JPH0667791A - Position detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To indicate arbitrary information selectively without directly touching a signal input device in which plural pieces of information are provided. CONSTITUTION:An indicator 1 with a magnetic force is combined with the signal input device 5 equipped with plural magnetic detecting elements detected by the indicator 1. Since the arbitrary information can be selected only by letting the indicator 1 approach the surface of the signal input device 5, no continuity defect occurs even when the using frequency of the device is increased as in a conventional touch panel. The information can be directly written on an upper panel 7, however, it is possible to possess a large amount of information by using the device by replacing a separate information description sheet 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a position detecting device for selecting arbitrary information from a plurality of information provided on a flat surface or a solid surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a position detecting device for selecting arbitrary information from a plurality of information on a flat surface or a three-dimensional surface, a method using a conductive touch panel is generally adopted. That is, the user touches the screen while seeing the pictures and characters on the panel attached to the display screen, detects the position of the vertical and horizontal axes, and inputs the coordinate position. The touch panel includes various types such as an optical sensor type, a resistive film type, a capacitance type, and an electromagnetic induction type.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned position detecting device of the conductive touch panel type, since arbitrary information is indicated by directly touching the panel surface, if the number of times of use increases, conduction failure may occur, or Since the information is only provided on the panel surface, there is a problem that the amount of information is limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to select and instruct arbitrary information without directly touching a signal input device provided with a plurality of information, Moreover, it is to provide a position detecting device capable of providing a large amount of information.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a position detecting device of the present invention comprises an indicator having a magnetic force,
It is characterized by comprising a combination of signal input devices provided with a plurality of magnetic detection elements detected by the pointer.

[0006]

In the position detecting device of the present invention described above, the detection signal can be obtained without the pointer touching the signal input device.

[0007]

1 and 2 show an embodiment of an indicator constituting the position detecting device of the present invention, in which the indicator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is permanently attached to the tip of a pen-shaped indicator body 2. The magnet 3 is attached, and the indicator 1 shown in FIG. 2 has the electromagnet 4 built in the indicator body 2 which is also pen-shaped. The indicator of the present invention may have any shape as long as it has a magnetic force at the tip of the indicator body that can be gripped by hand, but as shown in FIG. 1 or 2, the entire indicator has a pen shape. Those are preferable.

On the other hand, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 each show an embodiment of a signal input device which constitutes the position detecting device of the present invention. The signal input device 5 shown in FIG. The magnetic detecting elements 8 are vertically and horizontally arranged below, and the signal input device 5 shown in FIG. 4 is such that the magnetic detecting elements 8 are arranged below the curved surface portion 10 of the spherical case 9. Though not shown, the upper panel 7 in FIG. 3 and the curved surface portion 1 in FIG. 4 correspond to the magnetic detection element 8.
Information is directly written in 0.

As the above-mentioned magnetic detection element 8, a magnetic resistance element, a magnetic diode, a Hall element, a Hall IC, a ferromagnetic thin film resistance element, or the like can be used, but a magnetic resistance element is used in terms of shape and sensitivity. Is desirable. This magnetoresistive element utilizes the fact that the resistance value of the element itself changes as the magnet approaches and the magnetic field near the element changes.

A signal input device 5 of the type shown in FIG.
In, instead of directly writing the information on the surface of the upper panel 7, it is also possible to write the information on a separate film or sheet. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of information description sheets 11 in which different information is written respectively.
Is prepared and any one of them is set on the upper panel 7 for use. This makes it possible to replace the film or sheet, and it becomes possible to select arbitrary information from a larger amount of information as compared with the case where information is directly written on the surface of the upper panel 7.

(Specific Example) A pen-type indicator having a φ4 × 6 mm ferrite magnet attached to its tip as an indicator was prepared. On the other hand, as a signal input device, a magnetoresistive element (“ME-101” manufactured by Japan Automation Co., Ltd.) was installed in a matrix form at an interval of 10 mm under an upper panel of a box-shaped case. And the thickness 1 where the information was written
When a sheet of mm was placed on the upper panel and the indicator was brought close to arbitrary information, the information could be selected.

[0012]

As described above, the position detecting device of the present invention comprises a combination of an indicator having a magnetic force and a signal input device provided with a plurality of magnetic detection elements detected by the indicator. Since arbitrary information can be selected only by bringing the indicator close to the surface of the signal input device without directly touching the surface of the signal input device, even if the number of times of use is increased, there is no possibility of causing conduction failure unlike the conventional touch panel.

Further, a large amount of information can be provided by using in combination with the position detecting device and replacing a separate film or sheet on which information has been written.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a pointer constituting a position detecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the indicator as well.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a signal input device constituting the position detecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the signal input device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of using a plurality of information description sheets.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 indicator 5 signal input device 8 magnetic detection element

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A position detecting device comprising a combination of a pointer having a magnetic force and a signal input device including a plurality of magnetic detection elements detected by the pointer.