JP2010176176A - Data input device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data input device that eliminates the need for battery replacement, and has high flexibility of a using place. <P>SOLUTION: A mouse 2 includes a passive type RF tag 21. A transceiving unit 12 emits a radio wave to supply electric power to the RF tag 21, and the RF tag 21 receives the emitted radio wave. An arrival direction detection unit 14 detects an arrival direction of the radio wave emitted from the RF tag 21. A code detection unit 13 detects a code transmitted from the RF tag 21. A change detection unit 15 detects the arrival direction of the radio wave emitted from the RF tag twice or more by the arrival direction detection unit 14, and detects a change of the arrival direction of the radio wave. A data generation unit 16 converts the arrival direction of the radio wave detected by the change detection unit 15, according to a prescribed conversion rule, to generate an input data, when the code detected by the code detection unit 13 is matched to a prescribed condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data input device and a data input method for inputting data remotely using radio waves.

  Some electric devices such as televisions, video recording / playback apparatuses, and air conditioners have remote control devices, so-called remote controllers. In addition, as an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC), there is a wireless type that is not connected to a main body device through a wired signal line. A wireless remote control is generally driven by a battery.

  Patent Document 1 describes a technique for supplying power to a wireless type data input device such as a personal computer or a video game machine by electromagnetic induction. The technology of Patent Document 1 supplies power from a pad to a mouse by incorporating an electromagnetic induction coil in each of the mouse and the pad and bringing each coil into an electromagnetically coupled state. By detecting that the electromagnetic coupling state changes in response to the movement of the mouse, data can be transmitted wirelessly from the mouse to the pad.

  On the other hand, RF tags (wireless tags) that read and write information from the outside by wireless communication are used for contactless IC cards and the like. The RF tag includes a passive tag (passive tag) and an active tag (active tag). A passive tag is an RF tag that operates using radio waves radiated from a tag reader as an energy source, and does not require a built-in battery.

  In order to read passive tag data, the tag reader radiates radio waves to an area defined by antenna directivity. When the RF tag enters the area, it transmits data after detecting a radio wave radiated by the tag reader. The tag reader can read data only when the RF tag exists in a predetermined area. In order to detect in which direction the RF tag exists in the area of the tag reader, it is necessary to estimate the arrival direction of the radio wave.

  For example, Patent Document 2 describes a technique of a radio wave arrival direction estimation device. In the technique of Patent Document 2, a transmission signal generated by an oscillator is radiated from an antenna, and a signal absorbing / reflecting means of a responder reflects and absorbs the transmission signal by changing a termination condition. The re-radiated signal is received again by the interrogator antenna and input to the quadrature demodulation means. The quadrature demodulating means performs quadrature demodulation on the received signal using the oscillator signal as a local signal to obtain a baseband signal. The reception signal storage means stores the baseband signal every time the antenna sequential movement means moves the antenna. The arrival direction estimation means estimates the arrival direction using the stored baseband signal.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-286825 JP 2004-108816 A

  A so-called remote controller is a data input device that inputs command data for changing (controlling) the operating state of a device to the device. When the data input device is wirelessly connected to the main device, a power source for operating a switch or a sensor that detects an input of an operation command by the data input device is required. In addition, power is required to transmit the input data to the main device. For this reason, the wireless data input device supplies power by a battery or electromagnetic induction.

  However, when the power source of the data input device is a battery, the battery will eventually be exhausted, so the battery needs to be replaced. In the power supply by inductive conduction, the place where the data input device can be used is limited. Even in the technique of Patent Document 1, a mouse can be operated only on a pad connected to a computer by wire.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data input device that does not require battery replacement and has a high degree of freedom in the place of use.

A data input device according to a first aspect of the present invention provides:
A data input operation unit including a passive RF tag;
Power supply means for radiating radio waves and supplying power to the RF tag;
Arrival direction detection means for detecting the arrival direction of the radio wave emitted by the RF tag;
Code detecting means for detecting a code transmitted by the RF tag;
Change detection means for detecting the change of the arrival direction of the radio wave by detecting the arrival direction of the radio wave emitted by the RF tag by the arrival direction detection means twice or more;
A data generating means for generating input data by converting a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave detected by the change detecting means according to a predetermined conversion rule when the code detected by the code detecting means meets a predetermined condition; ,
It is characterized by providing.

A data input method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
A power feeding step of radiating radio waves and supplying power to a passive RF tag held in the data input operation unit;
A direction-of-arrival detection step of detecting a direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by the RF tag;
A code detection step of detecting a code transmitted by the RF tag;
A change detection step for detecting a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave by performing the arrival direction detection step twice or more;
A data generation step of generating input data by converting a change in the direction of arrival of the radio wave detected in the change detection step according to a predetermined conversion rule when the code detected in the code detection step meets a predetermined condition; ,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, wiring and a battery for supplying power to the wireless data input operation unit are unnecessary, and data can be input to the main unit using the data input operation unit at a location away from the main unit. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the data input device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that the computer and mouse | mouth of FIG. 1 are used. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a pointer displacement input operation according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a different mouse | mouth. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the data input device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that the computer and keyboard of FIG. 5 are used. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a key input operation according to the second embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example which applies the data input device of this Embodiment 2 to the remote control of a general electric equipment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a data input device according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a key input operation according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data input device according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for detecting a landslide according to the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a data input device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The first embodiment is directed to an example of a computer and a mouse. The mouse 2 is a data input operation unit for inputting the displacement of the pointer displayed on the screen of the computer 3.

  The mouse 2 includes an RF tag 21 and a switch 23. The switch 23 generates a click signal when the mouse button is pressed. The switch 23 is connected to the data storage unit of the RF tag 21 and changes the state of a part of the data (code) stored in the RF tag 21.

  The computer 3 includes a data input unit 1, an input unit 32, and a control unit 31. The control unit 31 executes processing corresponding to a screen on which a pointer that is displaced by the movement of the mouse 2 is displayed. The data input unit 1 includes an array antenna 11, a transmission / reception unit 12, a code detection unit 13, an arrival direction detection unit 14, a change detection unit 15, and a data generation unit 16. The data input unit 1 and the mouse 2 constitute a data input device.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 radiates and feeds radio waves to the RF tag 21 and receives radio waves transmitted by the RF tag 21. The passive type RF tag 21 has a rectifier circuit built in the radio wave absorption signal reflection unit 21b, rectifies the radio wave from the transmission / reception unit 12 received by the antenna 21a, and converts it into a direct current. Is a mechanism that works. Usually, the radio wave from the transmission / reception unit 12 is modulated by a command bit string following the preamble. This is followed by an unmodulated carrier. In the preamble part, energy necessary for the initial operation of the circuit is stored. Then, the command bit string is demodulated and interpreted, and information is returned by adding the transmission code stored in the data storage unit 21c to the reflected wave at the unmodulated part carrier part. Amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, or a combination thereof is used for modulation of the signal transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 12 and the reply of the RF tag 21.

  The frequency band used for communication with the RF tag 21 is not particularly limited, but the antenna element 11a and the array antenna 11 can be made smaller as the frequency is higher. For example, a frequency band of 2.45 GHz can be used. The target of this embodiment does not need to conform to the RF tag communication standard. It is also possible to use higher frequencies.

  The antenna uses an array antenna 11 including a plurality of antenna elements 11a in order to receive radio waves transmitted from the RF tag 21 at a plurality of positions. For example, a planar array antenna in which microstrip antennas are arranged or an ESPAR antenna can be used.

  The code detector 13 demodulates the received radio wave and detects the code transmitted by the RF tag 21. The code transmitted by the RF tag 21 includes a unique identification code of the RF tag 21 and the state of the switch 23 indicating whether or not the mouse button is pressed.

  The arrival direction detector 14 detects the arrival direction of the radio wave from the signal received by the array antenna 11. In principle, the arrival direction can be known from the time difference when the radio wave reaches the array antenna 11. Interference due to radio wave reflection, diffraction, and the like, and a leakage signal of transmission power are generated. Therefore, in order to accurately detect the direction of arrival, it is necessary to remove such interference. For the arrival direction estimation, for example, a RBF (Radial Basis Function) neural network or a MUSIC method (MUltiple SIgnal Classification method) can be used. In addition, for example, a minimum norm method (ESM) or ESPRIT (Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques) may be used.

  The change detection unit 15 detects a change in the arrival direction of the received radio wave when the RF tag is read at least twice or more. The position of the mouse 2 is estimated from the arrival direction of the radio wave. Then, the movement (displacement) of the mouse 2 is calculated based on the change in the arrival direction of the radio wave. The change detection unit 15 detects a change in the arrival direction of radio waves when the unique identification code of the RF tag 21 detected by the code detection unit 13 is a predetermined value. Then, the detected change in the direction of arrival or the displacement of the mouse 2 (RF tag 21) calculated therefrom is transmitted to the data generation unit 16.

  The data generation unit 16 generates input data from the change in the arrival direction or the displacement of the mouse 2. The input data is, for example, the displacement magnitude, direction, and speed of the mouse 2. With respect to the direction of displacement, for example, with reference to the surface of the array antenna 11, the displacement parallel to the surface is defined as the horizontal direction and the displacement orthogonal to the surface is defined as the vertical direction. The speed of displacement can be calculated by the time difference between repeated RF tag readings. In addition, the state of the mouse button detected by the code detection unit 13 is included in the generated data.

  The data generated by the data generation unit 16 has the same format as the data generated by the driver program from the movement of the mechanical or optical mouse 2. The data generation unit 16 transmits the generated data to the input unit 32.

  The input unit 32 interprets the data generated by the data generation unit 16 and uses it as command data using the mouse 2. For example, it is transmitted to the control unit 31 as command data indicating the amount of movement of the pointer on the screen, selection of an object on the screen, dragging of the pointer, and the like. In the processing process being executed, the control unit 31 performs predetermined processing based on command data based on pointer movements or mouse button operations. This process includes moving the pointer on the screen, an operation when an object on the screen is selected, or a process corresponding to the drag trajectory of the pointer.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing how the computer 3 and the mouse 2 of FIG. 1 are used. In FIG. 2, the array antenna 11 is arranged on a part of the display device of the computer 3. It is shown that an RF tag 21 is installed inside the mouse 2. The mouse 2 is shown with two buttons. Each button is provided with a switch 23 (not shown). In this case, the state of the mouse button can be represented by 2 bits of the code transmitted by the RF tag 21.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a pointer displacement input operation according to the first embodiment. The transmission / reception unit 12 reads data from the RF tag 21 (step S11). The code detection unit 13 determines whether the code detected by demodulating the received radio wave is a predetermined code. If it is not the target code (step S12; NO), the process returns to step S11 to read the RF tag again.

  If it is the target code (step S12; YES), the arrival direction detector 14 detects the arrival direction of the radio wave (step S13). The change detection unit 15 calculates a change between the arrival direction of the current radio wave and the arrival direction of the previous radio wave (step S14). If there is no change in the arrival direction of the radio wave (step S15; NO), the process returns to step S11 and the RF tag is read again.

  When there is a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave (step S15; YES), the data generation unit 16 generates data from the change in the RF tag position and transmits it to the input unit 32. When the data is generated, the process returns to step S11 to read the next RF tag data. Even when there is no change in the arrival direction of the radio wave, when the sign detection unit 13 detects that the state of the mouse button has changed, corresponding data is generated and transmitted to the input unit 32.

  As described above, according to the data input device of the first embodiment, wiring and a battery for supplying power to the wireless mouse 2 are unnecessary, and data is obtained by operating the mouse 2 at a location away from the computer 3. Can be entered.

  In addition, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the example in case the mouse | mouth 2 is equipped with one RF tag 21 was demonstrated. In the case of one RF tag 21, as described above, the horizontal and vertical directions of the displacement of the pointer are based on the plane of the array antenna 11, and the movement of the mouse 2 is parallel to the plane. The orthogonal displacement can be the vertical direction. When the horizontal and vertical directions of the pointer displacement are not based on the array antenna 11 but based on the orientation of the mouse 2, the mouse 2 is provided with two RF tags 21 and the relative positions of the two RF tags 21 are relative to each other. The horizontal and vertical directions may be determined based on the target positional relationship.

  FIG. 4 shows examples of different mice. The mouse 2 in FIG. 4 includes an RF tag 22 for each mouse button in addition to the RF tag 21 for detecting the position of the entire mouse 2. The data input unit 1 can detect the displacement of the RF tag 22 arranged on the mouse button and generate mouse button operation data. In the case of FIG. 4, the horizontal / vertical displacement of the pointer can be determined based on the relative positional relationship between the RF tag 22 arranged on the mouse button and the RF tag 21 arranged in the center of the mouse 2. Further, the RF tag 21 at the center of the mouse 2 is omitted, and the operation data of the mouse button and the horizontal / vertical displacement data of the pointer are generated by the RF tag 22 arranged in each of the two mouse buttons. It may be configured.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the data input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The data input device according to the second embodiment is directed to an example of a computer and a keyboard. As shown in FIG. 5, each key of the keyboard 4 is provided with an RF tag 21. The mouse button is further extended with the RF tag 22 and the RF tag 21 is arranged on each key top 24 of the keyboard 4. The data input unit 1 and the keyboard 4 constitute a data input device.

  The data input unit 1 detects the displacement of each RF tag 21 by the change detection unit 15 and generates key operation data. The configuration of the data input unit 1 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the data input unit 1 reads the data of the plurality of RF tags 21 to detect the arrival directions of the respective radio waves, and detects the change in the arrival direction of the radio waves for each RF tag 21. In order to read the data of the plurality of RF tags 21 independently, the command bit string transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 12 includes a code designating the RF tag 21. Each RF tag 21 returns information by placing a transmission code on a reflected wave only when the received command bit string includes a code designating its own RF tag 21.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing how the computer 3 and the keyboard 4 of FIG. 5 are used. In FIG. 6, the RF tag 21 is disposed on each key top 24 of the keyboard 4. The key mechanism is the same as a general keyboard. In a general keyboard, a switch is connected to each key. In the keyboard 4 in FIG. 6, the key top 24 moves in the same manner, but each key has no switch.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the array antenna 11 is arranged around the display device of the computer 3. In order to detect the vertical displacement of each key top 24, it is desirable to arrange the antenna elements also in the vertical direction. Further, even when only the display device and the keyboard 4 are placed on a desk, it is easy to detect the displacement of the RF tag 21 of the keyboard 4.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a key input operation according to the second embodiment. In the operation shown in FIG. 7, the process from reading RF tag data to detecting the direction of arrival of radio waves and generating data is performed for each key.

  1 is set to the variable i indicating the number of the key top 24 (step S21), and the RF tag data of the key i is read (step S22). If the read code is a predetermined code of the RF tag 21 of the i-th key top 24 (step S23; YES), the arrival direction detector 14 detects the arrival direction of the radio wave received from the RF tag 21 (step S23). S24).

  The change detection unit 15 calculates a change between the previous arrival direction and the current arrival direction of the RF tag 21 of the i-th key top 24 (step S25). If there is a change (step S26; YES), input data is generated from the change of the i-th key top 24 and transmitted to the input unit 32 (step S27). If there is no change (step S26; NO), no data is generated. In step S23, 1 is added to the variable i indicating the number of the key top 24, including when the read code is not the predetermined code of the RF tag 21 of the i-th key top 24 (step S23; NO). (Step S28).

  If the value of the variable i does not exceed the number n of key tops 24 (step S29; NO), the process returns to step S22 and repeats from the incremented RF tag data reading of the i-th key top 24. If the value of the variable i exceeds the number of key tops 24 (step S29; YES), the process returns to step S21, 1 is set to the variable i, and the above operation is repeated.

  Since data is generated from the displacement of each key top 24 in this manner, data is generated when any one key is pressed or when the key is released. As a result, it is possible to identify a case where two or more keys are pressed simultaneously. By reading the RF data of the n key tops 24 faster than the key stroke, it is possible to generate keyboard operation data.

  As described above, according to the data input device of the second embodiment, the keyboard 4 (data input operation unit) configured by operating a plurality of keys does not require wiring and batteries for supplying power, Data can be input by operating the keyboard 4 (data input operation unit) at a location away from the computer 3.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which the data input device according to the second embodiment is applied to a remote controller of a general electric device. For example, the television 5 is provided with the array antenna 11 and the data input unit 1, and each button 25 of the remote controller 51 (data input operation unit) is provided with the RF tag 21. By detecting a change in the direction of arrival of radio waves transmitted by the RF tag 21 disposed on the button 25 of the remote controller, key operation data of the remote controller 51 can be generated and input to the control unit of the television 5. The remote controller 51 does not require a battery.

  The data input device according to the second embodiment can be applied to a remote controller for devices such as a video recording / playback device, an audio device, and a lighting fixture in addition to the television 5. Even in the case of a device provided with a liquid crystal display device or the like on the remote control side, for example, an air conditioner, it can be similarly applied to the remote control if the display device is provided on the device side.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a data input device according to the third embodiment. In the data input device of the third embodiment, the data input operation unit is attached to a part of a human body. In the third embodiment, a computer and a keyboard will be described as an example. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the configuration of the computer 3 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  FIG. 9 shows a glove 6 as a data input operation unit in the data input device. An RF tag 21 is disposed on the fingertip of the glove 6. The keyboard 26 in FIG. 9 is for convenience of input operation, and is, for example, a sheet or plate on which a key diagram is drawn. A general keyboard mechanism may be used as it is. The data input device according to the third embodiment includes a data input unit 1 and gloves 6.

  When the user operates the key with the glove 6 shown in FIG. 9, the data input unit 1 detects the movement by the displacement of the RF tag 21 and generates key operation data. The key operation data can be generated by identifying which key is operated from the position of the RF tag 21 and the movement of pressing the key.

  In this case, the data input unit 1 does not know the position of the keyboard 26 and the key arrangement. Instead, the arrangement in which the hand wearing the glove 6 is placed at the home position of the keyboard 26 is detected, and the position of each key and its operation are detected based on the arrangement. When the RF tag 21 is in an arrangement in which a hand is placed at the home position of the keyboard 26 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the position may be set as a reference position.

  In the data input device of the third embodiment, key operation data is generated even if a key operation is performed assuming an imaginary keyboard. Therefore, the keyboard 26 may not be provided. Without the keyboard 26 (as shown), the keyboard 26 as shown in FIG. 9 can be used when the operator cannot accurately recognize the position where the key is operated.

  If the key arrangement position is determined for the array antenna 11 of the data input device, it is possible to detect which key is operated by the movement of the RF tag 21. After detecting the home position, any finger may be used to operate the key. Furthermore, if the arrangement of the RF tag 21 serving as a reference with respect to the key arrangement is determined in advance, the arrangement placed at a general home position may not be used as a reference. It is also possible to detect two or more RF tags 21 on the keyboard 26 and detect key operations based on the positions.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a key input operation according to the third embodiment. In the operation illustrated in FIG. 10, the data of all the RF tags 21 arranged on the glove 6 are read once, and then the change in the arrangement is detected. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the RF tag 21 has a predetermined arrangement, the arrangement is set as a reference position.

  1 is set to the variable i indicating the finger number (step S31), and the RF tag data of the finger i is read (step S32). If the read code is a predetermined code of the RF tag 21 of the i-th finger (step S33; YES), the arrival direction detection unit 14 detects and stores the arrival direction of the radio wave received from the RF tag 21 ( Step S34). If the read code is not the predetermined code of the RF tag 21 of the i-th finger (step S33; NO), the direction of arrival is not detected.

  Then, 1 is added to the variable i indicating the finger number (step S35). If the value of the variable i does not exceed the number n of fingers (step S36; NO), the process returns to step S32 and repeats from the incremented RF tag data reading of the i-th finger.

  If the value of the variable i exceeds the number of keys (step S36; YES), the change detection unit 15 calculates a change in the previous arrangement and the current arrangement of the RF tag 21 (step S37). If there is a change in the arrangement of the RF tag 21 (step S38; YES), input data is generated from the change in the RF tag arrangement and transmitted to the input unit 32 (step S39). And it returns to step 31 and repeats the data reading of all the RF tags 21 arrange | positioned at the glove 6.

  If there is no change in the arrangement of the RF tag 21 (step S38; NO), no data is generated. When the RF tag 21 is placed in a predetermined relative position (step S40; YES) and the state has passed for a predetermined time (step S41; YES), the placement of the RF tag 21 is set as the initial position. Set (step S42). If the arrangement of the RF tags 21 is not a predetermined relative arrangement (step 40; NO), or if the predetermined time has not yet passed (NO in step S41), the initial position is not set. In either case, the process returns to step 31 and the data reading of all the RF tags 21 arranged on the glove 6 is repeated.

  As described above, according to the data input device of the third embodiment, by arranging the RF tag 21 on the data input operation unit worn on the body, the data input operation unit is not connected by wire, Even if there is no power source such as a battery, it is possible to input data for operating the device by movement of a part of the body.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the data input device according to the fourth embodiment. The data input device according to the fourth embodiment detects the movement of the object by the displacement of the RF tag 21. The RF tag 21 is attached to the object whose motion is to be detected, and the movement of the object is generated as data by detecting the displacement of the RF tag 21.

  The example of FIG. 11 is a data input device that detects the collapse of a cliff by disposing a fixture 28 on the slope 8 of the cliff. A fixture 28 including an RF tag 21 is disposed on the slope 8 of the cliff. The collapse alarm device 7 includes a data input unit 1, a position difference detection unit 71, a slope state storage unit 72, a danger determination unit 73, and an alarm unit 74. The data input device according to the fourth embodiment includes a data input unit 1 and a fixture 28.

  The configuration of the data input unit 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the case of the collapse alarm device 7, since the distance to the fixture 28 is larger than the distance between the computer and the mouse, it is necessary to increase the output of the transmission radio wave and the antenna gain. However, since the fixture 28 is fixed and the angle at which the displacement is expected from the array antenna 11 is small, the array antenna 11 can narrow the beam by narrowing the directivity.

  The slope state storage unit 72 stores the arrangement (coordinates) of the RF tag 21 when the fixture 28 is installed as the state of the slope 8. The position difference detection unit 71 detects the movement amount and direction of the fixture 28 from the state of the slope 8 (initial RF tag 21 arrangement) and the displacement data generated by the data generation unit 16. The risk determination unit 73 determines the risk level according to the movement amount and the direction thereof. For example, the degree of danger is determined by dividing the magnitude of the movement amount into stages. Depending on the direction of movement, the degree of danger of the amount of movement may vary.

  The alarm unit 74 displays an alarm according to the risk level set by the risk determination unit 73. For example, an alarm corresponding to a stage is selected and displayed such as notification to a civil engineering office, lighting of a warning light, siren ringing, announcement of a speaker, and warning text display on a display panel installed on a road.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of cliff collapse detection according to the fourth embodiment. The operation from reading of the RF tag 21 (step S51) to data generation (step S56) is the same as the operation of FIG.

  When there is a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave (step S55; YES), when the data generation unit 16 generates data from the change in the RF tag position, the position difference detection unit 71 detects the movement amount and the direction of the fixture 28. (Step S57). The risk determination unit 73 determines the risk level according to the amount of movement and the direction thereof (step S58). Then, the alarm unit 74 displays an alarm according to the degree of risk set by the risk determination unit 73 (step S59).

  As described above, according to the data input device of the fourth embodiment, by detecting the displacement of the RF tag 21 without connecting the fixture 28 by wire and without a power source such as a battery, The movement of the object is generated as data. If the fixture 28 is attached to an object, the movement of the object can be detected.

  Various modifications and applications are possible for the data input operation units such as the mouse 2, the keyboard 4 and the gloves 6 described above. In the mouse 2 according to the first embodiment, any object to which the RF tag 21 is attached can be used as the mouse 2. For example, a favorite stuffed animal can be used as the mouse 2. In addition to reading the data of the IC card with a card reader, it may be used to authenticate when the shape of the locus of moving the IC card in front of the data input unit 1 matches the shape of the registered locus. This can be expected to improve the safety of the IC card.

  Regarding the remote controller 51 of the device according to the second embodiment, if the RF tag 21 is read across a wall, the device is controlled from a place where the remote controller 51 that requires a battery or a power line is difficult to install, such as a bathroom. Can be applied.

  As in the third embodiment, the data input operation unit worn on the body can be applied to a game controlled by the movement of the body. The data input operation unit does not require a battery and can be extremely small. Therefore, an apparatus for detecting movement can be configured by attaching the RF tag 21 to each part of the body. In the data input device of the third embodiment, it is possible to grasp the position of a portion that is not visible due to the shadow of the body.

  As an application of the fourth embodiment, for example, a fixing tool 28 may be installed on a window or a door to provide an intrusion sensor for crime prevention.

  Other suitable modifications of the present invention include the following configurations.

About the data input device according to the first aspect of the present invention,
Preferably, the change detecting means detects a displacement, a locus or a moving speed of the movement of the RF tag according to a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave,
The data generation means generates input data from displacement, trajectory or movement speed of the movement of the RF tag.
It is characterized by that.

Preferably, the data input operation unit includes two or more passive RF tags,
The power supply means radiates radio waves to each of the two or more passive RF tags of the data input operation unit,
The direction-of-arrival detection means detects the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags,
The change detection means detects a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags,
The data generation means generates data from a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags.
It is characterized by that.

  Preferably, the change detection means detects when a predetermined time elapses in a state where the positions of the two or more RF tags are in a predetermined arrangement, which are detected from the arrival directions of the radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags. The arrival direction of the radio wave at that time is set as the reference arrival direction.

Preferably, the data input operation unit constitutes an operation unit of a remote control device for controlling a device,
The data generation means generates data for controlling the device as input data.

The data input operation unit constitutes a pointing device for inputting a displacement of a pointer displayed on a computer screen,
The data generation means may generate the pointer displacement as input data.

  The data input operation unit may have a configuration in which the passive RF tag is attached to a member attached to a part of a human body.

The data input operation unit is an object to be measured for displacement, and the passive RF tag is fixed to the object,
The data generation means may generate the displacement of the object as input data.

Regarding the data input method according to the second aspect of the present invention,
Preferably, the change detection step detects a displacement, locus or movement speed of the movement of the RF tag according to a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave,
The data generation step generates the input data from a displacement, trajectory or movement speed of the movement of the RF tag.
It is characterized by that.

Preferably, the power feeding step radiates radio waves to each of two or more passive RF tags included in the data input operation unit,
The arrival direction detection step detects the arrival directions of the radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags,
The change detection step detects a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags,
The data generation step generates data from a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags.
It is characterized by that.

  Furthermore, the change detection step is performed when a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the positions of the two or more RF tags are in a predetermined arrangement, which are detected from the arrival directions of the radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags. The relative change may be detected using the arrival direction of the radio wave at that time as the reference arrival direction.

  In addition, the above-described hardware configuration and flowchart are examples, and can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data input part 2 Mouse | mouth 3 Computer 4 Keyboard 5 Television 6 Gloves 7 Fall alarm device 8 Slope 11 Array antenna 11a Antenna element 12 Transmission / reception part 13 Code | symbol detection part 14 Arrival direction detection part 15 Change detection part 16 Data generation part 21 RF tag 21a Antenna 21b Radio wave absorption signal reflection part 21c Data storage part 22 RF tag 23 Switch 24 Key top 25 Button 26 Keyboard 28 Fixing tool 51 Remote control 71 Position difference detection part 72 Slope state storage part 73 Risk judgment part 74 Alarm part

Claims (12)

A data input operation unit including a passive RF tag;
Power supply means for radiating radio waves and supplying power to the RF tag;
A direction-of-arrival detection means for detecting a direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by the RF tag;
Code detecting means for detecting a code transmitted by the RF tag;
Change detection means for detecting the change of the arrival direction of the radio wave by detecting the arrival direction of the radio wave emitted by the RF tag by the arrival direction detection means twice or more;
A data generating means for generating input data by converting a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave detected by the change detecting means according to a predetermined conversion rule when the code detected by the code detecting means meets a predetermined condition; ,
A data input device comprising: The change detecting means detects a displacement, locus or moving speed of the movement of the RF tag according to a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave,
The data generation means generates input data from displacement, trajectory or movement speed of the movement of the RF tag.
The data input device according to claim 1. The data input operation unit includes two or more passive RF tags,
The power supply means radiates radio waves to each of the two or more passive RF tags of the data input operation unit,
The direction-of-arrival detection means detects the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags,
The change detection means detects a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags,
The data generation means generates data from a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags.
The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the data input device is a data input device.   The change detecting means detects when a predetermined time has passed in a state where the positions of the two or more RF tags are in a predetermined arrangement, detected from the arrival direction of the radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the arrival direction of the radio wave is set as a reference arrival direction. The data input operation unit constitutes an operation unit of a remote control device for controlling equipment,
The data generation means generates data for controlling the device as input data;
The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the data input device is a data input device. The data input operation unit constitutes a pointing device for inputting a displacement of a pointer displayed on a computer screen,
The data generating means generates the displacement of the pointer as input data;
The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the data input device is a data input device.   5. The data input according to claim 1, wherein the data input operation unit has a configuration in which the passive RF tag is attached to a member attached to a part of a human body. apparatus. The data input operation unit is an object to be measured for displacement, and the passive RF tag is fixed to the object,
The data generation means generates the displacement of the object as input data;
The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the data input device is a data input device. A power feeding step of radiating radio waves and supplying power to a passive RF tag held in the data input operation unit;
A direction-of-arrival detection step of detecting a direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by the RF tag;
A code detection step of detecting a code transmitted by the RF tag;
A change detection step for detecting a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave by performing the arrival direction detection step twice or more;
A data generation step of generating input data by converting a change in the direction of arrival of the radio wave detected in the change detection step according to a predetermined conversion rule when the code detected in the code detection step meets a predetermined condition; ,
A data input method comprising: The change detection step detects a movement displacement, locus or movement speed of the RF tag according to a change in the arrival direction of the radio wave,
The data generation step generates the input data from a displacement, trajectory or movement speed of the movement of the RF tag.
The data input method according to claim 9. The power feeding step radiates radio waves to each of two or more passive RF tags included in the data input operation unit,
The arrival direction detection step detects the arrival directions of the radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags,
The change detection step detects a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags,
The data generation step generates data from a relative change in the direction of arrival of radio waves emitted by each of the two or more passive RF tags.
The data input method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:   The change detection step is performed when a predetermined time elapses in a state in which the positions of the two or more RF tags are in a predetermined arrangement detected from the arrival directions of the radio waves emitted by the two or more RF tags. The data input method according to claim 11, wherein a relative change is detected with the arrival direction of the radio wave as a reference arrival direction.

Images