JPH07160699A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make the information input simple and efficient and to make the information input device compact by comprising an information input part with a sheet-like member and inputting the information to the information processing part by tracing the surface by a picture input means. CONSTITUTION:A user has a picture input means 6 by the hand so as to trace an information input part 5 installed on the surface of a main body 3 by the tip of the means 6. The information input part 5 makes a sheet shape, for example, made of the synthetic resin, which is divided into plural parts and various codes and characters are displayed on it. The light from the light emitting element from the means 6 is irradiated on the traced characters and codes of the part 5. The reflection light passes through the lens and an image corresponding to the character is focused on the light receiving element. Further, the image on the light receiving element converts the constant between light and shade into an electric signal by the light receiving element and is sent to a character recognizing means. Then the character recognition is performed and the KANJI conversion is performed. Then it is sent to an information processing part with the CPU or the like and displayed on a display part 4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the structure of an information processing apparatus such as a computer and a word processor, and more particularly to a new information input method for the information processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, a conventional information processing apparatus is equipped with a keyboard, and by pressing a large number of keys arranged on the keyboard, information is input to the information processing apparatus and the information is input. I was processing information based on information.

Recently, a pen computer has appeared,
The pen computer employs, for example, a method of operating an operation plate with a magnetic pen utilizing magnetic action and inputting information to the information processing apparatus.

[0004]

However, since the type using the above-mentioned keyboard has a structure in which a large number of keys are arranged and the keys are pressed, the apparatus is, in terms of the stroke of pressing the key, the apparatus, particularly The keyboard is thick and there is a drawback that it is difficult to make a small device, and even if it can be made small to a certain extent, the operator can input alphabet letters by pressing each key, whereas Japanese In the case of input, in general, it is necessary to input Roman letters, that is, operate multiple keys for one Japanese character, convert into Japanese, and input, compared to alphabet input, in word processing operation, It was very annoying.

When operating a large number of keys, it takes time for the operator to select keys until he or she learns the key arrangement of the alphabet, and even if the information processing apparatus is found to be convenient, the operation is troublesome. It was one of the reasons why it was not used widely by men and women of all ages.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device at low cost by simplifying and improving the efficiency of information input operation in an information processing device such as a computer and reducing the size and thickness of the information input device. .

[0007]

The structure of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems comprises: 1. an information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input section, and the information input section is a sheet-like member. The structure in which the information can be input to the information processing unit exclusively by the operation of tracing the surface by the image input unit.

2. An information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means. The image input means traces the surface of the information input section to perform image processing by the optical means in the image input means. A structure in which character recognition, character recognition, signal processing in the information processing unit, and command operation of the device are performed.

3, an information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, the information input section facing the display section when the display section of the information processing apparatus is stored. Structure.

4. A structure composed of an information input section, an information processing section, a display section and an image input means, and the information input section can be stored in a part of the main body of the information processing apparatus.

5. A structure comprising an information input section, an information processing section, a display section and an image input means, wherein the information input section is arranged in a cover means used when the display section of the information processing apparatus is stored.

6, an information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means. The information input section is divided into a plurality of parts by lines, and predetermined symbols and characters are displayed on the divided parts. The character and the line are different in color or at least in lightness.

7, an information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, and the information input section has at least a horizontal line and a vertical line which are different from each other in brightness, thickness, solid line, broken line, etc. By arranging as described above and tracing the pattern by the image input means, at least the moving direction is determined and a straight line or a curved line is input to the information processing apparatus.

8, an information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, and the information input section has at least a horizontal line and a vertical line whose brightness, thickness, solid line, broken line, etc. are different from each other. A structure in which the cursor position displayed on the display unit of the information processing device is moved by arranging as described above and tracing the pattern with the image input means.

It is characterized by

[0016]

【Example】

(Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is carried or stored, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the information processing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is information of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the input unit, and FIG. 4 is an operation block diagram of the information processing apparatus.

When the user of the information processing device uses the information processing device 1
When carrying or not using the LCD, as shown in Fig. 1,
The main body 3 in which the lid 2 on which the display unit 4 such as the above is arranged and the information input unit 5 or the information processing unit including the well-known CPU shown in FIG. 4 is stored is folded so that the inner surfaces thereof face each other and carried.

When used, the lid 2 and the main body 3 are opened and operated as shown in FIG. 2. When the lid 2 and the main body 3 are opened, the display section 4 and the information input section installed on the lid 2 are operated. 5 is exposed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the information processing apparatus 1 is provided with an image input means 6 via a code 7, and the image input means 6 emits light such as an LED as required. It is configured by a well-known scanner structure including optical means such as elements, lenses, and light receiving elements.

The operation method will be described.

When the user uses the information processing apparatus having the structure, the apparatus is first opened as shown in FIG.

When the work is a word processing work, the user holds the image input means 6 in his hand and traces the information input section 5 installed on the surface of the main body 3 with the tip of the image input means 6.

The information input section 5 is, for example, in the form of a sheet made of synthetic resin, which is divided into a plurality of parts as shown in FIG. 3, and various symbols, characters, etc. as shown in the figure are displayed. ing.

As shown in the example of FIG. 3, products for the Japanese market are provided with alphabets, Japanese syllabary, numbers, symbols for commanding the information processing device, and special symbols.

Therefore, when creating a sentence, the user may trace the desired character or symbol at the tip of the image input means 6.

As described above, the light from the light emitting element is radiated from the image inputting means 6 onto the traced characters and symbols of the information inputting portion 5, and the reflected light is set in the image inputting means 6. Then, the reflected light after passing through the lens forms an image corresponding to the character on the light receiving element.

The image on the light receiving element is converted by the light receiving element into a light / dark difference of light into an electric signal and sent to a well-known character recognition means through an interface as shown in the operation block diagram of FIG. It is recognized what kind of character the information entered in 6 is, and then, if necessary, converted to Chinese characters through the Chinese character conversion software (FEP), and further transmitted to the information processing unit having the CPU or the like and displayed. Displayed in part 4.

Characters and symbols that do not need to be converted into Kanji are treated as command signals to the information processing unit of the information processing apparatus 1 without being converted, and a predetermined operation is performed by the information processing unit by the program stored in the information processing unit. Command.

Naturally, when the character input from the image input means 6 is an alphabet or the like, it is input as the alphabet to the information processing apparatus 1 without being converted to Kanji. Further, as in the case of the conventional information processing apparatus, F1 shown in the upper part of FIG.
If a symbol corresponding to a function key such as F2 is arranged, the symbol can be traced by the image input means 6 to perform the same operation as described above and execute the command of these symbols. is there.

These are not limited to word processing operations, but can also function as general computer functions.

With this configuration, when the word processor is operated in Japanese, the characters on the information input section 5 operated by the image input means 6 may be one character at a time (for example, in the case of other characters, "T" when inputting romaji by the conventional method
The word processor work is extremely simplified and efficient, because it is not necessary to input "A" twice. If the Japanese syllabary is arranged as shown in FIG. It is extremely easy for even a user who is unfamiliar with to make judgments and input data.

Further, since there is no key operation sound generated when operating the conventional keyboard at the time of inputting the character, it is possible to prevent annoyance from surrounding people.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As described above, the present invention is characterized in that necessary information can be inputted by the image input means 6 and the information input section 5, but it is not an input method, and key operation is the same as in the prior art. For those who want to type in, the conventional keyboard 1
0 can also be arranged. Therefore, the information input by operating the image input means 6 is input to the character recognition means, but the information input from the keyboard 10 is sent to the kanji conversion software (FEP) via an interface different from the above-mentioned, and the information processing is performed. To be done. In this way, Kanji characters are converted as necessary or sent to the information processing unit and processed as an operation command of the information processing unit, and the information processing apparatus operates.

The information input by the image input means 6 and processed by the character recognition means may have a slightly lower accuracy rate than the information input by the keyboard 10, depending on the operation method. The input information has the advantage that the correct answer rate is high as long as there is no mistake in the pressed key input and the character recognition means is not passed. Therefore, depending on the user's preference, the operation is easy and the operation is quiet. It is possible to select whether to input the image by the image inputting means 6 or by inputting it with the keyboard by increasing the correct answer rate.

(Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the lid 2 is provided when the information input section 5 is folded into the storage state by folding the lids 2 and 3.
Although the display unit 4 arranged on the main body 3 and the information input unit 5 arranged on the main body 3 are arranged so as to face each other, the present invention is not limited to this. A storage portion is provided in the main body 3 so that the main body 3 can be taken out and put in through a take-out opening on the side surface of the main body 3, and the information input section 5 can be pulled out as necessary when the user inputs information to enable the above-mentioned operation. It can also be configured.

In this case, the conventional keyboard 10 described in the second embodiment can be arranged at the position of the information input unit 5 shown in FIG. 2 (the position facing the display unit when stored). This is convenient for a person who wants to mainly operate the keyboard.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is easy for an operator who mainly inputs information by the image input means 6 to handle easily. It is also possible to configure the information processing device so as to have a different structure depending on the market where the input means 6 is preferred.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in a small information processing apparatus such as a pen computer, the information input section 5 is arranged in a part of the main body such as a cover 8 which protects the display section 5 when the apparatus is carried. It is also possible to keep it.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the information input section 5, as described in the first embodiment, the surface is divided into a plurality of sections, and characters and symbols are displayed on the sections. As compared with the structure in which the lane markings are not provided, the user can easily visually recognize the information input unit 5, but when tracing the character or symbol desired to be input by the image input unit 6, only the character is surely displayed. Care must be taken to avoid tracing and entering lines for the division at the same time.

If the dividing line is input at the same time as the character and the symbol, the accuracy rate at the time of recognition by the character recognizing means will be reduced.

However, even if the user is urged to be careful when inputting, he / she works hard at composition of the sentence when inputting,
There are many cases where attention is not paid to the accuracy of the trace operation.

Therefore, in the present invention, when tracing the information input section 5 with the image input means 6, the configuration of the information input section 5 should be taken into consideration so that the user can work while paying sufficient attention to the text composition. There is.

That is, the dividing line of the information input section 5 is changed in color from the characters, symbols, etc. arranged in the vicinity thereof, or is changed in brightness even if the color is the same, and traced by the image input means 6 to input, Even if the dividing line and the characters and symbols are input at the same time, when the light from the light emitting element is reflected by the portion and detected by the light receiving element, the line is converted into an electric signal having an intensity different from that of the character. I am careful to do so.

By doing so, even when the line is touched by the input portion of the image input means 6 when a character or a symbol is input, the part of the line is regarded as a part of the character by the character recognition means. In addition, it is possible to improve the recognition rate, and it is not necessary to put an excessive burden on the information input operation, which facilitates the input work.

(Embodiment 5) A symbol representing a horizontal line (A in FIG. 7), a symbol representing a vertical line (B in FIG. 7), a symbol representing a diagonal line (C in FIG. 7) and the like are described above in the information input section 5. Each of them is arranged in a dividing line, and when the symbol is traced by the image input means 6, the image is detected by the light receiving element, and an electric signal detected by each segment forming the light receiving element is described above. It is also possible to detect in which direction the image input unit 6 is to be moved by processing the character recognition unit or the information processing unit, and to input a straight line or a curved line on the display unit in the moving direction. It's easy.

These symbols are such that the thickness can be changed toward one end of the line (in the shape of an arrow) so that the directions such as up, down, left, right, upright, downright can be determined in more detail. Improvements are possible.

The symbols A, B, and C do not need to be divided and arranged in each of the division lines, and as shown in FIG. When the pattern is traced by the image input means, the character recognition means can determine in which direction the symbol (pattern) is moving, and a well-known cursor can be operated.

By doing so, the well-known mouse function provided in the desktop type information processing apparatus can be implemented by the cooperative operation of the image input means 6 and the information input section 5. In this way, the image input means 6 is provided,
By combining with the various symbols and patterns of the input section,
Various input operations are possible without using other input means such as a mouse.
Information input and processing can be efficiently and efficiently executed without changing the input means in accordance with the operation.

(Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment will be described.

Although the structure in which the information input unit 5 is attached to the information processing apparatus 1 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information input unit 5 is a member different from the information processing apparatus 1. May be.

As an example, when a catalog of a certain product is placed in the vicinity of the information processing apparatus 1 and the database of the catalog is entered in the storage means of the information processing apparatus 1, it is determined as a database. As described above, by moving the cursor between the image input means 6 and the information input section 5 to the portion where the format is determined, the character to be input to the portion,
A symbol or the like is input by tracing a necessary portion on the catalog.

By doing so, the characters and the like inputted as described above are recognized and taken in as necessary input information in the above-mentioned format.

Since the information taken in by the operation is recognized as a character, it can be easily used as a keyword for searching even after being made into the database, and is simply recorded as image data by a so-called scanner. Unlike the above information, there is an effect that later retrieval and replacement work can be performed easily and surely.

Further, when it is necessary to re-input the word or sentence displayed on the screen in the word processing work or the like, a predetermined portion of the display portion 4 of the CRT or LCD is moved to the tip of the image input means 6. By tracing with, it becomes possible to easily input necessary characters and the like to the well-known portion where the cursor is.

By doing so, as described above, even a person unfamiliar with the keyboard can easily and surely input the necessary information into the information processing apparatus and process it.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention, as compared with the conventional information processing device, the device is downsized by the amount of the key pressing stroke, which is convenient for carrying, and occurs when inputting information. The operation sound of the key operation disappears and it is released from the trouble.

In addition, when inputting Roman characters in word processing operation, if the Japanese syllabary is arranged as compared with the operation method in which two letters of the alphabet corresponding to a vowel and a consonant are input, the arrangement position of the letters Not only is it easier to judge, but it is also possible to directly input the necessary characters and convert kanji, katakana, and hiragana as needed, improving the operational efficiency.

If a conventional keyboard can be connected if necessary, it is possible to selectively use these keyboards according to the work. As an easy-to-use information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus can be widely used by men and women of all ages. Can be popularized.

In the present invention, since the structure using the optical means is adopted as the image input means 6, not only characters and symbols but also
In addition to inputting images such as lines and dots, it is also possible to combine the well-known operation of moving the cursor shown on the display unit of the information processing apparatus to a specified position with the pattern arranged in the information input unit 5 described above. Therefore, it is possible to add a mouse function to the image input means 6, which is very easy to use.

Further, even when the characters and symbols displayed on the display unit 4 of the information processing apparatus are to be re-input, the necessary information on the display screen can be traced by the image input means 6 to easily input information. It is possible.

Further, as described above, information can be input from a document or the like placed near the information processing apparatus without key operation, and an easy-to-use information processing apparatus can be provided, and there is no switch structure interlocking with the key. The information processing device can be provided at low cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention when it is carried and when it is not operated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the information processing apparatus according to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the information input unit of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the operation of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of one pattern of the information input section of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another embodiment of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Information processing device 2: Structural element of main body 3: Other structural element of main body 4: Display section 5: Information input section 6: Image input means 8: Cover of display section of information processing apparatus

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An information input unit, an information processing unit, a display unit, and an image input unit, wherein the information input unit is a sheet-shaped member, and the information processing is performed by an operation of tracing the surface exclusively by the image input unit. An information processing apparatus characterized by a structure capable of inputting information to a section. 2. An information input unit, an information processing unit, a display unit, and an image input unit, wherein the image input unit traces the surface of the information input unit to perform image processing by an optical unit in the image input unit. An information processing apparatus having a structure in which character processing is performed, character recognition is performed, signal processing is performed in an information processing unit, and the apparatus operates as a command. 3. An information input unit, an information processing unit, a display unit, and an image input unit, the information input unit facing the display unit when the display unit of the information processing apparatus is stored. Information processing device characterized by the structure having 4. An information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, the information input section having a structure capable of being stored in a part of a main body of the information processing apparatus. Processing equipment. 5. A structure comprising an information input unit, an information processing unit, a display unit, and an image input unit, wherein the information input unit is arranged in a cover unit used when the display unit of the information processing apparatus is stored. A characteristic information processing device. 6. An information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, wherein the information input section is divided into a plurality of parts by lines, and predetermined symbols and characters are displayed in the divided parts. The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the character and the line have different colors or at least different brightness. 7. An information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, wherein the information input section is different from each other in at least a horizontal line and a vertical line in terms of brightness, thickness, solid line, broken line, etc. An information processing apparatus having such a structure that the image input means traces the pattern so that at least the moving direction is determined and a straight line or a curved line is input to the information processing apparatus. 8. An information input section, an information processing section, a display section, and an image input means, wherein the information input section has at least a horizontal line and a vertical line whose brightness, thickness, solid line, broken line, etc. are different from each other. An information processing apparatus having such a structure that the cursor position displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus is moved by tracing the pattern with the image inputting means.