JPH0876907A - Menu sheet for digitizer and its identification method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To automatically discriminate the existence, kind, surface/back, position, etc., of each menu sheet by fixing a position indicator capable of cooperating with a sense part to the menu sheet. CONSTITUTION: Menu sheets 11 to 13 of three kinds have the same rectangular shape and position indicators 14 to 16 are fitted to respectively different positions of the sheets 11 to 13. In addition, these indicators 14 to 16 are arranged on the positions deviated from the vertically center lines of respective sheets 11 to 13. On the other hand, when one of the menu sheets 11 to 13 is set up on a sensing part for a digitizer, its corresponding indicator co-operates with the sensing part and the digitizer detects a position indicated by the indicator and sends a position signal to a computer. The computer processes the position signal in accordance with its application software and discriminates the menu sheet.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digitizer menu sheet and a method for identifying the same, and more specifically, by placing the menu sheet on the sensing portion of the digitizer, the presence / absence, type, front / back, position, etc. of the menu sheet are automatically detected. It is made to be able to identify.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digitizer is sometimes used for menu selection. In that case, a menu sheet is placed on the sense section of the digitizer, and the sense section is positioned on the menu sheet with a position indicator for menu selection. The necessary signal for the digitizer is obtained by pointing.

The menu sheet to be used is appropriately designated by the application software, and is used by setting the menu sheet at a predetermined position on the sense portion of the digitizer.

Conventionally, in the alignment to the predetermined position, for example, a cutout portion is formed at one position on the outer peripheral edge of the menu sheet, and a protrusion which can be fitted into the cutout portion is provided on the digitizer side. , It was devised to align both mechanically.

[0005]

The conventional device as described above has the following problems. (1) The software side can determine whether or not the menu sheet is placed on the sense part of the digitizer, and whether the placed menu sheet is of the type instructed by the application software. Can not.

(2) The menu sheet can be changed only by an instruction from the application software or a key operation.

(3) Since the menu sheet is set at a predetermined position and the position is fixed, the operator cannot freely move the menu sheet to a convenient position. In other words, if the operator arbitrarily shifts the position of the menu sheet and uses it, he or she cannot obtain a necessary signal from the digitizer, so that it cannot be applied to applications that are shifted and used.

(4) There is a character input menu sheet as an alternative to the keyboard, but it is a normal one and the key layout is not specially devised, so the operation becomes slow and tired.

(5) In the character input menu sheet as a keyboard substitute in which the keys are arranged in an arc centered around the wrist according to the handedness, two types of right-handed and left-handed must be prepared. There was no left / right keyboard replacement character input menu sheet for both left-handers.

(6) Even if a character input menu sheet for both left and right keyboards is created, the conventional menu sheet cannot include a left / right identification function, so that it cannot be operated by others. No application software can be supported without it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a menu sheet and its identifying method capable of automatically identifying the presence, type, front and back, position, etc. of a menu sheet. Is intended.

[0012]

A menu sheet of a digitizer according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is provided with a pointing device for selecting a menu from a menu sheet placed on the sensing section. In the menu sheet used in the digitizer for transmitting and receiving a signal between the sensing unit and the position indicator for menu selection, and detecting the position indicated by the position indicator for menu selection, the menu sheet A position indicator that cooperates with the sensing unit is attached to the.

For example, the position indicators are attached to different positions for each menu sheet, and a plurality of the position indicators are attached to one menu sheet.

The position indicator is identified by its resonance frequency, phase or identification code.

For example, the menu sheet has a keyboard alternative menu, the menus are arranged in an arc centered on the wrist, and the menus of the menu sheet are symmetrically arranged on the front surface and the back surface.

Further, the menu sheet identifying method according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is to point the sensing section on the menu sheet mounted on the sensing section with the menu selection position indicator. In the menu sheet used for a digitizer that transmits and receives a signal between the sense unit and the menu selection position indicator, detects the position instructed by the menu selection position indicator, and transmits a position signal. There is provided one or two or more position indicators that cooperate with the sense unit on the menu sheet, and the digitizer by the position indicator of the menu sheet placed on the sense unit is used. It is characterized in that the menu sheet is identified by the position signal.

In this identification, the presence / absence of the menu sheet above the sensing portion, the type, the front and back, the position, the posture, or a combination thereof is identified by the position signal of the digitizer. Further, a plurality of the menu sheets having the position indicators attached at mutually different positions are piled up and placed on the sensing unit to simultaneously identify each of them.

Further, preferably, the relative coordinates of pointing with respect to the menu sheet are calculated from the information on the front and back of the menu sheet, or the position or orientation thereof.

[0019]

By placing the menu sheet on the sense portion of the digitizer, the position indicator attached to the menu sheet cooperates with the sense portion, and the position is indicated by the position indicator, and the digitizer is set at this position. Is detected and a position signal is transmitted, and this position signal is used for the required identification of the menu sheet.

A menu sheet in which the menu is arranged in a circular pattern for the right-handed person on the front surface and the circular arc array for the left-handed person on the back surface is symmetrical with the front surface, is used. By outputting, the left-handed support can be automatically performed even if the application software does not support it.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention uses a multi-device digitizer capable of simultaneously processing pointing with a plurality of position indicators, and uses one or more positions different in resonance frequency, phase, identification code or the like from the position indicator for menu selection. The indicator is attached to a part of the menu sheet beforehand, and when the menu sheet is placed on the sense part of the digitizer, the digitizer detects the position indicated by the position indicator attached to the menu sheet and The idea is to make a predetermined identification by transmitting a position signal.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a menu sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, three types of menu sheets 11, 12 and 13 are shown. Each of the menu sheets 11 ′, 12 ′ and 13 ′ shown at the bottom of FIG. 1 shows the back side of the menu sheets 11, 12 and 13, respectively. ing. In this example, there are three types of menu sheets 11, 1
The reference numerals 2 and 13 have rectangular shapes of the same size, and the position indicators 14, 15 and 16 are attached to mutually different positions. In addition, these position indicators 14,
15, 16 are the respective menu sheets 11, 12,
It is located off the center line on the left and right of 13.

On the other hand, in the digitizer (not shown), when these menu sheets 11, 12, and 13 are placed on the sensing unit, the position indicators 14, 15, 16 and the sensing unit cooperate, and the digitizer is The position indicated by is detected and the position signal is sent to a computer (not shown). As a result, the computer processes the position signal according to the application software and identifies the menu sheet. For example, the position indicators 14, 15, 1
The digitizer emits a position signal when any one of 6 transmits and receives a signal to and from the sensing section, and the presence of the signal identifies that the menu sheets 11, 12, and 13 are on the sensing section.

Further, since the position indicators 14, 15, 16 are different in position from each other on the respective menu sheets 11, 12, 13, the position of the position indicators 14, 15, 16 determines whether the menu sheets 11, 12, 13 are different. (Type) can be identified. For example, the positions corresponding to the positions of the position indicators 14, 15, 16 are stored in advance in the storage device of the computer, the position signal from the digitizer is collated with the stored contents, and the menu sheets 11, 12, 13 are displayed. Identify the type.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position indicators 14, 1
Menu sheets 1 and 5 and 16 are not on the left and right centerlines
The position indicators 14, 1 on the sensing unit are different depending on whether 1, 12, 13 are placed on the sensing unit face up or on the other side.
Since the positions of 5 and 16 are different, it is possible to identify the front and back sides of the menu sheets 11, 12 and 13 accordingly. In the above example, the positions of the position indicators 14, 15, 16 in the case where the menu sheets 11, 12, 13 are placed in the storage device of the computer in advance and in the case where the menu sheets are placed in the back, respectively. The corresponding position is stored, and the position signal from the digitizer is collated with the stored content to identify the type and front / back of the menu sheets 11, 12, 13.

Since the above-mentioned position indicators 14, 15, 16 are also displaced from the upper and lower center lines of the menu sheets 11, 12, 13, it is possible to identify the front and back by turning them upside down. . Generally, when placing a rectangular menu sheet upside down, either the left and right sides should be reversed or the top and bottom sides should be turned upside down. By attaching, the front and back can be identified in any case.

Further, instead of identifying the type and the front and back, the position indicators 14, 15 and 16 can identify the positions on the sense portion of the menu sheets 11, 12 and 13. Based on this position signal, the signal from the position indicator for menu selection is shifted and corrected in the computer, so that the menu selection of the menu sheet can be accurately performed even if the placement position of the menu sheet with respect to the sensing unit is deviated. Is possible. For example, while setting the position that is the origin of the menu sheet and mounting a position indicator there, the menu described on the menu sheet is arranged in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the origin, while it is stored in the storage device of the computer. The arrangement position of the menu with respect to the origin of the menu sheet is stored in advance. Then, the origin position of the menu sheet in the computer is set from the position signal from the digitizer caused by the position indicator of the menu sheet, and the signal from the menu selection position indicator is corrected with reference to it.

FIG. 2 shows a menu sheet according to the present invention.
It is a top view in the state where it piled up. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of menu sheets 11 and 12 having the above-mentioned position indicators 14 and 15 having different attachment positions are stacked and placed on the sensing portion of the digitizer, so that a plurality of menu sheets 11 are formed. , 12 can be identified at the same time.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a menu sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, two position indicators 18 and 19 having different resonance frequencies are attached to two positions on the diagonal of the menu sheet 17. As a result, the computer can identify the position and orientation of the menu sheet 17 from the positions of these two position indicators 18, 19 detected by the digitizer, and the type of menu sheet from the type of position indicator. It is possible. Further, if the posture identification range is limited, it is possible to identify the front and back and a plurality of menu sheets.

Further, by combining the types of position indicators having different resonance frequencies, phases, identification codes, etc., it is possible to increase the type identification of the menu sheet.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a menu sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention, and the drawing at the bottom thereof shows the back side in a reduced scale. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, a menu 21 for character input is described on the front surface of the menu sheet 20 for a right-handed person, which is an arc array centering around the wrist, and is a rear surface 20 'of the keyboard.
In the same manner, a menu 22 for character input, which is a keyboard alternative to a left-handed arc array, is described. Further, two position indicators 23 and 24 having mutually different resonance frequencies are attached at two positions on the diagonal of the menu sheet 20.

As a result, the two position indicators 23, 24
The front and back of the menu sheet 20 can be identified from the position of, and in the computer, the relative coordinates in consideration of the left and right directions of the front and back are calculated from the two position indicators 23 and 24 based on the position signal from the digitizer. That is, the position on the right-handed menu 21 and the position on the back left-hand menu 22 corresponding to a specific key are different on the sense unit, but the menu sheet 20
Relative coordinates are calculated so that they have the same meaning by identifying the front and back sides of. In this way, even if the menu sheet 20 is placed on either side, the menu 21
Alternatively, by pointing at 22, the same relative coordinate value is displayed, and right-handed and left-handed correspondence can be automatically performed even if the application software does not support it.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the above-described calculation of relative coordinates. As shown in FIG. 5A, the relative coordinates (u, v) of the right-handed menu sheet 20 from the coordinates (x, y) of the digitizer have the origin of the relative coordinates (a, b) and the relative coordinate system. When the rotation is Θ (g <Θ ≦ −g), it is calculated by the following formula. u = (x−a) cos Θ− (y−b) sin Θ v = (x−a) sin Θ + (y−b) cos Θ

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5B, the relative coordinates (u, v) on the left-handed menu sheet 20 ', which is obtained by turning the right-handed menu sheet over to the left and right, are expressed by the following equations. Required by. u = (y−b) cos θ− (ax) sin θ v = (y−b) sin θ + (ax) cos θ

Here, g is the angle from the Y axis of the diagonal line connecting the position indicators 23 and 24 when the menu sheet 20 is placed so that the rotation of the menu sheet with respect to the digitizer coordinate axis is 0 degree.

In each of the above embodiments, the position indicator previously attached to the menu sheet is detected by the digitizer, and the position signal is used to automatically identify the presence / absence, type, front / back, position, etc. of the menu sheet. Although the method has been described, the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiment, and the position signal of the digitizer obtained by the position indicator of the menu sheet may be used for other purposes in relation to the application software. It is possible.

There are various signal transmission systems with the position indicator in the digitizer, but the present invention is basically applicable to all the systems. The present invention can be particularly advantageously applied to an electromagnetic induction system in which the position pointing device can be made cordless with respect to the digitizer main body (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-53805).

Further, the position indicator may be detachably attached to the menu sheet. For example, one position indicator can be shared by a plurality of menu sheets. In addition, a plurality of position indicator mounting locations where the position indicator can be detachably mounted are provided on a single menu sheet, and the mounting position of the position indicator can be changed as appropriate to create a single menu in relation to application software. A sheet can have multiple meanings.

[0039]

As described above in detail with reference to the embodiments, according to the present invention, when the position indicator is attached to the menu sheet and it is placed on the sense part of the digitizer, the position indicator is used. The position can be indicated and the digitizer position signal thereby used to identify the desired menu sheet, for example:

(1) It becomes possible to identify whether or not the menu sheet designated by the application software is placed.

(2) The menu can be changed only by replacing the menu sheet.

(3) The menu sheet can be moved to a position where it is easy to use, and the menu position can be shifted to accommodate an application to be used.

(4) A menu sheet for character input, which is an alternative to a keyboard, can be operated easily, quickly, and without fatigue.

(5) With a menu sheet for character input, which is an alternative to a keyboard, it is possible to automatically support both right-handed and left-handed users by not using application software and using different front and back sides. There are various effects such as.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a menu sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state where two menu sheets according to the present invention are stacked.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a menu sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a menu sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of relative coordinate calculation according to the identification method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 12, 13, 17, 20 Menu sheet 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 34 Position indicator 21, 22 menu

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A signal is provided between the sense unit and the position indicator for menu selection by pointing the sense unit with a position indicator for menu selection on a menu sheet placed on the sense unit. In the menu sheet used for a digitizer that transmits and receives and detects a position indicated by the menu selection position indicator, a position indicator that cooperates with the sense unit is attached to the menu sheet. Digitizer menu sheet. 2. The menu sheet of the digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the menu sheet comprises a plurality of the menu sheets having the position indicators attached to different positions. 3. The digitizer menu sheet according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the position indicators are attached. 4. The digitizer menu sheet according to claim 1, further comprising a keyboard alternative menu, wherein the menus are arranged in an arc centered on the wrist. 5. The digitizer menu sheet according to claim 1, wherein the menus are arranged symmetrically on the front surface and the back surface. 6. The digitizer menu sheet according to claim 1, wherein the position indicator is identified by its resonance frequency, phase, or type of identification code. 7. A signal is transmitted between the sense unit and the position indicator for menu selection by pointing the sense unit with the position indicator for menu selection from above the menu sheet placed on the sense unit. A position indicator that is used in a digitizer that transmits and receives, detects a position designated by the menu selection position indicator, and sends a position signal, the position indicator cooperating with the sense unit on the menu sheet. One or two or more are attached, and the menu sheet is identified by the position signal of the digitizer by the position indicator of the menu sheet placed on the sensing unit. Identification method. 8. The method of identifying a menu sheet according to claim 7, wherein the presence or absence of a menu sheet above the sense unit is identified by a position signal of the digitizer. 9. The method for identifying a menu sheet according to claim 7, wherein the type of the menu sheet above the sensing unit is identified by the position signal of the digitizer. 10. The method of identifying a menu sheet according to claim 7, wherein the front and back sides of the menu sheet above the sensing unit are identified by a position signal of the digitizer. 11. The method of identifying a menu sheet according to claim 7, wherein the position of the menu sheet above the sense unit is identified by a position signal of the digitizer. 12. The method of identifying a menu sheet according to claim 7, wherein the posture of the menu sheet above the sensing portion is identified by a position signal of the digitizer. 13. A menu sheet above the sensing unit is in a predetermined position according to a position signal of the digitizer,
Simultaneously identifying the type of the menu sheet, identifying the front and back of the menu sheet, identifying the position on the sense portion of the menu sheet, and identifying the attitude of the menu sheet with respect to the sense portion. The method for identifying a menu sheet according to claim 7, which is performed. 14. The method according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of the menu sheets having the position indicators attached to mutually different positions are piled up and placed on the sense section to simultaneously identify each of them. Menu sheet identification method. 15. The menu sheet according to claim 7, wherein the front and back sides or the position or the posture of the menu sheet above the sensing unit is identified by the position signal of the digitizer, and the relative coordinates of pointing with respect to the menu sheet are calculated accordingly. Identification method.