JP6889686B2 - Information processing equipment, information processing system, information processing program and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing program and an information processing method, and in particular, for example, an information processing device, an information processing system and an information processing program for displaying handwritten characters or the like on a display using a touch panel. And information processing methods.

A plurality of communication terminals connected by a communication network disclosed in Patent Document 1 are grouped by having each communication terminal read the identification information of the pen. When data is cut or pasted on grouped communication terminals, data is transferred between the communication terminals.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-52104

However, in the communication terminal disclosed in the above background technology, when the user sets the attribute information such as the line type, line color or line width, the set attribute information is stored only in the communication terminal. Therefore, if the user wants to handwrite characters or the like using another communication terminal belonging to the same group and display the handwritten characters or the like according to the above attribute information, the same as the above attribute information is used on the other communication terminals. It was troublesome because it was necessary to set (change) the attribute information again.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing device, information processing system, information processing program and information processing method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method capable of sharing the settings of the touch pen among a plurality of devices.

The information processing device of the first invention is an information processing device communicably connected to another information processing device, and includes an input detecting means for detecting a touch input and a display means for displaying an image based on the touch input. , An image display processing means that displays an image based on the attribute information set in the image display, and a transmission means that transmits the updated attribute information to another information processing device when an update input of the attribute information is received. To be equipped.

According to the first invention, since the updated attribute information is transmitted to another information processing device, the attribute information can be shared between the information processing devices. Therefore, for example, when the user moves to another information processing device and draws characters or the like while holding the input means, the characters or the like are drawn according to the attribute information set in advance. That is, it does not bother the user.

The information processing apparatus of the second invention further includes an identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information from an input means used for touch input, and a storage means for storing attribute information to which the identification information is added.

According to the second invention, attribute information can be shared between information processing devices depending on the input means. Therefore, the user's hand is not bothered.

The information processing apparatus of the third invention further includes an attribute information updating means for changing the attribute information to which the identification information of the input means is added when receiving an input instruction for updating the attribute information by the input means, and the transmitting means , Send the updated attribute information to other information processing devices.

According to the third invention, attribute information can be shared between information processing devices depending on the input means. Therefore, the user's hand is not bothered.

The information processing device of the fourth invention further includes a receiving means for receiving attribute information from another information processing device, and the attribute information updating means receives other information when the attribute information is updated by the other information processing device. The attribute information stored in the storage means is updated by the updated attribute information received from the processing device, and the image is displayed based on the updated attribute information.

In the fifth invention, the input means is a touch pen, and the touch pen includes a transmission means for transmitting its own identification information. Further, the identification information acquisition means receives the identification information transmitted from the touch pen.

In the sixth invention, the transmitting / receiving means transmits the updated attribute information so as to synchronize with the other information processing apparatus.

The seventh invention is an information processing program executed by an information processing device communicably connected to another information processing device, in which an input detection step for detecting a touch input and an image are displayed based on the touch input. A display step, an image display processing step that displays an image based on the attribute information set in the image display, and a transmission that sends the updated attribute information to another information processing device when an update input of the attribute information is received. It is an information processing program that executes steps.

The eighth invention is an information processing method of an information processing device communicably connected to another information processing device, which is an input detection step for detecting a touch input and a display step for displaying an image based on the touch input. And the image display processing step of displaying the image based on the attribute information set in the display of the image, and when the update input of the attribute information is received, the updated attribute information is transmitted to the other information processing device. It is an information processing method including a transmission step to be performed.

The information processing system of the ninth invention is an information processing system including another information processing device and an information processing device communicably connected to the other information processing device, and the information processing device is a touch input. When an input detection means for detecting, a display means for displaying an image based on touch input, an image display processing means for displaying an image based on the attribute information set in displaying the image, and an update input of the attribute information are accepted. It is provided with a transmitting means for transmitting the updated attribute information to another information processing device and a receiving means for receiving the attribute information from the other information processing device, and the other information processing device inputs the updated attribute information. An information processing system including a transmitting means for transmitting updated attribute information to an information processing device and a receiving means for receiving attribute information from the information processing device when received.

In the fourth to ninth inventions as well, the attribute information can be shared between the information processing devices as in the first invention. Therefore, the user's hand is not bothered.

According to the present invention, the updated attribute information of the touch pen is transmitted to another information processing device, and the other information processing device that receives the attribute information updates the set attribute information, so that the information processing device Attribute information can be shared between. Therefore, for example, when the user moves to another information processing device and draws characters or the like while holding the input means, the characters or the like are drawn according to the attribute information set in advance. That is, it does not bother the user.

The above-mentioned objectives, other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the following examples made with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing an external configuration of the touch pen, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the touch pen. FIG. 3 (A) is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a touch screen of the information processing device, FIG. 3 (B) is an illustrated diagram showing another example of the touch screen of the information processing device, and FIG. 3 (C) is an illustrated diagram. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a button displayed in a touch screen. FIG. 4A is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a touch screen in the information processing system of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is an illustrated diagram showing another example of the touch screen in the information processing system. 5 (A) to 5 (C) are schematic diagrams showing another example of the touch screen in the information processing system of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the memory map of the RAM shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the drawing control process of the CPU shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is another part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow diagram following FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is another part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow chart following FIG. FIG. 10 is another part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow chart following FIG. FIG. 11 is another part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow chart following FIG. FIG. 12 is another part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow chart following FIG. FIG. 13 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the information processing system in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a part of the drawing control process of the CPU in the second embodiment, and is a flow chart following FIG.

<First Example>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU 12. The RAM 14, the touch panel control circuit 16, the drawing control circuit 18, the wireless communication circuit 20, and the I / F circuit 22 are connected to the CPU 12 via the bus 30. A touch panel 24 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 16, and a display 26 is connected to the drawing control circuit 18.

In this first embodiment, the case where the information processing device 10 is applied to an electronic blackboard will be described, but it is applied not only to the electronic blackboard but also to various information devices or electronic devices such as tablet terminals, smartphones, and PCs.

Returning to FIG. 1, the CPU 12 controls the overall control of the information processing device 10. The RAM 14 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 12.

The touch panel control circuit 16 applies a voltage or the like required for the touch panel 24, detects a touch operation (touch input) within the effective touch range of the touch panel 24, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to the CPU 12 Output to.

The touch panel 24 is a general-purpose touch panel, and any type such as a capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, a resistance film method, and an infrared method can be used. In this first embodiment, as the touch panel 24, a capacitance type touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display 26.

The drawing control circuit 18 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 12, the GPU displays a screen (a touch screen described later) on the display 26 using the handwritten input data and the image generation data stored in the RAM 14. Screen data for display is generated in VRAM, and the generated screen data is displayed on the display 26. As the display 26, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used.

The wireless communication circuit 20 is, for example, a communication circuit based on the Wi-Fi standard, and is used for communication (wireless communication) with the touch pen 110 described later. Further, as the wireless communication circuit 20, a communication circuit using infrared rays or a communication line according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method may be used.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the touch pen 110 includes a pen body 112 and a pen tip switch 114. The pen tip switch 114 is turned on when the user touches the pen tip of the touch pen 110 to the referent (detection surface (panel portion) of the touch panel 24), and when nothing is touching the pen tip. , A mechanical switch that turns off. However, the pen tip switch 114 does not have to be limited to a mechanical switch, and an optical switch or the like is used as long as it can detect that the pen tip has touched the referent and that the pen tip has not touched the referent. You can also do it.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the touch pen 110. As shown in FIG. 2B, the touch pen 110 is provided with a switch state detection circuit 124 that detects the on state and the off state of the pen tip switch 114 as described above. The control circuit 120, the memory 122, and the wireless communication circuit 126 are connected to the switch state detection circuit 124 via the bus 130. The memory 122 is a non-volatile memory such as a ROM or EEPROM (registered trademark), and stores identification information set in the touch pen 110 having the memory 122 built-in. For example, when the switch state detection circuit 124 detects that the pen tip switch 114 is in the ON state, the control circuit 120 transmits the identification information of the touch pen 110 stored in the memory 122 via the wireless communication circuit 126. It is transmitted to the information processing device 10.

Returning to FIG. 1, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10 receives the identification information transmitted from the touch pen 110 via the wireless communication circuit (reception means) 20. Therefore, the touch pen 110 touching the touch panel 24 and the touch position thereof can be specified together with the output from the touch panel control circuit 16.

For example, the user operates the touch panel 24 with the dedicated touch pen 110. However, the user can also operate with fingers. Operations (input) using the touch panel 24 include tap (short press), slide (drag), flick, long touch (long press), etc., and in this first embodiment, these are "touch input" or simply. Collectively referred to as "input". Further, changing from a state in which the touch panel 24 is not touched to a state in which it is touched is called touch-on (pen down), and changing from a state in which the touch panel 24 is touched to a state in which it is not touched is touch-off (pen). Up). For continuous touch input, that is, input by slide or flick, the touch panel 24 outputs touch coordinate data corresponding to the current touch position in a cycle shorter than a predetermined cycle. For example, the predetermined period is one to several frames, and one frame is 1/30 second, 1/60 second, or 1/120 second.

Another information processing device 10 is communicably connected to the I / F (interface) circuit 22 via the cable 200 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). As the cable 200, a cable having a serial interface such as RS-232C, USB, IEEE1394, Serial ATA, or PCI Express can be used. Further, as the cable 200, a cable having a parallel interface such as SCSI can be used. However, a serial interface cable or a parallel interface cable is used depending on the type (method) of the interface (I / F circuit 22).

In the information processing device 10 having such a configuration, in the handwriting input mode, the user uses the touch panel 24 to input characters, figures, symbols, etc. (hereinafter, may be referred to as “characters or the like”) by handwriting (touch input). Then, the touch panel control circuit 16 detects the touch input and outputs the touch coordinate data corresponding to the touch position to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 draws (displays) handwritten characters or the like on the display 26 based on the touch coordinate data output from the touch panel control circuit 16. That is, under the instruction of the CPU 12, handwritten characters or the like are drawn on the VRAM in the drawing control circuit 18, and image data corresponding to the image including the handwritten characters or the like drawn on the VRAM is output to the display 26. Therefore, an image including characters handwritten by the user is displayed on the display 26. Hereinafter, in this specification, it is assumed that the user handwrites characters and the like, and an image including handwritten characters and the like is referred to as a "handwritten image".

FIG. 3A is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the touch screen 102 displayed on the display 26 of the information processing device 10, and FIG. 3B is an illustrated view of the touch screen 102 displayed on the display 26 of the information processing device 10. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example. Further, FIG. 3C is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a button displayed in the touch screen 102.

Although omitted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the information processing apparatus 10 may be installed on the floor by providing legs, or may be installed on the wall surface by using wall-mounting metal fittings. The same applies hereinafter.

For example, in the handwriting input mode, the screen (touch screen) 102 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is displayed on the display 26. As described above, the touch panel 24 is provided on the display surface of the display 26. Hereinafter, the same applies to the case where the touch screen 102 is displayed. However, at the beginning of the handwriting input mode, characters and the like are not displayed on the touch screen 102. In addition, when displaying or editing the data (backup data) saved for the handwritten image, the backup data is read out according to the user's operation, and the handwritten image corresponding to the backup data is included. The touch screen 102 may be displayed.

On the touch screen 102 shown in FIG. 3A, characters handwritten using the touch pen 110 (here, “ABC”) are displayed. Further, on the touch screen 102 shown in FIG. 3B, a handwritten character (here, “DE”) is further displayed next to the character “ABC”. As can be seen from FIGS. 3A and 3B, the character "DE" has a wider line width (wider) than the character "ABC".

In a general electronic blackboard, a user can set (change) a desired line type, line color, and line width (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "attribute information") on the touch pen 110. .. The line type is a line type, and corresponds to a solid line, a dotted line, a broken line, a dash-dotted line, and the like. The line color is the color of the line, and corresponds to black, red, blue, yellow, and so on. The line width is the thickness of the line, and corresponds to extra-fine, thin, medium, thick, extra-thick, and so on. However, the attribute information does not have to be limited to the line type, line color and line width, and may include other information such as pen type (pen, brush, brush, etc.), pen pressure, and the like.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the toolbar 104 is displayed at the left end of the touch screen 102. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3C, the toolbar 104 includes a plurality of buttons 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, and the like, and each of them can be touched independently. Specifically, the button 104a is a button for selecting a line type. Button 104b is a button for selecting a line width. Button 104c is a button for selecting a line color. Button 104d is a button for selecting the eraser function. Although not shown, the toolbar 104 also has buttons for selecting tools (cut, move, etc.) and functions (open new page, save, delete, cancel, move back, etc.) other than the above. It is provided.

Therefore, for example, in the example of the touch screen 102 shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B), the user changes the line width after handwriting the character "ABC", and the character "ABC" is next to the character "ABC". You can see that "DE" was handwritten. However, when the user touches the button 104b, a menu screen for changing (setting) the line width is displayed in front of the touch screen 102, and the line width can be selected on this menu screen. Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies when the line type or line color is changed (set). Attribute information such as line type, line color and line width is stored in the information processing device 10 (RAM 14) corresponding to the touch pen 110.

For example, in a meeting or class held in a large room, it is assumed that a plurality of information processing devices 10 are used. In such a situation, the user may move while holding the touch pen 110 and handwrite characters or the like on the display 26 (touch panel 24) of another information processing device 10. For example, when a user writes the contents of a meeting or class on a board using one information processing device 10 and there is no space for writing on the board, the user moves to another information processing device 10 and continues writing on the board. Conceivable.

However, in the general information processing device 10, only the attribute information of the touch pen 110 set in the information processing device 10 is stored. Therefore, if the user wants to handwrite characters or the like with the same attributes, it is necessary to set (change) the attribute information again when using another information processing device 10. In other words, it is troublesome. Such an inconvenience becomes remarkable as the number of information processing devices 10 increases.

If the attribute information is not changed when the information processing device 10 is moved to another information processing device 10, handwritten characters or the like are displayed (drawn) according to the attribute information set in the other information processing device 10. That is, handwritten characters and the like are displayed according to the attribute information set in the past or the attribute information set by default.

In order to avoid such inconvenience, in the first embodiment, the attribute information of the touch pen 110 can be shared between the information processing devices 10. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

FIG. 4 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment. 5 (A) to 5 (C) are schematic diagrams showing an example in which characters are handwritten on the display 26 of each information processing device 10 in the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the information processing system 100, three information processing devices 10 are connected in series (daisy chain connection) using a cable 200. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the information processing device 10a, the information processing device 10b, and the information processing device 10c will be referred to in order from the left in FIG. Similarly, the screens displayed on the displays 26 of the information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c are referred to as a touch screen 102a, a touch screen 102b, and a touch screen 102c, respectively.

However, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the information processing devices 10a, 10b and 10c, the information processing device 10 is simply referred to as the information processing device 10. Similarly, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the touch screens 102a, 102b and 102c, it is simply referred to as the touch screen 102.

In this way, the information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c are daisy-chained, and data transfer is performed by the bucket brigade method. Therefore, information (data) can be transmitted / received between the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10b, between the information processing device 10b and the information processing device 10c, and between the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10c.

However, since the information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected in a daisy chain, the information processing devices 10a and 10c at both ends and the information processing devices 10b not arranged at both ends have data (in the first embodiment, attribute information). The method of sending and receiving data) is different. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

For example, when the information processing device 10a transmits data to the information processing device 10b and the information processing device 10c, the information processing device 10a first transmits data addressed to the information processing device 10b to the information processing device 10b. When the information processing device 10b receives the data from the information processing device 10a, the information processing device 10b transmits (replies) the information (response information) indicating that the data has been received to the information processing device 10a. When the information processing device 10a receives the response information from the information processing device 10b, the information processing device 10a transmits the passage information to the information processing device 10b. Here, the passing information is information for passing data (data transfer), and specifically, the data transmitted from the information processing device 10 on the upstream side is transferred to the information processing device 10 on the downstream side. Information indicating that it should be transferred.

However, in this specification, the side that transmits data is referred to as the upstream side, and the side that receives data is referred to as the downstream side. For example, in FIG. 4, when data is transmitted from the information processing device 10a to the information processing device 10c, the information processing device 10a is on the upstream side and the information processing device 10c is on the downstream side. When data is transmitted from the information processing device 10c to the information processing device 10a, the information processing device 10c is on the upstream side and the information processing device 10a is on the downstream side.

Therefore, when the information processing device 10b receives the passing information, the information processing device 10b is set to a state for data transfer (hereinafter, referred to as "passing state"), and a response indicating that the information processing device 10a has received the passing information. Send (reply) information. Upon receiving this response information, the information processing device 10a transmits data addressed to the information processing device 10c to the information processing device 10b. In this way, when another information processing device 10 is connected between the information processing device 10 of the transmission source and the information processing device 10 of the transmission destination (destination), data is transmitted to the information processing device 10 of the destination. This is sometimes called "passing transmission".

When the information processing device 10b receives the data passed and transmitted from the information processing device 10a, the information processing device 10b is set to the passing state, so that the data is transmitted (transferred) to the information processing device 10c as it is. When the information processing device 10c receives data from the information processing device 10b, the information processing device 10c transmits response information to the information processing device 10a via the information processing device 10b. When the information processing device 10a receives the response information from the information processing device 10b, the information processing device 10a transmits the release information for canceling the passing state to the information processing device 10b. When the information processing device 10b receives the release information, the information processing device 10b cancels the setting of the passing state and transmits the response information to the information processing device 10a.

Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the case where the information processing device 10c transmits data to the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10b. In the above description, the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10c may be exchanged.

Further, when the information processing device 10b transmits data to the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10c, it is not necessary to transfer the data, so that the data is transmitted to each of the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10c. To. Then, when each of the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10c receives the data, it transmits (replies) the response information indicating that the data has been received to the information processing device 10b.

Since the information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c each grasp (store) information on how they are connected and the positions where they are connected, processing according to the destination information processing device 10. Send data with.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where three information processing devices 10 are connected in a daisy chain is described, but four or more information processing devices 10 may be connected in a daisy chain. In such a case, even if the information processing devices 10 are not arranged at both ends, when data is transmitted to the destination information processing device 10 via another information processing device 10, the above information processing device 10a (10c) ), The data is passed and transmitted after the other information processing apparatus 10 is set to the passing state.

By connecting a plurality of information processing devices 10 in a daisy chain in this way, bidirectional communication is possible between the information processing devices 10, and further, information set (stored) in the own device based on the received information. Information can be shared by updating.

Therefore, when the user inputs characters or the like using any of the information processing devices 10, if the attribute information is set (changed), the changed attribute information is notified (transmitted) to the other information processing device 10. Will be done. However, the attribute information is accompanied by identification information (pen ID) of the touch pen 110 in which the attribute information is set. When the other information processing device 10 receives the attribute information to which the identification information is attached, the other information processing device 10 stores (overwrites) the attribute information about the identification information. Therefore, the attribute information set (changed) in one information processing device 10 is stored in all the other information processing devices 10 communicably connected. That is, the attribute information is shared. Therefore, even when the user moves to another information processing device 10 while holding the touch pen 110 and handwrites characters or the like, the characters or the like are displayed (drawn) according to the attribute information set in the touch pen 110. To.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the user is handwriting characters using the information processing device 10a using the touch pen 110 and the line width is changed, the line width is changed as described above. Attribute information including the line width is transmitted to the information processing device 10b and the information processing device 10c, respectively. Therefore, in the information processing device 10b and the information processing device 10c, the attribute information about the touch pen 110 is stored (overwritten).

After the attribute information is changed, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the user handwrites the character, the touch screen 102a including the character drawn according to the changed attribute information is displayed on the display 26.

Then, when the user moves and handwrites the characters using the information processing device 10b, as shown in FIG. 5C, the touch screen 102b including the characters drawn according to the attribute information set in the touch pen 110 is displayed. It is displayed at 26.

Although not shown, the same applies to the case where the user moves further and handwrites characters using the information processing device 10c.

The above-mentioned operation of the information processing apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 12 executing the information processing program stored in the RAM 14. In this first embodiment, as an example of the information processing program, a program (drawing control program) for a drawing application that draws and saves handwritten characters is executed. The specific processing will be described later with reference to a flow chart.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the memory map 300 of the RAM 14 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 14 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. A drawing control program is stored in the program storage area 302. The drawing control program includes an input detection program 310, an image generation program 312, a display program 314, a communication program 316, a pen ID acquisition program 318, an own machine information update program 320, and another machine information update program 322.

The input detection program 310 is a program for acquiring the touch coordinate data 330 indicating the position of the touch input on the touch panel 24 output from the touch panel control circuit 16 and storing the touch coordinate data 330 in the data storage area 304. However, the input detection program 310 is also a program for detecting the input from the keyboard of the hardware connected to the information processing device 10 or the operation panel or operation button of the hardware provided in the information processing device 10.

The image generation program 312 uses the image generation data 334 described later or the touch coordinate data (handwritten input data 332) detected according to the input detection program 310 to obtain the image data corresponding to the touch screen 102. It is a program to generate. Specifically, when the image generation program 312 is executed, the GPU draws the image data corresponding to the touch screen 102 in the VRAM in the drawing control circuit 18 under the instruction of the CPU 12.

The display program 314 is a program for outputting the image data generated according to the image generation program 312 to the display 26. Therefore, the touch screen 102 is displayed on the display 26.

The communication program 316 is a program for communicating with another computer (in the first embodiment, another information processing device 10). However, the processing for transmitting data differs depending on the position to which the information processing device 10 is connected.

The pen ID acquisition program 318 is a program for acquiring the identification information (pen ID) transmitted from the touch pen 110, and associates the acquired identification information data with the touch coordinate data 330 acquired at the same or almost the same timing. It is stored in the data storage area 304.

The own machine information update program 320 is a program for storing (overwriting) the attribute information set (changed) according to the touch input of the user in the data storage area 304. However, the identification information acquired according to the pen ID acquisition program 318 when the attribute information is set is added to the set attribute information. Further, at the beginning of the handwriting input mode, default attribute information is set in the touch pen 110. In addition, the own machine information update program 320 is also a program for notifying other information processing devices 10 connected so as to be able to communicate with attribute information.

The other machine information update program 322 is a program for updating the attribute information set (stored) in the own machine when the attribute information is received from the other information processing device 10.

Although not shown, the drawing control program also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions.

The data storage area 304 stores touch coordinate data 330, handwriting input data 332, image generation data 334, touch pen information data 336, and the like.

The touch coordinate data 330 is the current (current frame) touch coordinate data detected (acquired) according to the input detection program 310. When the touch coordinates indicated by the touch coordinate data 330 are included in the display area of the button (pen button or the like) displayed on the touch screen 102, the function assigned to the button is executed or the attribute (attribute information) is set. Set it. If the touch coordinates indicated by the touch coordinate data 330 are not included in the display area of the button (toolbar 104 or the like) displayed on the touch screen 102, it is determined that the touch coordinates are included in the handwritten characters or the like. Then, it is stored as handwritten input data 332.

The handwritten input data 332 is data about characters handwritten by touch input, and is managed for each locus (point or line) from touch-on to touch-off. Further, in the handwriting input data 332, the touch coordinate data 330 detected for each frame from touch-on to touch-off is stored (arranged) in chronological order.

The image generation data 334 is data such as polygon data and texture data for generating image data corresponding to various screens such as the touch screen 102. The image generation data 334 also includes image data about various buttons (toolbar 104, etc.) displayed on the touch screen 102.

The touch pen information data 336 is data about the attribute information set in the touch pen 110, and the identification information of the touch pen 110 is added.

Further, the data storage area 304 is provided with a transmission / reception data buffer 338 and a pass flag 340.

The transmission / reception data buffer 338 is an area for temporarily storing data transmitted / received to / from another information processing apparatus 10.

The pass flag 340 is a flag for determining whether or not the pass state is set, and is composed of a 1-bit register. When the information processing apparatus 10 receives the passage information, the passage flag 340 is turned on and the data value "1" is set in the register. Further, when the information processing apparatus 10 receives the release information, the pass flag 340 is turned off and the data value "0" is set in the register.

The data storage area 304 stores other data necessary for executing the drawing control program, and is provided with timers (counters) and registers necessary for executing the drawing control program.

Hereinafter, the drawing control process of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to a flow chart. As described above, the information processing apparatus 10a and the information processing apparatus 10c located at both ends and the information processing apparatus 10b not located at both ends. Since the processing is different between and, each drawing control processing will be described.

7 to 10 are flow charts showing drawing control processing of the CPU 12 of the information processing devices 10a and 10c. For example, a drawing application is launched and the handwriting input mode is selected by user instruction or by default setting. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 12 starts the drawing control process and executes the initial process in step S1. In the initial process of step S1, the CPU 12 erases the touch coordinate data 330 in the data storage area 304, reads the image generation data 334 from the non-volatile memory, and then displays the initial touch screen 102 on the display 26. indicate. That is, under the instruction of the CPU 12, the drawing control circuit 18 generates (draws) the image data of the initial touch screen 102 and outputs it to the display 26.

In the next step S3, it is determined whether or not the touch is on. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the current (current frame) touch coordinate data 330 is stored in the data storage area 304.

If it is "NO" in step S3, that is, if it is not touch-on, the process proceeds to step S41 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S3, that is, if it is touch-on, it is determined in step S5 whether or not there is identification information of the touch-on touch pen 110. Here, the CPU 12 refers to the identification information added to the touch coordinate data 330, and determines whether or not the data about the attribute information to which the identification information is added is stored as the touch pen information data 336.

If it is "NO" in step S5, that is, if there is no identification information of the touch-on touch pen 110, the identification information is newly registered in step S7 and the process proceeds to step S9. That is, in step S7, the CPU 12 newly registers (stores) the default attribute information with the identification information of the touch-on touch pen 110. That is, the attribute information data to which the identification information is attached is stored in the data storage area 304 as the touch pen information data 336.

If "YES" in step S5, that is, if there is identification information, it is determined in step S9 whether or not it is handwriting input. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the touch position indicated by the touch coordinate data 330 is included in the display area where the buttons such as the toolbar 104 are displayed.

If "YES" in step S9, that is, if it is handwriting input, the touch coordinate data 330 is stored as handwriting input data 332 in step S11. Then, in step S13, the handwritten image is displayed according to the touch input, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S13, under the instruction of the CPU 12, the drawing control circuit 18 draws the screen data of the touch screen 102 including the handwritten image on the VRAM using the handwritten input data 332 and outputs the screen data to the display 26. Therefore, during handwriting input, a line is drawn by a plurality of points following the touch input, and a handwritten image including characters and the like is drawn by one or a plurality of lines.

Then, in step S15, it is determined whether or not the touch-off is performed. Here, the CPU 12 refers to the data storage area 304 and determines whether or not the touch coordinate data 330 is stored. If it is "NO" in step S15, that is, if the touch-on state continues, the process returns to step S11. Therefore, among the handwriting input data 332, the data about the line being drawn is updated, and the line is displayed (drawn) according to the touch input. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S15, that is, if it is touch-off, the process returns to step S3.

Further, if it is "NO" in step S9, that is, if it is not handwriting input, it is determined in step S17 shown in FIG. 8 whether or not the pen buttons (buttons 104a, 104b, 104c) are touched. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the touch position indicated by the acquired touch coordinate data 330 is included in any of the display areas of the buttons 104a, 104b, and 104c. Hereinafter, the same applies to the case of determining whether or not the button has been pressed.

If it is "NO" in step S17, that is, if a button other than the buttons 104a, 104b, 104c is touched, the process corresponding to the other button is executed in step S19, and the step shown in FIG. Proceed to S41. For example, in step S19, the CPU 12 sets the eraser function, erases characters and the like, copies a handwritten image, pastes the copied image, and ranges the handwritten image according to the user's operation (instruction). Or save the image data of the handwritten image (handwritten input data 332) in the non-volatile memory.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S17, that is, when any of the buttons 104a, 104b, and 104c is touched, it is determined in step S21 whether or not the attribute information of the touch pen 110 has been changed.

Although not shown, as described above, when the pen button is touched, a menu screen for setting (changing) the line type, line color or line width is displayed in front of the touch screen 102, and this menu screen is displayed. In, the line type, line color, or line width is set (changed). Further, when the user closes the menu screen without setting the line type, line color or line width, the change of the attribute information is canceled.

If it is "NO" in step S21, that is, if the attribute information of the touch pen 110 has not been changed, it is determined in step S23 whether or not to cancel. If "NO" in step S23, that is, if it is not canceled, the process returns to step S21 as it is. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S23, that is, if it is canceled, the process proceeds to step S41 shown in FIG.

If "YES" in step S21, that is, if the attribute information of the touch pen 110 is changed, the attribute information is updated in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S27 shown in FIG. That is, in step S25, the CPU 12 updates the touch pen information data 336. At this time, a copy of the updated touch pen information data 336 is stored in the transmission / reception data buffer 338.

In step S27 shown in FIG. 9, the updated attribute information is transmitted to the information processing device 10 (information processing device 10b) on the downstream side. However, in step S27, the CPU 12 transmits a copy of the touch pen information data 336 stored in the transmission / reception data buffer 338 to the information processing device 10b.

In the next step S29, it is determined whether or not the response information has been received from the information processing device 10b. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the response information from the information processing device 10b is stored in the transmission / reception data buffer 338. Hereinafter, the same applies to the case of determining whether or not the response information has been received. If it is "NO" in step S29, that is, if the response information has not been received from the information processing device 10b, the process returns to step S29 as it is.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S29, that is, when the response information is received from the information processing device 10b, the passing information is transmitted to the information processing device 10b in step S31, and from the information processing device 10b in step S33. Determine if response information has been received. If it is "NO" in step S33, that is, if the response information has not been received from the information processing device 10b, the process returns to step S33 as it is.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S33, that is, when the response information is received from the information processing device 10b, the attribute information is transmitted through the downstream side in step S35 shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 12 transmits the attribute information to the information processing device 10 located at the most downstream. However, in this step S35, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10a transmits the attribute information to the information processing device 10c. Further, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10c transmits attribute information to the information processing device 10a.

Then, in step S37, it is determined whether or not the response information has been received from the information processing device 10b. If it is "NO" in step S37, that is, if the response information has not been received from the information processing device 10b, the process returns to step S37 as it is.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S37, that is, when the response information is received from the information processing device 10b, the release information is transmitted to the information processing device 10b in step S39.

In the next step S41, it is determined whether or not the attribute information has been received from the other information processing device 10. In this step S41, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10a determines whether or not the attribute information has been received from the information processing device 10b or the information processing device 10c. Further, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10c determines whether or not the attribute information has been received from the information processing device 10a or the information processing device 10b.

If the result is "NO" in step S41, that is, if the attribute information has not been received from the other information processing device 10, the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S41, that is, when the attribute information is received from the other information processing device 10, the response information is transmitted to the other information processing device 10 on the upstream side in step S43, and step S45. Then, update the attribute information set in your machine. That is, the CPU 12 updates the touch pen information data 336.

Then, in step S47, it is determined whether or not the process is completed. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not a termination instruction has been given by the user. If the result is "NO" in step S47, that is, if it is not the end, the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S47, that is, if it ends, the drawing control process ends.

Subsequently, the drawing control process of the CPU 12 of the information processing apparatus 10b will be described. However, since this drawing control process differs only in a part of the drawing control process of the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10a or the information processing device 10c described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, duplicate description will be omitted. To. Briefly, in the drawing control process of the CPU 12 of the information processing apparatus 10b, a process for transferring data is added, and the process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is replaced with the process shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Is executed.

FIG. 11 is a part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow chart following FIG. Further, FIG. 12 is another part of the CPU drawing control process shown in FIG. 1, and is a flow diagram following FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10b updates the attribute information in step S25 of FIG. 8, it transmits the attribute information to another information processing device 10 in step S61 and proceeds to step S63. .. Here, the other information processing devices 10 are the information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10c.

When "NO" is determined in step S3 shown in FIG. 7, processing corresponding to another button is executed in step S19 shown in FIG. 8, or "YES" is determined in step S23. Also, the CPU 12 proceeds to step S63.

In step S63, it is determined whether or not the attribute information has been received from the other information processing device 10. If it is "NO" in step S63, that is, if the attribute information is not received from the other information processing device 10, the process proceeds to step S73 as it is. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S63, that is, when the attribute information is received from the other information processing device 10, it is determined in step S65 whether or not it is in the passing state. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pass flag 340 is turned on.

If "YES" in step S65, that is, if it is in the passing state, the attribute information is transmitted (transferred) to the downstream side in step S67, and the process proceeds to step S79 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is "NO" in step S65, that is, if it is not in the passing state, the attribute information set in the own machine is updated in step S69, and the attribute information is transmitted in step S71. The response information is transmitted to the device 10.

Then, in step S73, it is determined whether or not the passage information has been received. At this time, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the passage information from the information processing device 10a or the information processing device 10c is stored in the transmission / reception data buffer 338. If it is "NO" in step S73, that is, if the passage information has not been received from the information processing device 10a or the information processing device 10c, the process proceeds to step S79. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S73, that is, if the passage information is received from the information processing device 10a or the information processing device 10c, the passage flag 340 is turned on in step S75, and the passage information is displayed in step S77. The response information is transmitted to the transmitted information processing device 10, and the process proceeds to step S79.

In step S79 shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the release information has been received. At this time, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the release information from the information processing device 10a or 10c is stored in the transmission / reception data buffer 338. If it is "NO" in step S79, that is, if the release information has not been received, the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S79, the passage flag is turned off in step S81, response information is transmitted to the upstream side in step S83, and it is determined in step S85 whether or not the process ends. If the result is "NO" in step S85, that is, if it is not the end, the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S85, that is, if it ends, the drawing control process ends.

According to this first embodiment, by connecting a plurality of information processing devices 10 in a daisy chain, the attribute information of the touch pen 110 can be shared among the information processing devices 10. Therefore, when the user moves to another information processing device 10 while holding the touch pen 110 and draws characters or the like, the characters or the like are drawn according to the attribute information set in advance. That is, it does not bother the user.

In this first embodiment, the case where one touch pen 110 is used has been described, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. A plurality of touch pens 110 can also be used. In such a case, the attribute information data (touch pen information data) to which the identification information (pen ID) is attached is stored for each of the plurality of touch pens 110. In this case, when the attribute information of the touch pen 110 is updated in the information processing device 10, the attribute information to which the identification information of the touch pen 110 is added is updated, and the updated attribute information is transmitted to another information processing device 10. To. Further, when the information processing device 10 receives the attribute information from another information processing device 10, the information processing device 10 detects the identification information added to the attribute information, and obtains the attribute information to which the same identification information as the identification information is added. Update.

However, when a plurality of touch pens 110 are used, attribute information may be transmitted from another information processing device 10 while drawing characters or the like. Therefore, drawing control is performed for processing related to reception. It is necessary to separate from the processing and execute it in parallel with the drawing control processing after separation.

Specifically, the processes of steps S41 to S45 in the drawing control process of the information processing devices 10a and 10c are extracted. Then, the processes of steps S41 to S45 are repeatedly executed in parallel from the start to the end of the drawing control process.

Similarly, the processes of steps S63 to S83 in the drawing control process of the information processing apparatus 10b are extracted. Then, the processes of steps S63 to S83 are repeatedly executed in parallel from the start to the end of the drawing control process.
<Second Example>
Since the information processing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is the same as the information processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment except that the communication method is different, the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. I will do it.

FIG. 13 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the information processing system 400 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the information processing system 400 includes information processing devices 10a, 10b and 10c, and the information processing devices 10a, 10b and 10c can communicate with each other via a network 402 such as the Internet or a LAN. Be connected.

The information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c may be connected to the network 402 by wire or wirelessly.

In the second embodiment, when the information processing device 10 updates the attribute information, the information processing device 10 transmits (broadcasts) a copy of the updated attribute information to the network 402 without specifying a destination. .. Further, when the information processing device 10 receives the broadcast attribute information via the network 420, the information processing device 10 updates the attribute information set (stored) in the own device. That is, the attribute information data of the touch pen 110 is transmitted and received between the plurality of information processing devices 10 connected to the network 402, and the attribute information is shared.

The above-mentioned operation of the information processing apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 12 executing the information processing program stored in the RAM 14 shown in FIG. However, this second embodiment is different from the communication program 316 described in the first embodiment in that the updated attribute information is broadcast to another information processing device 10 connected to the network 402. Therefore, in the second embodiment, since the data is not transferred, the CPU 12 of the information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c executes the same drawing control process. Hereinafter, the drawing control processing of the second embodiment will be specifically described, but since it is the same as the drawing control processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 of the first embodiment except for a part, duplicate explanations will be given. Omit. In the second embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 14 is executed instead of the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram which is a part of the drawing control processing of the CPU 12 of the information processing devices 10a, 10b, and 10c in the second embodiment, and is a flow diagram following FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the CPU 12 of the information processing devices 10a, 10b and 10c changes the attribute information in step S25 of FIG. 8, another information processing device whose attribute information is connected to the network 402 in step S111. Broadcast to 10 and proceed to step S113.

When "NO" is determined in step S3 shown in FIG. 7, processing corresponding to another button is executed in step S19 shown in FIG. 8, or "YES" is determined in step S23. Also, the CPU 12 proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, it is determined whether or not the attribute information has been received. If the result is "NO" in step S113, that is, if the attribute information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S3 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S113, that is, if the attribute information is received, the attribute information set in the own machine is updated in step S115, and it is determined in step S117 whether or not the process ends. If it is "NO" in step S117, that is, if it is not the end, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S117, that is, if it ends, the drawing control process ends.

In this second embodiment as well, the attribute information of the touch pen 110 can be shared between the information processing devices 10 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the user's hand is not bothered.

In the second embodiment, when a plurality of touch pens 110 are used, the processes of steps S113 and S115 are extracted from the drawing control process. Then, the processes of steps S113 and S115 are repeatedly executed in parallel from the start to the end of the drawing control process.
<Third Example>
Since the information processing device 10 of the third embodiment is the same as the information processing device 10 of the second embodiment except that mirroring is performed, duplicate description will be omitted.

Here, mirroring refers to a process of copying data to another computer on the network and synchronizing the data between the computers. Specifically, the updated data in the information processing device 10 is duplicated, and the duplicated data is transmitted to another information processing device 10. Then, the other information processing device 10 receives the duplicated data and stores (updates) the received data.

Since the drawing control process of the CPU 12 of the information processing apparatus 10 in the third embodiment is the same as the drawing control process shown in the second embodiment, duplicate description will be omitted.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the attribute information of the touch pen 110 updated by the information processing device 10 is stored in the other information processing device 10 by performing mirroring. That is, the attribute information of the touch pen 110 updated by the information processing device 10 is synchronized (reflected) with the other information processing device 10.

In the third embodiment as well, the attribute information of the touch pen 110 can be shared between the information processing devices 10 as in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the user's hand is not bothered.

In the third embodiment as well, a plurality of touch pens 110 can be used as in the second embodiment.

The screen configuration and the like given in each of the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. Further, when the same effect can be obtained, the order of each step shown in the flow chart may be changed as appropriate.

10 ... Information processing device 12 ... CPU
14 ... RAM
16… Touch panel control circuit 18… Drawing control circuit 24… Touch panel 26… Display 102… Touch screen 110… Touch pen 114… Pen tip switch 200… Cable 400… Information processing system

Claims (6)

An information processing device that is communicatively connected to another information processing device.
Input detection means to detect touch input and
A display means for displaying an image based on the touch input and
An image display processing means for displaying the image based on the own machine attribute information set in the display of the image, and an image display processing means for displaying the image.
When the information processing device receives the update input of the own machine attribute information, the attribute information updating means for updating the own machine attribute information and the attribute information updating means.
In response to updating the own machine attribute information, the updated own machine attribute information is duplicated so as to synchronize the other machine attribute information of the other information processing device with the updated duplicate data of the own machine attribute information. A transmission means for transmitting data to the other information processing device, and
A receiving means for receiving response information from the other information processing apparatus is provided.
When the information processing device, the other information processing device, and another information processing device are connected in a daisy chain in this order, the other information after the receiving means receives the response information. By transmitting the duplicated data addressed to the other information processing device to the processing device, the duplicated data passes through the other information processing device and is transmitted to the other information processing device.
An information processing device characterized by this. Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information from the input means used for the touch input, and
A storage means for storing the own machine attribute information to which the identification information is added, and
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising. When the input means receives an input instruction to update the own machine attribute information, the attribute information updating means updates the own machine attribute information to which the identification information of the input means is added.
The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission means transmits the duplicated data of the own machine attribute information to which the updated identification information is added to the other information processing device. The input means is a touch pen.
The touch pen includes a transmission means for transmitting its own identification information.
The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the identification information acquisition means receives the identification information transmitted from the touch pen. An information processing program executed by an information processing device that is communicatively connected to another information processing device.
Input detection step to detect touch input and
A display step for displaying an image based on the touch input, and
An image display processing step for displaying the image based on the own machine attribute information set in the image display, and an image display processing step.
When the information processing device receives the update input of the own machine attribute information, the attribute information update step for updating the own machine attribute information and the attribute information update step.
In response to the update of the own machine attribute information, the duplicated data of the updated own machine attribute information is duplicated of the updated own machine attribute information so as to synchronize the other machine attribute information of the other information processing device. A transmission step of transmitting data to the other information processing device, and
The receiving step of receiving the response information from the other information processing apparatus is executed .
When the information processing device, the other information processing device, and another information processing device are daisy-chained in this order in the transmission step, after receiving the response information in the reception step, the other information By transmitting the duplicated data addressed to the other information processing device to the processing device, the duplicated data passes through the other information processing device and is transmitted to the other information processing device.
Information processing program. An information processing method for an information processing device that is communicably connected to another information processing device.
Input detection step to detect touch input and
A display step for displaying an image based on the touch input, and
An image display processing step for displaying the image based on the attribute information set in the display of the image, and
When the information processing device receives the update input of the own machine attribute information, the attribute information update step for updating the own machine attribute information and the attribute information update step.
In response to the update of the own machine attribute information, the duplicated data of the updated own machine attribute information is duplicated of the updated own machine attribute information so as to synchronize the other machine attribute information of the other information processing device. A transmission step of transmitting data to the other information processing device, and
A receiving step of receiving response information from the other information processing apparatus, only including,
When the information processing device, the other information processing device, and another information processing device are daisy-chained in this order in the transmission step, after receiving the response information in the reception step, the other information By transmitting the duplicated data addressed to the other information processing device to the processing device, the duplicated data passes through the other information processing device and is transmitted to the other information processing device.
An information processing method characterized by the fact that.

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