JPH08211991A - Information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To constitute a pen input device for coordinate input and an image input device as one input device. CONSTITUTION: For a pen-type input device 33, a pen tip electrode 43 is arranged at the position of the tip of the pen, and first and second electrodes 47, 48 for sub scanning position detection are arranged near both ends of a linear image sensor part 51 for image input. The electrodes induce electric charge corresponding to the driving signals of a pen input tablet not shown in the figure and detect the position on the tablet. Also, when the linear image sensor part 51 is moved in a prescribed direction on an original, image data are obtained along with the coordinates of both ends of a read line and they are assembled into two-dimensional images. This input device is protected by the cover of a sliding type, an opening/closing type, a rotation type and an insertion type.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input device for inputting information to an information processing device such as a computer, and more particularly to an information input device for inputting coordinates and images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various information input devices for inputting information to information processing devices such as computers and word processors have been developed. The information input device can be divided into several devices according to the type of information to be input. One of them is a coordinate input device (pointing device) for inputting coordinates. The other one is an image input device for inputting an image.

FIG. 16 shows a pen input device as an example of a coordinate input device. This pen input device
Tablet 11 for detecting coordinates by electrostatic coupling method
It has. On the tablet 11, a plurality of electrodes 12 _X and 12 _Y orthogonal to each other are arranged at predetermined intervals. Each of the electrodes 12 _X arranged in the vertical direction in the figure is connected to the X direction drive circuit 13 _X, and each of the electrodes 12 _Y arranged in the horizontal direction in the figure is connected to the Y direction drive circuit 13 _Y. There is. The X-direction drive circuit 13 _X selectively applies a scan pulse to each electrode 12 _X. At the same time, the Y-direction drive circuit 13 _Y selectively applies a scan pulse to each electrode 12 _Y. The timing of applying these scanning pulses is controlled by the timing control circuit 14.

On the other hand, the tip of the electronic pen 15 is arranged on the tablet 11 according to input coordinates. The electronic pen 15 is provided with an electrode (not shown) at its tip, and induces electric charges in this electrode according to the electrostatic capacitance. The induced charge is detected by the amplifier 16 and supplied to the X-direction differential amplifier 17 _X and the Y-direction differential amplifier 17 _Y. The X-direction differential amplifier 17 _X and the Y-direction differential amplifier 17 _Y have their input terminals in the opposite directions grounded. As a result, the X-direction differential amplifier 17 _X detects changes in the X-direction charge, and the Y-direction differential amplifier 17 _Y detects changes in the Y-direction charge. Each detection output is input to the corresponding X-direction coordinate determination circuit 18 _X or Y-direction coordinate determination circuit 18 _Y. A timing signal indicating the application timing of the scanning pulse is supplied from the timing control circuit 14 to these coordinate determination circuits 18 _X and 18 _Y , and the timing signals are detected at the timings when these timing signals are supplied. The position of the electronic pen 15 on the tablet 11 is detected on the basis of the relationship between the time at which the electric charge is maximized and the electrodes 12 _X and 12 _Y to which the scanning pulse is applied. The detection result is X coordinate output terminal 19 _X and Y coordinate output terminal 19
Output from _Y.

That is, in this pen input device, scanning pulses are sequentially applied to the electrodes 12 _X and 12 _Y which are orthogonal to each other. The position of the tip of the electronic pen 15 on the tablet 11 and the electrodes 12 _X to which the scanning pulse is applied, 1
The shorter the distance from 2 _Y , the larger the absolute value of the amount of electric charge detected by the electronic pen 15. Therefore, the timing control circuit 14 starts scanning for one cycle, the X-direction differential amplifier 17 _X and the Y-direction differential amplifier 17 _Y.
If a counter that counts, for example, the time difference in which the two detection outputs of 2 are maximized within the cycle is arranged in the X-direction coordinate determination circuit 18 _X and the Y-direction coordinate determination circuit 18 _Y , coordinate input by the electronic pen 15 becomes possible. Become.

A pen input device using such a tablet is disclosed in many publications such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-45481, and the detection principle is not necessarily the same. For example, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-45481, a shift pulse is applied to the scanning lines in the X direction and the Y direction to generate a loop current, and a pulse current is applied to the input pen at the timing of applying the pulse and the exposure timing of the input pen. The coordinates of the contact intersection are detected. Also, JP-A-63-18
In the technique described in Japanese Patent No. 4823, optical fibers are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, respectively, and the position of the drawing pen is detected using a light receiving element composed of a pair of image sensors.

Further, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-369016, the input pen whose pen tip emits light is pressed against the protective glass, and the coordinates on this glass surface are two-dimensional CCD sensor through the lens. I'm trying to be detected by. Further, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-195624, a frequency of several hundred Hz is sequentially applied to the transparent electrodes arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, and electrostatic capacitance is applied by the capacitance detection circuit at the tip of the electronic pen. The change in capacity is detected and the detection result is displayed on a liquid crystal display shared with the tablet. Furthermore, JP-A-63-2
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 57020, a tablet made of a transparent vibration transmission plate is placed on a document, and vibration is applied to the vibration transmission plate by a vibrating pen, and the tablet is arranged at a plurality of positions on the vibration transmission plate. The input coordinates are detected by detecting vibration with a sensor.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a handy scanner as an example of an image input device. This handy scanner includes rollers 21 to 23 that are in rolling contact with the image reading surface. These rollers 21 to 23 slightly project from the lower end of the casing portion 24 for holding the handy scanner by hand. Two short rollers 21, 22 and a long one arranged parallel to their common central axis.
Between the two rollers 23, a linear image sensor 25 having an image reading width is arranged close to the reading surface. An encoder 26 for detecting the movement state of the linear image sensor 25 in the sub-scanning direction is arranged on the roller 23. FIG. 18 is a view of the handy scanner as seen from the side with the casing part removed.

This handy scanner includes rollers 21 to 21.
23 is arranged so as to come into contact with the reading surface of the original, and the casing portion 24 is held by hand to scan (move) this reading surface in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the linear image sensor 25.
To do. The linear image sensor 25 has a large number of reading elements arranged in its longitudinal direction, and the encoder 22 detects this every time the rollers 21 to 23 move in the circumferential direction by an amount corresponding to one pitch in the sub-scanning direction. Main scanning is performed line by line. By synthesizing the image signal representing the lightness and darkness of the reading surface for each line as the information of the two-dimensional image,
Two-dimensional image input can be performed.

Further, the conventional means for protecting the manual scanning type image input device is intended to prevent the bottom surface from being scratched when not in use. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-24
Japanese Patent No. 4167 describes a configuration in which a protective cover is provided to cover the entire bottom surface having an opening of the device when not in use.

[0011]

As described above, the pen input device and the image input device have been developed as independent input devices. However, as the information processing apparatus becomes more sophisticated, various types of input are being performed. In addition, there is an increasing need to switch these inputs in a short time due to split display of operating screens. However, since the coordinate input and the image input must be performed by different devices, it is necessary to place the two devices together on the desk when both of them are required to be used. became. You also need to alternate or replace these devices,
It wasted work in terms of operation.

Further, in the conventional handy scanner as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the encoder for detecting the movement amount in the sub-scanning direction and the handy scanner itself for stably moving in a predetermined direction. It has a structure in which multiple loops are arranged around the linear image sensor.
Therefore, the width of the handy scanner (length in the sub-scanning direction)
Cannot be shortened, and the handy scanner itself obscures the reading area of a considerable width including the line or line being input. Therefore, there is a problem that the operator cannot accurately grasp the reading position and the usability is not good.

Further, the data obtained from the encoder of the handy scanner is not the absolute coordinates with respect to the reading surface, but only the relative coordinates such as the rotation amount or the movement amount. Therefore, even if the handy scanner separates from the reading surface even once during the reading, it is necessary to align the seam of the image with the next reading portion. Also in this sense, the wide width of the handy scanner makes it extremely difficult to match the seams of the images.

The conventional manual sub-scanning type reading device is limited to the purpose of image input. Therefore, when it is used as a pen, its size and shape are not suitable and it cannot be grasped even if it is used as a pen. It is also difficult to apply to portable devices.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information input device having a pen input device and an image input device as one input device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information input device capable of inputting an image in absolute coordinates on a reading surface of a document.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the invention, (a) a tablet and (b) a tablet drive for generating a physical change for specifying each position on the surface of the tablet. Means, (c) an image sensor for reading a document placed on the tablet, and (d) a physical image generated by the tablet in parallel with the document being placed near both ends of the image sensor. The information input device is provided with a position detecting means for analyzing a dynamic change and detecting the position of the image sensor with respect to the tablet.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the document placed on the tablet is read by the image sensor, and the position of the image sensor at each time is specified by the position detecting means. With respect to, it is possible to input an image in absolute coordinates.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) a tablet, (b) a tablet driving means for causing a physical change for specifying each position on the surface from the tablet, and (c) An image sensor for reading a document placed on this tablet, and (d) a physical change generated by the tablet in parallel with the reading of the document placed near both ends of the image sensor. The image reading position detecting means for detecting the position of the image sensor with respect to the tablet, and (e) the image reading position detecting means are pen nibs separately arranged in the same housing and arranged on the tablet. The information input device is provided with a coordinate detecting position detecting means for analyzing a physical change and detecting the position at the time.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the document placed on the tablet is read by the image sensor, and the position of the image sensor at each time is detected by the image reading position detecting means. Further, a pen tip-shaped position inputting means for coordinate input is prepared separately from this, so that coordinates designated on the tablet can be input.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, (a) a pen-shaped device casing portion, (b) coordinate input position detecting means arranged at the pen tip portion of the device casing portion, and (c) 3. A linear image sensor axially arranged inside the device casing portion, and (d) image reading position detecting means respectively arranged inside the device casing portion near both ends of the linear image sensor. The information input device described above is provided so that the device in the form of a pen can perform both coordinate input and image input, thus improving usability.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image sensor, a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in a row on the transparent insulating substrate at a predetermined interval, and light having different wavelengths is time-transmitted from the side where the light receiving elements are not arranged. Differently, the light is guided from the gap between the light receiving elements to the document by means such as an optical fiber, and the reflected light from the document is guided to these light receiving elements to read an image. . As a result, the optical system can be simplified and the device size can be made compact.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, (a) it is arranged in the apparatus casing part and is in a position where it can be touched when grasped by hand for inputting coordinates, and when it is held by hand for image input, this is touched. A signal processing means for selecting one of the coordinate input position detecting means and the image reading position detecting means depending on whether the switch is arranged in such a position that the switch is not operated or when the (b) switch is operated. The information input device according to claim 2 is provided with a switching means connected to the information input device. As a result, the signal processing means can be shared, and the signal output by the unused position detection means is cut, which provides the advantage that the coordinates can be detected with high reliability.

According to the sixth to ninth aspects of the invention, a protective cover having a curve like a pen is attached as a protection means so that one device can be used as both a pen and a scanner. The cover may be slidably removed, and the cover may include a function as a pen for pen input. Alternatively, a hinge-like object is used to open and close, and a roller is provided on the lid side. Or it is a rotary type that opens and closes and is integrated with the main body. Alternatively, it is characterized in that a case on the cylinder covers the entire housing of a portion having a reading surface.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an information input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows how coordinates are input. The information input device of this embodiment is
It is composed of a pen input tablet 31 and a pen type input device 33 connected to the pen input tablet 31 by a cable 32. As shown in this figure, when the operator grips and operates the pen type input device 33 with a hand 34 like a normal pen, the coordinates of the position where the pen tip touches the pen input tablet 31 are input. .

FIG. 2 shows how an image is input by the information input device of this embodiment. A document 36 is placed on the pen input tablet 31, and is preferably fixed by a tape or the like coated with an adhesive so that its position does not move. The pen-type input device 33 is laid down on its side, and its orientation is set to the main scanning direction. When the operator moves this with the hand 34 in the sub-scanning direction 38 orthogonal to the main scanning direction, a built-in linear image sensor (not shown) reads the image of the document 36 line by line. . Pen type input device 33
The length of the image reading unit may be shorter than the width of the reading area of the document 36. In this case, the operator sub-scans the image while slightly overlapping the reading areas as when wiping the floor with a cloth. It may be repeated multiple times in the direction.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic structure of a pen-type input device. Note that the pen input tablet 31 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can basically use a conventionally proposed tablet as shown in FIG. 16, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The pen-type input device 33 has a hollow device casing 41 made of transparent glass or resin in the shape of a pen as a whole, and the pen tip at its tip corresponds to the pen tip. A tip electrode 42 is implanted. The pen tip electrode 42 is for detecting coordinates on the pen input tablet 31. In the vicinity where the tip of the index finger is located with the operator holding the device casing 41,
A switch 43 is arranged. When the switch 43 is touched with a finger, the switching circuit 44 arranged inside the apparatus casing portion 41 detects this state, and the pen tip electrode 42
And the input side of the first signal detection circuit 45 are connected.

FIG. 4 shows an end face when the vicinity of the center of the apparatus casing is cut at a right angle to its longitudinal direction. Such a device casing part 41 is formed by deforming two corresponding circular arc portions of a cylinder having a diameter of about 1 cm into a flat shape.
The second flat plate portions 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ have an end face shape. A reading window 52 for reading an image is opened in the second flat plate portion 41 ₂ in the axial direction over a predetermined reading width. In the apparatus casing portion 41 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the switch 43 is arranged near the tip of the first flat plate portion 41 ₁ .

The first flat plate portion 4 on which the switch 43 is arranged
As shown in FIG. 3, the first sub-scanning position detection electrode 47 is arranged inside the second flat plate portion 41 ₂ on the side opposite to 1 ₁ and the switch 43 is not touched with a finger. Then, the switching circuit 44 connects the first sub-scanning position detection electrode 47 and the input side of the first signal detection circuit 45. A second sub-scanning position detecting electrode 48 is arranged on the second flat plate portion 41 ₂ (see FIG. 4) in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the device casing portion 41 to which the cable 32 is connected. The output of the second sub-scanning position detection electrode 48 is connected to the input side of the second signal detection circuit 49. The first and second sub-scanning position detecting electrodes 47 and 48 detect the sub-scanning position on the pen input tablet 31 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, when reading an image.
These are the same detection electrodes in principle as the pen tip electrode 42. First inside the device casing 41
A linear image sensor unit 51 is arranged in the area sandwiched between the second sub-scanning position detection electrodes 47 and 48. The cable 32 is the linear image sensor unit 5
1 signal line and the first and second signal detection circuits 45 and 49
It is composed of the signal line.

FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of the linear image sensor unit. The linear image sensor unit 51 is
It has a light source section 53. In the light source unit 53, R, G, and B three-color LED (light emitting diode) light source arrays 54R, 54G, and 54B arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval and facing each other, and are respectively arranged from these. It is composed of first condenser lenses 55R, 55G, and 55B for condensing the emitted light beams of three colors into substantially parallel light beams. A light condensing unit 56, a light receiving unit 57, a fiber converging unit 58, and a protective layer 59 are stacked below the light source unit 53 in this order. The protective layer 59 is the second layer shown in FIG.
Is arranged at the reading window 52 of the flat plate portion 41 ₂ of
The image is read directly through the protective layer 59.

Second condenser lenses 61R, 61G and 61B are arranged in the condenser portion 56 so as to face the first condenser lenses 55R, 55G and 55B of the light source portion 53. These condenser lenses 61R, 61G, and 61B pass through the gap of the light receiving element array 63 formed at the bottom of the transparent insulating substrate that constitutes the light receiving portion 57, and enter the fiber converging portion 58. . The fiber converging unit 58 is formed by arranging a plurality of optical fibers 64 in the width direction of the light receiving element array 63 in the column direction (y-axis direction) of the light receiving element array 63. Is guided to the reading surface of the original through the protective layer 59, and the reflected light is made incident on the light receiving element array 63 through the optical fiber 64.

FIG. 6 shows the main part of the linear image sensor section in the xz plane shown in FIG. 5 in relation to the reading surface of the original. Transparent insulating substrate 71 that constitutes the light receiving portion 57
A light-shielding layer 72 having a predetermined width is arranged in a comb-teeth shape with a predetermined interval at the bottom of the light receiving element 73 under the light shielding layer 73.
Are formed one by one. At the bottom of the transparent insulating substrate 71,
A transparent protective layer 74 is formed so as to cover the light shielding layer 72 and the light receiving element 73 so as to protect them.
These form the light receiving element array 63 as a whole. Therefore, the light receiving section 57 is coupled to the optical fiber 64 of the fiber converging section 58 via the protective layer 74, and the fiber converging section 58 is almost in close contact with the reading surface of the original 36 via the protective layer 59.

Light rays 7 sent from the light source section 53 of FIG.
6 is incident on the transparent insulating substrate 71. And the light shielding layer 72
The light having passed through is incident on the upper end portion of the optical fiber 64 without directly entering the light receiving element 73, and while repeating total reflection as it is, descends in the z direction and reaches the reading surface of the document 36. The reflected light of the document 36 enters the lower end of the optical fiber 64 from the protective layer 59, rises in the z direction while repeating total reflection as it is, enters the protective layer 74 from the upper end, and reaches the light receiving element 73. In this way, the shade of the reading surface of the original 36 is detected.

The linear image sensor shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 has a length in the z-axis direction of about 1 mm for the fiber converging section 58 and the light receiving section 57, respectively, and the light source section 53 and the condensing section 56 are aligned with each other. The length is about 2 to 4 mm. Therefore, the length in the z-axis direction as a whole is about 4 to 6 mm, and the device casing portion 41 having a diameter of about 1 cm shown in FIG.
It can be fully accommodated inside.

The input operation of the information input device having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. When inputting coordinates, hold the pen-type input device 33 as shown in FIG.
Hold the pen like a normal pen at 4 and use the pen input tablet 31
The pen tip electrode 42 is moved while making contact therewith. At this time, the operator touches the switch 43 with an index finger or the like.
As a result, the signal from the pen tip electrode 42 is input to the first signal detection circuit 45.

On the other hand, the pen input tablet 31 has a plurality of electrodes arranged at predetermined intervals in the X direction and the Y direction as already described with reference to FIG. 16 as a conventional technique, and these electrodes are scanned at a predetermined timing. A pulse is being applied. Therefore, the first signal detection circuit 45 first separates and detects the change in the charge in the X-axis direction and the change in the Y-axis direction by the charge induced in the pen tip electrode 42, and the X-direction coordinate determination circuit and Y in the circuit. The directional coordinate determination circuit determines the X and Y coordinates at the contact position of the pen tip electrode 42. Therefore, the coordinate data determined by the first signal detection circuit 45 is input to the above information processing device via the cable 32. When the pen tip electrode 42 is moved on the pen input tablet 31, the coordinate data of the locus at that time is similarly input to the information processing device via the cable 32.

Next, an operation for reading an image using this information input device will be described. When inputting an image, the operator holds the vicinity of the center of the pen type input device 33 with the hand 34,
As shown in FIG. 2, the second flat plate portion 41 ₂ is brought into close contact with the original 36 placed on the pen input tablet 31 and moved in a predetermined direction (sub-scanning direction). At this time, the switch 43 is not touched by the hand 34. The switching circuit 44 selects the first sub-scanning position detection electrode 47 in this state. Therefore, the first signal detection circuit 45 determines the X and Y coordinates where the first sub-scanning position detection electrode 47 is located by the induced charges, and sends the coordinate data to the above-mentioned information processing device. In addition, the second signal detection circuit 49 causes the second sub-scanning position detection electrode 4 by the induced charges.
The X and Y coordinates of the position 8 are determined, and the coordinate data is sent to the above-mentioned information processing device. Further, an image signal obtained from the linear image sensor unit 51 including a row of light receiving elements 73 is similarly input to the information processing device via the cable 32.

As described above, the information processing apparatus obtains the image signal of each scanning line together with the coordinate data composed of the absolute coordinates of both ends of the linear image sensor section 51. In this state, the R, G, and B color LED light source arrays 54 of the light source unit 53
R, 54G, and 54B repeat light emission in order. Therefore, the reading result of the image separated into three colors is obtained from the linear image sensor unit 51, and the color information of the original document 36 is read. Moreover, the linear image sensor unit 5 determines which position of the document 36 is being read.
Since it can be determined from the absolute coordinates of both ends of 1, even if the pen-type input device 33 is separated from the manuscript 36 during operation, it is scanned again on the manuscript 36, and the two images before and after the manuscript are scanned. The regions can be easily aligned. Further, even when the reading width of the linear image sensor unit 51 is shorter than the width of the document 36, the document 36
If the areas to be read are divided into a plurality of areas in the width direction and the respective areas are read, it is possible to easily align these image areas by collation with absolute coordinates.

In the embodiment described above, the cross section of the device casing portion 41 has a shape in which arcs and straight lines are combined as shown in FIG. 4, but other than this, for example, 6
It may be a polygonal prism such as a prism, a prism, and a prism.

FIG. 7 shows the internal structure of a pen input tablet in which the cross section of the device casing is a hexagon as a modification of the first embodiment. In this variation,
The device casing portion 41 receives the eight surfaces, and the other surface constitutes the protective layer 59 of the fiber converging portion 58. Therefore, the protective layer 59 comes into direct contact with the original to read an image. A diffuser plate 81 for diffusing light rays is attached to the upper surface of the light source section 53 of this modified example, and LED light source rows 54R, 54G, and 5 of R, G, and B colors are attached.
In 4B, the light rays emitted at different times are absorbed, and then condensed and reach the original.

Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, capacitive coupling between the pen input tablet 31 and electrodes such as the pen tip electrode 42 is used for coordinate detection of the information input device. . Other than this, the coordinates can be detected using various methods as shown in the prior art. For example, a method using electromagnetic induction and a method using ultrasonic waves, light, and sound can be cited as typical examples.

FIG. 8 shows the basic configuration of an electromagnetic transfer type information input device as a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the pen type input device 91
Is composed of a resonance circuit 92 and a linear image sensor 51. On the surface of the pen input tablet 94, loop-shaped coils 95 arranged at predetermined intervals are arranged in the X-axis direction. One ends of these coils 95 are commonly grounded, and the other ends serve as respective contact points of the first switching circuit 96, which are repeatedly selected in order by a first contact piece 97 in a predetermined cycle. ing. First contact piece 97
Is connected to the second contact piece 99 of the second switching circuit 98. The second contact piece 99 switches the contact on the high frequency generator 101 side and the contact on the signal detection circuit 102 side one by one while one contact of the first switching circuit 96 is selected. There is. A row of coils is arranged on the surface of the pen input tablet 94 in the Y-axis direction so as to be orthogonal to these coils 95 and is connected to a switching circuit having a similar configuration, but the drawing is complicated. Therefore, these figures are omitted.

In the information input device having such a structure according to the second embodiment, the high frequency generator 101 is first connected to the contact of the coil 95 having the contact piece 97 of the first switching circuit 96. High frequency is supplied to the coil 95,
Electromagnetic waves are generated. Resonant circuit 92 of pen-type input device 91
Temporarily stores this as electromagnetic energy. When the second contact piece 99 is switched to the contact on the signal detection circuit 102 side at the next timing, the electromagnetic energy stored in the resonance circuit 92 is detected by the signal detection circuit 102. Similarly, the contact piece 97 of the first switching circuit 96 is connected to each coil 9
The pen type input device 91
Of the electromagnetic energy stored in the resonance circuit 92 of the signal detection circuit 1
02 will be detected.

The detection result of the signal detection circuit 102 is sent to an X coordinate determination circuit 104 (not shown). The X coordinate determination circuit 104 compares the detection results of the respective coils 95 and determines the coil 95 that has detected the maximum electromagnetic energy as the X coordinate indicated by the pen-type input device 91. Y not shown
Similarly, the coordinate determination circuit also shows Y indicated by the pen-type input device 91.
The coordinates will be determined. In addition to the method of detecting the maximum value of such electromagnetic energy, a plurality of coils 95
It is also possible to detect the coordinates indicated by the pen-type input device 91 by calculating the center of gravity based on the analog signal of. By calculating the center of gravity in this way, the coordinates can be detected with a resolution equal to or higher than the pitch of the coil 95.

Third Embodiment FIG. 9 shows the structure of a pen-type input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.
In the pen-type input device 111 of the present embodiment, the fiber converging portion 58 of the first embodiment is arranged inside the device casing portion 112 whose bottom surface is open. The lower surface of the fiber converging portion 58 is covered with the light shielding layer 114 except for the lower end portion of the optical fiber 64, and the lower end portion of the optical fiber 64 and the light shielding layer 11 are covered.
4 is covered with a protective layer 115. The light-shielding layer 114 is the original 3
This is for blocking the incidence of light from locations other than 6.

A light-shielding layer 114 is formed on the right side of the drawing and a circuit conductor layer 116 is arranged on the left side of the upper surface of the fiber converging portion 58 with the position where the upper end of the optical fiber 64 is disposed as a boundary. ing. The circuit conductor layer 116 extends to the middle of the position where the upper end portion of the optical fiber 64 is arranged, and a crystalline Si image sensor 118 such as CCD is arranged at the end portion thereof via a connecting component 117. . At the bottom of the crystalline Si image sensor 118, a light receiving element 119 is arranged at a predetermined distance from its side end. The light receiving element 119 faces the upper end portion of the optical fiber 64, and detects the light beam incident from here. The upper end of the optical fiber 64 and the light receiving element 11
A transparent protective layer 121 is provided between the layers 9. Further, the same light source unit 53 as described in the first embodiment is provided diagonally above the light receiving element 119, and R, G, and
B3 colors are alternately emitted.

In the pen type input device 111 having such a configuration, the light beam output from the light source section 53 is input to the upper end of the optical fiber 64 via the protective layer 121. The input light beam descends in the optical fiber 64 while undergoing total reflection, and reaches the reading surface of the document 36. The light beam reflected from the reading surface of the original 36 enters from the lower end of the optical fiber 64, rises while undergoing total reflection, and enters the light receiving element 119 from the upper end of the optical fiber 64. That is, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the pen-type input device 111 of the second embodiment is premised on that the side of the crystalline Si image sensor 118 where the light receiving element 119 is arranged is not transparent. Also, the document 36 is scanned,
An image signal representing the brightness and darkness can be obtained.

In the embodiment and the modification, the case of using LEDs of three colors is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a white light source such as a cold cathode tube is used and three rows of light receiving elements are used. A color image may be read by providing these and covering them with a color filter for color separation. Depending on the device, it is not necessary to read a color image in this way, and it is possible to read two colors or a single color. In the case of reading an image with a single color, the light source such as the LED may be for one color, and it goes without saying that a color filter for color separation is not required.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A protective cover 206 having a curve is attached to the main body housing 201. A groove 230 is provided in the main body, and a corresponding convex guide rail is provided in the cover. The guide rails are engaged with each other and slid in the A direction or the opposite direction to remove the cover. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the main body. Inside the rod-shaped L
There are ED light sources 202 to 204, a drive circuit integrated image sensor 208 formed on a glass substrate, a circuit board 212, a fiber array plate 207, a roller 205, and an encoder (not shown), which constitute an image input section. . An encoder that detects the rotation of the roller is built into the main body, and this is used to detect the position during image input, so a tablet is not required. With this structure, an information input device having a width of 16 mm, a height of 16 mm, and a length of 200 mm can be prepared, and it can be used as a document input and a pen. FIG. 11 shows a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. A pen tip is attached to an end of the sliding cover 206. The simplest configuration of a pen for pen input is a mere protrusion, and therefore it is easy to attach to the tip of the slide cover 206. The fixing method when the slide type cover is attached is performed, for example, when the cover is fitted to the end, the projection 231 hits the main body and does not go further and the friction between the groove and the guide rail. Even if there is no pen structure, similar protrusions,
Fix with frictional force.

The user removes the slide cover 206 and brings the reading surface into close contact with the document to perform the manual sub-scan only when the image is captured. When the image capturing is not performed, the image is stored or carried with the slide cover 206 attached. It can also be used as a pen of a pen input device.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A shows the state of FIG.
2 (B) shows a state at the time of non-reading. The cylindrical main body housing 201 has a structure in which it is opened and closed by a hinge 210. The stopper 211 determines the opening angle. Of the constituent elements of the image input section shown in FIG. 15, the roller 205 is attached to the side different from the side to which the other elements are attached. By doing so, when not in use, with the lid closed, the roller 205 is absorbed inside from the fiber array plate surface and becomes compact.

The user opens the open / close cover 250, brings the reading surface and the roller 205 into close contact with the original 251, and performs the manual sub-scan only when the image is captured. Since the distance between the optical fiber array section and the roller can be long, the stability during manual scanning is increased. When not capturing images, keep them closed or carry them. It can also be used as a pen of a pen input device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view (partially sectional view) showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The internal structure of the case is shown in FIG.
Is the same as In this embodiment, a rotatable cover 221 that can rotate along the side wall of the housing is provided.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view and a plan view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The information input device includes a main body housing 201 and a cylindrical case 243 covering the main body housing 201, and a pen input pen tip 209 is provided at the tip of the case. The main body housing 201 is provided with a protrusion 244, the case 243 is provided with a groove that engages with the protrusion, and when the protrusion and the groove come close to each other, the protrusion elastically deforms inward and the case elastically deforms outward.
When the protrusion reaches the groove, it is engaged and fixed by the elastic deformation force.

When used as a pen, stored or carried, the case 243 is in a fitted state, and when reading a document, it is pulled out from the case and used.

[0058]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the document placed on the tablet is read by the image sensor, and the position of the image sensor at each time is specified by the position detecting means. Since it is decided to do so, it is possible to input an image in absolute coordinates with respect to the reading surface of the document. That is, even when the image sensor is separated from the original surface on the way, the coordinates of the reading position are specified when reading again, so that the reading position can be easily aligned. Further, even when the width of the image sensor is short, the image can be similarly input using the absolute coordinates, so that the entire image can be easily reproduced by reading the document in a divided manner. effective.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the document placed on the tablet is read by the image sensor, and the position of the image sensor at each time is detected by the image reading position detecting means. A pen tip-shaped position inputting means for coordinate input is separately provided in the same housing so that the coordinates designated on the tablet can be input. Therefore, one input device can perform both coordinate input and image input. For this reason, when these two types of inputs are performed in parallel, it is not necessary to replace and use the device, which not only improves work efficiency, but also has an advantage that the arrangement space of the input device is reduced.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, since the pen-shaped device can input both the coordinates and the image, the usability of the input device can be further improved.

In the invention according to claim 4, since the image sensor has a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a line at a predetermined interval on the transparent insulating substrate, light rays are made incident through the gap of the arrangement of the light receiving elements. It is possible to guide the light to the original and detect the reflected light from the original with the light receiving element, simplify the optical system, and reduce the size of the apparatus.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the switch is in a position where it can be touched when grasped by hand for inputting coordinates in the apparatus casing part, and is not touched when it is held by hand for image input. Since it is in such a position, the operator can easily and surely switch the switch according to the form of this input. Further, since this switch is to switch the detection output of the coordinate input position detecting means and the image reading position detecting means, it becomes possible to share the signal processing means and the signal output by the unused position detecting means. Is cut, there is an advantage that the coordinates can be detected with high reliability.

According to the inventions of claims 6 to 9, since the reading surface protection means has a shape that is easy to grasp, it is small in size, has less strain on fingers when gripped as a pen, is less tired, and has scratches.
It has a strong structure against dust and dirt. This makes it possible for the first time to realize a pen and a scanner with a single device. Further, since the roller cannot be thinned unnecessarily in order to maintain stability and straightness, a small and stable device can be obtained by attaching the roller to a part different from other components as described in claim 7. Becomes

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a situation of an operation when coordinates are input in an information input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing how an image is input by the information input device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the pen type input device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an end view showing an end face when the vicinity of the center of the device casing portion of the first embodiment is cut at a right angle to the longitudinal direction thereof.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the linear image sensor unit according to the first embodiment.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the linear image sensor section in the xz plane shown in FIG. 5 in relation to the reading surface of the document.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing, as a modification of the first embodiment, a pen input tablet in which a device casing has a hexagonal cross section with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a principle configuration of an electromagnetic transfer information input device as a second embodiment of an image.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the structure of a pen type input device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure of a slide-type cover according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pen tip is mounted on a slide type cover as a modified example of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an openable cover as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a structure of a rotary cover as a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

14A is a perspective view of a pen tip portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14B is a plan view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a pen-type information input device that does not require a tablet as a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional pen input device as an example of a coordinate input device.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a handy scanner as an example of a conventional image input device.

FIG. 18 is a side view showing the inside of the handy scanner shown in FIG. 11.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31, 94 Pen input tablet 32 Cable 33, 91, 111 Pen type input device 36 Document 41 Device casing portion 42 Pen tip electrode 43 Switch 45 First signal detection circuit 47 First sub-scanning position detection electrode 48 First Sub-scanning position detection electrode 49 Second signal detection circuit 51 Linear image sensor section 53 Light source section 56 Condensing section 57 Light receiving section 58 Fiber converging section 59 Protective layer 63 Light receiving element array 64 Optical fiber 72 Light shielding layer 73 Light receiving element 92 Resonance Circuit 95 Coil 96 First switching circuit 98 Second switching circuit 101 High frequency generator 102 Signal detection circuit 104 X coordinate determination circuit 201 Housing 202 Light emitting element substrate 203 Light emitting element 204 Rod lens 205 Roller 206 Sliding cover 207 Optical fiber Array plate 208 linear Mejisensa 209 nib 210 hinge 211 stopper 212 PCB 221 rotary cover 230 groove 231 projections 240, 241 a gear 242 encoder 243 Case 244 projections 250 cover 251 document

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 24, 1995

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A tablet, a tablet drive means for causing a physical change for specifying each position on the surface of the tablet, and an image sensor for reading a document placed on the tablet. And position detecting means arranged near both ends of the image sensor to analyze the physical change generated by the tablet in parallel with the reading of the document and to detect the position of the image sensor with respect to the tablet. An information input device characterized by the above. 2. A tablet, a tablet driving means for causing a physical change for specifying each position on the surface of the tablet, and an image sensor for reading a document placed on the tablet. And image reading position detecting means arranged near both ends of the image sensor to analyze the physical change generated by the tablet in parallel with the reading of the document and to detect the position of the image sensor with respect to the tablet. The position detecting means for image reading is a pen-tip-shaped member separately arranged in the same housing, and is for inputting coordinates for analyzing the physical change and detecting the position when it is arranged on the tablet. An information input device comprising a position detecting means. 3. A pen-shaped device casing portion, the coordinate input position detecting means arranged at a pen tip portion of the device casing portion, and a linear image axially arranged inside the device casing portion. 3. The information input device according to claim 2, further comprising a sensor and an image reading position detecting means disposed inside the device casing near both ends of the linear image sensor. 4. The image sensor comprises a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a line on a transparent insulating substrate at predetermined intervals, and irradiates light having different wavelengths from the side where the light receiving elements are not arranged at different times. 3. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the light is guided to the original through a gap between the light receiving elements, and reflected light from the original is guided to the light receiving elements to read an image. 5. It is arranged in the casing of the device and is in a position where it can come into contact when grasped by hand for inputting coordinates,
A switch arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with a hand for image input, and one of coordinate input position detecting means and image reading position detecting means depending on whether the switch is operated or not. 3. The information input device according to claim 2, further comprising switching means for selecting and connecting to the dual-purpose signal processing means. 6. An information input device comprising a pen-shaped device casing, a linear image sensor axially arranged in the device casing portion, and a sliding cover on the casing reading surface. 7. A pen-shaped device casing, a linear image sensor axially arranged in the device casing portion, an opening / closing cover on the casing reading surface, and a roller on the cover. Characteristic information input device. 8. An information input device comprising a pen-shaped device casing, a linear image sensor axially arranged in the device casing portion, and a rotary cover for covering a reading surface. 9. An information input device comprising: a pen-shaped device casing; a linear image sensor axially arranged in the device casing portion; and a cylindrical case that covers the casing. .