (three sides) movement of the scanner 4. Color information corresponding to multiple colors of the used ink pens is attached to the color diagram data read by the scanner 4.

  When the diagram on the transparent member 3 is read in monochrome (monochrome mode), the display color generator 5 causes the display panel 2 to emit light in green. Preferably, the entire surface of the display panel emits light in green. In the monochrome mode, it is sufficient for the scanner 4 to scan the transparent member 3 only once. That is, unlike the case of the color mode, it is not necessary to move the scanner 4 once and half on the transparent member 3, and only one-way scanning is sufficient.

  The read diagram data is stored in the memory 9 by the control unit 6. The control unit 6 may reduce the image information displayed on the display panel 2 so as to be superimposed on the diagram, and synthesize it with the read diagram data. In this case, the image displayed on the electronic blackboard and the diagram drawn by the user are combined with each other, and the entire combined result is converted to a size that can be printed on a predetermined paper, for example, A4 paper. And stored in the memory 9. When the user instructs the output of the combined diagram data (converted image information) through the operation unit 7, the combined data is sent to the printer 8 or to the outside via the interface 10. The

  When such composition is not performed, the read data of the diagram is sent to the printer 8 or to the outside via the interface 10 when the user operates the operation unit 7.

  The display panel 2 is preferably a flat panel display, and examples thereof include an image display device (LCD) using liquid crystal and an organic EL display device using an organic electroluminescence phenomenon.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external structure of the electronic blackboard applied to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The main body 11 of the electronic blackboard corresponds to the main body 1 of FIG. The liquid crystal display 12 fixed to the front opening of the main body 11 corresponds to the display panel 2 of FIG. The transparent resin plate 13 whose surface has been cured corresponds to the transparent member 3 in FIG. On the transparent resin plate 13, a user can draw characters, pictures, instruction lines, notes, etc. directly using a writing instrument (white plate ink pen). Further, the transparent resin plate 13 is larger than the display surface of the liquid crystal display 12, and a region other than the display surface (margin portion) is formed in white and functions as a normal whiteboard.

  The mobile scanner 14 corresponds to the scanner 4 in FIG. 1 and reads a diagram drawn on the transparent resin plate 13.

  In the above configuration, image information input to the electronic blackboard from a computer device or a video device connected via the interface 10 is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 12 using the LCD. Further, the image information may be stored in the memory 9 under the control of the control unit 6.

  Overlaid on the image information displayed here, the user can draw letters / symbols, notes, etc. with a pen or marker using water-based ink on the transparent resin plate 13.

  The diagram drawn on the transparent resin plate 13 triggered by the user's action on the operation unit 7 is read while the mobile scanner 14 moves to the left or right, converted into electronic data, and necessary color information. At the same time, it is stored in the memory 9. The control unit 6 (not shown) may reduce the image information displayed on the liquid crystal display 12 and combine it with the read diagram data.

  Further, based on a user instruction from the operation unit 7 (not shown), the control unit 6 outputs (prints) the read diagram data after conversion (converted image information) to a printer 18 (not shown), Alternatively, it may be transmitted to a computer device connected via the interface 10.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the control unit 6 of the electronic blackboard according to the first embodiment. A control program for executing this processing is stored in the program memory of the control unit 6.

  The control unit 6 checks whether image information is input from a computer device or the like connected via the interface 10, and when it is input (step 1), displays the input image information on the liquid crystal display 12 (step 1). 2). At this time, the control unit 6 may perform reduction processing or other necessary image processing on the image information, and store the result in the memory 9 or an internal memory of the control unit 6 (not shown).

  Next, it is checked whether or not an instruction for reading an image using the mobile scanner 14 is input from the operation unit 7 (step 3). If there is an instruction, scanning of the mobile scanner 14 is started, and the liquid crystal display 12 is scanned. The diagram displayed in the display area is read (step 4). When the control unit 6 receives a signal generated in response to an input of a reading instruction, it issues a command to the display color generation unit 5 to display the liquid crystal display 12 in a predetermined color. For example, in the monochrome mode, the control unit 6 controls the display color generation unit 5 to cause the liquid crystal display 12 to emit light in green. The display color generator 5 outputs a predetermined image signal (video signal) to the liquid crystal display 12 in accordance with an instruction from the controller 6. The read diagram data is stored in the memory 9 (step S5).

  The control unit 6 appropriately deletes unnecessary image information stored in the memory 9, monitors the free space of the memory, and uses the memory 9 and the internal memory properly. The control unit 6 may synthesize the read diagram data and the image information subjected to the reduction process or the like at an appropriate timing, and store the synthesized image information in the memory 9 or the internal memory.

  Next, it is checked whether an output instruction for outputting data is input from the operation unit 7 via the interface 10 (step 6). If the output instruction is received, the data stored in the memory 9 is transferred to the printer 8 or The data is output to an external computer device connected through the interface 10 (step 7).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a user draws a desired picture, figure, character, or other diagram from the top of the panel in the image displayed on the display panel, which can be stably and easily performed. Can be read. By using a normal reflection type scanner, image data displayed on the display panel and a diagram drawn on the image information can be created by superimposing with simple operations.

  The embodiment of the present invention controls the storage medium storing the software (program code) by installing software (program code) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments into the control unit 6 through the interface 10. This may be achieved by connecting to a predetermined port (not shown) provided in the unit 6 and installing it.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment. In other words, an operating system (OS) operating on a computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  In addition, after the software (program code) is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion card is based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU of the function expansion unit or the like may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing.

  According to the first embodiment, there is provided an effect that a user can draw a desired character, figure or other diagram on the image displayed on the display panel, and print or output it by a simple operation. In addition, an effect of easily combining the display image with the drawn line drawing is provided.

  4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an electronic blackboard 400 introduced in the present specification as a second embodiment, in which FIG. 4A is a front perspective view and FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view. The electronic blackboard 400 includes a display panel (liquid crystal display) 402, a translucent writing sheet 404 installed in front of the liquid crystal display 402, a scanner 406 that travels and scans on the writing sheet 404, an operation panel 408, and the like. It has. These correspond to the liquid crystal display 12, the transparent resin plate 13, the movable scanner 14, and the operation unit 7 of the electronic blackboard 1 introduced as the first embodiment, and have similar functions. It is desirable that the writing sheet 404 is as transparent as possible so as not to hide the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 402. In addition, the user can freely draw characters / drawings on the writing sheet 404 using a marker. An example of a material that can be used for such a purpose is acrylic. The scanner 406 is a reflection-type scanner, that is, a scanner that reads an object by emitting light for reading and detecting the reflected light with a photodetector. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the scanner 406 scans the entire surface of the writing sheet 404 by running in the horizontal direction on the writing sheet 404. In order to move the scanner 406, the scanner 406 is connected to an electric actuator 410 (FIGS. 4A and 4B). The electric actuator 410 is installed on the top of the electronic blackboard 400 and is configured to move on a rail 412 that is also provided on the top of the electronic blackboard 400. A control unit (not shown) moves the scanner 406 by moving the electric actuator 410. In FIG. 4C, the scanner 406 travels from the left to the right as viewed from the front, but the scan itself can be performed by traveling in either the left or right direction.

  5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 4C, where FIG. 5A is an overall view of the cross section, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the cross section. As shown in the drawing, a writing sheet 404 is arranged on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 402 so as to cover the entire surface of the liquid crystal display 402, and a scanner 406 is arranged so as to be movable on the writing sheet. There is a gap between the surface of the writing sheet 404 and the scanner 406. The electronic blackboard 400 is different from the electronic blackboard 1 of the first embodiment in that a cover (reflection plate) 500 is provided between the liquid crystal display 402 and the writing sheet 404.

  The cover (reflecting plate) 500 functions to block the light of the liquid crystal display 402 from the scanner 406. For this reason, the scanner 406, which is a reflection type scanner, can sufficiently distinguish and detect any color of reflected light of the reading light, and can read the diagram on the writing sheet 404 in color. Is possible. Therefore, the embodiment exemplified in the electronic blackboard 400 is suitable for reading a diagram in color. On the other hand, if it is sufficient if the diagram can be read in black and white, it is not always necessary to add the cover 500, and the embodiment illustrated in the electronic blackboard 1 of the first example is sufficient.

  In order for the cover 500 to provide a sufficient light shielding effect, the cover 500 needs to have a shape and a size that can cover at least the reading surface of the scanner 406. Therefore, the shape of the cover 500 can be, for example, a rectangle, the width of the cover 500 can be the same as the width of the scanner, for example, and the length of the cover 500 can be the same as the width of the liquid crystal display 402, for example. It can be a width. When the shape and size of the cover 500 are selected in this way, the cover 500 is hidden behind the scanner 406. When the electronic blackboard 400 is viewed from the outside as shown in FIG. 4, the cover 500 is viewed. I can't.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged views of the cover 500 and its attachment mechanism (stroke difference mitigation mechanism), where FIG. 6A is an overall view, FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the upper part, and FIG. It is an enlarged view.

  The cover 500 is interlocked with an electric actuator 410 (FIG. 5) for moving the scanner 406 via a hook metal fitting (first member) 502 and a hanging metal fitting (second member) 504. For this reason, when the electric actuator 410 moves the scanner 406, the cover 500 also moves accordingly. That is, the scanner 406 and the cover 500 move in cooperation, and the cover 500 always keeps the reading surface of the scanner 406 hidden from the light of the display 402 while the scanner 406 scans the display 402. A slide rail 508 is provided so that the cover 500 can move smoothly, and the suspension bracket 504 is attached to the slide rail 508.

  In such a configuration, the propulsive force generating mechanism for moving the cover 500 is the same as the propulsive force generating mechanism (the electric actuator 410) for moving the scanner 406. Therefore, the scanner 406 and the cover 500 can be easily arranged. There is an advantage that it is possible to run in cooperation and there is no need to separately provide a motor or an actuator for moving the cover 500.

  The hook fitting 502 is connected to the electric actuator 410, and the suspension fitting 504 is connected to the cover 500. A coupling (elastic member) 506 is provided between the hook metal 502 and the hanging metal 504. That is, the driving force in the scanner traveling direction by the electric actuator 410 is transmitted from the hook fitting 502 to the suspension fitting 504 through the coupling 506 with a constant load. The role of the coupling 506 will be described in detail later.

  The cover 500 of FIG. 6 is attached to the suspension fitting 504. In this example, the attachment method is screwed as shown in the figure. Of course, this is just an example, as is the method of connecting, connecting, and mounting other components exemplified in this specification, and various mounting methods can be used depending on demands such as manufacturing and cost. Of course it is good. The suspension bracket 504 is further divided into a first part 504a and a second part 504b, which are integrated by being screwed together, but this is merely an example, and is divided into more parts. Or may be formed as a single part. What is important is that an elastic member 506 is interposed between the electric actuator 410 for moving the scanner.

  In this example, the upper portion 500c and the lower portion 500d of the cover 500 are slightly shaved. This is done for the purpose of preventing rubbing with the back surface of the writing sheet 404 (FIG. 5B).

  The cover 500 is formed by sticking a white film 500b on a transparent member 500a such as an acrylic plate. Therefore, the cover 500 does not completely block the light of the display 402 but allows a certain amount of light to pass through. The reason why the cover 500 has such a semi-transparent property is as follows.

  If the cover 500 is completely light-shielding, the scanner 406 can surely read the diagram on the writing sheet 404 without being obstructed by the light from the liquid crystal display 402. However, this time, the reading light of the scanner 406 forms a shadow of the line diagram on the surface of the cover 500, and the reading results in blurring. In order to solve this problem, the inventor does not make the cover 500 completely light-shielding, but conversely passes a certain amount of light and shines the cover to some extent, thereby thinning the shadow formed by the reading light of the scanner. And found that the influence of shading on the reading results can be reduced.

  For this reason, the cover 500 is preferably not semi-light-shielding but semi-translucent. Further, the color of the light transmitted through the cover 500 is white or white that can be generated by the liquid crystal display 402 so that the shade can be thinned regardless of the color of the diagram on the writing sheet. A color is preferred. Therefore, it is preferable that the liquid crystal display 402 be controlled so that it is issued in white when the scanner 406 scans.

  The adverse effect of the shadow formed on the cover 500 is reduced as the thickness of the writing sheet 404 is reduced. Further, the smaller the distance between the writing sheet 404 and the cover 500, the smaller the adverse effect. Therefore, if the writing sheet 404 can be made sufficiently thin and the distance between the writing sheet 404 and the cover 500 can be made sufficiently small, the cover 500 does not necessarily need to be semi-translucent, and has a light shielding property. It is also possible to use a strong material. Thus, it is not noted that embodiments of the present invention can be either translucent or completely light-blocking.

  Now, a configuration example of the coupling (elastic member) 506 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the cover 500 and its attachment mechanism are depicted from a viewpoint opposite to the viewpoint of FIG. 6. However, it should be noted that the hook fitting 502 is omitted. In this example, the coupling 506 includes a constant load spring 506b, a hook 506c, and a spring fixing metal 506a for attaching them to the suspension fitting 504. As shown in the figure, a set of the constant load spring 506b and the hook 506c is provided on each of the left and right sides. The constant load spring 506b has a spring wound in a coil shape, and an end thereof is connected to the hook 506c. Therefore, the hook 506c can extend in the lateral direction by applying a force exceeding the elastic force of the constant load spring 506b.

  The hook metal fitting 502 is disposed so as to fit between the left and right hooks 506. Therefore, the propulsive force in the scanning direction of the scanner transmitted from the electric actuator 410 to the hook metal fitting 502 is transmitted to one of the constant load springs 506b via one of the left and right hooks 506c, and the constant load spring 506b is attached. It is transmitted to the suspension fitting 504 via the spring fixing metal 506a.

  In order to move the cover 500 with the force of the electric actuator 410, the elastic force of the constant load spring 506 b needs to be stronger than the force to move the cover 500. In other words, during the movement of the cover 500, it is preferable that the constant load spring 506b can pull the suspension fitting 504 without being deformed so much (or not deformed at all). Therefore, it is preferable to select and use a member having such elastic force as the constant load spring 506b.

  However, the movable range of the scanner 406 and the cover 500 may be different due to mounting restrictions. In this example, for example, in FIG. 4A, the scanner 406 can move to the end of the electronic blackboard 400, but the cover 500 can move only to the margin part 420 of the display 402, for example.

  Even in such a restriction, the elastic force of the constant load spring 506b is preferably weaker than the driving force of the actuator 410 so that the scanner 406 and the cover 500 can be moved by the same actuator. By selecting the constant load spring 506b in this way, the cover 500 or its fixture can reach the end of the movable range, abut against the structural parts of the electronic blackboard 400, and be unable to move any further. Since the load spring 506b is deformed and the hook 506c can be extended, the scanner 406 can continue to move.

  This is illustrated in FIG. As shown in the figure, the hook metal fitting 502 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between hooks 506c. FIG. 8 (a) depicts a situation where the scanner 406 is running on the display 402 as depicted in FIG. 5 (c), and the hook 506c is not deformed (ie, does not stretch). ) The force applied from the hook metal fitting 502 is transmitted to the suspension metal fitting 504. On the other hand, FIG. 8C illustrates a state in which the scanner 406 is moved to the extreme end of the electronic blackboard 400 as illustrated in FIG. 5A, and the cover 500 is movable. Even after reaching the extreme end of the range, it is depicted that the scanner 406 is moving as the hook 506c extends. That is, the hook metal fitting 502, the hanging metal fitting 504, and the coupling 506 provide a process difference alleviating mechanism between the scanner 406 and the cover 500.

  In this example, a constant load spring is adopted as the elastic component 506, but this is merely an example, and a spring other than the constant load spring can be used as long as the above-described conditions are satisfied. However, since the constant load spring has the advantage that the elastic force is constant regardless of the amount of extension, it provides the advantage that the movement control of the scanner 406 and the cover 500 is easy. In the above example, the hook (506c) is used to transmit the force applied to the hooking metal fitting 502 connected to the actuator to the coupling 506. However, this is merely an example, and the force can be transmitted well. It should be noted that any shape and structure of components can be used as long as they do not exceed the scope of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, the back surface of the scanner 406 is drawn. Reference numeral 406a denotes a reading window from which reading light is radiated and reflected light is incident. Therefore, the light emitting device and the light detecting device exist behind the reading window 406a. Reference numeral 406 b represents a curtain attached to the scanner 406. The curtain 406b is attached so as to keep in contact with the writing sheet 404 at least while the scanner 406 travels on the writing sheet 404, and prevents external light from entering the reading window 406a.

  A further configuration and processing flow of the electronic blackboard 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the components of the electronic blackboard 400, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing.

  The electronic blackboard 400 includes a liquid crystal display 402, a scanner 406, an operation panel 408, an electric actuator 410 for moving the scanner 406, etc., which are also illustrated in FIG. 4, a control unit 430, an internal storage device 432, and a video signal. A generation circuit 434, a printer 436, and the like can be provided. The control unit 430 is an element that controls the entire electronic blackboard 400, and performs predetermined processing in response to a signal from an internal element such as the operation panel 408 or the scanner 406 or an external element such as an external PC 452. Generate signals to control other elements. The control unit 430 can be configured to perform part or all of the processing by software processing using a program. Of course, it can be configured to be controllable in hardware. A program for operating the control unit 430 can be stored in the internal storage device 432. The internal storage device 432 preferably includes nonvolatile storage means such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The internal storage device 432 need not be composed of only one type of storage means, and may include a plurality of storage means. For example, it is possible to provide a memory such as DRAM or SRAM that has a high read / write speed for reading / writing high-speed data, and a flash memory or a hard disk for storing data for a long period of time. Furthermore, it is possible to provide storage means such as a CD-R or DVD-R that is convenient to carry. A program for operating the control unit 430 can be stored and stored in storage means such as a CD-R, or can be stored in these storage means and sold as an independent product. It is also possible to sell through a network.

  The liquid crystal display 402 can include a plurality of inputs. In this example, the video signal generating circuit 434, the external PC 452, and the TV / video 454 are configured to accept three inputs. Switching of the input system is performed by the control unit 430 controlling the liquid crystal display. The control unit 430 responds to a signal generated in response to a user operating the operation panel 408 or performs processing. Depending on the need, control by its own judgment. Such control may be configured to be performed by a hardware circuit, or may be configured to be performed by software processing.

  The video signal generation circuit 434 generates a video signal for displaying the liquid crystal display 402 in a predetermined color. As described above, in this example, the liquid crystal display 402 is configured to be white at the time of scanning, and a video signal for that purpose is generated by the video signal generation circuit 434.

  In addition, the electronic blackboard 400 can include a portable memory writing device 438 such as a USB memory or an SD card, and can be configured to store the scan result in the portable memory under the control of the control unit 430. Further, the electronic blackboard 400 can be configured to capture a display screen of the external PC 452 and combine it with the result read by the scanner 406. In addition, a configuration that is not shown may be configured such that the screen of TV / video 454 can be captured and combined with the result read by the scanner 406 on the condition that there is no problem with copyright.

  Next, an example of a typical processing flow of the electronic blackboard 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Step 100 represents the start of processing. In step 102, the user selects what to display on the liquid crystal display 402. Possible options can be, for example, displaying the entire screen in white, displaying the screen of the external PC 452, displaying the video of the TV / video 454, and the like. Switching between these modes can be performed by operating the operation panel 408, and the control unit 430 switches the input system of the liquid crystal display 402 in accordance with a signal generated according to the switching operation (step 104). The mode in which the entire screen is displayed in white may be convenient when the electronic blackboard 400 is used as if it is an ordinary whiteboard. The mode in which the screen of the external PC 452 is displayed may be convenient when drawing a diagram on the PC screen. In response to the switching operation by the control unit 430, the selected image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 402 (step 106).

  Step 108 represents a stage where an instruction to start reading by the scanner 406 is given. This instruction is made, for example, when the user operates the operation panel 408. A signal is generated in response to this operation, and the control unit 430 performs subsequent necessary control in response to the generated signal. The signal related to the reading operation performed by the scanner 406 is not necessarily generated by the operation of the operation panel 408, and may be configured to be a control signal supplied from the outside.

  In response to the signal related to the reading operation, the control unit 430 can perform the following three controls. One is to switch the input of the liquid crystal display 402 to display the signal from the video signal generation circuit 434 (step 110). At the same time, the video signal generation circuit 434 is instructed to generate a video signal having a color and brightness suitable for scanning (step 112). As described above, when reading in color, the color suitable for scanning is white. It should be noted that even when the screen display mode selection in steps 102 to 106 is set to a mode in which white display is performed (whiteboard mode), the luminance may still need to be changed. That is. That is, if the brightness is too high, the cover 500 is too bright and light, making it difficult for the scanner 406 to distinguish the reflected light from the diagram on the writing sheet 404 from the display light that passes through the cover 500. . If the brightness is too low, it is insufficient to reduce the influence of the shadow generated on the cover 500. The control unit 430 and the video signal generation circuit 434 are configured to generate a video signal having a color and luminance suitable for scanning.

  Further, control unit 430 starts electric actuator 410 and causes scanner 406 to run on writing sheet 404 (step 114). At this time, as already described, the cover 500 follows the scanner 406 so that the cover 500 faces the reading surface of the scanner 406 between the writing sheet 404 and the liquid crystal display 402.

  At the same time, the control unit 430 activates the scanner 406 and starts reading (step 116). The read data is sent to the control unit 430 (step 118). The scanner 406 may collectively send the read data to the control unit 430 after scanning of the entire surface of the writing sheet 404 is completed, or may send the data one after another while performing reading. After the reading is completed (or sequentially during reading), the control unit 430 performs predetermined signal processing on the transmitted data and stores it in the internal storage device 432 (step 120).

  In the screen display mode selection in steps 102 to 106, when the display of the screen of the PC 452 is selected on the display 402, the control unit 430 captures the display content (step 122) and stores it in the internal storage device 432. It can operate to be combined with the scanned image that has been made (step 124). The synthesized image data is stored again in the internal storage device 432 (step 126). It is also possible to proceed to output processing (step 128) without saving.

  Subsequently, in step 128, the control unit 430 outputs a scan image (or a scan image configured with PC screen data). This output may be performed in various forms, for example, a form that is output to the printer 436 and printed on paper, a form that is stored as image data in a USB memory inserted in the USB memory writing device 438, There are a form that is transmitted as image data to the external PC 452, a form that is not shown but is transmitted to the outside via a network, and a form in which one or more of these are performed simultaneously.

  When the use of the electronic blackboard 400 is ended, the process proceeds to step 132. When the use is further continued, the operation may be performed again from step 102 as shown in step 130.

  As described above, some examples of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these descriptions are made for the purpose of contributing to an understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Please keep in mind. Finally, it will be stated that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments introduced herein, and that various embodiments can be made without changing the essence of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an electronic blackboard introduced as a first embodiment. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the external appearance structure of the electronic blackboard introduced as Example 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a control unit 6 of the electronic blackboard according to the first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the electronic blackboard 400 introduced as Example 2, (a) is a front perspective view, (b) is a rear perspective view. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how a scanner 406 moves on the electronic blackboard 400. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 4C, in which FIG. 4A is an overall view of the cross section, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of an upper portion of the cross section. It is the figure which expanded and drawn the part of the cover 500 and its attachment mechanism, (a) is a general view, (b) is an enlarged view of the upper part, (c) is an enlarged view of the lower part. It is a figure for demonstrating in detail the example of a structure of the coupling 506. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the coupling 506. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the coupling 506. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a further configuration of the electronic blackboard 400. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic blackboard 400.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic blackboard 2 Display panel 3 Transparent member 4 Scanner 5 Display color generation part 6 Control part 7 Operation part 8 Printer 9 Memory 10 Interface 11 Main body 12 Liquid crystal display 13 Transparent resin board 14 Mobile scanner 400 Electronic blackboard 402 Liquid crystal display 404 Writing sheet 406 Scanner 408 Operation panel 410 Electric actuator 412 Rail 420 Margin portion 430 Control unit 432 Internal storage device 434 Video signal generation circuit 436 Printer 500 Cover 500a Transparent member 500b White film 502 Hook metal fitting 504 Suspension metal fitting 506 Elastic member 508 Slide rail

Claims (21)

A display panel;
A transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel;
A scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member;
A video signal generator for sending a signal to the display panel;
In response to receiving a signal relating to a reading operation by the scanner, the video signal generator outputs a signal for causing the display panel to emit light with a predetermined color and / or luminance. An electronic blackboard configured as follows.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined color is green. A display panel;
A transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel;
A scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member;
A reflector provided between the display panel and the transparent member;
A video signal generator for sending a signal to the display panel;
An electronic blackboard having
When running the scanner, the reflector is moved in cooperation with the running of the scanner so that the reading surface of the scanner is continuously hidden from the light of the display panel,
An electronic blackboard configured to receive a signal from the video signal generator when the scanner is run, and to cause the display panel to emit light with a predetermined color and / or luminance.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 3, wherein a material of the reflector is semi-translucent.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined color is a white color that the display panel can emit.   The electronic blackboard according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the reflector receives a force from a drive unit for running the scanner via a connector. The connector includes a first member connected to a drive unit for running the scanner, a second member connected to the reflector, the first member, and the second member. An elastic member to be connected,
The elastic member is arranged to transmit the force in the traveling direction of the scanner transmitted to the first member to the second member,
The elastic force of the elastic member is stronger than the driving force of the drive unit that moves the reflecting plate when the reflecting plate travels, and moves the reflecting plate when the reflecting plate stops traveling. The electronic blackboard according to claim 6, wherein the electronic blackboard is weaker than a driving force of the drive unit.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 7, wherein the elastic member has a constant load spring.   9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the video signal generation unit is configured to change a luminance of the display panel according to a color of a diagram drawn on the transparent member. blackboard.   10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the scanner is configured to reciprocate halfway on the transparent member, and to change a light emission color of the display panel every time the scanner changes a traveling direction. Electronic blackboard.   The electronic blackboard according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising means for synthesizing image information read by the scanner and image information to be displayed on the display panel. A display panel;
A transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel;
A scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member;
A control unit;
A program for an electronic blackboard having a signal for causing the display panel to emit light in a predetermined color and / or luminance in response to receiving a signal related to the start of reading by the scanner A program that makes it work.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 12. A display panel;
A transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel;
A scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member;
An electronic blackboard comprising: a storage unit that stores the program according to claim 12; and a control unit that is operated by the program. A display panel;
A transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel;
A scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member;
An electronic blackboard control method comprising: outputting a signal for causing the display panel to emit light with a predetermined color or / and brightness in response to receiving a signal related to reading by the scanner. Control method of electronic blackboard. A cover for hiding the reading surface of the scanner from the light of the display panel is provided between the display panel and the transparent member,
The electronic blackboard according to claim 15, further comprising: moving the cover in cooperation with the travel of the scanner so that when the scanner is traveled, the reading surface of the scanner is continuously hidden from the light of the display panel. Control method. A display panel;
A transparent member disposed on at least the front surface of the display panel;
A scanner for scanning a diagram drawn on the transparent member;
A cover provided between the display panel and the transparent member, the cover for concealing the reading surface of the scanner from the light of the display panel;
An electronic blackboard configured to move the cover in cooperation with the traveling of the scanner so that the reading surface of the scanner is continuously hidden from the light of the display panel when the scanner is traveling.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 17, wherein a material of the cover is semi-translucent.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the cover receives a force from a driving unit for running the scanner via a connector. The coupling tool connects a first member coupled to a drive unit for running the scanner, a second member coupled to the cover, and the first member and the second member. An elastic member,
The elastic member is arranged to transmit the force in the traveling direction of the scanner transmitted to the first member to the second member,
The elastic force of the elastic member is stronger than the propulsive force of the drive unit that moves the cover when the cover travels, and the propulsion of the drive unit that moves the cover when the cover stops traveling The electronic blackboard according to claim 19, which is weaker than force.   The electronic blackboard according to claim 20, wherein the elastic member has a constant load spring.