JP2751860B2 - 3D coordinate input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional coordinate input device, and more particularly to a three-dimensional coordinate input device suitable for a three-dimensional CAD system for structural design and structure study.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional coordinate input device used in a system of this type has a three-step operation in which a one-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinate is first specified, and then the remaining two-dimensional or one-dimensional is specified. Most input dimensional coordinates, for example, a two-dimensional coordinate input device such as a tablet or a mouse. On the other hand, a device capable of directly inputting three-dimensional coordinates has been developed. As an example of this kind, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-268618 discloses a method in which a plurality of receivers are arranged at predetermined positions in a three-dimensional space, and a pointing device incorporating a transmitter is manipulated. It is configured so that three-dimensional coordinates can be input from the relationship. In order to specify the positional relationship, a method is used in which ultrasonic waves are output from a pointing device, and three-dimensional coordinates of the pointing device are specified based on a time difference until the ultrasonic waves are received by a receiver. Here, in order to specify the three-dimensional coordinates of the pointing device, it is necessary that the arrangement position of each receiver is specified in advance.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the former cannot input three-dimensional coordinates by one input operation, it takes a long time to input the coordinates itself, which is a basic CAD operation. was there. In particular, when it is desired to work by arbitrarily selecting the direction in which the data is to be viewed, the posture of the data, or the like, or when it is desired to set a work surface having an arbitrary inclination in an arbitrary direction and work, Since it does not coincide with the inclination of the physical plane on which the coordinate input device is operated, the operation feeling is unnatural, and the mental burden on the operator is large, which is a disadvantage that hinders the improvement of work efficiency. On the other hand,
In the device described in JP-A-268618, the receiver is arranged at a reference point fixed to a certain fixed point in a three-dimensional space.
There is a disadvantage that the coordinate input space is spatially restricted.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional coordinate input device capable of improving the inconvenience of the prior art, and in particular, having good operability and capable of easily and efficiently inputting three-dimensional coordinates. .

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pointer provided with transmitting means for outputting a signal propagating in a space, and at least four pointers for receiving a signal output from the transmitting means of the pointer. A receiver, a signal processing unit that specifies the spatial coordinates of the pointer based on the received signal received by the receiver, and an interface unit that inputs the spatial coordinates of the pointer specified by the signal processing unit to a higher-level device or the like. It has. Further, at least four receivers can be arranged at arbitrary positions in the space, and at least one of the at least four receivers has the function of transmitting the signal. And a signal processing unit having a reception position specifying function for relatively specifying a positional relationship between at least four receivers based on a reception signal output by the transmission function of the receiver and received by another receiver. Is adopted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the signal processing unit comprises:
A configuration is provided in which a spatial resolution setting function is provided for enlarging or reducing the value of the spatial coordinates of the specified pointer at a predetermined rate.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the signal processing unit includes:
An optimum resolution setting function for calculating the above-mentioned predetermined ratio based on the positional relationship between at least four receivers specified by the reception position specifying function is provided.
With these, the above-mentioned object is to be achieved.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, each receiver is arranged at an arbitrary position. Then, when the entire apparatus is set to the operating state, the signal processing unit outputs a signal from a receiver having a transmission function, and the signal is received by another receiver. The signal processing unit relatively specifies the positional relationship between the receiver that has output the signal and the receiver that has received the signal based on the received signal, together with the coordinate axes of the space. Next, when a signal is output from the transmitting means of the pointer, the signal is received by each receiver, and the signal processing unit determines the relative positional relationship between the received signal and each of the receivers specified earlier. Then, the spatial coordinates of the pointer are specified based on the data and input to the host device or the like via the interface unit.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the spatial coordinates of the pointer specified by the signal processing unit are multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (ratio), and as a result, the enlarged or reduced coordinate value is used as a host device or the like. Is input to

According to the third aspect of the present invention, after the signal processing unit specifies the relative positional relationship between the respective receivers, the signal processing unit expands and contracts the spatial coordinates of the pointer based on the specified positional relationship between the respective receivers. Is calculated.

[0011]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

The three-dimensional coordinate input device shown in FIG. 1 has a pointer 1 equipped with a transmitting means 2 for outputting a signal propagating in space, and four pointers for receiving a signal output from the transmitting means 2 of the pointer 1. Receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3Z, a signal processor 4 for specifying the spatial coordinates of the pointer 1 based on the received signals received by the receivers 3O,..., And a pointer specified by the signal processor 4 And an interface unit 5 for inputting the spatial coordinates of the first device to a host device or the like. The four receivers 3O,... Can be arranged at arbitrary positions in the space, respectively.
X, 3Y, and 3Z have a transmitting function of outputting the same signal as the transmitting means 2 of the pointer 1. Further, the signal processing unit 4 outputs four receivers 3 based on the reception signals output by the transmission function of the receiver 30 and received by the other receivers.
A receiving position specifying function for relatively specifying the positional relationship among O, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z is provided.

In this embodiment, the signal processing unit 4
Calculates the predetermined ratio based on the spatial resolution setting function of enlarging or reducing the value of the spatial coordinates of the specified pointer 1 at a predetermined ratio and the positional relationship between the four receivers specified by the reception position specifying function. It has an optimal resolution setting function.

Hereinafter, the above configuration will be described in more detail. The pointer 1 is connected to a signal processing unit 4, receives a driving signal from the signal processing unit 4, and transmits signals from the transmitting unit 2 to each of the receivers 3.
It is configured to output ultrasonic signals to O, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z. Here, the transmitted signal can be replaced by a normal sound wave other than the ultrasonic signal, a radio wave of a specific frequency, an optical signal, or the like.

Each of the receivers 30, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z serves as both a transmitter and a receiver for an ultrasonic signal. Each of the receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z has a suction cup in the main body, and can be disposed anywhere without obstructing the working environment.

The signal processing unit 4 includes a transmitting unit 2 for transmitting the pointer 1.
And a function of selecting one of the transmission functions of the receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z and outputting an ultrasonic signal. The receiving position specifying function of the signal processing unit 4 includes:
The distance between each receiver is calculated from the time difference between the timing of transmitting an ultrasonic signal by the transmitting function provided in one receiver and the timing of receiving each of the other receivers. Receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3
This is realized by relatively specifying the positional relationship of Z.

The signal processing section 4 has a timer for measuring the time difference therein. Actually, the signal processing unit 4 is equipped with a microcomputer, and uses an internal timer provided in the microcomputer in advance, and controls the start and end of time measurement of the timer by the function of the microprogram. Further, various functions in the above-described signal processing unit 4 are also realized by sequentially executing microprograms stored in advance.

The pointer 1 is provided with a switch capable of turning on and off the transmitting means 2 of the pointer 1 at hand. When the pointer 1 is operated to input coordinates to the host device, this switch is turned on to perform the operation. In this embodiment, the pointer 1 is of a pen type.

Next, the overall operation of the present invention will be described.

First, each of the receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3Z is arranged in a part that does not interfere with the working environment. in this case,
It is desirable to arrange the receivers 3O, 3X,... So that they do not solidify in the same place. Here, in this embodiment, the receiver 30 is simulated as the origin of the spatial coordinates, a straight line connecting the receiver 3O and the receiver 3X is simulated as the X axis, and a straight line connecting the receiver 30 and the receiver 3Y is Y. A straight line connecting the receiver 3O and the receiver 3Z is simulated as an axis, and is simulated as a Z axis. Therefore, it is preferable in terms of operation that the arrangement positions of the receivers 3X, 3Y, and 3Z are orthogonal to each other with the receiver 30 as a base point. However, even when the positions of the receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z are not orthogonal, by setting the optimal matrix parameters for mapping conversion in the signal processing unit 4 and correcting each coordinate position, each of them is corrected. Receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3Z
Can be treated in the same manner as if they were arranged at orthogonal positions.

When the entire apparatus is set to the operating state, the signal processing unit 4 first drives the transmitting function of the receiver 30 to generate an ultrasonic signal, and then transmits this signal to another receiver 3O.
Let X, 3Y, 3Z receive. At this time, time measurement is performed by a timer to calculate the time T _OX , T _OY , T _OZ from the receiver 30 to each of the receivers 3X, 3Y, 3Z. Further, in the present embodiment, the receiver 30 is based on the times T _OX , T _OY , and T _OZ.
, And the distances to the receivers 3X, 3Y, and 3Z.
Further, in this embodiment, an ultrasonic signal is output from the receiver 3X, and this signal is received by the receivers 3Y and 3Z. Thus, the distances from the receiver 3X to the receivers 3Y and 3Z are calculated in the same manner. Similarly, the distance from the receiver 3Y to the receiver 3Z is calculated.

Subsequently, in the present embodiment, the signal processing unit 4 sets a predetermined ratio (coefficient) for changing the spatial resolution by reducing or expanding the spatial coordinates of the pointer 1. The predetermined coefficient is calculated based on each of the receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3
The distance between Z is set as a parameter. The reference value of the predetermined coefficient is set to 1, and under this reference value, the distance between the receivers 30, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z is about 30.
cm, the pointer 1 is moved about 10 cm, and 512 pixels correspond to the number of pixels of the host device. As a means for setting the predetermined coefficient, a variable resistor for setting a ratio is provided in the signal processing unit 4,
A method of setting by operating the variable resistor, a method of inputting parameters by an operator, a method of downloading parameters from a host device, and the like are possible.

Next, the signal processing section 4 outputs a signal to drive the transmitting means 2 of the pointer 1 in a pulsed manner. The operator grasps the pointer 1 and turns on a switch for energizing the output of the ultrasonic signal. As a result, an ultrasonic signal is output from the transmitting means 2 of the pointer 1 in a pulsed manner. The pulsed ultrasonic signal is received by each of the receivers 3O, 3X, 3Y, and 3Z. During this time, the signal processing unit 4 activates a timer, and the signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 2 of the pointer 1 to each receiving unit. The times T _O , T _X , T _Y , and T _Z until reception by the devices 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3Z are measured. The signal processing unit 4 specifies the spatial coordinates of the pointer 1 using these results.

Here, pointer 1 (actually, transmitting means 2)
_Let P (P _X , P _Y ,
If P _Z), the spatial coordinates P _{is, P X = (V / 2T} OX) · (T OX 2 + T O 2 -T X 2) P Y = (V / 2T OY) · (T OY 2 + T ^{_{O 2 -T Y 2) P Z}} = (V / 2T OZ) · (T OZ 2 + T O 2 -T Z 2) where, V is can be determined by the sound velocity (see JP-a-4-268618) .

The spatial coordinates P of the pointer 1 specified as described above are multiplied or multiplied by a predetermined coefficient set in advance by the signal processing unit 4 to be enlarged or reduced. For example, if the predetermined coefficient is 1
In the case of (standard value), it is assumed that the actual movement of the pointer 1 by 10 cm in the predetermined axis direction corresponds to 512 pixels in the number of pixels of the image displayed on the host device. In this case, if the predetermined coefficient is set to 0.5, the number of corresponding pixels on the screen is reduced by half to 256 pixels even when the pointer 1 is moved by 10 cm. Therefore, the ratio between the amount by which the virtual pointer is to be moved on the screen and the amount by which the pointer 1 is actually moved can be changed, and the spatial resolution can be changed.

The specified spatial coordinates are converted into coordinate signals in the interface unit 5 and input to the host device. The host device that has received the coordinate signal displays a virtual pointer on the image based on the designated position indicated in the coordinate signal.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the four receivers can be arranged at arbitrary positions, respectively.
Even if you want to work by arbitrarily selecting the direction in which to look at the data, the posture of the data, etc., or if you want to set up a work surface with an arbitrary inclination in an arbitrary direction, input coordinates that are suitable for such situations The environment can be set freely and three-dimensional coordinates can be input intuitively.
Excellent operability. Also, since the receiver can be arranged in a position that does not get in the way according to the work area,
For example, each receiver can be arranged on a corner of a system disk or on a bookshelf, or can be embedded in a computer display, so that the pointer 1 can be operated without specially securing a work area. In addition, pointer 1
The operation area is not limited, and the operability is also improved in this regard.

Further, since the signal processing section 4 has a spatial resolution setting function, the ratio of the movement amount of the virtual pointer on the screen to the actual movement amount of the pointer 1 can be changed, and the operation area can be changed. You can enter all the necessary coordinate values even if you are restricted, and you can change the spatial resolution even if you want to fine-tune the position of the virtual pointer. It contributes to improvement.

Further, since the setting of the spatial resolution is automatically set according to the distance between the arbitrarily arranged receivers, the optimum spatial resolution can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement position of each receiver. Can be easily obtained, and the operator does not need to perform complicated parameter settings, and can secure comfortable operability.

Here, in the present embodiment, the case where the number of receivers is four is shown, but the same operation and effect can be produced even with three receivers. In this case, one receiver is set as the origin, and a straight line connecting the other two receivers is X
Axis, Y axis. At this time, each receiver is arranged so that the X axis and the Y axis are orthogonal. The Z axis is imagined in the normal direction of the XY plane. In this state, a signal is output from the receiver at the origin to another receiver, and the distance between the receivers is calculated. Thus, the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the pointer 1 can be calculated in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the Z coordinate P
For _Z can be calculated by ^{_{P Z = (T O 2 -P}} X 2 -P Y 2) 1/2. In the present embodiment, in order to specify the coordinates of the pointer 1, it is sufficient that only the receiver corresponding to the origin among the receivers has the transmitting function.

[0031]

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, according to the present invention, at least four receivers can be arranged at arbitrary positions, respectively. Even if you want to work by arbitrarily selecting a posture, etc., or set up a work surface with an arbitrary inclination in an arbitrary direction, freely set a coordinate input environment suitable for such situations. Since three-dimensional coordinates can be input intuitively, operability is excellent. In addition, since receivers can be placed out of the way according to the work area, for example, each receiver can be placed on the corner of the system disk, on the bookshelf, or embedded in the computer display Therefore, the pointer can be operated without specially securing a work area. Further, the operation area of the pointer is not limited, and the operability is also improved in this respect.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the signal processing unit includes:
With the spatial resolution setting function, it is possible to change the ratio between the movement amount of the virtual pointer on the screen and the actual movement amount of the pointer, and all necessary coordinates even when the operation area is limited A value can be input, and even when the position of the virtual pointer needs to be finely adjusted, it can be dealt with by changing the spatial resolution, thereby contributing to improvement in operability.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the setting of the spatial resolution is automatically set according to the distance between the arbitrarily arranged receivers, the arrangement position of each receiver is adjusted. In this way, it is possible to easily obtain an optimum spatial resolution, and it is possible to provide an unprecedented excellent three-dimensional coordinate input device in which an operator does not need to perform complicated parameter setting and can ensure comfortable operability. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pointer 2 Transmission means 3O, 3X, 3Y, 3Z Receiver 4 Signal processing part 5 Interface part

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A pointer provided with a transmitting means for outputting a signal propagating in space, at least four receivers for receiving a signal output from the transmitting means of the pointer, and a receiving apparatus for receiving the signal. A signal processing unit that specifies the spatial coordinates of the pointer based on a signal; and a three-dimensional coordinate input device including an interface unit that inputs the spatial coordinates of the pointer specified by the signal processing unit to a host device or the like. The at least four receivers can be respectively arranged at arbitrary positions in the space, and at least one of the at least four receivers has a function of transmitting the signal. A processing unit for relatively specifying a positional relationship between the at least four receivers based on a reception signal output by the transmission function of the receiver and received by another receiver; 3-dimensional coordinate input device characterized by comprising a reception location capability. 2. The three-dimensional coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit has a spatial resolution setting function for enlarging / reducing a spatial coordinate value of the specified pointer at a predetermined rate. apparatus. 3. The signal processing unit has an optimum resolution setting function for calculating the predetermined ratio based on a positional relationship between at least four receivers relatively specified by the reception position specifying function. The three-dimensional coordinate input device according to claim 2, wherein: