JPH1039992A - Data input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm from which input device inputted plural data are inputted by detecting the three-dimensional position information of a space inputted by the plural input devices and outputting information for display so as to change the display corresponding to the plural pieces of position information. SOLUTION: A detector 12 discriminates by which input device the respective optional space positions indicated by the input devices 11a and 11b are, detects it as the position information of the space and stores the detected position information of the space. A processor 13 converts the space position information to the position information of a specified plane and an axial direction orthogonal to it and performs a processing for performing output display based on the information. An output device 14 performs the display based on the information for the display to which an output display processing is executed. Preferably, the information for the display is outputted so as to change the color of an indication graphic for indicating the position on a display screen corresponding to the plural pieces of the position information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data input device for inputting data of a designated position to a processor system such as a personal computer, an electronic organizer, and a portable terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a personal computer, an electronic organizer, a portable terminal, or the like, when two-dimensional position information is input and characters and figures are developed on a screen based on the data, two-dimensional position information is used. A mouse or tablet capable of inputting position data is generally used.

On the other hand, 3D which requires spatial position coordinates
When performing recognition of a conductor's movement of a conductor necessary for performing graphics and music, it is necessary to input three-dimensional position data.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 3-210622 discloses a data input method of three-dimensional position using light and ultrasonic waves in order to recognize a three-dimensional position of a baton or the like.

[0005] The input device in the data input method is as follows:
The baton is provided with a light emitting element that blinks at one end of the baton and an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves intermittently in synchronization with the blinking. The detection device has a configuration in which three ultrasonic sensors and one light receiving element are provided.

In this configuration, the distances between the baton and the three ultrasonic sensors are calculated based on the time difference between the time when the light from the light receiving element is received and the time when the three ultrasonic sensors receive the ultrasonic waves. be able to. Therefore,
By calculating the coordinates of the intersection of the three spherical surfaces having the three distances as the radius, the tip position of the baton can be obtained.

[0007]

However, the above 3)
When data input by the two-dimensional position data input method is directly used in a device using the two-dimensional position data input method, a plurality of position information indicated by a plurality of input devices cannot be displayed as different position information. Have a problem. That is, although it is possible to display a plurality of three-dimensional position information obtained from a plurality of input devices as information on a two-dimensional screen, it is determined which input device is one of the position information. Can not do.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to determine from which input device a plurality of data input by a three-dimensional position data input method is input. An object of the present invention is to provide a data input device that can be confirmed on a display device.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and a data input device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a plurality of input devices pointing to an arbitrary space; A detecting device for detecting three-dimensional position information of the space input by the input device; and a three-dimensional position information detected by the detecting device, the coordinates on a specific plane and the height in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane. An operation unit for converting the position information to the represented position information, a storage unit for storing the position information converted by the operation unit, and a display for changing the display corresponding to the plurality of position information extracted from the storage unit A processing device having an input / output unit for outputting application information; and an output device for performing display based on display information from the processing device.

According to the above configuration, first, the three-dimensional position information of the input device is detected by the detection device. At this time,
Since there are a plurality of input devices, a plurality of three-dimensional position information can be obtained. The plurality of three-dimensional position information is converted into position information represented by coordinates on a specific plane and height from the plane by an arithmetic unit of the processing device, and stored in the storage unit. Then, after the display processing is performed by the input / output unit, the display is performed by the output device.

At this time, since the display changes in accordance with the plurality of pieces of position information, it is possible to visually determine from which input device the input is made. That is, input data from a plurality of input devices can be easily identified on a screen of a device using a two-dimensional position data input method, such as a personal computer, an electronic organizer, and a portable terminal. Further, since a plurality of pieces of position information can be identified at the same time, even when there are a plurality of input persons, it is possible to input simultaneously. This can be widely applied to conference systems on personal computers and the like.

Further, the data input device according to claim 2 is
2. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output unit outputs display information such that a color of a pointing figure indicating a position on a display screen changes according to a plurality of pieces of position information. It is.

According to the above configuration, since the color of the pointing figure on the display screen is changed, the hue, saturation, or brightness of the pointing figure changes in accordance with a plurality of pieces of position information. For example, when the brightness is changed, a plurality of pieces of position information can be easily determined even if the operator is color blind.

The data input device according to claim 3 is
2. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output unit outputs display information so as to change a shape of a pointing figure indicating a position on a display screen according to a plurality of pieces of position information. It is.

According to the above configuration, since the shape of the pointing graphic on the display screen is changed, the size, direction, design, etc. of the pointing graphic change according to a plurality of pieces of position information. For example, when a design such as a portrait is changed, it is possible to improve the interest and intellectual curiosity.

The data input device according to claim 4 is
4. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the shape of the pointing graphic changes as a continuous pattern.

According to the above configuration, for example, a design such as a portrait can be changed as a continuous movement, so that the interest and intellectual curiosity can be further improved. Also, for example, when a plurality of operators sequentially input, a plurality of position information can be determined with respect to a time axis by providing a time interval for changing a continuous pattern with respect to the next operator's instruction figure. Becomes possible.

Further, the data input device according to claim 5 is
A plurality of input devices pointing to an arbitrary space; a detection device for detecting three-dimensional position information input by the input device; three-dimensional position information detected by the detection device; An arithmetic unit that converts the information into position information represented by a height in an axial direction perpendicular to the storage unit, a storage unit that stores the position information converted by the arithmetic unit, and a plurality of pieces of position information extracted from the storage unit. A processing device having an input / output unit that outputs display information such that the sound changes, and an output device that performs display together with sound output based on the display information from the processing device. .

According to the above configuration, since the voice changes in accordance with the plurality of pieces of position information, it is possible to judge audibly from which input device the input is made. Therefore, input data from a plurality of input devices can be easily identified without looking at the screen of the output device. Further, since a plurality of pieces of position information can be identified at the same time, even when there are a plurality of input persons, it is possible to input simultaneously.

Further, in the above, for one piece of position information,
Although one display and one sound are output, a display and a sound may be output from a result of analyzing a plurality of pieces of position information. For example, when a plurality of input devices are mounted on a pen, it is possible to visually and audibly determine the inclination (up, down, direction) of the pen, the shape of the pen, and the like.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A case in which the data input device according to the present embodiment is applied to a personal computer will be described.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a personal computer to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer to which the present invention is applied has input devices 11a and 11a.
b, a detection device 12, a processing device 13, and an output device 14.

The input devices 11a and 11b are, for example, pen-type pointing devices, and indicate a position in an arbitrary space. The detecting device 12 is composed of the input devices 11a and 1
The input device determines which arbitrary space position indicated by 1b is caused by which input device, detects the space position information, and stores the detected space position information. The processing device 13 converts the spatial position information into position information of a specific plane and an axial direction orthogonal thereto, and performs processing for outputting and displaying based on the information. The processing device 13 also stores the converted position information and stroke data. The output device 14 performs display based on the display information on which the output display process has been performed by the processing device 13.

In FIG. 1, the input devices 11a and 1
The three dotted lines connecting 1b and the detection device 12 indicate communication means such as ultrasonic waves and radio waves, and the coordinates of any point in space are at least any three points (when distinguishing between positive and negative, 4
Point).

Next, based on the block diagram shown in FIG.
The configuration of the data input device of the present invention will be described.

The pen-type pointing devices, which are the input devices 11a and 11b, have transmitting portions 21a and 21b at the tip of the pen, which can transmit ultrasonic waves and radio waves. When the operator performs an input operation, the transmission units 21a and 2a
1b transmits ultrasonic waves or radio waves having different frequencies.

The detecting device 12 includes a receiving unit 22 and a detecting unit 2
3 The receiving unit 22 includes the transmitting units 21a and 2
1b, receives an ultrasonic wave, a radio wave, or the like having a different frequency. The information received by the receiving unit 22 is used to determine the input device from ultrasonic waves or radio waves having different frequencies by the determining unit 23a. Further, the position detecting unit 23b in the detecting unit 23 detects arbitrary spatial position information, and
The storage unit 23c in 3 stores the input device determination result and the spatial position information.

The processing device 13 includes a CPU 24, four storage units 25 to 28, and a power supply unit 31.
The operation unit 24a inside the CPU 24 is provided with the storage unit 2
The arbitrary spatial position information stored in 3c is extracted and converted into coordinate information on a specific plane and height information in an axial direction orthogonal to the plane. The storage unit 25 stores the converted plane position and height information. That is, when a pattern is drawn in space by arbitrarily moving the input devices 11a and 11b, the pattern is converted into a pattern on a specific plane, and then stored in the storage unit 25. The storage unit 24b is used for calculation processing inside the CPU 24.

Here, when stroke data recognition is necessary, the calculation unit 24a recognizes the pattern stored in the storage unit 25 as stroke data and compares it with the stroke data 26a stored in the storage unit 26. If font data is required as a result of the comparison, the font data 27a stored in the storage unit 27 is used.

At this time, the pointing figure data 28a stored in the storage unit 28 is used as the pointing figure indicating the pointing position on the display screen. Here, the instruction figure data 28a
Has data of the color (hue / saturation / brightness) of the designated figure.

The input / output unit 24c inside the CPU 24
Performs processing for outputting and displaying data obtained from the storage units 25 to 28. At this time, the storage unit 23
The instruction graphic data 28a is changed and output based on the input device determination result stored in c.

The power supply section 31 includes a power supply circuit 31a and a driving battery 31b, and supplies power to the entire apparatus.

The output device 14 includes a display control unit 29 such as an LCD driver and a display unit 30 such as an LCD. Based on the display information obtained by the input / output unit 24c, the display control unit 29 performs control for displaying on the display unit 30, and performs display on the display unit 30.

The operation of the data input device having the above configuration is described as follows.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step 1, the input device 11a
The spatial position information is input by the detector 11b and the detection device 12. At this time, the input device is determined by the determination unit 23a in the detection device 12 (S2). The determination result of the input device and the spatial position information obtained here are stored in the storage unit 23c in the detection device 12 (S3). Then, the spatial position information is converted into coordinates and height on a specific reference plane (S4). The converted coordinates and height are stored in the storage unit 25 on the processing device 13 (S5). The color (hue / saturation / brightness) of the pointing figure is changed based on the determination result of the input device stored in S3 (S6). Output display is performed based on the data processed in S6 (S7).

For example, as shown in FIG.
When there are two input devices, a and a input device 11b, the pointing graphic of the input device 11a is displayed with a high density as shown in FIG. A, while the pointing graphic of the input device 11b is displayed with a low density as in FIG. indicate. In other words, in this case, the two input devices are distinguished by shading of color.

Next, the conversion of the spatial position information in step 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, assume that a point P1 (x1, y1, z1), which is arbitrary spatial position information, is input as shown in FIG. At this time, assuming that the specific plane is plane α: ax + by + cz = 0 as shown in FIG. 5B, the distance L between the point P1 and the plane α is: L = | ax1 + by1 + cz1 | / (a2 + b2 + c2) 1
It is represented by / 2.

The radiation vector of a specific plane is (a,
b, c), the straight line drawn perpendicularly to the plane α from the point P1 is the point P1 and the point (x1-a, y1-b, z
1-c). Therefore,
The point obtained by converting the point P1 onto the plane α can be obtained as an intersection M between the perpendicular drawn from the point P1 to the plane α and the plane α.

As a result, the spatial position information (point P1) can be converted into coordinates on a specific plane (intersection M) and a height (distance L) in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane. In addition,
The particular reference plane required in step 4 is initially set to at least 3
It may be set in advance from the coordinates of the point.

As described above, the data input device according to the present embodiment determines from which input device the position information of a plurality of spaces is input, and changes the data of the designated graphic based on the input device determination result. This is a configuration for performing display. Therefore, it is possible to visually determine from which input device the input is made. Input data from the device can be easily identified. Further, since a plurality of pieces of position information can be identified at the same time, even when there are a plurality of input persons, it is possible to input simultaneously. This can be widely applied to conference systems on personal computers and the like.

Further, when used in a computer game or the like, the present input position can be visually judged even if a plurality of operators simultaneously input, so that a more sophisticated and realistic game, more interesting and easy to understand. It is possible to produce a game having a certainty.

Further, since the color of the pointing figure on the display screen is changed, the hue, saturation, or brightness of the pointing figure changes in accordance with a plurality of pieces of position information. For example, when the brightness is changed, a plurality of pieces of position information can be easily determined even if the operator is color blind.

[Embodiment 2] Regarding Embodiment 2 of the present invention,
A description will be given based on FIG. 6 and FIG. For convenience of description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

The data input device according to the present embodiment converts the designated figure data 28a in the storage unit 28 from the data (hue, saturation, brightness) of the designated figure into the shape (size, direction, design) of the designated figure. Etc.) data.

The operation of the data input device having the above configuration is described as follows.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the spatial position information conversion processing of steps 1 to 5 described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is performed (S21). The shape, such as the size, orientation, and design, of the pointing graphic is changed based on the stored input device determination result (S22). Output display is performed based on the data processed in step 22 (S23).

For example, as shown in FIG.
When there are two input devices, a and a input device 11b, the pointing graphic of the input device 11a displays an asymmetrical shape as shown in FIG. Display the inverted shape. That is, in this case, the two input devices are distinguished based on the orientation of the graphic.

As described above, since the shape of the pointing graphic on the display screen is changed, the size, direction, design, etc. of the pointing graphic change in accordance with a plurality of pieces of position information. For example, when a design such as a portrait is changed, it is possible to improve the interest and intellectual curiosity.

Embodiment 3 Regarding Embodiment 3 of the present invention,
A description will be given based on FIGS. 8 and 9. For convenience of description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

The data input device according to the present embodiment converts the designated figure data 28a in the storage unit 28 from the data (hue, saturation, lightness) of the designated figure into the shape (size, direction, pattern) of the designated figure. Etc.) data.

The operation of the data input device having the above configuration will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the spatial position information conversion processing of S1 to S5 described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is performed (S31). Based on the saved input device determination result,
The shape such as the size, orientation, and design of the designated figure is changed (S32). Output display is performed based on the data processed in step 32 (S33).

For example, as shown in FIG.
a and the input device 11b, the pointing figure of the input apparatus 11a displays a running picture of a human as a continuous picture as shown in FIG.
The instruction figure 1b displays a state where a person is walking like a figure F as a continuous picture. That is, in this case, 2
The two input devices are distinguished by a continuous picture.

As described above, the data input device of the present embodiment can change a design such as a portrait, for example, as a continuous movement, so that it is possible to further improve the fun and intellectual curiosity. Also, for example, when a plurality of operators sequentially input, a plurality of position information can be determined with respect to a time axis by providing a time interval for changing a continuous pattern with respect to the next operator's instruction figure. Becomes possible.

[Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. For convenience of description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

The data input device according to the present embodiment has a CP
The input / output unit 24c in U24 is changed to a configuration that outputs display information so that the sound changes according to a plurality of pieces of position information. Further, the output device 14 is provided with a speaker for outputting sound.

The operation of the data input device having the above configuration will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the spatial position information conversion processing of S1 to S5 described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is performed (S41). Based on the saved input device determination result,
The sound such as the frequency, volume, chord, and sound interval of the sound is changed (S42). A sound is output from the speaker based on the data processed in step 42 (S43), and output display is performed (S44).

For example, as shown in FIG.
A case where there are two input devices 1a and 11b will be described. First, when the input device 11a is operated, the pointing graphic is moved and displayed like the graphic G, and three sounds are emitted. On the other hand, when the input device 11b is operated, the graphic H
The indication graphic is moved and displayed as shown in FIG. That is, in this case, the two input devices are distinguished from each other by the sound interval.

As described above, since the voice of the data input device of this embodiment changes in accordance with a plurality of pieces of position information, it is possible to judge audibly from which input device. Therefore, input data from a plurality of input devices can be easily identified without looking at the screen of the output device. Also, by preparing a plurality of data of the sounds to be output, it is possible to improve fun, clarity, and intellectual curiosity.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the color, the shape, the continuous change of the shape, and the voice of the designated figure are changed, but these may be arbitrarily combined. For example, the shape of the pointing figure can be changed and the voice can be changed according to the plurality of pieces of position information.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, one display and one sound are output for one piece of position information. However, a display and a sound may be output from a result of analyzing a plurality of pieces of position information. . For example, if multiple input devices are attached to the object on the pen, voice and warning such as "pen is tilted" will be displayed due to the tilt of the pen, and the current pen tilt status will be displayed as a continuous picture on the display Output can be done.

[0064]

As described above, according to the data input device of the first aspect of the present invention, the display changes in accordance with a plurality of pieces of position information, so that it is possible to visually determine which input device is the input. Can be determined. That is, input data from a plurality of input devices can be easily identified on a screen of a device using a two-dimensional position data input method, such as a personal computer, an electronic organizer, and a portable terminal. Further, since a plurality of pieces of position information can be identified at the same time, even when there are a plurality of input persons, it is possible to input simultaneously. This has the effect of being widely applicable to conference systems on personal computers and the like.

According to the data input device of the present invention, the color of the pointing figure on the display screen is changed.
The hue, saturation, or brightness of the pointing figure changes according to the plurality of pieces of position information. For example, when the brightness is changed, it is possible to easily determine a plurality of pieces of position information even if the operator is color blind.

According to the data input device of the third aspect, since the shape of the pointing graphic on the display screen is changed, the size, direction, design, etc. of the pointing graphic corresponding to a plurality of pieces of position information are changed. Will change. For example,
When a design such as a portrait is changed, it is possible to improve the fun and intellectual curiosity.

According to the data input device of the present invention, for example, a design such as a portrait can be changed as a continuous movement, so that the interestingness and intellectual curiosity can be further improved. Also, for example, when a plurality of operators sequentially input, a plurality of position information can be determined with respect to a time axis by providing a time interval for changing a continuous pattern with respect to the next operator's instruction figure. This has the effect that it becomes possible.

According to the data input device of the fifth aspect, since the voice changes according to the plurality of position information,
It is possible to judge audibly from which input device the input is made. Therefore, input data from a plurality of input devices can be easily identified without looking at the screen of the output device. Further, since a plurality of pieces of position information can be identified at the same time, even when there are a plurality of input persons, it is possible to input simultaneously.

Further, in the above, for one piece of position information,
Although one display and one sound are output, a display and a sound may be output from a result of analyzing a plurality of pieces of position information. For example, if you attach multiple input devices to the object on the pen, the pen is tilted due to the tilt of the pen
And the like, and the display of the current pen tilting state as a continuous picture can be output to the display device, which has the effect of being easy for the operator to understand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a personal computer to which a data input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the data input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the data input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a display unit in the data input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing spatial position information and a diagram showing a relationship between spatial position information and a reference plane according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the data input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display unit in the data input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the data input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a display unit in the data input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the data input device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a display unit in a data input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11a ... input device 11b ... input device 12 ... detection device 13 ... processing device 14 ... output device 24 ... CPU 25 to 28 storage unit 31 ... power supply unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of input devices indicating an arbitrary space, a detection device for detecting three-dimensional position information of a space input by the input device, and three-dimensional position information detected by the detection device are specified. An operation unit that converts the position information represented by the coordinates on the plane and the height in the axial direction perpendicular to the plane, a storage unit that stores the position information converted by the operation unit, and a storage unit that is extracted from the storage unit. A processing device having an input / output unit that outputs display information so that the display changes in response to the plurality of pieces of position information, and an output device that performs display based on the display information from the processing device. A data input device, characterized in that: 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output unit outputs the display information in such a manner that the color of the pointing figure indicating the position on the display screen changes in accordance with the plurality of pieces of position information. Item 2. The data input device according to Item 1. 3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the input / output unit outputs the display information in such a manner that the shape of the pointing figure indicating the position on the display screen changes in accordance with the plurality of pieces of position information. Item 2. The data input device according to Item 1. 4. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the shape of the pointing graphic changes as a continuous pattern. 5. A plurality of input devices pointing to an arbitrary space, a detection device for detecting three-dimensional position information input by the input device, and a three-dimensional position information detected by the detection device, An arithmetic unit that converts the coordinate information into position information represented by coordinates and a height in an axial direction orthogonal to the plane thereof; a storage unit that stores the position information converted by the arithmetic unit; and a plurality of pieces of information extracted from the storage unit. A processing device having an input / output unit that outputs display information so that the sound changes in accordance with the position information of the processing device; and an output device that performs display together with sound output based on the display information from the processing device. A data input device comprising: