JPH0612512A - Information input system and input tool used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the information input system and the input tool used for this system capable of inputting not only coordinate values but also the other information only with simple operations to a position detector. CONSTITUTION:At the head part of an enclosure 21 provided with conditions related to input information except coordinate values such as information showing the input of handwritten characters or graphics in a specified color, for example, namely in this case, provided with an external form and the specified color similar to the well known pen, an input tool 2 provided with a bar code 22 corresponding to the input information is mounted on a position detecting plane 1a of a position detector 1, the bar code 22 is read by bar code readers 5 and 6 arranged near the position detector 1 and further, this is converted to input information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input system using a position detecting device and an input device used for the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, various position detecting devices have been proposed which are capable of detecting coordinate values of a position pointed by a position pointing device (position pointing portion) operated on a predetermined position detecting surface (for example, the applicant. Japanese Patent Application No. 61-213970).

By the way, in a system in which the above-mentioned position detecting device is connected to a computer to execute various image processing, in addition to the coordinate value of the designated position, the processing content to be executed, for example, a figure (point, line, circle, etc.) It is necessary to enter information to specify deletion, movement, etc.

For this reason, conventionally, various menus indicating the processing contents are displayed on the screen of the display device, and a menu corresponding to the processing contents to be executed is selected from the menus by the position indicator via the position detecting device. Information is assigned to each key of the keyboard in advance, and one of the keys corresponding to the process content to be executed is operated, or the key is executed from the keyboard. By inputting the command corresponding to the desired processing content, the information designating the processing content to be executed is input.

[0005]

However, there has been a problem that the above-mentioned menu selection operation and the input of information by the keyboard operation make the computer conscious, and give the impression that the operation is particularly difficult for a beginner.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides an information input system which can input not only coordinate values but also other information to a computer or the like by a simple operation of a position detecting device, and an input device used therefor. The purpose is to do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a position detecting device for detecting coordinate values of a position pointed by a position pointing portion operated on a predetermined position detecting surface. A position detecting section for instructing the position detecting device of the position to be detected, an input device having an optically readable mark corresponding to input information other than coordinate values, and position detection of the position detecting device An information input system including an optical reading device which can scan the surface and has a scanning range and which can read the mark, and an information converting unit which converts a reading result of the mark by the optical reading device into corresponding input information, According to claim 2, a position indicating section for instructing a position to be detected to the position detecting device, a casing provided with a mode associated with input information other than coordinate values, and the input information corresponding to the case. 2. An information input system according to claim 1, further comprising an input device having a logically readable mark, and in claim 3, a position indicating section for indicating a position to be detected to a position detecting device, The information input system according to claim 1, further comprising an input device having an arbitrarily readable and optically readable mark corresponding to input information other than coordinate values, and in the position detecting device according to claim 4, On the other hand, a position designating part for designating a position to be detected, a case provided with an arbitrarily changeable mode associated with input information other than coordinate values, and an optical system that can be changed corresponding to the input information. 2. An information input system according to claim 1, further comprising an input device having an optically readable mark, and in claim 5, a bar code is used as the mark of the input device and an optical reading device. The information input system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 using a barcode reader, and in claim 6, a position indicator for instructing a position detecting device to the position to be detected, and a device other than coordinate values. 8. An input device having an arbitrarily changeable and optically readable mark corresponding to input information, and 7.
Then, a position indicating section for instructing a position to be detected to the position detecting device, a case provided with an arbitrarily changeable mode associated with input information other than the coordinate values, and a case corresponding to the input information. And an input device having an optically readable mark, and claim 8 proposes the input device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a bar code is used as the mark.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the input device is placed on the position detecting surface of the position detecting device, the mark of the input device is read by the optical reading device, and the read result is the information converting means. Are converted into input information other than the coordinate values and input to a computer or the like. Further, according to claim 2, when an input device having a case having a mode associated with information to be input is placed on the position detection surface of the position detection device, the input device is operated by the optical reading device. The mark that the user has is read, and the read result is converted into the information by the information conversion means and input to a computer or the like. Further, according to claim 3, it is possible to input arbitrary information other than the coordinate value using one input device. Further, according to claim 4, it is possible to input arbitrary information other than the coordinate values by using one input device that can immediately recognize the input information from the form of the housing. Further, according to claim 5, a lot of information other than the coordinate values can be input without error. According to claim 6, it is possible to provide an input device capable of inputting arbitrary information other than the coordinate value. Further, according to claim 7, it is possible to provide an input device capable of inputting any information other than the coordinate value and recognizing the information immediately from the form of the housing. According to claim 8, it is possible to provide an input device capable of inputting a large amount of information other than coordinate values.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the information input system of the present invention. Reference numerals 5 and 6 are bar code readers, 7 is a computer, and 8 is a display device.

The position detecting device 1 has a predetermined position detecting surface 1a.
The x and y coordinate values of the position designated by the position designating unit of the input instruments 2 to 4 which will be described later are detected and sent to the computer 7. In the figure, 1b
Indicates a range in which the position can be actually detected on the position detection surface 1a. This position detector and position indicator (position indicator)
As the above, the position detecting device and the position indicating portion (position indicating device) thereof according to the above-mentioned applicant's application are suitable, but any other device may be used.

The first input device 2 is for inputting information indicating that handwritten characters and figures are to be input with a specific color, for example, blue, together with coordinate values, and a mode associated with the input information, that is, FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a housing 2 having an outer shape similar to a known pen and a blue color (not shown in the drawing)
1 and a bar code 2 attached to the tip of the housing 21
2 and a position indicating section 23 housed in the housing 21. It should be noted that, in practice, as the first input device 2, a housing 21 provided with another color that can be input, for example, red or green.
Also, it is assumed that a plurality of input devices 2 each having a barcode 22 corresponding thereto are prepared.

The second input device 3 is for inputting a part of the image together with the coordinate values, for example, information for erasing a predetermined range around the designated position, and is associated with the input information. Mode, that is, as shown in FIG. 3, a housing 31 having an outer shape similar to that of a known eraser, a bar code 32 attached to the tip of the housing 31, and a position indicating portion housed in the housing 31. It consists of 33.

The third input device 4 is for inputting information indicating that the background color is set to a specific color, for example, green, together with the coordinate value, and the mode associated with the input information, that is, FIG. As shown, a housing 41 having the same outer shape and a green color (not shown in the drawing) as a well-known ink fountain, a bar code 42 attached to one side of the housing 41, and a housing 41.
The position indicator 43 is housed inside. Actually, as the third input device 4, a plurality of input devices 4 each having a housing 41 having another color that can be set, for example, red and blue, and a bar code 42 corresponding thereto are prepared. It is assumed that

It is assumed that the bar codes 22, 32, 42 are associated with the above-mentioned input information in advance. Further, as the position indicating portions 23, 33, 43, those corresponding to the position detecting device 1, for example, a tuning circuit in which a coil and a capacitor are connected in series is used.

The bar code readers 5 and 6 are well-known ones using a laser or an LED as a light source. As shown in FIG. 5, the scanning range of the reading beams 5a and 6a is the position detection range 1b of the position detection device 1. Each of them is arranged behind the position detecting device 1 so as to cover all of them. The reading beams 5a and 6a scan substantially parallel (1 to 2 cm) positions that are slightly apart from the position detection surface 1a of the position detection device 1 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of the flow of information in the computer 7. The x and y coordinate values by the position detecting device 1 are directly input to the image processing program 71 and processed, but by the bar code readers 5, 6. The reading result is converted into predetermined input information other than coordinate values by the information conversion program 72, and then input into the image processing program 71. The information conversion program 72 is a program for converting input information other than the coordinate values associated in advance for each of a large number of barcodes.

In the above configuration, for example, the input device 2 whose housing 21 has a blue color is connected to the position detecting device 1 as shown in FIG.
When placed on the position detection surface 1a of the bar code reader 5
(Or 6) emitted from the read beam 5a (or 6
a) crosses the barcode 22 and reads it. The reading result is sent to the computer 7 from the bar code reader 5 (or 6), converted into the corresponding information by the information conversion program 72, that is, the information indicating that handwritten characters or figures are to be input in blue, and the image processing program is executed. 71 is input. After that, the image processing program 71 creates image information representing blue handwritten characters and graphics based on the x and y coordinate values input from the position detection device 1, and sends this to the display device 8 for display.

When the input device 3 is placed on the position detecting surface 1a, the bar code 32 is similarly read by the bar code reader 5 (or 6), and the result is read by the computer 7.
And is converted into corresponding information by the information conversion program 72, that is, information for erasing a predetermined range centered on the designated position and input to the image processing program 71. After that, the image processing program 71 creates image information in which a predetermined range is erased based on the x and y coordinate values input from the position detection device 1, and sends this to the display device 8 for display.

Furthermore, when the input device 4 whose housing 41 has a green color is placed on the position detection surface 1a, the bar code 42 is similarly read by the bar code reader 5 (or 6), and the result is displayed. The image processing program 7 is sent to the computer 7 and is converted by the information conversion program 72 into corresponding information, that is, information for setting the background color to green.
Input to 1. Thereafter, the image processing program 71 creates image information with a green background color, and sends it to the display device 8 for display.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, only the input device associated with the information to be input is placed on the position detecting surface 1a of the position detecting device 1, and the information is stored without any other operation. Can be input, and the image processing can be executed by operating the mounted input device as it is.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the input device. In the figure, 91 is a housing, 92 is an information drum, 93 is a dial, 94 is a position indicating section, and 95 is an index device. Case 9
Reference numeral 1 has a shape similar to that of a known cursor, and display windows 91a and 91b are provided on the upper surface and one side surface thereof.
The information drum 92 has a plurality of input information (in the drawing, “delete”,
"Correction" etc.) 92a and bar codes 92b corresponding to these are provided on the surface of a cylindrical drum body 92c. The information drum 92 has its input information 92a.
Is rotatably housed in the housing 91 so that the display window 91a faces the display window 91a and the bar code 92b faces the display window 91b.
b are provided so that those displayed at the same time in the display windows 91a and 91b have a corresponding relationship. The dial 93 is for rotating the information drum 92 from the outside of the housing 21. The position indicating portion 94 is a tuning circuit having a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, a hollow coil and a capacitor connected in series to the hollow coil, and is housed in the housing 91 such that its axis is orthogonal to the bottom surface. The index unit 95 is made of transparent plastic or the like having a “+” index 95a indicating the position indicated by the position indicating unit 94 provided on the bottom surface, and is attached inside the position indicating unit 94 through the housing 91. .

When the information 92a to be input by operating the dial 93 is displayed on the display window 91a in the input device, the bar code 92b corresponding to the information is displayed on the display window 91b. When this is placed on the position detecting surface 1a of the position detecting device 1 described above, the bar code 92b is read by the bar code reader 5 (or 6) and further converted into corresponding information by the computer 7. Therefore, the input information can be clearly displayed and various information can be input according to the operation of the dial 93 with one input device.

The input information is not limited to the commands related to the image processing described above, but may be used as the operator identification information or a part thereof.

[0024]

As described above, according to claim 1 of the present invention, the information other than the coordinate values can be input only by placing the input device on the position detection surface of the position detection device, and the menu as in the conventional case can be input. It is possible to input information extremely easily and accurately without having to select or operate the keyboard.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an input device having a housing having a mode associated with information to be input is selected and placed on the position detection surface of the position detection device. You can enter information other than the coordinate values by simply doing.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to input arbitrary information other than the coordinate value using one input device.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to input arbitrary information other than the coordinate value by using one input device that can immediately recognize the input information from the form of the housing.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a lot of information other than the coordinate values can be input without error.

According to claim 6 of the present invention, it is possible to provide an input device capable of inputting arbitrary information other than coordinate values.

According to claim 7 of the present invention, it is possible to provide an input device capable of inputting any information other than the coordinate value and recognizing the information immediately from the form of the housing.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an input device capable of inputting a large amount of information other than coordinate values.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing details of a first input device in FIG. 1 and a bar code reading state thereof.

3 is a configuration diagram showing details of a second input device in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing details of a third input device in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a scanning range by a barcode reader.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of information flow in a computer.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Position detecting device, 2, 3, 4 ... Input device, 5, 6 ... Bar code reader, 7 ... Computer, 8 ... Display device, 1
a: position detection surface 21, 31, 41, 91 ... housing, 2
2, 32, 42, 92b ... Bar code, 23, 33, 4
3, 94 ... Position indicator.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A position detecting device for detecting a coordinate value of a position pointed by a position pointing part operated on a predetermined position detecting surface, and a position pointing part for pointing the position detecting device with the position to be detected. An input device having an optically readable mark corresponding to input information other than the coordinate value, and an optical reading device having a position detection surface of the position detection device as a scanning range and capable of reading the mark, An information input system, comprising: information conversion means for converting the reading result of the mark by the optical reading device into corresponding input information. 2. A position indicator for instructing a position to be detected to a position detecting device, a housing having a mode associated with input information other than coordinate values, and an optical device corresponding to the input information. The information input system according to claim 1, further comprising an input device having a readable mark. 3. An input having a position indicating section for instructing a position to be detected to a position detecting device and an arbitrarily readable and optically readable mark corresponding to input information other than coordinate values. The information input system according to claim 1, further comprising a device. 4. A position indicating section for instructing a position to be detected to a position detecting device, a case having an arbitrarily changeable mode associated with input information other than coordinate values, and the input information. 2. The information input system according to claim 1, further comprising an input device having an optically readable mark that can be changed according to the above. 5. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein a bar code is used as a mark of the input device, and a bar code reader is used as an optical reading device. 6. A position indicating section for indicating a position to be detected to a position detecting device, and an arbitrarily readable and optically readable mark corresponding to input information other than coordinate values. Input device characterized by. 7. A position indicating section for instructing a position to be detected to a position detecting device, a casing provided with an arbitrarily changeable mode associated with input information other than coordinate values, and the input information. And an optically readable mark that can be changed according to the above. 8. The input device according to claim 6, wherein a bar code is used as the mark.