JP2617473B2 - Information input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an information input device, in particular, information corresponding to a plurality of input functions by processing coordinate information input from an input pen to an input tablet by a predetermined method. And an information input device for inputting the information.

[Related Art] Conventionally, various information input devices for inputting information using an input pen have been known. For example, there is known an apparatus for inputting handwritten characters, images, and the like using a vibration pen for inputting ultrasonic vibration.

In this method, coordinates are input to a desired point on the input tablet using a vibration pen, input vibration is detected by a vibration sensor provided on the tablet, and input coordinates are determined from the vibration transmission time.

By outputting this coordinate information to a display having a similar coordinate system, it is possible to monitor and edit the input handwritten characters, images, and other information.

It is also conceivable that character recognition is performed not only from handwritten information but also from input coordinate information, and input handwritten character information is replaced with font information and displayed. Alternatively, a process in which four-rule arithmetic processing is added to numerical information corresponding to input character information may be considered.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, in the information input device capable of the handwriting method, data of various formats can be formed by applying predetermined processing to input information. That is, a plurality of input functions can be provided in the hardware of one input device.

In the method of providing a large number of input functions, operation means for changing the functions is required. For this purpose, a system conventionally known in this type of apparatus uses an input mode switch.

For example, the “Quality” mode key that replaces handwritten characters with font information, and “Calculation” for performing numerical operations
There is known a method in which a mode key or the like is provided, and after the mode key is pressed, the input mode is shifted to that mode.

However, in such an input mode switching method,
The operator must be clearly conscious by memorizing the current operation mode or checking the display one by one. However, conventionally, there has been a problem that the input information is converted into a format different from the intended format or the input information is damaged due to a difference in memory between modes. This problem can be solved to some extent by displaying the mode clearly and letting the operator confirm it.However, in many cases, confirming the mode display requires much movement of the line of sight between the input position and the mode display position. The degree of fatigue of the operator increases, and the operator side also has to avoid troublesomely checking the mode display so much.

As a simple method of switching input functions, there has been proposed a method in which input units having different input functions are provided at the front and rear ends of an input pen, and a plurality of input functions are switched by selectively using them. Has a problem that the operation is troublesome and that a large number of input functions, that is, three or more input functions cannot be selected.

At present, various input devices such as a mouse and an input pen of a digitizer tablet have been used in addition to a keyboard, but when these input devices are used together, a switch provided on the keyboard or the digitizer tablet is a right-handed switch. In many cases, it is configured to be easy for the operator to use, and when a left-handed operator uses a plurality of input devices, the operability may be significantly impaired.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention,
An information input device that inputs information corresponding to multiple input functions by processing coordinate information input from the input pen to the input tablet in a predetermined manner, and is operated by being pressed simultaneously during operation with the input pen A plurality of input means for changing the input function of the input pen to a predetermined function only during the period are provided, or a plurality of input means for setting the input function of the input pen are provided substantially symmetrically on the left and right sides of the operation surface of the apparatus. A set is provided, and one of them is selected and used.

[Operation] According to each of the above configurations, the input function is executed only during the period when the input means is operated, so that the operator uses the desired input function while clearly conscious of the input function. Input processing can be performed. In addition, since input means for input function setting provided symmetrically on the left and right of the device can be selected and used with a hand that does not have an input pen, good operability is ensured regardless of the dominant arm of the operator Can be.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on examples shown in the drawings.

In the following, an embodiment will be described in which an information input / output device is constituted by a tablet for inputting coordinates by an ultrasonic method and a display device superposed below the tablet.

In the ultrasonic method, such a configuration is possible by using a transparent material such as glass for the input tablet, and a display image of a display device arranged below can be visually recognized through the input tablet.

In this way, by arranging the input tablet made of a transparent material or the like on the display device in an overlapping manner, by displaying dots after the input trajectory of the input pen, the same character and image as the input size can be displayed. The user can input and edit characters and images as if writing on paper.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of an information input / output device employing the present invention. In the figure, a digitizer denoted by reference numeral 1 is a digitizer constituting an input doublet, which is constituted by an ultrasonic system. That is, a vibration force is applied to a desired point of the digitizer 1 by the input pen 3 provided with the ultrasonic vibrator, the vibration is detected by the vibration sensor provided on the digitizer 1, and the input coordinates are determined from the vibration transmission time on the digitizer 1. I do. Since such an input method is known, detailed description is omitted here.

The input surface of the digitizer 1 is made of a vibration transmitting material such as glass, and a display 2 made of a liquid crystal display or the like is arranged below the input surface.

Input / output processing of the digitizer 1 and the display 2 is controlled by a CPU 22 including a microprocessor or the like. CPU22
Has a work area, that is, a storage area for display data,
RAM2 used as a storage area for input coordinate data
4 is connected to a ROM 23 storing a program to be described later.

The coordinate data output by the digitizer 1 and the outputs of the shift keys 4L and 4R for controlling the input function of the input pen 3 with respect to the digitizer 1 are input control circuits whose configuration is shown in FIG.
It is processed by 21 and given to the CPU 22. A switch 51 is connected to the input control circuit 21, and this function will be described later.

Here, FIG. 2 shows in detail the structure of the input / output unit composed of the digitizer 1, the display and the shift keys 4L, 4R. The digitizer 1 and the display 2 are supported by the case 10, and the display of the display 2 can be visually recognized through the input surface of the digitizer 1. A plurality of shift keys 4L and 4R are arranged in a vertical line at left and right ends of the digitizer 1 and the display 2 of the case 10.

These left and right shift keys 4L and 4R have the same input function.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, a function display section 5 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the display surface of the display 2 on the right of the shift key 4L, and the input function of each shift key 4L is displayed here. In this state, the input function can be designated using only shift key 4L, and the input function cannot be designated with shift key 4R.

Which of the shift keys 4L and 4R is to be used is designated by a switch 51 constituted by a slide switch or the like. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the switch 51 is switched to the left side, whereby the shift key 4L is selected.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, the operator performs an input to the digitizer 1 with the input pen 3 held by the right hand while pressing one of the shift keys 4L having the desired function displayed on the function display section 5 with the left hand. Thus, information can be input using the input function.

Such an operation state is when the operator is right-handed, but when the operator is left-handed, the function can be designated using the shift key 4R.

In that case, the switch 51 is switched to the right. As a result, the function display section 5 is displayed at the right end of the display 2, and
The shift key 4R can be used. Thus, the operator can hold the input pen with the left hand, select a function using the shift key 4R with the right hand, and perform input processing.

Here, each input function displayed on the function display section 5 will be described. Here, an example in which the shift key 4L is used is shown.

First, the input function of "Eraser" erases the display of the coordinate position input by the input pen 3 when an input is performed with the input pen 3 while pressing the shift key 4L corresponding to this function.

Next, in the input function of "clean copy", when a handwritten character is input with the input pen 3 while pressing the shift key 4L corresponding to this function, the input character is recognized, and the font of the input character is called from a character generator or the like. Is displayed on the display 2. Alternatively, by inputting with the input pen 3 so as to surround a character that has already been handwritten while pressing the shift key 4L, the character in that range is changed to a font character.

In the input function of "move", the range is specified by pressing the shift key 4L corresponding to this function and specifying the range of the character and image displayed on the display 2 with the input pen 3 and then moving. By specifying the tip with the input pen 3, the characters and images in the specified range are moved to different positions on the display 2.

With the input function "Calculate", the corresponding shift key 4L
The operation is performed using the numerical information and the operation symbol information input by the input pen 3 while pressing. In this function, a predetermined position can be set by
For example, the calculation result is displayed beside the equal sign.

In the input function of “icon”, input is performed with the input pen 3 while pressing the corresponding shift key 4L, or
Alternatively, by pressing only the corresponding shift key 4L, a specific edit command or an icon indicating an information file, that is, a symbol is displayed.

In the input function of “next menu”, information for setting a different input function can be displayed by inputting with the input pen 3 while pressing the corresponding shift key 4L, or by pressing only the corresponding shift key 4L. 5 is displayed. That is, a menu of different input functions can be displayed on the function display section 5.

As described above, in order to use any one of the shift keys 4L and 4R, and to set the input function only during a period in which the one corresponding to the predetermined input function of the shift keys 4L to 4R is pressed, It is conceivable to use the input control circuit and the software of the CPU 22 shown in the figure.

First, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 61 denotes the same digitizer as in FIG. 1, and a plurality of vibration sensors 68 each composed of a piezo element or the like are provided on a vibration transmission plate. The vibration input from the input pen is detected by these vibration sensors 68, and the coordinate value is determined based on the vibration transmission time for each sensor. The vibration transmission time to the sensor is determined by well-known waveform processing and timing processing by the signal processing circuit 69, and based on this, coordinate data is obtained. X of the determined coordinate data
The component and the y component are output to the latch 65 via the A / D converters 62 and 62, respectively.

On the other hand, one of the contacts of the switch 4 constituting the shift keys 4L and 4R is pulled up to the power supply voltage V, respectively.
The other contacts are respectively connected to the inverter array 63. When one of the switches 4 is pressed by the inverter array 63, a high level is output to the corresponding signal line.

This switch press signal is input to the waveform shaping circuit 64,
The data is input to the latch 65 with the chattering waveform removed.

The latch 65 periodically captures the x and y components of the coordinate data input from the A / D converters 62 and 62 based on a timing signal output from the timer 66, and a UART 67 which is a communication LSI.
To the CPU 22 via. The setting state of the switch is also transmitted to the CPU 22 via the UART 67.

The CPU 22 activates only the output signal corresponding to one of the shift keys 4L and 4R in FIG. 2 among the switches 4 in accordance with the state of the switch 51 input via the UART 67. Then, by executing the procedure of FIG. 4, the shift keys 4L, 4R
The input function of the input pen 3 is set according to the pressing of the button.

The procedure of FIG. 4 is based on a known programming procedure.
It is started by periodic timer interruption, task assignment, and the like.

First, in step S320, it is determined whether or not coordinates are input to the digitizer 1 by the input pen 3 by checking data input from the UART 67.

Next, in step S330, the pressed state of the shift keys 4L to 4R also input via the UART 67 is input. At this time, the shift key 4L selected by the switch 51 or
Only 4R output is captured. The function display section 5 on the side of the switch where the shift keys 4L to 4R are activated displays a function as shown in FIG. 2 according to a procedure not shown.

In steps S341 to S345, step S3
Check the pressed state of the shift key 4L or 4R input at 30.

First, when the shift keys 4L to 4R are not pressed in step S341, the coordinate information input by the input pen 3 is stored as display data to be displayed on the display 2.
As a result, dot display is performed at the display coordinates corresponding to the input coordinates. That is, handwritten characters or image information written by the input pen 3 are displayed on the display 2.

If any one of the shift keys 4L, 4R is pressed in step S341, it is determined in steps S342, 343, 344, 345,... Which function the shift keys 4L, 4R are pressed.

First, in step S342, it is determined whether or not the shift keys 4L and 4R corresponding to the function of “erasing” are pressed.

If this step is affirmed, the process shifts to step S352 to perform a process reverse to that of step S351. That is,
The display coordinates corresponding to the input coordinates are deleted from the image memory for the display 2 by one dot. As a result, the display of characters and images corresponding to the input coordinates is deleted on the display 2.

In step S343, it is determined whether or not the shift keys 4L and 4R corresponding to the function of “copy and paste” are pressed.

If this step is affirmed, the process shifts to step S353 to recognize the handwritten character information input up to that point, replace it with font information, and display it on the display device 2. Thereby, the handwritten character information is displayed on the display 2 as a predetermined font.

In step S344, it is determined whether or not the shift keys 4L and 4R corresponding to the function of “move” have been pressed.

If this step is affirmed, the flow shifts to step S354 to fetch input coordinate data as coordinates specifying a character to be moved and a range of an image. After the input of the movement range, by performing a predetermined operation, for example, a process of designating the coordinates of the movement destination with the input pen 3, the characters and images within the movement range are moved to the desired positions. Deletion and copying of characters and images within the designated range can be executed in the same manner.

In step S345, it is determined whether or not the shift keys 4L and 4R corresponding to the function of “calculation” are pressed.

If this step is affirmed, the flow shifts to step S355 to perform a numerical operation according to the expression displayed in the designated range, and displays the result at a predetermined position such as next to the = symbol in the expression.

In step S360, other predetermined data processing is performed. This processing includes preparation processing required for steps S351 to S355, or data communication with another device.

The various input functions exemplified above are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can set other various input functions.

 The embodiment including two important structures has been described above.

That is, one of them is provided with shift keys 4L to 4R,
By inputting with the input pen 3 while depressing the one corresponding to the desired input function, the input function is set only during the depressed period.
First, the shift keys 4L and 4R are input, a plurality of sets are provided on the left and right sides of the display surface, and by selecting and using them, the operation can be performed regardless of the dominant arm of the operator.

First, since the input function is set only while the shift keys 4L and 4R are pressed, the operator does not need to memorize the current mode or check each time as usual, and A desired input function can be obtained by simultaneously inputting with the input pen 3 while pressing the corresponding shift keys 4L, 4R. Therefore, erroneous operation can be eliminated and operability of the apparatus can be greatly improved. In addition, since the operator can perform input processing while being conscious of the input function correctly, input is performed using an incorrect function as in the past, processing information different from the intended one, or damaging the input information. Danger is reduced.

On the other hand, two sets of shift keys 4L and 4R are provided on the left and right sides of the input / output surface, and these are selected and used. Can be established.

These two structures can be used independently. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 2, only one set of the shift keys 4L to 4R may be provided. Alternatively, a mode switch for switching the input function like the shift keys 4L and 4R (the mode is set by pressing them once, and the mode is maintained until the mode is changed by another mode switch next). They may be arranged symmetrically on the left and right of the input / output surface.

The above two configurations can be applied to any device that uses an input pen and has a plurality of input functions. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the display 2 is superimposed on the digitizer 1 is shown. However, the same configuration can be implemented in an apparatus in which the display 2 is formed separately from the digitizer 1. .

Here, FIGS. 5 and 6 show a modification of the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the case of the digitizer 1 and the display 2
The shift keys 4L and 4R are configured by arranging a plurality of switches in ten portions. However, the shift keys 4L and 4R may be configured by a transparent touch panel configured such that transparent electrodes are arranged to face each other.

According to such a configuration, the same function selection as described above can be performed by fixing the shift keys 4L 'and 4R' made of a transparent touch panel to the left and right ends of the digitizer 1 by a method such as bonding.

The shift keys 4L 'and 4R' can be selected by the switch 51 as described above, and the selected shift keys 4L 'and 4R' can be selected.
The function may be displayed as indicated by reference numeral 5 below any one of R '.

FIG. 5 shows a case in which the operator is right-handed. The left shift key 4L 'is selected, and the respective functions are displayed below the shift key 4L'. On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows a case where the operator is left-handed. The right shift key 4R 'is selected, and each function is displayed as a reference numeral 5 thereunder. The function display 5 can be visually recognized through shift keys 4L 'to 4R' formed of a transparent touch panel.

According to such a structure, it is possible to eliminate a switch unit having a large number of parts and expensive, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the entire apparatus.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above, according to the present invention, information corresponding to a plurality of input functions is input by processing coordinate information input from an input pen to an input tablet in a predetermined manner. In the input device, a plurality of input means for changing the input function of the input pen to a predetermined function only during the operation period by being simultaneously pressed during the operation period of the input pen is provided, or the input function of the input pen is provided. A plurality of sets of input means are provided substantially symmetrically on the left and right sides of the operation surface of the apparatus, and any one of them is selected and used. Since the input function is executed, the operator can perform input processing using a desired input function while clearly conscious of the input function. Also, selecting input means for input function setting provided symmetrically on the left and right of the device,
Since it can be used with a hand that does not have an input pen, excellent effects such as good operability can be obtained regardless of the dominant arm of the operator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an information input / output device employing the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of an information input / output unit of the information input / output device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the CPU in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing structures of different information input / output units. 1 Digitizer 2 Display 3 Input pen 4L, 4R, 4L ', 4R' Shift key 5 Function display section 22 CPU 51 Switch

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An information input device for inputting information corresponding to a plurality of input functions by processing coordinate information input from an input pen to an input tablet in a predetermined manner,
An information input device, comprising: a plurality of input means for changing the input function of the input pen to a predetermined function only during the operation period by being pressed simultaneously during the operation period by the input pen. 2. An information input device for inputting information corresponding to a plurality of input functions by processing coordinate information input from an input pen to an input tablet by a predetermined method,
An information input device, wherein a plurality of sets of input means for setting the input function of the input pen are provided substantially symmetrically on the left and right sides of the operation surface of the device, and any one of them is selected and used.