JPH05127823A - Coordinate input device and input operating device used for the coordinate input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the configuration of the device by outputting a coordinate signal corresponding to a specified function with pressure to a coordinate input member and outputting the executing signal of the specified function from a light receiving means when a prescribed optical signal is generated from a light emitting means. CONSTITUTION:A coordinate input device 1 is composed of a main body 2 of the device and a pen unit 3 as an input operating means. The main body 2 of the device is equipped with a display input part 5, which plane view is rectangular, on a housing 4 and arranges light receiving elements 6 at the four corners. The display input part 5 is equipped with the compact and thin display device and a transparent panel member as the coordinate input member. When the panel member is pressed with a pressing terminal 7a of the pen unit 3, the coordinate signal corresponding to the specified function is outputted from the panel member. Next, when the optical signal decided in advance is generated from a light emitting element 10 of the pen unit 3, the light receiving element 6 receives this optical signal. Then, the executing signal of the specified function is outputted corresponding to the input of this optical signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is, for example, for inputting pressing position coordinates by pressing a human finger or a member having a relatively tapered pressing end, which is disposed on the surface of a liquid crystal display device. The present invention relates to a coordinate input device and an input operation device used therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technique of providing a transparent touch panel on a display screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like when inputting coordinate data to an electronic device. There are various types of this touch panel, in which a plurality of strip-shaped transparent electrodes are formed on the opposing surfaces of a pair of film substrates in mutually orthogonal directions, and these are separated by a spacer with a small diameter and a large spacing. There is a configuration to hold. In the first conventional example, input is performed by a pressing operation on the touch panel with the operator's finger or the like, but incorrect data is input even if the palm slightly touches the touch panel when pressing with the finger. Defect occurs.

As a second conventional example, a conductive film is formed on the entire surfaces of opposing surfaces of a pair of film substrates and held in a separated state to form a touch panel, and an electrode is formed at the tip as an input operation device. There is an electrostatic induction method using. In the electrostatic induction method, it is necessary to perform a signal reading operation in synchronization with the reading timing on the touch panel and the scanning timing of the electrodes on the input operation device, which complicates the internal configuration of the control circuit for performing such an operation. Also, in order to synchronize the signals between the display device and the operation input means, the operation input means is connected to an electronic device such as a computer including a display device or a word processor via a cable, which is a problem of low usability. Have a point.

As a third conventional example, a technique of forming a touch panel from an analog resistance film is known. That is, a resistor film is formed on the entire surfaces of the pair of film substrates that face each other. Each film substrate is formed at both ends of the film substrate so as to face each other in the vertical direction such as the up-down direction or the left-right direction, and in the other film substrate, the extending direction of the electrode on one film substrate. Forming a pair of electrodes extending in a direction perpendicular to and parallel to each other. When one film substrate is pressed toward the other film substrate while voltage is applied between the electrodes of the one film substrate, the applied voltage corresponding to the pressing position of the one film substrate causes the resistance value of the resistor film. The voltage internally divided by is taken out from the electrode of the other film substrate.

In such an analog resistance film type touch panel, a tapered rod-shaped member made of a synthetic resin material or the like may be used as a pressing member for pressing the film substrate, and the structure is simplified as compared with the electrostatic induction type. However, this pressing member cannot transmit any signal to the main body of the coordinate input device including the touch panel, and has a problem of low usability.

[0006]

In any of the conventional examples described above, the structure of the coordinate input device including the touch panel and the input operation member for inputting from the touch panel becomes complicated, and the structure is simplified. It has a problem of low usability.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above technical problems, to provide a coordinate input device which can be simplified in structure and whose usability is significantly improved, and an input operation device used for the coordinate input device.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a display device,
A transparent coordinate input member that is arranged on the front side of the display device and that outputs a coordinate signal corresponding to the pressed position coordinates of the surface by pressing on the surface, and a transparent coordinate input member that is arranged near the display device and that has a specific function from the coordinate input member. When a coordinate signal corresponding to is output, a light receiving unit that outputs an execution signal of the specific function in response to the input of a predetermined optical signal, a pressing end that is pressed against the surface of the coordinate input member, A coordinate input device, comprising: an input operation device having a light emitting means for generating a predetermined optical signal.

The present invention also provides a coordinate input device main body comprising a display device and a transparent coordinate input member which is arranged on the front side of the display device and which corresponds to the pressed position coordinates of the surface when pressed on the surface. A storage recess provided with a charging electrode on the peripheral surface is formed, a pressing end pressed against the surface of the coordinate input member, a light emitting means for generating the predetermined optical signal, and a chargeable / dischargeable internal power supply. A coordinate input device comprising an input operation device having a charging electrode connected to an internal power supply.

Further, according to the present invention, coordinate input having a display device and a transparent coordinate input member arranged on the front surface side of the display device and outputting a coordinate signal corresponding to a pressed position coordinate of the surface by pressing the surface. An input operation device used in a coordinate input device, comprising: a pressing end that is pressed against the surface of the coordinate input member and a light emitting unit that generates the predetermined optical signal.

[0011]

The coordinate input device according to the present invention comprises a display device and a transparent coordinate input member. When the coordinate input member is pressed by the pressing end of the input operation device, a coordinate signal corresponding to the pressed position coordinates is output from the coordinate input member. Here, a light receiving means is arranged in the vicinity of the display device, and when the input operation device presses the coordinate input member, the coordinate input member outputs a coordinate signal corresponding to a specific function. Next, when a predetermined optical signal is generated from the light emitting means of the input operation device, the optical signal is received by the light receiving means,
The light receiving means outputs an execution signal of the specific function.

That is, a circuit configuration for synchronizing the input operation device and the coordinate input member is not required, and the configuration is simplified, and the input operation device is used to include the coordinate input member and the light receiving means. A signal can be input and usability is significantly improved.

Further, according to the present invention, a storage recess having a charging electrode provided on the inner peripheral surface is formed in the main body of the coordinate input device including the display device and the coordinate input member, and the input operation device is stored therein. .. The input operation device has an internal power supply that can be charged and discharged and a charging electrode that is connected to the internal power supply, and the internal power supply is charged every time it is stored in the main body of the coordinate input device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem such as an undesired voltage drop caused by the use of the input operation device and a so-called dead battery that makes light emission impossible, and the usability is significantly improved also in this respect.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a coordinate input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. The coordinate input device 1 is used, for example, as a display and input means of a portable computer with a wide range. The coordinate input device 1 is configured to include a coordinate input device main body (hereinafter abbreviated as device main body) 2 and a pen device 3 which is an input operation means. The apparatus main body 2 is provided with a rectangular box-shaped housing 4 and a display input section 5 having a rectangular shape in a plan view and having a configuration to be described later. As an example, light receiving elements 6 are arranged at four corners of the display input section 5.

On the other hand, the pen device 3 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material as an example, and includes a shaft portion 7 having a tapered tip and a contact end 7a, and a head portion 8 having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion 7.
A switch 9 is provided on the shaft portion 7, and a plurality of light emitting elements 10 whose light emission / quenching state is switched by pressing the switch 9 are provided on an inclined portion 11 which is a step between the shaft portion 7 and the head 8. Will be placed. The light emitting element 10 generates an optical signal, for example, infrared rays, in which a predetermined signal is modulated as described later, and the optical signal is generated by the device main body 2.
The light is received by the light receiving element 6 and the operation described later is performed.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display input section 5, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the section line X3-X3 in FIG. The display input unit 5 includes, for example, a small and thin display device 12 such as a liquid crystal display element or a plasma display element, and a panel member 13 which is a coordinate input member. The panel member 13 includes, for example, a pair of film substrates 14 and 15 made of a transparent resin material, and ITO (indium tin oxide) is used as an example on the opposing surfaces thereof.
Transparent electrodes 16 and 17 made of, for example, are formed on the entire surface.
On the transparent electrodes 16 of the film substrate 14, electrodes 18 and 19 made of a metal material such as aluminum are formed on the opposite edges of the rectangular film substrate 14 over the entire length of the edges.

On the transparent electrode 17 of the other film substrate 15, electrodes 20 and 21 also made of a metal material are provided at the edges of the transparent electrodes 17 in the direction orthogonal to the facing directions of the electrodes 18 and 19 over the entire length of the edges. Formed. Here, the transparent electrode 17
A large number of spacers 22 made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material or the like and protruding toward the film substrate 14 are provided on the transparent electrode 1 by a thick film technique such as screen printing of the synthetic resin material.
After coating on 7, it is formed using the well-known photo process.

On the other hand, the electrodes 18 to 21 are supplied with power supply voltages V1, V2, V3 via switches S1 to S4, respectively.
Respectively connected to V4. Moreover, each electrode 18-21 is
The coordinate input device 1 is connected to a control device 23 that controls the overall operation, and coordinates of the pressing position of the pressing point P on the film substrate 14 are detected as described later.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electrical construction of the apparatus main body 2. The device body 2 includes the control device 23, which is realized as, for example, a microcomputer, controls the display device 12 via a display control circuit 24, and reads the coordinates of a pressing position P on the panel member 13, which will be described later. The operation is performed via the read control circuit 25. on the other hand,
In this embodiment, the outputs of the four light receiving elements 6 are input to the OR circuit 26, and when a predetermined optical signal is input to at least one light receiving element 6, the output of the OR circuit 26 changes from low level to high level. Switch to. This signal converts the serial signal from the OR circuit 26 into a multi-bit parallel signal corresponding to the control device 23 via the conversion circuit 27 and outputs the parallel signal. Further, when the conversion circuit 27 receives a signal from the OR circuit 26, it interrupts the control device 23 to notify it. A RAM (random access memory) 39 for temporarily storing data necessary for the operation of the control device 23 is connected to the control device 23, and a ROM (read only memory) 40 is also connected to the control device 23. In the ROM 40, program areas 40a to 40d in which programs for realizing the schedule management function, the telephone number management function, the memo paper function, and the calculator function, which are the specific functions of the portable computer of the present embodiment, are stored are set.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the pen device 3.
The pen device 3 includes an internal power supply 28 such as a battery, and the positive electrode of the internal power supply 28 is connected to a modulation signal generation circuit 30 via a switch 29.
When is turned on, a predetermined modulation signal is generated and supplied to the anodes of the plurality of light emitting elements 10 via the buffer 32. The cathode side of the light emitting element 10 is connected to the negative side of the internal power supply 28 via the resistor 31.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example for explaining the operation of this embodiment. The coordinate input device 1 of the present embodiment will be described on the assumption that it is a portable computer that inputs and manages schedule data, records and registers telephone numbers and destination names, addresses, and various memos, and performs calculations such as four arithmetic operations. .. In step a1 of FIG. 6, the control device 23 determines whether or not a predetermined modulated optical signal is received by the light receiving element 6, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step a2. That is, the coordinate input device 1 of the present embodiment can select and execute any one of the specific functions of the schedule management function, the telephone number management function, the memo paper function, and the calculator function.

At the stage before selecting any one of such functions, the display contents of the display device 12, that is, the display input section 5 displays each specific function as shown in FIG. 7 (1). The displays of "schedule", "telephone", "memo" and "calculation" are displayed together with the numbers 1 to 4, and the range including each display is pressed by the pressing end 7a of the pen device 3 as described later, For example, four operation areas 33 to 36 for selecting a schedule management function or a telephone number management function.
Are set respectively. Further, when any one of the plurality of specific functions is to be selected, a “return” area 37 for returning the display state of the display input unit 5 to the state of FIG. The “stop” area 38 for stopping the operating state of the device 1 is set.

The following description will be made assuming that the telephone number management function is selected. The operator holds the pen device 3 and presses any point in the operation area 34 with the pressing end 7a. At this time, the transparent electrodes 16 and 17 contact each other at the pressing position P. As shown in FIG. 2, first, the switches S1 and S
2 is conducted to set a voltage (V1-V2) between the electrodes 18 and 19. Therefore, a potential distribution corresponding to this voltage is set on the transparent electrode 16. When the pressing position P is pressed in such a state, the potential of the pressing position P on the transparent electrode 16 is read by the control device 23 using the electrodes 20 and 21. At this time, the controller 23 controls the electrodes 18, 19
It is configured to cut off the current from. Then switch S
1 and S2 are cut off and switches S3 and S4 are turned on. As a result, the voltage (V
The internally divided potential of 3-V4) is detected by the control device 23 from the electrodes 18 and 19. In this way, X at the pressing position P
The controller 23 calculates the axial coordinate and the Y-axis coordinate. It is possible to determine which position of the display input unit 5 shown in FIG. 7 the pressed position B has pressed by the X and Y coordinates.

When the operator presses the operation area 34 showing the telephone number management function shown in FIG. 7 (1) with the pressing end 7a of the pen device 3, the controller 23 confirms that the operation area 34 has been pressed. It is detected by the processing as described above. That is, the coordinate input device 1 is in a state of waiting for input at step a2 in FIG. When the determination in step a2 is affirmative, the pressing position by the pen device 3 is calculated by the above-described processing in step a3, and the pressing position is set to the operation areas 33 to 3.
6 or "return" area 37 or "stop" area 3
It is determined which one of 8 it belongs to. In step a4,
As shown in FIG. 7 (2), the display of the operation area 34 to be operated is reversed in black and white. After that, the process returns to step a1 and the waiting state is waited for whether the optical signal is input to the light receiving element 6 of the coordinate input device 1 or the above-described input operation to the display input unit 5 is performed. Become.

After this, the operator operates the switch 9 of the pen device 3.
When is pressed, a predetermined modulation signal is generated from the modulation signal generation circuit 30 in the circuit shown in FIG. 5, and this modulation signal is generated as an optical signal from the light emitting element 10. When this light signal is received by the light receiving element 6, the control device 2
In step 3, the process of step a1 becomes affirmative, and the process proceeds to step a5. At step a5, the current coordinate input device 1
It is determined whether or not the display input section 5 has the reverse display as shown in FIG.

If there is no such reverse display, the process returns to step a1 and waits for input. If the determination in step a5 is affirmative, the process moves to step a6, and the highlighted program for the specific function is executed. That is, in this embodiment, the operation area 34 corresponding to the telephone number management function is highlighted as shown in FIG. 7B, and the program area 40 in the ROM 40 corresponding to this specific function is displayed.
The program of b is called and executed. Accordingly, in step a7, the display content of the display input section 5 is switched as the display corresponding to the program as shown in FIG. 7C. After that, the input processing of the telephone number or the name and address of the other party is performed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to connect the device main body 2 of the coordinate input device 1 and the pen device 3 with a cable, and the structure can be simplified. Further, unlike the conventional electrostatic induction system, a circuit for connecting the device main body 2 and the pen device 3 with a cable to perform scanning of both and a circuit for performing scanning of both in synchronization are not required. Also in terms of points, the structure can be simplified.

Further, in this embodiment, the pen device 3 is not connected to the device main body 2 by a cable, and in this respect, handling of the pen device 3 is convenient and usability is remarkably improved. Further, by using an optical signal from the pen device 3, the device main body 2
The signal can be transmitted to the coordinate input device 1, and the usability of the coordinate input device 1 is significantly improved in this respect as well.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a device main body 2a included in a coordinate input device 1a according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pen device 3a of this embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a pen. It is a top view of the state where device 3a was stored in device body 2a.
This embodiment is similar to the above-mentioned embodiment and can perform the same operation as the operation of the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, and the corresponding portions bear the same reference numerals. What should be noted in the present embodiment is that the housing 4 of the apparatus main body 2a is formed with the housing recess 41 for housing the pen device 3a.

A step portion 42 projecting inward is formed near one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage recess 41, and the end portion is used for charging the pen device 3a as described later. Electrodes 43 and 44 are arranged. In the housing 4,
A cover 45 for covering such a storage recess 41 is openably and closably mounted. Further, a pressing plate 46 is disposed at the end of the storage recess 41 opposite to the end on which the electrodes 43 and 44 are formed so as to be slidable in the storage recess 41 in the longitudinal direction of the storage recess 41. The pen device 3a is pressed by the spring force of the spring 47 arranged between the end of the storage recess 41 and the end. Further, the cover 45 is provided with a charging completion lamp 48, and the control device 23 charges the pen device 3a according to the charging time of the pen device 3a housed in the housing recess 41 or the integrated value of the current used for charging. Lights upon determining completion.

Corresponding to such a device body 2a, the pen device 3a is provided with charging electrodes 49 and 50 at the end of the head 8 in addition to the configuration described in the above embodiment. Electrode 49
Is the positive electrode and the electrode 50 is the negative electrode. A notch 51 having a shape corresponding to the step portion 42 of the storage recess 41 is formed in the head portion 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the pen device 3a is stored in the storage recess 41, the pen device 3a is stored in the storage recess 41 only when the notch 51 of the pen device 3a and the step 42 are fitted together. To be done. At this time, the electrodes 43 and 44 of the device body 2a and the electrode 4 of the pen device 3a
The electrodes having the same polarity as 9 and 50 come into contact with each other. That is, the electrode 42 is formed by the step 42 and the notch 51.
The connection of 3, 44; 49, 50 prevents the electrodes of opposite polarities from being connected.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the apparatus main body 2a of this embodiment. Device main body 2 of this embodiment
In addition to the configuration of the block diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a is provided with a power supply circuit 52, the output from the power supply circuit 52 is supplied to each component of the apparatus main body 2a, and an ameter 53 is used. Connected to the power sources 43 and 44. The charge completion lamp 48 is connected to the control device 23.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the pen device 3a. The electrical configuration of the pen device 3a is the same as the electrical configuration of the pen device 3 of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, but the internal power source 28 is selected as the chargeable / dischargeable internal power source 28a. The charging electrodes 49 and 50 are connected to.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the device body 2a for housing the pen device 3a in the housing recess 41 of the device body 2a.
The electrodes 43 and 44 are connected to the electrodes 49 and 50 of the pen device 3a, respectively, and the internal power supply 28a is charged.
At this time, the control device 23 calculates a temporal integrated value of the current value detected by the ammeter 53, and turns on the charging completion lamp 48 when the predetermined integrated value is reached. A switch may be provided between the power source 52 and the electrodes 43 and 44 to shut off the switch at the same time when the charging completion lamp 48 is turned on to prevent overcharging of the pen device 3a.

In this embodiment, the pen device 3a is connected to the device main body 2
When storing in the storage recess 41 of a, the electrodes 43, 44
The electrodes 49 and 50 are connected to each other with opposite polarities so that the storage recess 41 is provided with a step 42 and the pen device 3a is provided with the notch 51 so as not to short-circuit. As a result, a short circuit occurs due to incorrect connection of the electrodes, and the pen device 3a
It is possible to prevent the situation where the items are damaged. Further, as described above, the pressing plate 46 that presses the pen device 3a by the spring force of the spring 47 is provided in the storage recess 41. Therefore, in order to house the pen device 3a, the pen device 3a is housed in the housing recess 41 while pressing the pressing plate 46 upward in FIG. 10 by the contact end 7a of the pen device 3a.

At this time, the pen device 3a is pressed by the pressing plate 46 and fixed in the storage recess 41, and the storage recess 4 is pressed.
It is possible to prevent the problem of falling out of 1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the same effects as the effects described in the first embodiment can be achieved, and
The pen device 3a can be housed in the device body 2a, and the usability of the coordinate input device 1a is significantly improved. In addition, the pen device 3a is simply stored in the storage recess 41.
Is charged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the battery from running out during use of the pen devices 3 and 3a, and in this respect, the usability can be remarkably improved.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the coordinate input device includes the display device and the transparent coordinate input member. When the coordinate input member is pressed by the pressing end of the input operation device, a coordinate signal corresponding to the contact position coordinates is output from the coordinate input member. Here, a light receiving means is arranged in the vicinity of the display device, and when the input operation device presses the coordinate input member, the coordinate input member outputs a coordinate signal corresponding to a specific function. Next, when a predetermined light signal is generated from the light emitting means of the input operation device, the light receiving means receives the light signal, and the light receiving means outputs the execution signal of the specific function.

That is, the circuit configuration such as synchronizing the input operation device and the coordinate input member is not required, the configuration is simplified, and the input operation device is used to include the coordinate input member and the light receiving means. A signal can be input and usability is significantly improved.

Further, in the present invention, the accommodating recess provided with the charging electrode on the inner peripheral surface is formed in the coordinate input device main body provided with the display device and the coordinate input member, and the input operation device is accommodated therein. The input operation device has an internal power supply that can be charged and discharged and a charging electrode that is connected to the internal power supply, and the internal power supply is charged every time it is stored in the main body of the coordinate input device.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent an undesired voltage effect caused by the use of the input operation device and a problem such as a so-called dead battery that makes it impossible to emit light, and the usability is remarkably improved also in this respect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coordinate input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display input unit 5.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line X3-X3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the device body 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pen device 3.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an apparatus main body 2a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pen device 3a according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the coordinate input device 1a according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the device body 2a.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pen device 3a.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a Coordinate input device 2, 2a Device body 3, 3a Pen device 5 Display input unit 6 Light receiving element 7a Contact end 9 Switch 10 Light emitting element 13 Panel member 23 Control device 28, 28a Internal power supply 33-36 Operation area 40 ROM 41 Storage recess 42 Step 43, 44, 49, 50 Electrode 51 Notch

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A display device, a transparent coordinate input member arranged on the front surface side of the display device, which outputs a coordinate signal corresponding to a pressed position coordinate of the surface by pressing the surface, and a transparent coordinate input member arranged in the vicinity of the display device. When the coordinate input member outputs a coordinate signal corresponding to a specific function, a light receiving unit that outputs an execution signal of the specific function in response to the input of a predetermined optical signal, and the surface of the coordinate input member. A coordinate input device comprising: an input operation device having a pressing end that is pressed against and a light emitting unit that generates the predetermined optical signal. 2. A main body of a coordinate input device, comprising: a display device; and a transparent coordinate input member arranged on the front surface side of the display device, the transparent coordinate input member corresponding to a pressed position coordinate of the surface when pressed on the surface. A storage recess provided with a charging electrode is formed, a pressing end pressed against the surface of the coordinate input member, a light emitting means for generating the predetermined optical signal, a chargeable / dischargeable internal power supply, and an internal power supply. A coordinate input device comprising an input operation device having a charging electrode connected to the input device. 3. A coordinate input device, comprising: a display device; and a transparent coordinate input member which is arranged on the front side of the display device and outputs a coordinate signal corresponding to a pressed position coordinate of the surface by pressing the surface. An input operation device used in a coordinate input device, comprising: a pressing end that is pressed against the surface of the coordinate input member; and a light emitting unit that generates the predetermined optical signal.