JPH0736602A - Coordinate input device and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize more exact security by checking whether input is possible or not at each time to limit the input at the time of pen input in a coordinate input device. CONSTITUTION:This device consists of an input pen 1 which is provided with a coil to generate the AC magnetic field having a peculiar frequency fc corresponding to a ID code and inputs coordinates, a sensor part 2 which receives the AC magnetic field of the input pen to generate an induced voltage, a detection part 4 which synchronously detects the induced voltage of the sensor part 2 to output a DC voltage, a read block consisting of a sampling and holding part (S/H part) 5 and an A/D conversion part 6, a VFO 8 and a D/A conversion part 9 which output a continuously variable frequency signal to the detection part 4 to measure the frequency fc, and a CPU part 7 which calculates indicated coordinates of the input pen 1 in accordance with the digital output of the read block and converts the measured frequency fc to the corresponding ID code and outputs the ID code to the outside together with coordinates. Since the frequency of the AC magnetic field of the input pen is used as the ID code for each pen, the easy and exact security function is given.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coordinate input device as an input means of an information processing device and an information processing device using the coordinate input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional coordinate input device, there is no means for distinguishing between pens of a certain type. Regarding the identification and protection of the pen input of the coordinate input device, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 60
-175191 is available.

[0003]

In the above prior art,
In the case where a plurality of input persons perform input with their own input pens with one coordinate input device, it is necessary to use auxiliary means such as password input and ID card use to limit the user's input. Therefore, it is necessary to separately carry an ID card that is not directly related to input, or to store or record a password. If these conditions are not satisfied, conversely even a licensed person can use it. There was a risk of not being able to enter. Furthermore, once the input restriction is released by the auxiliary means, there is a problem that anyone can input after that.

The present invention checks whether or not input is possible at each time point when inputting with a pen, without using the auxiliary means.
By limiting the input, the user's operation is reduced, and at the same time, more strict security protection is realized. Another object of the present invention is to realize an information processing device capable of managing a security key that can be easily input by the possession of the input pen itself without using auxiliary means, even at each input time.

[0005]

In the coordinate input device of the present invention, the frequency of the AC magnetic field output from the pen used for detecting the designated coordinate of the pen is used as the ID code carried by the input pen, and the frequency is detected simultaneously with the coordinate detection. Is measured and the ID code is output.

Further, the input pen is provided with a key structure, and the coordinate input is permitted or prohibited by operating the key.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is such that the coordinate input device is used as an input means, and permission / prohibition control of an input from the input means is performed by using an input ID code.

Further, a coordinate input device using an input pen provided with a key structure is used as an input means, and a key of the input pen is used as a security key to perform permission / prohibition control of input from the input means. is there.

[0009]

According to the coordinate input device of the present invention, when the coordinate is input by the input pen, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field of the input pen is read, and if the frequency is registered, the corresponding I
It is output to the outside at the same time as the pen designated coordinates that read the D code.

When the input pen is provided with a key structure, the pen-indicated coordinates are first output to the outside after the input with the key of the pen is permitted.

Further, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the coordinate input device is used as the input means, the input from the input means is performed after the input is permitted using the input ID code.

When the coordinate input device using the input pen provided with the key structure is used as the input means, the input from the input means can be performed after the key of the input pen is used as the security key.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment of the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a coordinate input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 is an input pen for pointing coordinates, which generates an alternating magnetic field from the tip. Reference numeral 2 denotes a sensor unit, which has a structure in which an X-axis conducting wire pattern 2a and a Y-axis conducting wire pattern 2b are arranged in a grid pattern on a board. The induced voltage is output from each conductor pattern 2a, 2b. This induced voltage is an AC voltage having the same frequency as the AC magnetic field generated by the input pen 1. Numerals 3a and 3b are multiplexers, which sequentially select the conductors of the conductor patterns 2a and 2b and output the induced voltage. The induction voltage reading control device is configured as follows. That is, 4 is a detection section, 5 is a sample hold section (S / H section), and 6 is A /
In the D converter, these three blocks detect the AC voltage of the sensor output and convert the digital amount. Reference numeral 7 denotes a CPU unit, which includes multiplexers 3a and 3b, a detection unit 3, and S.
Each block of the / H unit 4 and the A / D conversion unit 5 is controlled, and the designated coordinate of the input pen 1 is calculated from the output value of the sensor unit and output to the outside of the device. The CPU unit 7 can be realized by a microprocessor. The VFO 8 and the D / A converter 9 are blocks that control the frequency of the sensor detection clock input to the detector 4.

The operation of the coordinate input device having the above structure will be described below. The input pen 1 is an independent structure separated from the coordinate input device, and a plurality of pens can be used for one coordinate input device. Each of the input pens 1 has the structure shown in FIG. 2, and the clock from the built-in oscillator 1a flows into the coil 1b arranged at the tip of the pen to generate an alternating magnetic field from the coil 1b. It is output to the outside from the beginning. The oscillator 1a is supplied with power from a built-in battery 1c, oscillates a clock having a constant frequency fc unique to each input pen, and generates an AC magnetic field having a constant frequency fc.

In the sensor section 2 which receives an AC magnetic field of a constant frequency fc from the input pen 1, an induced voltage of the same frequency fc as the AC magnetic field is induced in the conductor patterns 2a and 2b arranged in a grid pattern. The induced voltage is the multiplexer 3a, 3b
Is input to the detection unit 4 via. Then, the detection unit 4 detects only an input voltage having the same frequency as the frequency f _{vfo of} the clock input from the VFO 8 and outputs a DC voltage proportional to the input AC voltage. At this time, the frequency f _vfo
The input voltage of a frequency different from is zero (this operation is called synchronous detection).

Next, in the S / H unit 5, the CPU unit 7 controls the signal line 11, and the multiplexers 3a and 3b control the sensor unit 2.
When the conductor patterns 2a and 2b are selected, the output DC voltage from the detector 4 is sampled by the signal line 13. Then, the S / H unit 5 holds the DC voltage value sampled for a time sufficient for A / D conversion in the A / D conversion unit 6 in the next stage. The A / D converter 6 converts the DC voltage value into a digital value and inputs it to the CPU section 7. The CPU unit 7 reads the magnitudes of the induced voltages of all the conductor patterns 2a and 2b selected via the multiplexers 3a and 3b as digital values, and calculates the pointing coordinate input of the pen tip based on the distribution of these values. The read coordinates are output to the outside of the coordinate input device through the external interface signal line 10.

Next, the principle of reading the ID code of the input pen 1 will be described. The D / A converter 9 converts a digital input from the CPU 7 into a DC voltage and inputs the DC voltage to the VFO 8, and the VFO 8 has a function of changing its output frequency according to the input DC voltage value. Therefore, since the frequency fc of the AC magnetic field emitted from the input pen 1 is different for each pen, the CPU unit 7 controls the _VFO 8 via the D / A conversion unit 9 and variously changes the output frequency f _VFO of the _{VFO 8.} Input to the detection unit 4. In the detection unit 4, the input frequency f
Only by detecting if _{the VFO} is equal to the frequency fc of the input pen 1, from and outputs the detection to a DC voltage proportional to the input AC voltage of a frequency fc matching the frequency f _{VF O,} therefore CPU section 7 VFO8 continuously changing the frequency f _VFO of, during, when the AC voltage input from the sensor unit 2 is detected by the detection unit 4, it can be recognized as unique frequency fc of the input pen 1 to which the detected frequency f _VFO is used become.

Further, the CPU section 7 has a conversion table 14 of the ID code corresponding to the frequency fc of the input pen 1 which is detected and measured, and the ID code converted by this is stored at the same time as the designated coordinates of the input pen 1. It can be output to the outside of the coordinate input device through the external interface signal line 10. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the ID code conversion table 14, and FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the output format 15 of the designated coordinates and the ID code which are externally output from the external interface signal line 10.
(A) of. If the measured frequency of the generated magnetic field of the input pen 1 is fci, IDi is used as the ID code based on FIG. 3 in the output format shown in FIG.
At the same time, output to the outside. Here, if the frequency fci of the magnetic field generated by the input pen 1 does not exist in the conversion table,
As shown in FIG. 4B, only the designated coordinates X and Y are output.

The ID code conversion table is, for example, C
A ROM may be provided in the PU unit 7, and only the types of the input pen 1 supported as a coordinate input device may be stored in advance.
Further, in this embodiment, since the frequency itself of the alternating magnetic field peculiar to the input pen, which should transmit the designated coordinates of the input pen 1 to the sensor unit 2, is used as the ID code, the memory for registering the ID code in the input pen 1 and the memory thereof. No need to backup battery.

5 and 6 show the frequency f for each input pen.
In this embodiment, c is variable and the frequency changed by the user can be re-registered as an ID code.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the input pen 1 in which the frequency fc is variable, and the frequency fc can be changed by the frequency changing unit 1d in the oscillator 1a. Frequency variable unit 1
A rotary volume is provided in d to change its value, and an opening 1e is formed in the input pen case above the volume, and the volume is rotated by a driver or the like to change the frequency fc. be able to. The changed frequency fc is re-registered as an ID code by the CPU unit 7.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the CPU section 7 showing the configuration thereof, and 7a is a microprocessor, which is the main control of the CPU section such as the above-mentioned reading of pen designated coordinates, coordinate calculation, ID code retrieval, conversion and the like. Is being carried out. 7b is RA
Static RAM with memory backup in M
Is a non-volatile RAM, and stores the same ID code conversion table as in FIG. Reference numeral 7c is an ID code registration mode determination unit, which determines whether to switch between the normal input mode and the ID registration mode by the mode changeover switch 7d.

In the normal input mode, the mode changeover switch 7d is in the off state, but if it is turned on during pen input, the microprocessor 7a reads the state change, and the frequency fcm of the input pen 1 at that time is changed. The corresponding ID code IDm is stored. Next, the user changes the frequency fcm of the input pen 1 to the frequency fcn by the volume of the input pen 1, and further the mode changeover switch 7d.
The microprocessor 7a, which has read this state change when turning on, changes the frequency fcm corresponding to the stored ID code IDm to the frequency fcn, and the RAM 7
It is re-registered in the ID code conversion table of b. As a result, the frequency corresponding to the ID code IDm becomes fcn, and the input pen 1 having the frequency fcm has no ID code.
As described above, the frequency is changed by the input pen itself so that the frequency as the ID code can be changed. However, if the input pen having the ID code registered is prepared, the frequency cannot be changed by the same method as described above. It is also possible to change the registration of the input pen to a pen of an unregistered frequency.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the input pen is lost, a spare pen having the same frequency as the lost input pen is prepared, and the lost frequency is changed by changing the frequency registered in the ID. This has the effect of preventing others who have obtained the pen from being able to enter into the coordinate input device.

Further, in this embodiment, the mode changeover switch 7d is used for the additional operation of the ID code, and
An additional input means for the D code may be prepared and used for the ID code addition operation. In that case, an input pen whose ID code has not been registered can be additionally registered.

Next, an application example of the coordinate input device to an information processing device will be described. 7 and 8 are block diagrams showing an application example of the present coordinate input device to an information processing device. In the information processing apparatus in FIG. 7, the coordinate input device 16 is used as the input means, and the designated coordinates of the input pen to the coordinate input device 16 are input to the main control unit 18 via the input control unit 17 for data processing. Is. The ID code registration memory 19 is a memory that stores only the ID code of the input pen that can permit input to the apparatus.

As described above, the coordinate input device 16 outputs the ID code at the same time as the coordinate value.
Then, all the ID codes previously stored in the ID code registration memory 19 are referred to, and only when the ID code is registered, the coordinate value is output to the main control unit 18. The input control unit 17, the main control unit 18, and the ID code registration memory 19 can be realized by a microprocessor system.

The input pen is replaceable as described above, and a plurality of input pens can be used. Therefore, the ID code is I
Only the input pen registered in the D code registration memory 19 is permitted to be used in the information processing apparatus, and if the ID code is not registered, the input is prohibited. According to the present embodiment, since the input permission / prohibition control can be performed by the input pen itself which is the input means without using means such as ID code input and a security key, a simple and reliable confidential information processing system. Can be built.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an information processing apparatus for performing input permission / prohibition control by using a password input with an input pen in addition to the ID code. In this information processing apparatus, a password registration memory 21 is connected to the input control unit 17 in addition to the ID code registration memory 19. In the password registration memory 21, the coordinate sequence patterns of the handwriting of the password are registered in advance for the number of users of the information processing apparatus.

At the start of use of the apparatus of this embodiment, the main control unit 18 displays a password input request to the user on the display unit 22. Therefore, when the user writes his or her password in the coordinate input device 16, the ID code is input from the coordinate input device 16 together with the coordinate value sequence of the password.
Is output to. The input control unit 17 refers to the ID code registration memory 19 to check whether the ID code has already been registered. If it is a registered ID code, the input control unit 17 further compares the coordinate sequence pattern of the handwriting of the password with the coordinate sequence pattern of the password registration memory 21,
If it is determined that the password is already registered, the coordinate value from the coordinate input device 16 is output to the main control unit 18 thereafter. Therefore, if the ID code and password of the input pen 1 have already been registered, the coordinate input device 16 can input to the information processing device after the password is input.

According to this embodiment, since the user who uses the input code can identify the combination of the ID code and the password, it is possible to reduce the number of types of the frequency fc of the input pen 1 corresponding to the ID code. Many types of users can be supported even if the number of types is small.
Although this is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus, if the CPU unit 7 in the embodiment of the coordinate input apparatus described above has the functions of the input control device 17, the ID code registration memory 19, and the password registration memory 21, the coordinates are coordinated. Input permission / prohibition control is also possible with the input device itself.

In all of the above, the frequency of the input pen is ID.
Although the example in which the input permission / prohibition control is executed by using the code is explained, as shown in FIG. 9, a part of the input pen has a mechanical key structure, and this key is used as a security key to perform the input permission / prohibition control. You may implement.

In FIG. 9, 1e is a key portion, and 1f is a key portion cover provided so as not to hinder the pen input operation when the key portion is not used. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the input permission / prohibition control of the CPU unit 7 when the security key is used. The security key reading unit 20 reads the state of the key and outputs a signal to the microprocessor 7a. The structure of the key operation unit of the security key reading unit 20 is as shown in FIG. 11, and when the key position mark 20a provided on the rotating unit 20d matches the position mark 20b of the fixed unit 20e, the security key off state, When the key position mark 2a is aligned with the position mark 20c of the fixed portion 20e, the security key is turned on. In the security key off state, the microprocessor 7a which controls the coordinate reading and output monitors the security key and does not output the coordinate value to the outside. The external output of the coordinate value is output when the key position mark 2a is in the ON state in which the key position mark 2a is aligned with the position mark 20c. In this way, in this embodiment, the security key is attached to the pen 1 used for input, and the security key of the coordinate input device can be easily managed by this security key without separately preparing other means.

Further, the coordinate input device using the input pen provided with this key structure can be used as the input means of the information processing device. In this case, the key of the input pen is used as a security key to permit / prohibit the input from the input means. For the control, a signal of a key operation is input to the input control unit of the information processing apparatus to control the permission / prohibition of the input.
This enables security key management of the information processing device.

[0035]

As described above, according to the coordinate input device of the present invention, the frequency itself of the alternating magnetic field used for reading the designated coordinates of the input pen is read as a unique one for each pen,
Since the ID code is externally output at the same time as the coordinates, when the coordinate input device of the present invention is used as an input means of various systems, the ID code externally output can be used to easily and exactly at each input time point. The security function can be possessed. Further, when the input pen is lost, the frequency with which the ID is registered can be changed, so that it is possible to prevent others who have obtained this from being able to input. Further, according to the information processing apparatus adopting the coordinate input device, since the input pen itself of the coordinate input device is only possessed and the input permission / prohibition is controlled at each input time point, the operator's load is reduced and strict control is performed. You can manage various security keys. Further, even in the case of an information processing apparatus having a coordinate input device using an input pen having a key structure as an input means, security is similarly provided by permitting / prohibiting the input from the input means by the key operation. The key management is effective.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the input pen used in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an ID code conversion table of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an output format of designated coordinate values and an ID code in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an input pen according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a CPU unit having an ID code frequency changing function in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an input pen according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a block diagram of a CPU unit of the coordinate input device in FIG.

11 is a structural diagram of a security key operation unit in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input pen, 1a ... Oscillator, 1b ... Coil, 2 ... Sensor part, 3a, 3b ... Multiplexer, 4 ... Detection part, 5 ...
S / H section, 6 ... A / D conversion section, 7 ... CPU section, 8 ... VF
O, 9 ... D / A conversion unit, 14 ... ID code conversion table, 15 ... Output format, 16 ... Coordinate input device, 17 ... Input control unit, 18 ... Main control unit, 19 ... ID code registration memory, 20 ... Security Key reading part.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A coordinate input device configured to read and externally output designated coordinates that have been coordinate input by an input pen that generates an AC magnetic field, and an input pen that uses the frequency of the AC magnetic field as an ID code, and an instruction by the input pen. A coordinate input device provided with a reading control device for simultaneously measuring the frequency of the alternating magnetic field when reading the coordinate, converting the measured frequency into a corresponding ID code, and outputting the coordinate code to an external device simultaneously with the coordinate. 2. An input pen having a variable frequency of an AC magnetic field as an ID code is provided, and an ID code registration mode switching switch capable of re-registering an ID code corresponding to the changed frequency is provided in the reading control device. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A mechanical key structure is provided in a part of the input pen, and a security key reading unit is provided for allowing the reading control device to perform permission / prohibition control of input using the key as a security key. The coordinate input device according to claim 1. 4. A coordinate input device for reading designated coordinates coordinate-input by an input pen for generating an AC magnetic field and outputting the coordinates externally, wherein the input pen uses the frequency of the AC magnetic field as an ID code, and the input pen. A coordinate input device provided with a reading control device for measuring the frequency of the alternating magnetic field at the same time as reading the indicated coordinate by the device and converting the measured frequency into a corresponding ID code and outputting the coordinate and externally as the input means. ID entered from the input means
An information processing apparatus comprising an input control unit for permitting / prohibiting an input from the input means using a code. 5. The input means is provided with a coordinate input device adapted to read designated coordinates coordinate-input by an input pen partially provided with a mechanical key structure, and use the key of the input pen as a security key. An information processing apparatus comprising an input control unit for permitting / prohibiting an input from the input unit.