JPH06203195A - Stylus pen and information recorded image reader suitable to stylus pen - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a stylus pen which can improve the data processing efficiency, the practicability, and the operability with no need required for discrimination between the stylus pen and an information recorded image reader by adding an information recorded image reading function to the stylus pen of a coordinate input device like a pen input computer, etc. CONSTITUTION:A stylus pen 1 is provided on a pen input computer, etc., and inputs the coordinates to the coordinate input surface of a coordinate detector to supply the information. Then an information recorded image reader is added. This image reader contains an optical constitution consisting of a light emitting device 2, a light beam leading device, and a light receiving device 3. Thus the light beam emitted from the device 2 is led to a point near the tip of the pen 1 for execution of input of the coordinates and irradiates an information recorded image 6 set at a point near the pen tip as the irradiation light 4. Thus the irregular reflected light 5 is caused and led to a light beam leading device and then made incident on the device 3. The working position where the information is read by the information recorded image reader is substantially common to the working position where the coordinates are supplied by a coordinate input device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stylus pen and an information recording image reading device suitable for the stylus pen, and more particularly to a coordinate information input device in combination with a coordinate detecting device in an information processing device such as a pen input computer. And a stylus pen having an input function as an information recording image reader, and an information recording image reading device having a configuration suitable for being incorporated in such a stylus pen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a pen input computer capable of handwriting input using a stylus pen. Such a pen input computer is made portable by downsizing, and for example, a delivery person such as a courier can try to use the computer in his left hand and the stylus in his right hand for input. . The stylus pen is based on a combination with a coordinate detection device provided in the computer body, specifically, based on an input operation of handwriting on the coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device, a coordinate information input device (or handwritten character) (or Function as a coordinate input device). The coordinate detection device is usually called a digitizer tablet. In principle, various types can be applied to the coordinate detection method used in the combination of the coordinate detection device and the stylus pen. An electromagnetic induction method can be given as a typical coordinate detection method.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the internal structure of the electromagnetic induction type stylus pen, and the structure of the electromagnetic induction type stylus pen will be outlined with reference to this drawing. The electromagnetic induction type stylus pen 90 includes an electromagnetic induction coil 9 in a tip portion of a pen housing 91.
2 is provided. The electromagnetic induction coil 92 is means for generating a magnetic field for specifying the position pointed by the stylus pen 90 on the coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device. The electromagnetic induction coil 92 has a ferrite core 93 in its inner space,
The coil 92 is wound around the ferrite core 93. The internal space of the shaft portion of the ferrite core 93 is formed as a hole,
A core body 94 is arranged in this hole in an inserted state. Core body 94
Moves forward or backward in the axial direction in the inserted state. The core body 94 has a function of transmitting the writing pressure to the writing pressure detection device 95 when the tip portion thereof protrudes from the tip end portion of the pen and the tip end of the stylus pen 90 contacts the coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device. Have. Therefore, the core 94 functions as a writing pressure transmission means. The writing pressure detection device 95 detects the transmitted writing pressure and sends the detection signal to the circuit unit 96. The circuit section 96 is
It has a circuit configuration that includes a resonance circuit that uses the electromagnetic induction coil 92 as an inductance element and that changes the resonance frequency when a detection signal is received from the writing pressure detection device 95.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Usually, in courier service, etc.
A slip with a bar code printed on the parcel contributes to the efficiency of logistics. However, in the above-mentioned use of the pen input computer in the courier service, if the conventional stylus pen is used, the information recorded image such as the bar code cannot be read, so that the utilization thereof is halved. In addition to the stylus pen, there may be a configuration in which the pen input computer is equipped with a conventional bar code reader (an information recording image reader as a general concept) as a separate device having no relation to the stylus pen. Providing the two input means separately requires the delivery person to carry them, for example, in the right hand, if necessary.
It is inconvenient, reduces the data input efficiency, and becomes less practical. In particular, such a usage situation is not practical for a delivery person who is forced to stand.

The above-mentioned problems are also related to the input of the visual inspection result in the factory, the input / output management of the retail store, and the like in the input device used in the pen input computer and other similar information processing devices. Occurs.

As a prior art document, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-24281.
There is an information input device disclosed in No. 7. This information input device proposes a method for inputting handwritten characters with high accuracy, and as one configuration example thereof, an information input device in which a bar code reading means is attached to the main body is disclosed. According to this information input device, the sensor unit of the well-known conventional bar code reader is provided to the main body unit having the characteristic portion as the coordinate information input device of the relative coordinate format using the acceleration proposed by this prior art document. It's just an annex. Therefore, the function as a coordinate information input device and the function as a bar code reader can be realized, but there is no special structural relationship between the two and they are simply combined and used, so that practicality and operability are important. Is not enough.

As a related technique, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-762.
No. 2 exists. This document discloses an optical mouse that also serves as a barcode reader.

It is an object of the present invention to effectively use at least one of the internal structure and the external structure of a stylus pen used as a coordinate input device in an information processing device such as a pen input computer so that an information recorded image can be recorded. Assembling an optical device for reading information and further increasing the data processing efficiency as a stylus pen by adding the function as an information recording image reader, both the coordinate input device and the information recording image reader,
It is to provide a stylus pen with improved practicality and operability by enabling the user to use the same without making any distinction in consideration of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to attach a function as an information recording image reader to a stylus pen used in an information processing device such as a pen input computer.
Without reducing the operability as a stylus pen,
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information recording image reading device having an optimum configuration capable of exhibiting high reading accuracy in reading an information recording image even if there is a structure portion related to the coordinate input device.

[0010]

The stylus pen according to the present invention is constructed as follows. It is provided in an information processing device having a pen input method, operates as a coordinate input device based on a combination with a coordinate detection device, and gives information to the information processing device by performing coordinate input operation on a coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device. It is a stylus pen and further includes an optical device for reading information recorded images, that is, a bar code reader. The optical device for reading this information recorded image is
A light emitting device that emits irradiation light, and a light receiving device that receives reflected light,
The irradiation light emitted from the light-emitting device includes a light beam guide device that guides at least one of the irradiation light and the reflected light, and an information recording image positioned near the tip of the pen for performing coordinate input operation is displayed. It is configured such that the illuminated light and the resulting reflected light is incident on the light receiving device. In particular, the operating position for reading the information recorded image by the optical device and the operating position for performing the coordinate input operation by the coordinate input device are substantially common, that is, the same.

In the above structure, it is possible to preferably provide a selection operation means for selecting one of use as a coordinate input device and use as an optical device for reading an information recording image. In the above configuration, preferably, the light emitting device is arranged outside the pen, the light receiving device is arranged inside the pen, and the light beam guiding device is arranged inside the pen by utilizing the space existing in the pen shaft portion. In the above configuration, preferably, the light emitting device is arranged inside the pen, the light receiving device is arranged outside the pen, and the light beam guiding device is arranged inside the pen by utilizing the space existing in the pen shaft portion. In the above configuration, preferably, the light emitting device and the light receiving device are both arranged inside the pen, and the light beam guiding device is arranged inside the pen by utilizing the space existing in the pen shaft portion. It includes a splitter and is commonly used as a light beam guiding path for guiding irradiation light and reflected light. In each of the above configurations, preferably, the coordinate detection device is an electromagnetic induction type, an electromagnetic induction coil is provided in the pen tip portion, and the space formed in the pen shaft portion is formed inside the electromagnetic induction coil. Including space. In the above configuration, preferably, the light beam guiding device includes a lens having a relatively small diameter arranged in a space formed inside the electromagnetic induction coil and a pinhole plate arranged in front of the light receiving surface of the light receiving device. including. In the above configuration, preferably, the light beam guiding device and the light receiving device are integrally formed as a reflected light detection module, and the reflected light detection module also has a function as a writing pressure transmission core. In the above configuration, preferably, the light emitting device and the light beam guiding device are integrally formed as an irradiation light generation module, and the irradiation light generation module also has a function as a writing pressure transmission core. In the above configuration, preferably, the light emitting device, the light receiving device, and the light beam guiding device are integrally formed as an information reading module, and the information reading module also has a function as a writing pressure transmission core. In the above configuration, preferably, an optical device including a light emitting device, a light beam guiding device, and a light receiving device is arranged outside the pen, and irradiation light emitted from the light emitting device is applied to a position on the axial extension of the tip of the pen. It In the above configuration, preferably, the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting device is diffusely reflected by the writing surface of the information recording image writing body located on the axial line extension of the pen tip portion, and the diffused reflection light is guided by the light beam guiding device. The light is incident on the light receiving device. In the above configuration, preferably, the optical device as a unit is detachably attached to the outer peripheral portion of the pen tip. In the above-mentioned configuration, preferably, the light emitting device and the light receiving device are arranged at a position apart from the pen body, and the light beam guiding device is formed by an optical fiber that passes both irradiation light and reflected light. The lens part attached to the tip is detachably provided on the outer peripheral part of the pen tip.

An information recording image reading device according to the present invention is constructed as follows. A pen input type information processing apparatus that operates as a coordinate input device based on a combination with a coordinate detection device and includes a stylus pen for giving information to a central processing unit by performing coordinate input operation on a coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device. An information recording image reading device added to the stylus pen, the stylus pen is provided with an optical device including at least a light emitting device and a light receiving device, and an oscillating device that gives a light emitting drive signal to the light emitting device, A main body device including at least a demodulation device, a decoder and a power source is provided, and a cord is connected between the stylus pen and the main body device. In the above configuration, preferably, the main body device is connected to a central processing unit of the pen-input type information processing device, and the central processing unit processes the read image information.

[0013]

According to the present invention, in an information processing device such as a pen input computer, the function of an information recording image reader is added to a stylus pen which operates as a coordinate input device in combination with, for example, a coordinate detection device of an absolute coordinate system. Hits the,
When the stylus pen is used as a coordinate input device by making the working position for coordinate input and the working position for reading the information recording image substantially common (same), and the information recording image reading In any case of being used as an input device for, the two can be used without distinction from the user's consciousness.

In order to realize such a configuration, the light emitting device, the light receiving device, and the light beam guiding device in the optical device of the information recording image reading device are arranged at at least one of the outside and inside of the stylus pen. Make good use of the structure to set. In this arrangement, the irradiation position of the light beam emitted from the light emitting device basically exists on the extension of the axis of the pen tip and is set to a predetermined distance from the pen tip. This predetermined distance is set so as to substantially match the distance that the stylus pen acts when operating as a coordinate input device.

With the above structure, the stylus pen is held in an operable state as the coordinate input device and the information recording image reader, and the stylus pen is operated by a predetermined operation on the coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device, for example. If it is performed, it can be operated as a coordinate input device. On the other hand, if it is applied to a barcode or the like and read, it can be operated as an information recording image reader. That is, it is not necessary to specially provide selection operation means for selecting either the coordinate input device or the information recording image reader, and the coordinate input device and the information recording device can be used by using them under substantially the same use condition. It can be used for both image readers.

Further, by providing a selection operation means, the user can select which one to use.

Further, the optical device including the light emitting device, the light receiving device, and the light beam guiding device is appropriately combined and modularized as necessary for the purpose of enhancing the assembling property to the stylus pen.

As an information recording image reading apparatus, a driving signal having an arbitrary frequency is applied from the oscillating device to the light emitting device so that the light beam emitted from the light emitting device includes an AC element. On the side of the main device that performs processing, it is possible to eliminate ambient light and intrusion noise and accurately capture only signal light.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In each of the following embodiments relating to the structure of the stylus pen, the stylus pen in which the optical device for reading the information recording image in the information recording image reading device is incorporated is classified based on various built-in structures of the optical device. I am explaining the stylus pen. Here, "information recording image reading device" means the entire system,
By "optical device" is meant an information recording image reader commonly referred to as a bar code reader. An example of the basic structure of the stylus pen has already been described with reference to FIG. 13, and will not be described in detail here.

A preferred first structural example of the stylus pen to which the present invention is applied is a structure in which a required space exists near the tip shaft portion of the pen housing. This is because this space is used to form the light beam guide path. A further preferable second structural example is a case where such a required space cannot be obtained and a core body or a member similar thereto is present at the location for transmitting the writing pressure. In this case, the core body or the like is used as a light beam guide path and modularized, and the optical member of the information recording image reading device is compactly incorporated into the stylus pen by using this module member. . According to this structure, the optical device of the information recording image reading device can be incorporated by using a part of the stylus pen as the coordinate input device.

Regarding a stylus pen, there is a stylus pen that realizes the functions of coordinate detection and information input based on an optical configuration like a light pen. However, for the optical configuration and reading of an information recorded image according to the present invention. In principle, it is considered different from the optical device. However, it is also possible to make some arrangements so that they can be shared.

The stylus pen according to the present invention is used in combination with a coordinate detecting device in a pen input computer or an information processing device similar thereto.
It is used as a coordinate input device for inputting various coordinate information. Here, the similar information processing device is substantially the same as a pen input computer, is lightweight, and is a computer capable of inputting various information while the user stands, for example, information management / processing. It is a terminal device or the like.
Further, the reader of the information recording image reading device, that is, the optical device is generally representatively called a bar code reader, and is therefore referred to as a bar code reader for convenience in the following description.

A typical bar code reader has, as basic optical components, at least a light emitting device that emits a light beam, a light receiving device that receives the light beam as diffusely reflected light from a bar code, and a light emitting device. It includes a light beam guide device that guides the light beam in all or part of the light beam traveling path to the light receiving device. An LD (laser diode) is preferably used for the light emitting device, and other light emitting elements such as LEDs are used. A light receiving element such as a photodiode is used for the light receiving device. The light beam guiding device includes at least a light beam guiding path and, if necessary, a lens, a pinhole plate, a beam splitter, and the like, and its form and structure can be arbitrarily formed as needed. More specifically, the light emitting device can also be configured by arranging a plurality of small light emitting elements. Further, in recent years, since two-dimensional codes and the like exist in addition to one-dimensional bar codes in the light receiving device, commercially available light receiving elements corresponding to each of these codes are used.

With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of an optical device incorporated in the stylus pen and the system configuration of the information recording image reading device will be described.

Reference numeral 1 is a stylus pen. When the stylus pen 1 is an electromagnetic induction type, the stylus pen 1 includes an electromagnetic induction coil or the like as an original coordinate information input device, but in FIG. 1, those are omitted for convenience of description. The stylus pen system as the coordinate information input device is preferably an electromagnetic induction system, but is not limited to this. The stylus pen 1 includes at least an optical device as a bar code reader and, if necessary, an electrical configuration associated with the optical device. The optical device that functions as a barcode reader includes, for example, the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3. The light beam emitted from the light emitting device 2 is given as the irradiation light 4 to the barcode 6a displayed on the barcode notation body 6, and the reflected light 5 is incident on the light receiving device 3. The reflected light 5 is modulated by the barcode 6a. Based on this modulation, the display content of the barcode 6a can be read. In order to guide the irradiation light 4 and the reflected light 5 to a predetermined place, it is necessary to provide a light beam guide path as needed. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the light beam guide device is provided at a corresponding position of at least one of the two optical paths of the irradiation light 4 and the reflected light 5. Since various configurations of the light beam guide device can be considered concretely, they are not particularly shown in FIG. 1, and some examples will be specifically described in Examples described later.

As for the electrical structure inside the stylus pen 1, in the structure in which the stylus pen 1 is provided with the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3, an oscillation device 7 for giving an oscillation drive signal to the light emitting device 2 and an external power source are provided. A synthesizing circuit 8 for separating and transmitting the electric power supplied from the light receiving device 3 and the detection signal sent from the light receiving device 3 to the external circuit is included. In the present embodiment, the power source is included in the main body device that is arranged at a position other than the stylus pen 1. The oscillating device 7 supplied with the driving power generates a signal having a predetermined frequency and supplies the signal to the light emitting device 2 as a driving signal. Since the light emitting device 2 performs a light emitting operation based on an AC signal including a predetermined oscillation frequency, the light beam output from the light emitting device 2 is a light beam vibrating at a specific frequency. Barcode 6a
Then, the reflected light 5 which is amplitude-modulated based on the displayed image
Is incident on the light receiving device 3. As described above, the light emitting device 2
The reason why the light beam output from the device is vibrated at a predetermined frequency is to separate the ambient light and the original signal light and to eliminate the intrusion noise. The oscillation frequency in the oscillation device 7 is appropriately set so that such an object can be achieved. Therefore, although not shown in FIG. 1, it is desirable to dispose a bandpass filter that passes a signal having the same frequency as the oscillation frequency in the preceding stage of the demodulation device 12. More preferably, an optical filter (not shown) that passes only the wavelength of the light beam is provided in front of the light receiving surface of the light receiving device 3.
To place.

The synthesis circuit 8 is composed of a resistor and a capacitor. The synthesizing circuit 8 supplies electric power supplied from the power source of the main body device to each element in the stylus pen through a resistor, and a bar code read signal obtained based on the reflected light 5, that is, the modulated light, is received by the light receiving device 3. From the capacitor. The synthesizing circuit 8 sends the bar code reading signal given from the light receiving device 3 to the main body device side located outside the stylus pen 1 and further to the central processing unit, that is, the pen input computer side. Electric power required for the operations of the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3 is provided to each of them from the combining circuit 8.

The configuration shown in FIG. 1 gives the impression that the optical device as a bar code reader and its associated electrical configuration are built into the stylus pen 1 (inside the block). However, this does not mean that the stylus pen 1 is equipped with an optical device or an electrical structure at least inside or outside thereof.

Reference numeral 9 is a synthesis circuit 8 in the stylus pen 1.
And a main body device including a power supply, a demodulation circuit, and the like. For the cord 9, for example, a two-wire cord that is as light and thin as possible is used. According to this code 9, for example, a current of several tens of milliamperes can be passed. Note that the stylus pen of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a wired configuration including the cord 9 as a power supply line and a signal line. Based on such a configuration, the internal structure of the stylus pen 1 can be simplified, the entire stylus pen 1 can be made thin, and the weight can be reduced. Also wireless,
Needless to say, a cordless structure can be obtained by making a structural change using ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or the like.

The configuration of the main body device provided outside the stylus pen 1 will be described. The main body device includes at least a separation circuit 10, a power supply 11, a demodulation device 12, and a decoder 13.
The separation circuit 10 consists of a resistor and a capacitor, and a power supply 1
The power is supplied from 1 and the bar code read signal is supplied from the combining circuit 8. Electric power from the power supply 11 is supplied to the stylus pen 1 side through a resistor. The bar code read signal is sent to the demodulation circuit 12 via the capacitor.
Sent to. The demodulation circuit 12 demodulates the bar code read signal and extracts the information code. The extracted information code is decoded (decoded) by the decoder 13. The data obtained by the decoder 13 is the interface 14
Through central processing unit or pen input computer 1
Input to 5. The central processing unit 15 performs required processing based on the input data. The central processing unit 15
Alternatively, a central processing unit dedicated to the information recording image reading device may be provided.

The combining circuit 8 and the separating circuit 10 are configured to separate the power and the bar code reading signal by using a resistor and a capacitor. This is possible because the bar code read signal is treated as an AC signal having a frequency determined by the oscillator 7.

In the configuration of FIG. 1, the stylus pen 1 is
In essence, it can operate as a well-known coordinate input device. On the other hand, when the stylus pen 1 is operated as a barcode reader based on the configuration of the illustrated optical device, the barcode 6 is generated by the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3.
In the case of the present invention, the operation state required for this reading is substantially the same as the operation state of the coordinate input device. The specific structure of the stylus pen 1 for satisfying this condition will be described below.

Next, a specific configuration example of the optical device incorporated in the stylus pen 1 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the front half of the stylus pen 1. In FIG. 2, 21 is a pen housing that forms the external appearance of the stylus pen 1, 22 is a ferrite core, and 23 is an electromagnetic induction coil wound around the ferrite core 22. A hole 24 is formed at the tip of the pen, and this hole 24 communicates with the shaft hole 22a of the ferrite core 22. With this structure, a space is formed along the axis of the pen shaft. The internal space of the electromagnetic induction coil 23 is a shaft hole 22 a of the ferrite core 22.
Such a structure is a structure already known as an electromagnetic induction type stylus pen. The light emitting device 2 of the bar code reader is
It is fixed to the outer tip of the pen housing 21. The light beam emitted from the light emitting device 2 is irradiated as the irradiation light 4 on the bar code writing body 6 located at the tip of the stylus pen 1. A part of the light beam diffusedly reflected by the barcode notation 6 enters the stylus pen through the hole 24 formed at the tip of the stylus pen 1 as the reflected light 5. The light receiving device 3 is arranged at an appropriate position inside the stylus pen 1. The light receiving surface of the light receiving device 3 is located on the pen shaft portion, and the light beam guiding device is arranged in front of the light receiving surface on which the reflected light 5 enters. In this embodiment, the light beam guiding device is
It includes a lens 25 arranged in the shaft hole 22a of the ferrite core 22 and a pinhole plate 26 arranged immediately in front of the light receiving surface of the light receiving device 3. Axial hole 22a of the ferrite core 22
A small lens having a relatively small diameter is used as the lens 25 arranged at. Reflected light 5 input to the light receiving device 3
Is converted into an electric signal of a predetermined frequency including the information of the bar code, and this electric signal is composed circuit 8 (not shown in FIG. 2).
Sent to. The inner diameter of the shaft hole 22a of the ferrite core 22 is, for example, 2 to 5 mm.

In the stylus pen 90 (shown in FIG. 13) described in the section of the prior art, the shaft 94 at the tip of the pen is provided with the core 94 as a pen pressure transmitting means. 1 does not assume such a configuration. In the stylus pen 1, the coordinate position is detected by the interaction between the coordinate detecting device (not shown) and the electromagnetic induction coil 23. Regarding writing pressure detection, that is, pen-down or pen-off, for example, a user turns on / off a well-known side switch (not shown), or by providing writing pressure detection means on the tablet (coordinate detection device) side. , Or by embedding a pressure-sensitive element in the pen tip, or by utilizing the intensity of light received by the light receiving device 3, and the like. Therefore, the target to which the structure of the stylus pen 1 can be applied is one in which a required space is secured at least in the shaft portion of the pen tip portion.

When the stylus pen 1 is used as a coordinate input device, as described above, several operating modes are conceivable in detecting the pen pressure. In each operation mode, in the working relationship between the stylus pen 1 and the coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device (not shown), the working position of the stylus pen 1 with respect to the coordinate input surface (for example, the distance between the pen tip and the coordinate input surface, etc.). ) Is defined. On the other hand, when the stylus pen 1 is used as a barcode reader, the operating position for reading the barcode is set to be substantially the same (common) as the operating position of the stylus pen 1 on the coordinate input surface. In other words, the working positional relationship of the light emitting device 2, the bar code writing body 6, the light beam guiding device, and the light receiving device 3 is substantially the same as the working positional relationship as the coordinate input device. Thus, the operation state for reading the barcode and the operation state for inputting the coordinate information are substantially the same. Note that the coincidence between the two action positions is not strictly required. For example, when the light intensity of the light emitting device 2 is increased, the barcode can be read at a farther position, so that the matching of the operating positions can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. .

When the stylus pen 1 is used as a bar code reader in the coordinate input device in which the pen tip of the stylus pen 1 is brought into contact with the coordinate input surface, the pen tip is attached to the bar code notation 6. Need to make contact. Therefore, in this case, it is desirable to provide a transparent portion at the tip of the pen so that the irradiation light 4 from the light emitting device 2 is sufficiently irradiated on the bar code writing body 6.

In the above structure, the light emitting device 2 is further provided.
Since it is attached to the outside, it is possible to provide a structure for arbitrarily selecting the irradiation direction of the light beam emitted therefrom, which is a great advantage in terms of operability.
Further, since the irradiation position can be adjusted, there is an advantage that the working position can be arbitrarily adjusted as needed. Further, it is preferable that the irradiation light from the light emitting device 2 can be tilted with respect to the writing surface of the bar code writing body 6 in a state where the axis of the stylus pen 1 is perpendicular to the writing surface. Note that the illustration of the means for supplying electric power to the light emitting device 2 for light emission is omitted. The above-mentioned oscillation device 7 is arranged at an appropriate position inside the stylus pen 1.

The stylus pen shown in FIG. 3 is a modification of the stylus pen 1 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the light receiving device 3 is provided outside the pen housing 21, and the light emitting device 2 is arranged on the shaft portion inside the pen. The light beam guiding device includes at least a lens 27 arranged immediately in front of the light receiving surface of the light emitting device 2. The lens 27 is a ferrite core 22.
The lens having a relatively large diameter can be used since the lens is arranged outside the lens. Other configurations and operations related to this configuration are the same as those of the stylus pen described in FIG. In FIG. 3, elements that are substantially the same as the elements described in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 4 shows a further modification of the stylus pen. In this embodiment, the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3
Is arranged inside the stylus pen 1 so that the light guide path formed by the light beam guide device is shared by the irradiation light 4 and the reflected light 5. The light emitting device 2 is arranged on the pen shaft portion, and the light receiving device 3 is arranged near the inner surface of the pen housing 21. The light beam guiding device includes a ferrite core 22.
And a pinhole plate 26 arranged immediately in front of the light receiving surface of the light receiving device 3.
And at least a beam splitter 28 for separating the irradiation light from the light emitting device 2 and the reflected light to the light receiving device 3 and advancing them to a predetermined position. As the beam splitter 28,
For example, a half mirror or a dichroic mirror is used.

According to the configuration of the stylus pen 1 shown in FIG. 4, the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3 are included inside, and the external shape is generally simple and easy to use.
Further, since the irradiation light 4 passing through the pen axis is emitted from the tip of the pen, when the stylus pen 1 stands upright with respect to the writing surface of the bar code writing body 6 and is scanned, specular reflection light enters the light receiving device 3. There is a risk. Therefore, in this case, it is desirable that the stylus pen 1 is used while being inclined with respect to the surface of the barcode notation body 6.

Any of the stylus pens 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 has a structure as a coordinate input device and a structure as a bar code reader. When the stylus pen 1 is used as a coordinate input device or a bar code reader, as described above, the operating position when inputting information as the coordinate input device and the operating position when reading information as a bar code reader are substantially the same. Since they are the same, they can be basically used in the same usage state without distinction. That is, the position where the irradiation light 4 is emitted from the light emitting device 2 and the bar code is read (the operating position when reading information as a bar code reader) is on the external extension line of the axis of the electromagnetic induction coil 23, that is, at the tip of the pen. It is arranged on the axis extension and is configured to be substantially the same as the position where the input surface of the coordinate detection device exists during the input operation (the operating position when inputting information as the coordinate input device). Therefore, there is no need to distinguish in operation.

In the above use, the stylus pen 1
It is not necessary to provide a switch for specifically switching whether to use as a coordinate input device or a barcode reader. The stylus pen is held in an operable state as a coordinate input device and an information recording image reader, and the stylus pen operates as a coordinate input device if a predetermined operation is performed on the coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device, for example. Can, on the other hand,
If it is applied to a barcode or the like and read, it can be operated as an information recording image reader. Therefore, for example, when a bar code is written on the input surface of the coordinate input device, both the input operation of the coordinate input device and the reading operation of the barcode reader can be executed at the same time. If necessary, for example, in order to prioritize the judgment of the user himself or to use it by a single function, a general changeover switch (not shown) is provided at an appropriate position of the stylus pen 1, and the information input device and It can also be configured to select one of the bar code readers.

The basic structure and operation described above are similarly provided in the stylus pen 1 of another embodiment described below.

Next, another embodiment of the stylus pen 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the elements substantially the same as the elements described in the above embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 5, this embodiment shows a light emitting device 2.
Is attached to the protrusion 41 at the outer tip of the pen housing 21. The irradiation light 4 from the light emitting device 2 is applied to the barcode notation body 6. Reference numeral 22 is a ferrite core arranged at the tip of the pen, and 23 is an electromagnetic induction coil wound around the ferrite core 22. 42 is a reflected light detection module. The reflected light detection module 42 has a rod-shaped light beam guide member 43, the lens 25 and the pinhole plate 26 are provided inside the light beam guide member 43, and
The light receiving device 3 is integrally provided at the rear end portion. The light beam guiding member 43 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material or glass material having a required strength, or a brass pipe having a transparent member at its tip. A protrusion 44 is further formed on the rear side of the light receiving device 3. Further, a transparent cover member 45 is provided at the tip of the light beam guide member 43. The cover member 45 reduces the reflection loss of the reflected light 5,
It has a function of effectively guiding the reflected light 5 into the beam guiding member 43. For the cover member 45, for example, acetate resin or polycarbonate is used. A writing pressure detection device 46 is installed at a position behind the reflected light detection module 42. The writing pressure detection device 46 includes a reflected light detection module 42.
When the retreat operation is performed, the pen pressure is received by the pressing force of the protrusion 44.

Reflected light detection module 4 having the above structure
In No. 2, the light beam guide member 43 is placed in the pen tip portion while being inserted into the shaft hole 22a of the ferrite core 22. The reflected light detection module 42 is normally pressed by an elastic member (not shown) toward the front side. When the stylus pen 1 is brought close to the detection target and the reflected light detection module 42 comes into contact with the detection target, the stylus pen 1 is moved backward, and the writing pressure detection device 46 detects a predetermined writing pressure. Therefore, the reflected light detection module 42 operates as a core body which is a writing pressure transmission means. At the same time, the reflected light detection module 42 has a function as a light beam guiding device therein. Therefore,
When the irradiation light 4 emitted from the light emitting device 2 is reflected by the barcode notation body 6, a part of the reflected light 5 is reflected by the light beam guide member 4.
3 and the light is detected by the light receiving device 3 after passing through the lens 25 and the pinhole plate 26. According to the above configuration, in the small-sized stylus pen 1, the device in which the core body which is the writing pressure transmission means and the reflected light detection device are combined can be modularized to be small and compact.

FIG. 6 shows a modification of the stylus pen 1 shown in FIG. 3, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. In this embodiment, instead of the reflected light detection module 42,
An irradiation light generation module 47 including the light emitting device 2 and the light beam guide member 43 is formed. In this irradiation light generation module 47, a thickened portion 43a of the rear portion of the light beam guide member 43 is formed, a lens 27 having a large diameter is arranged in this portion 43a, and the light emitting device 2 is arranged in the rear portion 43a. ing. Further, the light receiving device 3 is attached to the protrusion 41 at the outer tip of the pen housing 21. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

In the stylus pen 1 shown in FIG. 7, the light emitting device 2, the light receiving device 3 and the light beam guiding device are integrated in the configuration of the stylus pen 1 described in FIG.
The information reading module 48 is incorporated in the pen. This information reading module 48
Is a structure in which the light emitting device 2 is also incorporated in the reflected light detection module 42 of the above embodiment, and the irradiation light 4 and the reflected light 5 are guided by a common light beam guiding path. Since other configurations are the same as the configurations obtained by combining the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 7. ing.

In each of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS.
A circuit section (not shown) is provided in the latter half of the stylus pen 1.
Is provided. This circuit section is equivalent to the oscillator 7 shown in FIG.
A circuit for generating a magnetic field in the electromagnetic induction coil 23, a circuit related to a changeover switch, and a writing pressure detection device 4
6 and the like. The circuit part can be formed on the substrate or as a molded article with a circuit. The configuration of an electromagnetic induction type stylus pen or a stylus pen of another type as a coordinate input device in a pen input computer or an information processing device similar to this is well known and will not be described in detail here.

Next, another embodiment of the stylus pen 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the stylus pen 1 shown in these examples, the light emitting device 2 of the bar code reader,
The light receiving device 3 and the light beam guiding device are additionally attached to the outside of the pen housing.
Therefore, in these embodiments, the internal structure of the stylus pen 1 as the coordinate information input device is the same as the conventional structure. The stylus pen 1 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is an electromagnetic induction type stylus pen having a core. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the elements that are substantially the same as the elements described in the above embodiments.

In FIG. 8, a mounting case 51 is provided on the outer front half of the pen housing of the stylus pen 1, and the light emitting device 2, the light receiving device 3, and the light beam guiding device are disposed in the mounting case 51. The light emitting device 2 is arranged at the front end of the mounting case 51. The light receiving device 3 is arranged inside the mounting case 51. The light beam guide device includes a light reflection plate 52, a lens 53, and a pinhole plate 54.
In the optical configuration of the bar code reader, the irradiation light 4 emitted from the light emitting device 2 is applied to the writing surface of the bar code writing body 6 existing on the axial line extension of the stylus pen 1,
After that, it is diffusely reflected, and the reflected light 5 is reflected by the light reflecting plate 52, then passes through the lens 53 and the pinhole plate 54, and enters the light receiving device 3. In this way, the barcode displayed on the barcode notation body 6 is read. The protrusion 55 protruding from the tip of the stylus pen 1 is the tip of the core that is the writing pressure transmission means. In the present embodiment, the irradiation light 4 output by the light emitting device 2 is configured to be irradiated to a position in front of the core body tip portion 55.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement positions of the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3 are replaced with each other, the light reflecting plate 52 and the pinhole plate 54 are omitted, and the light emitting device 2 is used. Is designed so that the emission direction of the irradiation light 4 output by is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the stylus pen 1. Therefore, the structure can be simplified. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 has a structure in which the light emitting device 2 is also arranged inside the mounting case 51 and in the vicinity of the light receiving device 3 in the structure of the embodiment described in FIG. Therefore, in the light beam guide device, in addition to the light reflection plate 52, the lens 53, and the pinhole plate 54, a beam splitter 56 for appropriately separating the irradiation light 4 and the reflection light 5 is installed. Other configurations are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG.

As described above, the optical component of the bar code reader can be externally attached to the stylus pen 1 as an external device, so that the stylus pen 1 is sold as a bar code reader. It can be said that this structure is convenient when adding functions.

Taking into consideration the occurrence of a reading error when the stylus pen 1 is used as a bar code reader in each of the above-described embodiments, the irradiation light 4 and the reflection light 5 should be prevented in order to avoid specular reflection light. When the paths are coincident with each other, it is desirable to prevent the paths from being perpendicular to the surface to be detected, and when the paths of the irradiation light 4 and the reflected light 5 have an angle, the bisector of that angle is used. Should be prevented from being perpendicular to the surface to be detected.

11 and 12 show another embodiment of a stylus pen having a function as a bar code reader. In this embodiment, a portable bar code reader is provided as a separate device for the stylus pen 1. A structure in which only a lens portion for emitting irradiation light and emitting reflected light formed as a tip portion of the bar code reader, which is manufactured and prepared, and a light transmission portion are detachably attached to the outside of the pen housing of the stylus pen 1. Have. As shown in FIG. 11, the SELFOC lens 62, which is a lens portion, is fixed to the stylus pen 1 with a fixture 61, and a lightweight optical fiber 63 for transmitting a light beam is also included in the stylus pen 1.
It is fixed to the pen casing by the fixing device 64. 65
Is a main body device that performs signal processing of the barcode reader.
The main unit 65 and the SELFOC lens 62 are the optical fiber 6
3 has a structure to be connected. SELFOC lens 62
A reflection mirror member 66 that directs the irradiation direction of the irradiation light 4 on the extension of the axis of the stylus pen 1 is attached to the tip of the.

FIG. 12 shows a system of the above bar code reader. In FIG. 12, the SELFOC lens 62, the optical fiber 63, etc. are the same as those shown in FIG. Inside the main body device 65, a light emitting device 2 such as an LD, a light receiving device 3 such as a photodiode, a beam splitter 28 for separating irradiation light and reflected light, and a decoder 13 for decoding a bar code are included. The main unit 65 is an interface 1 with the central processing unit (pen input computer) 15.
4 are connected.

In the above embodiment, the light emitting device 2 and the light receiving device 3 are used.
The main part of the optical configuration such as
The part attached to the stylus pen 1 is an optical fiber 63.
Since the light-weight parts such as the self-lock lens 62 and the selfoc lens 62 are used, the operability of the stylus pen can be improved and the bar code reader can be attached to the already-sold stylus pen 1 more easily.

In each of the above embodiments, the optical configuration of the bar code reader is provided inside or outside the stylus pen 1. However, for the light emitting device 2 included in the optical configuration, for example, the stylus pen 1 is used as a coordinate. When the information input device is preferentially used, the light emitting operation can be used as a means for transmitting information from the central processing unit (pen input computer or the like) to the operator. Further, in each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7, instead of using a lens having a small diameter, a lens having a large diameter arranged outside the ferrite core is used, and it is related. The arrangement position of the member may be configured to be moved rearward.

[0062]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. In an information processing device such as a pen input computer, an optical device as an information recording image reader is incorporated into a stylus pen that operates as a coordinate input device in combination with a coordinate detection device, and coordinate input operation is performed as a coordinate input device. Since the working position for performing the same as the working position for reading the information by the information recording image reader is the same, the coordinate input device and the information recording image reader can be used without distinction, and the operability and practical use Will be more likely. Also, since one stylus pen can be used as a coordinate information input device and an information recording image reader, for example, a courier's delivery staff does not need to change his hand, and it is convenient because he can perform various information input work especially while standing. is there. The optical device for reading information recorded images incorporated in the stylus pen utilizes the structure of the tip of the stylus pen and can be compactly mounted in its internal space and external space. in this case,
The light emitting device is arranged so that the direction of the irradiation light is located on the axial extension of the tip of the pen, and the working position of the information reading by the information recording image reader is the working position for performing the input operation as the coordinate input device. To be common with. The optical device as an information recording image reader is modularized to have a structure suitable for incorporation into a stylus pen. This can simplify the manufacturing process. Also, by achieving the miniaturization of the optical device, it can be placed in a narrow space in the pen housing of the stylus pen, and conversely, the optical device for reading information recorded images can be used without changing the shape of the conventional stylus pen. Integrated devices can be incorporated. Since the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting device is irradiated with being inclined at a desired angle with respect to the surface of the writing body, the incident light due to specular reflection can be minimized and the information recorded image can be read with high accuracy. Further, since the light beam emitted from the light emitting device is light generated based on the AC drive signal, when the diffused reflected light is taken in, the signal light and the ambient light can be clearly distinguished and taken in, and the main body device It is possible to remove the noise mixed in the code that sends the signal to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a stylus pen according to the present invention equipped with an information recording image reading device.

FIG. 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 3 is a partial vertical sectional view showing a second embodiment of the stylus pen.

FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 6 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 7 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing a seventh embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view showing an eighth embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view showing a ninth embodiment of a stylus pen.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing another assembly configuration.

12 is a configuration diagram showing a system configuration of an information recording image reading device of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a conventional stylus pen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Stylus pen 2 ... Light emitting device 3 ... Light receiving device 4 ... Irradiation light 5 ... Reflected light 6 ... Bar code notation 6a ... Bar code 7 ... Oscillation device 8 ... Synthesis circuit 9 ... Code 10 ... Separation circuit 21 ... Pen housing 22 ... Ferrite core 23 ... Electromagnetic induction coil 25 ... Lens with small diameter 26 ... Pinhole plate 27 ... Lens with large diameter 28 ... Beam splitter 42 ... Reflected light detection module 43 ... Light beam guide member 44 ... Projection portion 45 ... Cover member 46 ... Writing pressure detection device 47 ... Irradiation light generation module 48 ... Information reading module 51 ... Mounting case 52 ... Light reflection plate 53 ... Lens 54 ... Pinhole plate 55 ... Core body tip portion 61, 64 ... Fixing device 62 ... SELFOC lens 63 ... Optical fiber 65 ... Main unit 66 ... Reflector member

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus having a pen input method is provided, which operates as a coordinate input device based on a combination with a coordinate detecting device, and performs a coordinate input operation on a coordinate input surface of the coordinate detecting device. In a stylus pen that gives information to an information processing device, a light emitting device that emits irradiation light, a light receiving device that receives reflected light,
A light beam guiding device that guides at least one of the irradiation light and the reflected light, and the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting device is located near the pen tip for performing the coordinate input operation. An information recording image reading optical device that is configured to irradiate the information recording image to be reflected and the resulting reflected light is incident on the light receiving device, and an operation for reading the information recording image by the optical device. A stylus pen, wherein a position and an operating position for performing the coordinate input operation are substantially common. 2. The stylus pen according to claim 1, further comprising selection operation means for selecting one of use as the coordinate input device and use as the optical device for reading an information recording image. Characteristic stylus pen. 3. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device is arranged outside the pen, the light receiving device is arranged inside the pen, and the light beam guiding device is utilized by utilizing a space existing in a pen shaft portion. A stylus pen that is characterized by arranging the inside of the pen. 4. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device is arranged inside the pen, the light receiving device is arranged outside the pen, and the light beam guiding device is utilized by utilizing a space existing in a pen shaft portion. A stylus pen that is characterized by arranging the inside of the pen. 5. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device and the light receiving device are both arranged inside the pen, and the light beam guiding device is arranged inside the pen by utilizing a space existing in a pen shaft portion. The stylus pen is characterized in that the light beam guiding device includes a beam splitter and is used as a light beam guiding path for guiding the irradiation light and the reflected light. 6. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate detecting device is of an electromagnetic induction type, and an electromagnetic induction coil is provided in a pen tip portion and formed on a pen shaft portion. The stylus pen is characterized in that the space includes a space formed inside the electromagnetic induction coil. 7. The stylus pen according to claim 3, wherein the light beam guiding device includes a lens having a relatively small diameter, which is disposed in the space formed inside the electromagnetic induction coil, and the light receiving device. A stylus pen including a pinhole plate arranged in front of the light receiving surface of the stylus. 8. The stylus pen according to claim 3, wherein the light beam guiding device and the light receiving device are integrally formed as a reflected light detection module, and the reflected light detection module functions as a writing pressure transmission core. A stylus pen characterized by having it together. 9. The stylus pen according to claim 4, wherein the light emitting device and the light beam guiding device are integrally formed as an irradiation light generation module, and the irradiation light generation module functions as a writing pressure transmission core. A stylus pen characterized by having together. 10. The stylus pen according to claim 5, wherein the light emitting device, the light receiving device, and the light beam guiding device are integrally formed as an information reading module, and the information reading module serves as a writing pressure transmission core. A stylus pen that also has the function of. 11. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the optical device including the light emitting device, the light beam guiding device, and the light receiving device is arranged outside the pen, and irradiation light emitted from the light emitting device is pen-shaped. A stylus pen characterized by being irradiated at a position on the extension of the axis of the tip. 12. The stylus pen according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting device is located on an extension of the axis of the tip of the pen. A stylus pen characterized by being diffusely reflected by a writing surface of a body, and the diffusely reflected light being guided by the light beam guiding device and being incident on the light receiving device. 13. The stylus pen according to claim 11, wherein the optical device has a structure that is detachably attached to an outer peripheral portion of a pen tip portion as a unit. 14. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device are arranged at positions apart from a pen body, and the light beam guiding device allows light to pass through both irradiation light and reflected light. A stylus pen characterized in that a lens portion formed of a fiber and attached to the tip of the optical fiber is detachably provided on the outer peripheral portion of the tip portion of the pen. 15. A stylus pen for operating as a coordinate input device based on a combination with a coordinate detection device and for providing information to a central processing unit by performing coordinate input operation on a coordinate input surface of the coordinate detection device. In an information recording image reading device added to a pen input type information processing device, the stylus pen is provided with an optical device including at least a light emitting device and a light receiving device, and an oscillating device for giving a light emitting drive signal to the light emitting device. An information recording image reading apparatus, characterized in that a main body device including at least a demodulation device, a decoder and a power source is provided at a position other than the stylus pen, and the stylus pen and the main body device are connected by a cord. 16. The information recording image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the main body apparatus is connected to the central processing unit of the pen input type information processing apparatus, and the central processing unit processes the read image information. An information recording image reading device characterized in that: